Gene Beggs
 

Wind Probe Systems
156 Conley Place
Odessa, Texas 79762

PH: AC 915 367-0329
e-mail: genebeggs@aol.com

Last year an article appeared in the November issue of Precision Shooting introducing a new type of wind indicator called the Wind Probe. Response has been tremendous; however, there have been many questions about the principle of operation. I hope this will answer those questions. Many top shooters are now using the Wind Probe.

The main advantage of the Wind Probe is the single readout. It senses both wind direction and velocity, combining the two into a single value, crosswind component. Crosswind component can be described in the simplest of terms as "push".

The question is often asked, "Which is more important, wind direction or velocity?"

The answer is, it depends; it depends on whether you are shooting in headwind/tailwinds or direct crosswinds. When wind is directly in your face or over your back, slight changes in direction result in sudden and significant changes in crosswind component. With headwinds and tailwinds, it is very important to pay close attention to wind direction. The opposite is true in direct crosswinds.

If wind direction is from nine or three o'clock, changes in direction of as much as plus or minus thirty degrees have little effect on crosswind component. In this case, it is more important to monitor wind velocity. Many shooters assume that a quartering wind from forty-five degrees represents a fifty percent crosswind component and are often surprised to learn the angle is only thirty degrees. If we know wind direction and velocity, we can easily determine crosswind component with the chart in figure one. All you need is a straight edge. It is fun to play with, and reveals some interesting facts, let's check out a couple of examples.

Assume we are looking down on the range from a birdseye view; the shooter is at the center of the circle, the target is at twelve o'clock. There are twenty-four radial lines representing wind direction, and twenty concentric circles, representing wind velocity. If wind direction is from one o'clock at fifteen miles per hour, and we wish to determine crosswind component, refer to the example in figure two.

Locate the radial line representing wind direction, in this case, one o'clock.

Follow the line until it intersects the fifteen-mph circle.

Draw a straight line down to the horizontal and read crosswind component.

Seven and one half mph.

Notice that we picked up a fifty-percent crosswind component with only a thirty-degree angle. Interesting, huh?

Now let's examine the same change in wind direction with a direct crosswind. Assume wind velocity remains fifteen mph, but direction is now from three o'clock. Crosswind component is fifteen mph. With direct crosswinds, crosswind component is directly proportional to wind velocity, but what happens when wind angle changes to four o'clock? Refer to figure three and let's check it out.

Locate the radial line representing wind direction, in this case, four o'clock.

Follow the line until it intersects the fifteen mph circle.

Draw a line straight up to the horizontal and notice that crosswind component has been reduced by only two mph!

Hmmm, the same change in wind direction from twelve to one o'clock resulted in a ten-mph change in crosswind component. Quite a difference, huh? The wind component chart is not used on the firing line, it is merely a training aid to show which is more important, wind direction or velocity.

Are you beginning to understand why the Wind Probe has such an advantage over conventional flags? With conventional flags, one must keep all these factors in mind and monitor two different values at each location. The Wind Probe does all that for you and displays crosswind component in a single readout. When introduced to the Wind Probe, most shooters quickly grasp the idea of crosswind component, but it is never long before the following question comes up.

"Okay Beggs, I understand this crosswind component thing, but how do you tell the difference between a quartering headwind, and a quartering tailwind?"

Once a shooter gains some experience with the Wind Probe, he will see this is not a problem. General direction is easily determined with range flags, wind on the face, etc. Many shooters are fixated on "reading the wind" when in fact all they need is the "push."

Most components of the Wind Probe have undergone several years of development. One part that has been especially challenging is the sighting device, the wind catcher, the object placed at the top of the main shaft to provide aerodynamic drag. Some have expressed dismay at the flimsy appearance of the plastic cups. Hey guys that is one of the best ideas I ever had, consider the advantages:

Extremely light weight.

Bright red color.

Water proof.

Inexpensive.

Readily available and easily replaced.

Quick and easy to assemble.

Secured to the shaft with a single nylon screw.

Symmetrical barrel shape, perfect for catching the wind from any angle.

 

Having said all this, I suppose it is only logical for you to ask, "Listen Beggs, if you know so much about all this wind component stuff, and if the Wind Probe is all that great, why aren't you 'whuppin up' on Tony Boyer?"

Well, I guess that is a fair question. As you know, there is far more to this game than reading the wind. That is only one of the requirements for shooting good groups. A shooter may be doing a fine job of reading the wind, but if something else is wrong, he will not wind up in the winner's circle. It is easy to blame conditions, or say to yourself, "Well, I guess I just missed something." Maybe you didn't miss anything. Maybe that old barrel is just worn out!

Stay tuned for further developments.

Gene Beggs
Wind Probe Systems
156 Conley Place
Odessa, Texas 79762

PH: AC 915 367-0329
e-mail: genebeggs@aol.com