This year, we’ll be introducing a newer Kestrel, the Tactical unit. The option is only available in the 4000 and 4500 series. The new model features all of the same features and functions as the regular version except the Tactical line also adds in a matte label that is camouflaged to blend in and reflect less light.  The unit also comes with Lithium batteries that are less weight and have a longer battery life. In addition, a berry compliant lanyard comes attached to the Tactical Kestrel.  Lastly, the newest addition to the Kestrel line comes with a Tactical MOLLE Case for convenience storage. Be sure to visit booth 3621 to check them out!

Of course, some other familiar favorites will also be available for purchase at the booth. We’ll have our Kestrel 4500 with Horus unit as well as our Blue Ocean Rugged Megaphone. As always, we’ll be running some hard to pass up specials including Tactical MOLLE cases for just $20 (regularly $39), show prices on our entire line of handheld weather meters, free screen protector kits and more.

This year we’ll also be spreading the brotherly Philadelphian love at our booth by hosting a “Tastykake Sampling” every day at 2PM. So if you’re craving an afternoon snack, the Kestrel booth is the place to be!

We are really looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces and seeing what the newest gear is this year. We hope you’re able to stop by and say hello during the show.

During a SAR K9 call out, this particular Kestrel user took her Kestrel 4500 out to measure some of the environmental elements that could affect the operation such as wind speed, temperature, wind direction, and relative humidity. When she went to grab it from her bag the very next day, it was nowhere to be found. After a good bit of searching she gave up, figuring she dropped it along the way and it was lost for good. Months later, after a long winter and spring and a great deal of snow and rain, the woman’s son came across the Kestrel carry case covered in mud in the horse pasture. Sure enough, when he picked it up and unfastened the velcro, the Kestrel meter was inside. He returned it to his mom and when she tried to turn it on, it worked!  She thinks one of her four-legged search and rescue co-workers may have mistaken it for a toy earlier that year and wanted to play a game of “hide and seek”.

She was pleased to learn that after months of the unit sitting under feet of snow, inches of rain, and covered in mud, the only thing that the Kestrel unit needed was a new impeller. With the simple pop out design, replacing the impeller was an easy fix, costing less than $20 and it’s good as new. Now, we think that is money well spent!

We enjoy hearing back from all of our customers. Thanks to our users for sharing their stories of how their Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters survive many of nature’s elements. If you have a story you’d like to share, feel free to email us and let us know.

Here is how it will work:

On Thanksgiving Day, we’ll be sending out an email to our fans and customers who are signed up with us detailing what deals will be available the very next day. Our offices are closed Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday so all orders must be submitted online. The discounts are only available Black Friday so offers cannot be applied to previous or future orders.

Remember to check your email on Turkey Day for details.

When you’re doing outdoor activities, monitoring the environmental conditions is not only critical for your health and safety, but also for maximizing performance. Kestrel meters make that a cinch. Toss a Kestrel Pocket Weather Meter in your gear bag to stay on top of conditions and your training. Checking the heat stress index can help prevent heat-related injuries by alerting you to dangerous conditions. Know when to take extra precaution or prepare to stay fully hydrated.  Track the wind, elevation and temperature on long rides or runs to see how it affects your performance. On long hikes, easily observe the barometric pressure trends to watch out for any bad weather headed your way.

It’s important to track your progress and measure your training program to ensure results.  You can even chart Kestrel weather data and wirelessly transfer it to your laptop for a comprehensive training log. Kestrel meters give you all the pertinent weather information that affects performance and safety. It’s also helpful to track nutrition and workouts to help you reach your fitness goals.  MapMyFitness is an online forum and smart phone app that allows you map your walking, running or bike routes, find new ones, log distance, workouts, calories burned, and more. Plus, you can even connect with a workout buddy in your area through the online fitness community. Check it out here!

Got any fave fitness tips? Share them here. Plus post how you use the Kestrel meter in your workouts and you could win an NK water bottle.

Know Your Conditions.

Your faithful blogger & Kestrel Weather Girl,

Monica Devlin

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The Kestrel 4000 keeps you updated on weather conditions for outdoor activites.

What’s up with Magnetic North vs True North?

“True north” is the northern axis of rotation of the Earth. It is the point where the lines of longitude converge on maps. “Magnetic north” is the point on the Earth’s surface where its magnetic field points directly downwards.

Magnetic north does not exactly coincide with true north, and its location changes over time. The difference between Magnetic North and True North is called “Declination” or “Variation”.

The Kestrel 4500, just like any other compass, will measure Magnetic North. However, True North can be displayed by simply programming the Variation for your location. When viewing the Direction in Magnetic North mode, the display will show “Magnetic North” below the reading. When viewing the Direction in True North mode, the display will show “True N #.# E”, where #.# is the variation setting.

To switch between these modes, press the (–) button. Then use the < and  > buttons to toggle between Magnetic and True. To enter the variation for your location, press down to highlight Variation, then < and > to adjust the value.

How to Enter the Variation/Declination

These values for your location can be obtained on the internet. The NOAA website is an excellent resource for this information: www.ngdc.noaa.gov

To find your Variation value in the United States by zip code, go the NOAA Compute Your Declination page

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from the champs and score incredible NK gear at the 8th Annual TU Coxswains’ Clinic on February 5, 2011.

Presenters include:

Mary Whipple, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, US Women’s Eight
Marcus McElhenney, 2008 Olympic Bronze Medalist, US Men’s Eight

Where

Kiva Auditorium
Ritter Hall Annex
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 19122

When

Saturday, February 5, 2011
Registration begins at 8:45am
Clinic: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Cost: $85 ($95 at the door!)

Separate Small Group Sessions with Mary Whipple and Marcus McElhenney!

These small group sessions will be held from 2:00-5:00pm.
Attendees get the opportunity to sit down with Mary or Marc and receive individual advice and critique of your audio tapes.
Cost: $50 each

Must be registered for both to attend the small group sessions!

To register go to www.regattacentral.com Deadline: Feb 4, 2011

By attending you have a chance to win numerous NK prizes including the newest products and gear!

Directions & Parking

Directions to Temple University can be found at: www.owlsports.com as well as: www.temple.edu

Parking Available at Temple Towers (13th and Cecil B. Moore behind Towers)and also in Liacouras Garage (behind Liacouras center – 1700 block of 15th St)

For additional information contact Gavin White at gavwhite@temple.edu

Kestrel tips and FAQs for using Kestrel on the fire line.

Five rowing programs will be selected to receive a $500 grant to use toward NK products. Whether it’s the all new Cox Box, the just released Cox Box Mini or something from our speed line to round out your training needs, enter now for the chance to win your choice of NK products!

We get many requests for product donations each year from programs in need. These grants are a way to further support the rowing community with the NK products you rely on.

To qualify you must be a recognized USRowing Organizational Member and have at least ten current members.

Here’s how it works:

1. Apply online at HERE by October 31^st, 2010.
2. The Top 10 applications will be selected based on the quality of application and featured on our website. Check back to this page Monday, November 1st to see if you made the cut.
3. The online voting begins! We open up the vote to YOU to decide who wins the grant awards. So get the word out – tell your friends, post on Facebook & Twitter. Vote for who you think should win. Voting will last November 1-30.

Winners of the grant awards will be announced December 17^th, 2010. The winning rowing programs will also be featured in a profile on the NK website.

Applicants accounts must be in good standing with NK. Grants cannot be used for outstanding bills. Grant must be used at one time.