The Vantage Pro2 6152 from Davis Instruments has raised the bar for what portable weather stations can do. These systems have been the company's top-of-the-line offering for more than ten years, but that distinction comes with a greater cost.
However, a few brand-new, high-quality home weather stations have entered the market, challenging its hegemony. These stations compete with the market leader by offering things that Davis' line does not offer or for which you must pay an additional fee.
One of these features, which the Vantage Pro2 lacks, is built-in connection. Other stations already include adding internet connectivity, but it costs extra. Even yet, if you have the money, it's difficult to pass up this station. Yes, Davis' Vantage Vue system is less expensive, but as we noted in our assessment of that station, it does have some notable drawbacks in comparison to the Pro2.
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Pros
✔️ Highest level of precision of any home weather station
✔️ Top - notch reliability
✔️ Incredible durability
✔️ Adding more sensors to increase its scope
✔️ Top - notch reliability
✔️ Incredible durability
✔️ Adding more sensors to increase its scope
Cons
⚠️Internet connectivity is an additional cost.
⚠️High cost
Our Verdict
With unsurpassed precision, a long history of dependability, and longevity, the Davis Vantage Pro2 is by far the best home weather station on the market.
Despite being one of the most costly personal weather stations available, you get what you pay for. The only thing we'd modify is to make internet connectivity a standard feature rather than an extra cost.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✰
Included Instruments
✔️Indoor Temperature and Humidity
✔️Outdoor Temperature and Humidity (With Radiation Shield)
✔️Wind Speed and Direction
✔️Rainfall
✔️Barometric Pressure
✔️Dew Point
✔️Display Console
Installation
The Pro2 takes some effort to assemble and is not a "plug-and-play" weather station like the Vantage Vue. We advise setting out around 30 minutes and getting a pole ready to mount the sensors on.
The desktop console likewise requires some effort to set up; it's clumsy but not tough. Depending on the one you purchased if you bought WeatherLinkIP, there may be a few extra steps you need to take. Later on, we'll talk about that. We'll remind you of our sensor positioning recommendations, which are included in our purchase guide for home weather stations.
Accuracy
When it comes to accuracy, The Vantage Pro2 has no rival in the market for home weather stations, and both customers and industry professionals frequently cite this as one of the Pro2's most alluring characteristics in their reviews. The Pro2 Plus's fan-aspirated radiation shield should improve the performance of the outdoor temperature and humidity sensor, which already works accurately. Every 2.5 seconds, you'll receive updates on the weather as well.
Just to clarify, the regular Pro2 does feature radiation shielding to protect it from direct sunlight, which results in readings that are more accurate. It lacks the aspiration of fans, though. So what is this? In simplest terms, this means that even if the sensor is not receiving direct sunlight, there is still some heat buildup inside the enclosed enclosure.
The Pro2's fan aspiration distributes any heat accumulation away from the vicinity of the temperature and humidity sensors, producing better (and more precise) measurements.
In order to operate better during windy rain events like thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes, Davis recently modified the Pro2's rain gauge. The design of the gauge, known as the "Aerocone," avoids turbulence around the gauge's mouth, which can stop raindrops from entering the gauge itself.
The anemometer uses the conventional cup and vane approach, which is favoured by experts. It may be placed in the ideal location for the best accuracy because it is distinct from the temperature, humidity, and rain gauge sensors. Keep in mind that the wind vane and gauge should be at a height of 33 feet, while the temperature and humidity sensors should be installed at "eye level (5 to 6 feet).
Upgradability
For us, the Vantage Pro2's strongest selling feature over its less expensive sister, the Vantage Vue, is its upgradeability. The additional sensors you add to the Pro2 depend on your demands.
The UV and solar radiation sensors will be valuable for outdoor enthusiasts, while the soil moisture and leaf wetness sensors may be handy for gardeners. With the Pro2's fantastic expandability possibilities, you may add one or all four.
Which should I purchase: Pro2 or Pro2 Plus?
There are four different Pro2 versions available from Davis, including a wired and wireless Pro2 and a wired and wireless Pro2 Plus. For the greatest degree of location flexibility for sensors and consoles, we generally advise the wireless version.
The inclusion of a fan-aspirated radiation shield in the Pro2 Plus model is the primary distinction between the Pro2 and Pro2 models (which we discussed earlier). The Plus model comes with a UV and sun radiation sensor as standard equipment. The Pro2 and Pro2 Plus have the same other characteristics.
Internet Connectivity
The Pro2 has similar connectivity issues to other Davis stations. It's pretty expensive in addition to having an outdated interface. But there isn't much of a choice if you want to import data onto your computer or onto websites like Weather Underground and through apps for both iOS and Android.
There are three versions: a Windows version, a Mac OS version, and WeatherLinkIP, an Internet-only version that connects to your router directly. Given that both the Windows and Mac versions require you to continuously have your computer on in order to submit data to the web, we'd advise using that version (we received this one for testing).
If you need the option to download data to your own computer, WeatherLinkIP also contains the software (Windows only, though), so you can do so—although it does need a somewhat more challenging setup (you'll need to know the WeatherLinkIP dongle's IP address).
If you don't require that, using WeatherLinkIP to access your data online shouldn't present any problems. The device ID and key are located on the adapter itself. First, turn off all power to the desktop console. After turning it off, connect the Ethernet cable to your router and the adapter. Restarting your console should result in confirmation beeps.
Once this occurs, all you have to do is create an account at Weatherlink.com, and as soon as you're set up, that information ought to be accessible online. Select Uploads from the menu under My Account to add your station to Weather Underground. The required information can be entered in the space provided. When finished, click My Weather to view your data in a graphical style in real time. You can also click other buttons to view some of the other possibilities.
The Weather Underground pages may be more useful if you're seeking for graphs and other items because Davis doesn't currently offer any of those things.
You can access Davis' official WeatherLink app to view your data once it is available online. Give your station some time to make it to the app if you've just loaded it; for a good hour or two, we couldn't find our station using the app's search feature.
What We Really Liked
The Vantage Pro2's expandability is what we enjoy best about it. Farmers and gardeners in particular should choose the Pro2, as it will provide you a clear image of how your farm or garden is performing thanks to those optional sensors. Of course, we also can't emphasize enough how accurate the Pro2 is—but you already know that from reading this review.
What We Didn’t Like
Our main complaint, much like with the Vantage Vue, is the absence of integrated connection. These stations are expensive, so having to pay extra for the functionality—and on top of that, an outdated interface—is a little inconvenient.
Are There Any Better Options?
When it comes to home weather stations, the Pro2 is the best, as we've already stated. Step down to the Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue if you're still having difficulties justifying the price. Both less expensive and almost as precise. Although it doesn't have the Pro2's expandability, it's the closest thing you can get overall. The AcuRite Atlas is an alternative if you still desire a station that allows you to separate and extend the anemometer.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, there is no built-in internet access, which is surprising given the device's high price. However, it's the only drawback we can see as a real problem. The Vantage Pro2 is the finest choice for weather enthusiasts who want expert accuracy at home.
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