“Extreme Sensitivity” appears to be a contradiction when “Off Balancing or Tail Heavy” is recommended to normalize and reduce the searching action. If a wind flag requires adding resistance to control the windshield wiper effect, something is basically wrong with the design. Perfectly balanced wind flags with equal lengths and distances from the center section will correctly react to the wind’s erratic motions, but will also make it difficult (or require guessing) to determine the true wind direction.
There are solutions available to solve this problem. “Extreme Sensitivity” is not one of them. Neither is “Off Balancing”. The wind flag must convey accurate and understandable information to the user. Without this, the flag is almost useless. Ideally, a well-balanced wind flag is the most responsive to the motions of the wind. But if you are not using a strong post or stable stand the wind force that is being applied to every element of the wind flags will render the flag off its balance position even for a slight moment. Applying simple logic can create a physical design that utilizes the wind’s own energy for equalization, leverage, and resistance without the flutter. An often overlooked situation that directly affects the accuracy of a wind flag is balance. If a wind flag is truly sensitive it will seek its most comfortable resting place. Combining an unleveled post or stand combined with a wind flag being off-balanced or with it being tail-heavy will search and favor a particular position. This position will favor a single place overly prioritizing where the wind is coming from. Unfortunately, the wind is never singly directed or consistent, the action is more like a “PUFF”. So the flag must react quickly and overcome the startup resistance of friction, weight and inertia from the last movement. Generally, the flag movement is lagging behind the action of the wind. By the time we think it’s OK to shoot the wind has already changed.
Since there are no secrets or shouldn’t be for accuracy improvements, here are my solutions for improving performance. A wind flag designed to have about 2/3 of the overall length behind the pivot requires much less wind energy to move the flag. The added weight will be required at the front 1/3 of the flag to offset the added length and weight of the tail This is not a problem if a minimal downward resistance pivot system is used. Another positive design feature is the placement of the tail. It should have the leading (front) edge close to the pivot point. Generally, this design will eliminate most of the excessive searching. No need to add “OFF BALANCING” or applying any resistance. MTC realized this solution early in our wind flag development and along with being short coupled, dual ball bearing pivots and maximizing the wind capturing tail configurations this concept “WORKS”. MTC realized this advantage by simply challenging the long-standing wind flag concepts. Extensive experimentation revealed that applying simple changes and pure logic resulted in significant improvements. Our current designs are the results of proven performance and not an attempt to sell our products for style appeal. But hopefully, our unique colors and shapes will also appeal to you.
Streamers jerking at the tail make it impossible to maintain balance. The desired balance should be adjusted with the streamer attached in a no-wind environment. The attachment of a streamer should be close to the centerline of the main wind flag shaft. Positions other than this can increase the leverage the streamer has on the tail position. Streamers should not have more influence on direction than the tail. MTC has developed an independent streamer attachment for some of the Tracker products.
Crosswind indicators are more difficult to stabilize, reduce wagging or return to a neutral position without some sort of dampening device. Wind flags cannot provide actual measured or calibrated wind pressure. Damping devices create resistance and must have sufficient wind energy to overcome them. These devices are subject to weather and environmental conditions (dust and rain). MTC used magnetic damping for home position returning. They must be properly balanced to deliver accurate results. This is the only way to accurately display the measured intensity of the wing crossing the path of your bullet.
Vertical wind indicators are easily designed to return to a neutral position using their natural weight and balance seeking a position. Lowering the main shaft below the pivot assembly naturally attempts to return to a level position. This is the most serious deficiency of a wind flag, its inability to indicate vertical (up and down) wind flow. I find it interesting that so little attention is being paid to such an important element of target shooting. Again MTC utilized magnetic dampening to slow the wagging effect. They should also be balanced correctly to perform properly. Without a tool like this, you will never know or understand how much wind energy exists from above and below the path of your bullet. You do have an alternative solution, “Plant Your Flag and Start Guessing”.
Whatever the balancing application you choose, you should understand how it works and be able to duplicate it in order to maintain consistency. A bubble level is a good tool to adjust and re-establish the balance you prefer. Without some sort of leveling indicator, it’s a guess. MTC has four (4) types offered. All MTC Trackers have bubble levels incorporated into their designs as standard features.