The first trick in using the unit: how to remove the plastic coverslip. The markings on the side, and in the instructions, imply you're to grab the sides with your fingers and pull apart. However, I didn't have a lot of luck opening it this way at first. Instead, there is a little thread-hole on the bottom of the unit for the neckcord. If you hold the cover and push on this thread-hole, the unit pops out easily. And with gloves on, this is really a lot easier than the other way.

Operating the unit is a lot like any cycling computer. A single button toggles the unit on and off. The second button cycles the unit through its various measurement readings. On the Kestrel 3000, the measurements are: wind speed, max wind speed (3 second gust since powered on), average wind speed (since powered on), temperature, wind chill, relative humidity, heat index, and dew point. Little icons on the bottom of the LCD display make it easy to recognize the mode. You can toggle the tempature and wind chill readings between degrees fahrenheit and degrees centrigrade. The wind speed readings can also be displayed in a number of different units.

The meter has external temperature and humidity sensors. This feature has two big benefits. First, you can get an accurate temperature reading, even when going from a heated place to cold outdoor temperatures, by simply waving the unit in the air (to ensure it measures the air temperature, not the possible heat from the case). Second, the unit can be placed in the snow to get a snow temperature reading (the humidity sensor doesn't like this, though).

Testing it out:
I've used the meter now on a number of occasions. In fact, I almost always have it with me. The unit is so small and light I just don't notice it.

The first big test of the unit was at the Governor's Cup race in early February. I was out shooting video on the course and took some readings, mainly of air and snow temperatures. I was surprised to find that while the air temperature was about 14F, the snow temperature was much warmer, at just over 20F. It had snowed the night before and there was a nice, light, fluffy 2-3" on the trails.

The next big test for the unit was at the Minnesota State High School League Nordic Championships. In fact, the unit turned out to be very useful on this day. The skiers awoke to some very cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills (approaching -20F). I spent a good part of the morning taking air and wind chill readings with the unit and reporting back to some of the coaches. The stadium area at Giants Ridge is pretty exposed and had wind chills averaging around -8F to -12F. But in the woods, where most of the race course flows, the winds were much calmer, and wind chills ran in the single digits below zero. Based in part on some of the readings from this unit, they decided proceed with the state meet that day rather than having to reschedule it for a later date.

Most recently, I used the unit at the Birkie in late February. They received between 3-6" of snow overnight, and it was still coming down at times during the wave starts. I was able to get some quick readings before the start of the elite wave: 21F air temperature, 22F snow temperature.

Summary:
Overall, I've been extremely pleased with the unit. It is very well designed, with controls that are easy to operate even with gloves on. The coverslip case quickly protects the entire unit, but slides out of the way when you're using the meter. The external sensors are a big plus, allowing readings in seconds instead of minutes. And it even powers itself off after 30 minutes of inactivity. If you're spending much time outside, this is one great gadget!