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Anyone compete using windflags ?

If you have never used them before, start with simple ones, just enough to show direction, then when you get the basic understanding of those, get a little more complex one, that will show velocity, minor switches and lulls. Killough Shooting sports usually have a good selection, and over on Benchrest Central in the classifieds. http://benchrest.com/class/index.php?a=5&b=219
 
MrG52D said:
If you have never used them before, start with simple ones, just enough to show direction, then when you get the basic understanding of those, get a little more complex one, that will show velocity, minor switches and lulls. Killough Shooting sports usually have a good selection, and over on Benchrest Central in the classifieds. http://benchrest.com/class/index.php?a=5&b=219
Click to expand...

Makes sense. Like.... a single vane for direction, and a ribbon / tail for speed ?
 

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I assume you’re talking rimfire here. For some reason, RF benchrest shooters often seem to gravitate to different flags than the centerfire benchrest shooters use. I have no idea why. I’ve shot CF BR for years and just started RF BR, so I use the same flags for both—Grahams— as mentioned in one of the above posts. They are popular and very good flags, though there are many other brands that I’m sure are good, too.

Some choices you’ll need to make:

1. Double-vane or single-vane? Double-vanes were popular years ago (I started with them) but now I rarely see them.

2. Do you want a propellor in the front or a plain ball as shown in the photo?

3. What tail material? The two most popular are surveyors tape and sail tails. If you want to start a fight among benchrest shooters, just say that one is better than the other and watch the sparks fly:).

4. You’ll need poles. You can use a tripod but a pole with a stake that you push into the ground is liable to stay upright better in a strong wind. Just make sure that whatever pole you use has a tip that fits the hole in the flag’s bushing. I’ve used Bill Dittman’s poles for a very long time and recommend them. Full disclosure: I’ve shot with him for 18 years, but I’d recommend his poles even if I didn’t know him. If you’re interested, I can pm you his contact information.

5. How many flags? Answer: as many as your brain can process. Don’t be surprised when each is doing something different from the rest. I have trouble just keeping up with one! Joking aside, for serious RF benchrest at 50 yards, 3-4 will do it. One is not enough.

The semicircular unit in your photo is typically called a wind indicator. When people use them, they usually just use one, in conjunction with the closest flag. I’ve not used one because with all the flags I see (it’s OK to look at everyone else’s flags, too) it would be too much information for my feeble mind to process. Before you spend money on one, you might want to get accustomed to reading the regular flags.

Dave Rabin
 
I've shot over most all the flags out there at some point or another in either RF or CF. The exception being the Australian flags Butch sells, or once did.
The one material I do not like is coroplast, mostly due to shooting in wet weather conditions. They hold water, & that makes them heavy. No good.
I'm using Ezell flags & have been for a couple years now. I'm very happy with them.
The setup the OP posted looks like it could be too confusing to me, in switchy conditions. By the time you process all the information it & 3 or 4 others are telling you the condition will likely be gone.
I occasionally set out probes if its real windy. They help seeing when a lull is coming.
Keep it simple, you'll be better off.
Keith
 
brshtr said:
I assume you’re talking rimfire here. For some reason, RF benchrest shooters often seem to gravitate to different flags than the centerfire benchrest shooters use. I have no idea why. I’ve shot CF BR for years and just started RF BR, so I use the same flags for both—Grahams— as mentioned in one of the above posts. They are popular and very good flags, though there are many other brands that I’m sure are good, too.

Some choices you’ll need to make:

1. Double-vane or single-vane? Double-vanes were popular years ago (I started with them) but now I rarely see them.

2. Do you want a propellor in the front or a plain ball as shown in the photo?

3. What tail material? The two most popular are surveyors tape and sail tails. If you want to start a fight among benchrest shooters, just say that one is better than the other and watch the sparks fly:).

4. You’ll need poles. You can use a tripod but a pole with a stake that you push into the ground is liable to stay upright better in a strong wind. Just make sure that whatever pole you use has a tip that fits the hole in the flag’s bushing. I’ve used Bill Dittman’s poles for a very long time and recommend them. Full disclosure: I’ve shot with him for 18 years, but I’d recommend his poles even if I didn’t know him. If you’re interested, I can pm you his contact information.

5. How many flags? Answer: as many as your brain can process. Don’t be surprised when each is doing something different from the rest. I have trouble just keeping up with one! Joking aside, for serious RF benchrest at 50 yards, 3-4 will do it. One is not enough.

The semicircular unit in your photo is typically called a wind indicator. When people use them, they usually just use one, in conjunction with the closest flag. I’ve not used one because with all the flags I see (it’s OK to look at everyone else’s flags, too) it would be too much information for my feeble mind to process. Before you spend money on one, you might want to get accustomed to reading the regular flags.

Dave Rabin
Click to expand...
I have shot both RF & CF for years, most CF flags will not work in RF and you virtually never see them at any larger match.
The bigger flags simply will not pick up subtle switches and velocity changes that can kill you with a .22 that most CF guns will shoot through.
That and the fact that by design in CF registered matches you have to see them well @200 yds and occasionally 300yds........completely unnecessary at most RF venues shooting 50 yards/meters.
Take a hard look at Wicks type double vane flags for the little guns.
 
Last edited:
garandman said:
Ordering several. Thx.

He recomnended B&H foto stands.

Are there others?
Click to expand...

If you get them from Ray Hill, I don’t think so.
I still have original Wicks which use stainless push ins in three sections for elevation.
The photo stands are OK. Four minimum several guys use six.

FWIW, Mike, who posted above, makes very nice flags and I would not hesitate to shoot over them as well.
 
Last edited:
TrxR said:
I use small photography light stand but with the wind at our ranges i usually stake them down with large tent spikes.
Click to expand...

I do the same and use light stands, I do cut them shorter and reposition the legs so they give a wider span when spread out, even in 30+ mph winds they have never blown over without needing any hold down. I do have to weigh down my indicator, but I think that is because it doesn't pivot

Lee
100 yd BR 4-29-2018.JPG
 
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