Best Handheld Anemometer Options

You’ve no doubt seen anemometers around the place… An anemometer is a wind speed measuring device that is commonly used by weather stations and individuals or institutions interested in measuring changes in wind speed. To give the best reading, an anemometer is typically mounted on a pole positioned in an open space so that they are not obstructed by buildings or trees.

They often contain a set of three or four cup-like shapes that catch the breeze and spin at a speed proportional to the speed of the wind. Other smaller variations of these “weather-station” varieties include hand-held anemometer models that contain a fan or miniature propeller that works in a similar fashion.

In sailing, many yachts have wind instruments located at the top of the mast – clear of any obstructions. However, dinghies typically do not have the same equipment installed, so many people find it handy to have a handheld anemometer in the sailing gear kit to give them accurate wind speed readings.

The best handheld anemometer is not necessarily a requirement for laser sailing or dinghy sailing in general, but a hand-held anemometer can be a handy piece of equipment.

The main advantage of a handheld anemometer is its portability… we can carry it anywhere and measure the airspeed quickly and easily, wherever we want. Another advantage is it does not need any electricity, other than battery power. Being able to check the wind speed anywhere and anytime we want can be quite handy.

As these are not considered expensive devices, the best handheld anemometer for sailing can be a useful addition to your sailing gear kit and can help when selecting different sails or rigging based on the wind speed it measures. Or it can be just used for interest to see exactly how hard the breeze is blowing.

Image	Title	Rating	More Info
	HOLDPEAK 866B Digital Anemometer	4.5 out of 5 stars
	Proster Handheld Anemometer	4.4 out of 5 stars
	HVAC AP-846A Handheld Anemometer	4.4 out of 5 stars
	Extech 45118 Mini Anemometer	4.5 out of 5 stars
	Kestrel 2000 Wind Meter	4.6 out of 5 stars
	Extech AN100 Mini Handheld Thermo-Anemometer	4.3 out of 5 stars

Whatever your use, there are quite a few handheld anemometers that work well and are very reasonably priced.

Our Picks for the Best Handheld Anemometer

If you are after a handheld anemometer that is simple to use and at the same time has all the necessary functions to collect tell you what you need to know, we have some great suggestions below.

These units are reliable, provide accurate weather readings, are convenient and affordable. Here is a closer look at selected portable models of anemometers that are available for purchase online.

HOLDPEAK 866B Digital Anemometer

Key Specs

This product is promoted as providing highly accurate and steady wind speed measurements. It will record wind speeds from 0.3 to 30 m/s to a maximum of 69 mph / 111 kmh / 60 knots. The accuracy is said to be within 0.1 digits with quick measurements to assist in determining conditions at any given moment.

There are many different functions built into this wind gauge. In addition to reading wind speed, this handheld device provides temperature and wind chill readings. All data is shown on an LCD display. Wind speed can be read in m/s, km/h, ft/min, knots, and mph measurements.

Extras include adjustments to read the temperature in either °F or °C and you can record and recall conditions. They include maximum, minimum, average, and current temperatures. There is also a low battery indicator and a built-in screw hole permits attachment to a lanyard.

Proster Handheld Anemometer

Key Specs

This product is for measuring wind speed and air volume in a compact size. The wind speed range goes to a maximum of 58 knots and displays it in five different units depending on your preference (m/s, km/h, ft/min, knots, mph). It features three different reading modes (max/min, AVG, current wind speed.

The LCD screen is backlit, there are manual/auto power-off options as well. A handy unit for many uses.

HVAC AP-846A Handheld Anemometer

Key Specs

This is a high-precision anemometer that will track wind speeds up to 100 mph / 87 knots and displays wind in five different measuring units, depending on your requirements (m/s, km/h, ft/min, knots, mph).

The large display with a backlight makes this unit easy to read and will warn you when the battery is low. Additional features include an airflow area setting and manual or auto power-off options to save your battery usage.

This product comes complete with a 2-year warranty.

Extech 45118 Mini Anemometer

Key Specs

The dual LCD display on this handheld wind meter provides the reading of air velocity along with temperature and wind chill. Functions include average and maximum readings with a one-second display update. There’s also a hold function and after 20-minutes the unit will shut off automatically.

The water and shock-resistant housing is rugged and makes the Extech anemometer durable. The fold-up, flip-style case acts as an extension handle and also protects the meter when flipped down for storage. This portable wind meter floats and has been drop-tested to six feet.

The wind speed measurements can be displayed as ft/min, mph, m/s, km/h, knots, or Beaufort Force. Also, the selectable averaging feature has settings of 5, 10, or 13-second intervals. The plastic wind vane is replaceable and temperature/wind chill can be recorded from 0° to 122°F, and wind speed from 1 knot up to 54 knots.

Kestrel 2000 Wind Meter

Key Specs

This rugged, handheld wind and airflow meter contains a large, replaceable impeller. There is also a responsive temperature sensor.

The large, clear LCD screen displays maximum, current, and average wind speed, wind chill, and air/snow/water temperature.

This unit comes complete with a slip-on protective cover, neck lanyard, coin cell battery (CR2032), and an impressive 5-year warranty. It is also waterproof, floats, and meets military drop-test standards.

Extech AN100 Mini Handheld Thermo-Anemometer

Key Specs

If you are one of those data nuts, this could be the best wind meter you will ever buy. It has several functions and can measure remote surface temperatures ranging from 14° to 140°F. The wind speed range is from 0.8 to 58.3 knots, so will pretty well cover all sailing conditions.

It includes an auto shut-off function plus a dual-function backlit LCD display screen. The measurements recorded include maximum, minimum, and average. Readings are updated each second.

The readout will simultaneously display airflow (eg. Cubic feet/min) or air velocity (eg. Speed) and temperature. Wind speed can be displayed as m/s, km/h, ft/min, mph & knots. The wind speed accuracy is rated at +/- 3%. The package comes complete with a protective rubber case, carry case, and a 9-volt battery.

Another thing that makes this handheld anemometer a great option is the 3.9ft (120cm) cable. This means that you can place the sensor clear of any obstructions while still being able to easily read the display.

Do You Need A Handheld Wind Speed Meter?

As stated above, these instruments are not mandatory for sailing. However, they can certainly come in handy, and it can be interesting to know exactly what the weather is doing. You can’t always trust the forecasts, so it’s good to be able to know what is going on wherever you are.

The digital anemometer options mentioned above are able to quickly and easily provide a wealth of information and are very reasonably priced. So check them out and add them to your kit.

Have you got a favorite anemometer? What’s your pick for the best handheld anemometer for sailing?