Electronic Pitch Meter (Nielsen Kellerman): Product Review
Looking to get the pitch of your rigger correct? Then you need to have a pitch meter. Pure and simple.
There are several selections of meters on the market, ranging from the basic to the technical. The new Electronic Pitch Meter by NK (Nielsen Kellerman) is somewhere in the middle. The following text and video is a review of the meter.
What I Like
There are several things about the meter I like. It fits in your pocket with no sharp ends that can really get your attention. It is lightweight. Seems durable. And it can be used to measure more than just a rigger’s pitch. For example, it does a great job reading the angle of a footstretcher.
I especially like the “hold” button which allows you to find the pitch and then “hold” the measurement so that you can read the screen at your convenience. This is especially handy when it might too dark or too sunny to read the display.
The buttons are easy to press, and the meter fits right in the palm of your hand. I also like the accuracy and precision of the meter, and having readings in tenths of a degree is a plus.
What I Didn’t Like
There was little that I did not like about this meter, but a few items that I want to note. First, rowing is a water sport and often electronics and water do not blend well. Although I have not had an issue with this yet, I would be very hesitant to take the meter in a launch or use it outside on a rainy day.
Second, I am pretty tough on tools, as I would guess most coaches/Riggers are. Although the meter has been durable so far, I am not sure how it will handle life in a tool box, or a drop from a shell onto concrete. It does comes with a small case that offers a little protection. In all, something to consider.
MaxRigging Buying Advice
If you are looking to take your rigging to a new level then this would be a tool to consider. It does offer some convenience and accuracy that older manual meters do not. The compactness is also a nice benefit. However if you are just starting out in rigging or are on a tight budget you may want to consider a simple mechanical meter first.
- Electronic Pitch Meter
- Nielsen Kellerman
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Price: $85.00 US
Same thing. Half the price.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=147281&FamilyID=5894
Dear Max Rigging,
The NK digital pitch meters is superb.
But if you own an iPhone you can get a digital “Tilt Meter” for free. All four edges of the phone can be used to measure the phone’s attitude. Place the right hand edge on the keel and note the reading (Measurement A). Then place the bottom edge on the bearing surface of the lock (Measurement B). If “A” is zero, then the pitch at the lock, “B” is as it reads. If the boat is down by the bow then the pitch is “B” less “A.” If it is down by the stern, then then the pitch is the sum of “A” and “B.” Addmittedly, this solution does require basic math skills but then it is on the iPhone and it’s free.
Too expense.