Can anyone recommend a good value hand held wind meter?

As above, the Windtronic 2 is the better offer on the market. I don't own one, but I have looked into the purchase in the past. This is the critter from one of the sponsors web sites http://www.kitepower.com.au/catalog/product_16505_Windtronic_2_Windmeter_cat_323.html
They have a threaded socket on the base, for pole or tripod mounting, so you could potentially raise it above the crappy ground wind/turbulence to get a more accurate measurement of what's there... or, you could just look at the environmental effects and rig your kite accordingly.

Google "beaufort scale" or go here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort_scale

PS. my personal favourite is "Beaufort 6"

Yeah I have used nearly all of the ones on the market, sold some of them and ended up just sticking with the german made Windtronics.
WHY? - Because it is non directional and accurate.

All the ones that require you to point them in the direction of the wind are unreliable and inaccurate, wind shifts all the time, non directional meters are best. (there are others like this besides the Windtronic)

Azza posted a link to our website where you can see it, get more info, or even purchase it. They come with a pouch that will fit on a belt.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

um, before we get into a new forum rage about wind meters, it's my b'day next week & i know the old lady will ask me what i want for a pressie...she's going to ask if i want any thing kite related (and a new board or kite's not going to happen i know)...the wind meter isn't too hard an ask...if i point a family member in that direction with some names, i know i can't lose.

any hoo, thanks again for all opinions.

windforce in nedlands have the windtronic.

www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/wa.asp
but they do seem like a neat idea.