The KST1000 Shot Timer from Kestrel Ballistics, a brand well known among professional shooters, is designed for use in shooting competitions and training where accurate timing is important.

 

Visibility and convenience

The KST1000 has a larger body than compact models and comes in a bright yellow color, so you can find it more quickly and easily among other items on your table or in your bag.

One of the advantages of the larger size is that you get two informative displays with clear images: the main one on the control side and one on top so you can see your readings while the timer is on your belt.

Both displays work perfectly, with easy-to-read numbers and symbols that are dynamically sized depending on which mode you are in (the readings can be seen without any problems from either display, even the smallest symbols).

 

Reliable construction

Thanks to its sturdy construction and premium materials, the plastic body and screen can withstand quite significant physical stress (without creaking or feeling unstable during use). The text is fully legible, and the screen itself appears to be recessed under the outer (polymer) glass. A characteristic indicator of durability is the fact that, unlike most timers on the market, pressing on the outer glass of the screens does not cause the displays to deform.

The device has been tested to MIL-STD-810G (drop resistance), and its IP67 rating means it is completely dustproof and can withstand immersion in water to a depth of 1 m for 30 minutes. Ideal for use in the rain or high humidity conditions.

 

Control

There are ten controls on the front panel, from the power button to the green “GO” button. Most settings can be viewed and edited using the system button, and then either entered or returned to using the cursors. It doesn't take long to learn how to use the controls (on average 5-10 minutes of use) because everything is intuitive.

There are five named settings styles, and you can easily change them to suit your needs, as well as make settings in advance, which is very convenient when quickly switching to other shooting disciplines. You can customize settings individually, including sensitivity and buzzer volume. You can even adjust the buzzer settings, such as duration, frequency, duty cycle, etc.

One drawback is the location of the “GO” button—it is convenient for use with your hands or when placing the timer on a surface, but when used on a belt, the button is not in the shooter's field of vision when looking at the device and does not have a tactile marking or protrusion for blind pressing, so there is a desire for a duplicate (separate) button on the side.

What else deserves attention

The display shows up to eleven readings. This is very useful when you are training alone or with a student and want to analyze where you can improve. The display has a backlight, which is very helpful indoors in low-light conditions.

It runs on two CR123 batteries, which are quite common due to their use in tactical flashlights, so they are easy to find, and almost 100% of the time, you already have them in your inventory. One set of batteries is usually enough for long-term use.

The belt clip is suitable for attaching to a thin pocket, a thick belt, or simply to a trouser waistband, allowing the device to be conveniently secured in various positions.

The timer responds to the characteristic sound of the firing mechanism in dry fire mode, ignoring extraneous noise. To do this, place the device on a ledge, shelf, or high tabletop next to the pistol when the trigger is pulled.

It is interesting to note that snapping your fingers does not trigger the detection of a shot in dry fire mode. It can be assumed that Kestrel uses sound frequency recognition algorithms to detect the sound of the hammer or firing pin for dry fire.

The KST1000 is very convenient for basic operation. It can be handed to someone from the team and asked to start the timer without any special instructions. All you need to say is, “Press [GO].”

Conclusions

The main customer groups for this timer are professional shooters and instructors, as well as shooting range officers.

The KST1000 works flawlessly for most shooting disciplines. The combination of screens satisfies the most demanding needs. The upper screen provides the basic information that is needed quickly while holding the device at waist level, and the larger display allows you to go through a longer firing range with exceptional clarity even in bright sunlight.

The main thing is that it is noticeably more reliable and durable than its competitors, which is very important for those who want to use such a device on a regular basis.