Product Review: The Kestral KST1000 Shot Timer

I love this timer! However, let me start off this blog post with stating that I did not receive this timer from Kestrel, nor did I get a discount to buy it, and I am in no way working with Kestrel to write this post. I purchased this timer on my own, with the hopes that it would stand up to everything I had heard about it. Now, with all that said, again, I love this timer!

Previously Used Timers

I have used timers for years. The ability to measure both speed and accuracy has been a big part of my journey in shooting. The introduction of a logbook years ago forced me to be accountable not only for my accuracy, but also for being consistent with my time (Check out The Quiet Professionals Logbook to start being accountable for your time and accuracy). As a result, I started using a CED Pocket Pro II and PACT timer in my training. I was looking for timers to give me my first shot, split times, and total time on the first screen. Both of them did, and both had a strong tone to start. I also found that they were durable enough, meaning they lasted about a year and a half (I tend to throw my stuff in my shooting bag and take off, so I wasn’t super careful with them). As far as waterproofing went, I typically wouldn't practice in the rain, but if I were, then I would put the timer in a plastic bag for prevention. 

Benefits of the Kestrel KST1000

Now, the Kestrel KST1000 is on a whole other level! Everything is adjustable to the shooter's needs with the push of some buttons. This means I can adjust the start delay time, so it isn’t always 3.0 seconds. I am able to store up to 50 relays, so when I’m using my logbook, I can shoot all of the CORE drills (https://www.wrightshooting.com/post/how-to-use-the-quiet-professional-s-logbook) for my allotted training session and go back and write everything down. The sound of the tone is adjustable from quiet to loud enough that 20 students can hear it across the whole range, among other things. The tone adjustment is very nice, especially when I’m dry firing before a match in a hotel room. I can adjust the tone to be quiet enough that I won’t wake up my neighbors at 05:00 am with a beep…beep. However, I can't help my mags hitting the floor if I miss the bed during reloads.  This timer can also be used with Practice Score 2.

For me, one of the biggest advantages of this timer is that it is shockproof and waterproof. Not only can it survive when I throw it in my range bag, but when I drop it on the hard ground, too. To date, I have had this timer in the rain for six classes (roughly twelve days), and the worst part is that the screws that hold the clip on have started to rust, but they haven’t rusted through to cause any issues.

Dryfiring

Another awesome benefit this timer offers is the ability to change the sensitivity of it to use during dryfire and when using suppressed or unsuppressed rifles, and, of course, handguns. There are multiple par times you can set on the timer, and you can set the sensitivity adjustment scale to pick up dryfire, and like I mentioned above, you can quiet the beep tone. However, if you're tired of dry firing, because, well, it's dry, check out our post on ACE VR, the next level for training at home.

Dryfiring Example used with the Kestrel Timer

Let's start with the par times. I usually set the first par to be at a time where I can successfully draw, prep the trigger, and pick up the sight. Then I'll set the second par time for however long it takes me to reload. The par times keep me on track. For more on this method of training, check out Beat the Clock.

Cost

How much is this amazing timer, you ask? $299. Yes, you’re reading that right.  I’ll be honest, $199 would have been a no-brainer, even $249, but $300 is at a price point that if I didn't use it for classes, I probably wouldn’t buy it. If you're serious about shooting and are on the range a lot, get it. If you're teaching classes, get it. If you are using a GOV P-Card, then absolutely get it.  If you are only training every now and then, the previous models mentioned in this article will be fine. 

To see all the information and updates on what this timer can do, visit Kestrel Timer.