I recently came into possession of a device/ gadget that looks like a wind indicator. Its called, "IBALL" Custom Benchrest by Barry Edgley. It came with no instructions. I was able to figure out how to to assemble it and set it up at the Range. I set up one of my wind flags to make a comparison of the sensitivity. I experimented with the balance adjustment in an attempt to get the device to indicate wind currents. We had light winds today, 5-10mph. There must be another part that goes with this probe ,that I'm missing. I had to get out my 150mph leaf blower when I got back home to make it indicate. I am not a big fan of probes. I"m Still struggling with the traditional flag design. This indicator caught my eye for some reason. So I decided to see if it would help improve my wind reading skills.
First thing I noticed was,it seems slow to respond in a side by side comparison with my Graham flags. I could not adjust it to keep up with my wind flags. What advice/opinions can some of the wind flag experts give that will convince me to keep this device in my wind flag box.
Glenn, we got a little off subject during this discussion. Sorry 'bout that.
Your original post concerned a device/gadget you had come into possession of that you said, "looked like a wind indicator." You also mentioned Wind Probe in the same breath.
You further stated that you were not a fan of probes and that you were still struggling with traditional flag design. I think I can help you my friend.
First of all, the device/gadget you show in your first post is certainly not a wind probe.
I spent many years developing the genuine Beggs Wind Probe and that thing isn't even a crude attempt. I'll say no more.
Maybe I've already said too much but you're a friend and I don't want to see you wasting your time with that thing.
As many of you know, I'm retired and no longer produce the Beggs Wind Probe in significant numbers. I still have components on hand and put one together once in a while for a friend but for the most part I'm a lazy old man enjoying retirement immensely.
A while back, Dan Killough, chief honcho at American Rimfire Association called asking my permission to start building Wind Probes. I said, "Just get right after it as long as you don't call it a Beggs Wind Probe because they are available only from me in very limited quantity." I have great confidence in and highest regards for Dan Killough. I'm sure anything he produces and sells will be good quality but I have not examined and tested the probes he is building. I believe he calls them, 'The Red Probe.'
Anyway, back to how I think I can help my friend, Glenn Chism.
Glenn, you've come a long way in this obsession we call benchrest and have made excellent progress while having a great time making lots of new friends. I started down the same road in 1987 so I know exactly where you're coming from. I wish I could have started much sooner before I got so darned old and lost my competitive spirit but a man can only do justice to one serious endeavor at a time. Although I no longer shoot in matches, I'm still very much involved in research, developement, teaching and coaching. I've learned a thing or two during my twenty-six years of involvement with extreme rifle accuracy. Now that the match season is winding down and fall will soon be upon us, I hope you can load up and drive out to Odessa/Midland for a visit. I'll bet I can show you some things you didn't know; especially about reading the wind.
Later,
Gene Beggs