LuckGrib App Reviews
#FR: Très bonne application, l’ergonomie est vraiment au top. Très facile de switcher entre plusieurs fichiers gribs. Choisir les données affichées, etc… Vivement les prochaines versions :) #EN: Very good application, ergonomics is really on top . Very easy to switch between several gribs files. Select the displayed data , etc … Waiting for next updates :)
finaly a grib viewer from a sailor and for the sailor! Elegant user interface. Able to operate with large grib files (running historical data of the entire Atlantic for 2015). Developper keen to listen for new features to be included and commited to high quality long term development of the application. It is a five star for me. Paolo S/Y Necton
I haven’t spent a ton of time with this, but after an hour or so it’s great for rev 1.0. As far as I can tell it assumes there is an internet connection and doesn’t have any comm control features or asynchronous email requests. Very nice UI and informative display! I wish I had had this while cruising the south pacific.
This is by far the best Grib viewer that I could find. Finding a viewer for a MAC was hard enough, but this is even better than any PC based program I used on my last computer. Great graphics and options of viewing. Highly recommend this program to any serious offshore sailor!
I happen to be in my final semester of school in the pursuit of a Meteorology degree at Virginia Tech. I have gone through the weather classes really just trying to make good grades and get my credentials (As most college students do). I had the mentality of someone who’s only focus was that GPA. This is a very different goal than LEARNING to the best of my ability (which is what I should have been doing all along). I think the issue with me is that I was unable to really develop a true appreciation for this field. After using this pristine piece of software, I found myself just playing around and trying my hand at forecasting. The way that this program uses interpolation, in my opinion, is the best part about it. I can’t even imagine the amount of work that these people put into this program. Because of that, I feel that what you are actually getting for only 20 dollars makes the decision to purchase this warranted - if not imperitive for someone with ANY interest in weather phenomena. This is an incredible tool, and it requires you to take the time to understand the different variables and how they relate to weather. This is work, but once things slowly begin to click mentally, you begin to develop insight into just how powerful this product is. I also think that we should take some time to appreciate the fine humans who distribute the incredibly vast amount of weather data for free. We live in an incredible world with incredible technology allowing us to think on a level that seemed unimaginable a very short time ago. If you are intersested in weather for any reason, you are simply missing out if you don’t give this a try!
First off, the software creator, Craig, is awesome. Before purchasing this app I sent him an email asking a couple questions and he responded almost immediately. Second off, this is hands down the best grib viewer for Mac. I spent quite a bit of time trying to port grib viewers from Windows/Linux on to Mac and I spent quite a bit of time trying to find one that was natively supported by Mac. Long story short, I stumbled across this gem. I have rougly 10 years of forecasting experience for aviation and remote expeditions. I would like to note that I do not have a sailing background, which is what this app is focused towards. However, for what I do this app is amazing. It’s fast and efficient, and the software developer is quick to respond to any issues. There is a pretty extensive list of things you can do as far as creating your own styles and color schemes and if you have a meteorological background then this app is for you.
An Incredible Weather GRIB2 Visualizer
I’ve been using this app since 2018 and its capabilities to create beautiful and customizable weather map graphics are absolutely the best out there. The developer is incredibly responsive to questions and suggestions, and over the years, he has advanced this app beyond my expectations. In addition to the fantastic features of this app, the developer includes fully integrated downloads of GRIB2 weather data from a multitude of models and meteorological centers. Whether you are a novice or professional, this app will advance your understanding of weather and forecasting. Additionally, it easily allows import of your own downloaded weather data with unlimited power to display it effectively. You’ll love this app!
Invaluable App for Sailboat Racing
Very enjoyable to use with considerably more flexibility that some of the expensive apps. Ability to download GRIBS using limited bandwith is a big plus. Routing algorithm works without a hitch for sailboat racing.
Well done!
The thought that has gone into this offering, a complex subject, is evident. The aesthetics, function, algorithm, features, UI, pricing model, and even the manual have been painstakingly addressed. This is a 'thinking person's' weather router and I happily diverted my annual Predict Wind subscription to Luck Grib instead.
Professional and Extremely useful software
I'm a 26 year software engineer. I know good software when I see it! LuckGrib is awesome: useful, intuitive, and very very professionally done. The instructions and guides are 1st rate... as are the youtube video's that walk you through the various ways you can use the software. I highly recommend this package!
Elegant, powerful routing and weather tool
This is the best route planning and weather software I am experienced in my 50,000 offshore miles. The program is extremely capable; its design in solving sailing problems is not only well thought out but also explained in literate detail with solution examples to common sailing decision making problems.
Just Outstanding
It's hard not to pile on good reviews, but this app does so much so well. My use case is sailboat racing and delivering my boat to and from various race locations. I purchased both IOS and OSX versions. Overall: -Usability is excellent, great UI, easy to learn. -Easy GRIB file management particularly area selection, file updates. -Routing is effortless and provides all the information you need per segment (wind speed, wind angle, boat direction, true wind angle). -The polars for my boat are in the library, but you can add your own. -The routing is very smart; it routes around land boundaries, creates optimal sail plans, estimates motoring time. A must-have for any serious sailor!
Highest-quality App
I've been using the licensed version of this app for a few days now, and I basically can't fault it. Aesthetically and functionally, it is 100% fit for purpose, and beats competing, subscription-based maritime weather services hands down. Plus, the develper is very responsive to feedback.
Remarkable Software for the Sailor
The latest version of LuckGrib, including the Weather Routing add-on, is an amazing and powerful piece of software that really works. Comparable weather routing software cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. The app allows the sailor to download data and design and evaluate routes while underway. Bravo!
Excellent and beautiful
This wonderful app lets you retrieve, manage, and display GRIB files (weather forecasts). It's well-written, the author is very responsive and personable, and it looks gorgeous. I bought it a month or so ago and asked for a legend for values -- you can roll over points on the screen to see a detailed list of the attributes at that point which can include anything from temperature at the surface to dew point high up in the atmosphere, but when looking at the map as a whole I thought a legend would be helpful, and voila, it appeared in the latest update. Trying to predict the weather from this professional-level data isn't super easy, but it's a very fun hobby. I'm not a sailor, and for offshore sailboat people I'd say this app is an essential.
Luckgrib is best of breed for cruisers
Simply the best SW program I have found for analysis of weather and determining passage making windows. I have tried virtually all of them. The developer is a sailboat cruiser and has written the code from a users perspective. Robust feature set and customization that allows one to tune the analysis and routing for specific boat parameters. Developer provides 14 day free trial and thorough documentation. Predictwind is bone knives and rockhammers compared to this app
At first I was cautous, BUT I'm a beleiver now!
I was a little confused using the app at first, but once you see that the text are menu buttons or that when items are selected different menus are available when you click on the map, it all make sense. I receive gribs via HF radio using the app's email server but also SailDocs server. YYYou can import GPX file such as FastSeas weather routing routes and have a vessel follow the route as the grib time advancing. powerful and cool. I am still finding features such as OCEANS ocean currents showing the state of the Gulf Stream. Many many features, pretty easy to learn once you get a few simple basics. They have youtube intro and plenty documentation online. But best of all in the price. I bought the macos version and was soo impressed that I purchased the iOS vesrion for the ipad too.
Got it right.
I was doing some software development with large GRIB files downloaded directly from NOAA and using LuckGrib to check my work that I was reading the files correctly. After some painstaking work I confirmed that LuckGrib and my software were in agreement. That is, they had the correct data at the correct latitude longitude. On the other hand, another GRIB viewer, from a well known commercial company, failed on these full size files. It showed 5 knots wind, where there should have been a hurricane! So now, LuckGrib is my go-to GRIB viewer. Good work Craig.
Well featured, fast, gorgeous
I've used various GRIB viewers on Macs (including Zygrib, OpenCPN, qtVLM, seaIQ, IDV, PredictWind, McIDAS-V, and others) and lots of web sites for weather analysis. LuckGrib quickly became my go-to for most work. It has it's own service for many weather models and can import GRIBs from NOAA or other sources. It handles the non-Mercator projections used by the NAM, RAP, and HRRR. Comparing trends from multiple model runs is easy. It's very fast, even with large data sets. The UI is very smooth and overall easy to use. And I find the output style very attractive (though that may be just me). Well worth the price.
initial 2 hr review after purchase
pros: somewhat simple to use, video tutorial with no sound cons: relative high cost $20 for basic grib viewer, best to be used for planning a trip BUT not actually underway since no GPS or chart import capability conclusion: not for most sailors who need to use app to see & follow their position real time. save the $20 toward more capable apps. ocean sailing experience: 15 years other apps used: sail grib WR android free & paid version, MX Mariner android free & paid version suggestion to developer: offer a free basic version for trial use
Gives me the weather data I need offshore to stay safe
I have been sailing around the world for the past 5 years using every grib viewer for the Macintosh and this is the best one out there. Not only is it fast at downloading and displaying the grib data but it also displays it more accurately than any other viewer. The developer has a background in mathematics and graphics and it shows in the care and construction of this application. When you understand how he interpolates the grid data to provide and smooth and accurate distribution between points you can appreciate his effort to get everything correct.
Fantastic!!
If you are a weather enthusiast and are looking for an app to take it to the next level, look no further. This is what you have been waiting for!
Simply Awesome
If you are looking for a grib viewer or even just a way to look at an incredibly wide array of weather data look no further. This program is head and shoulders ahead of what else is out there; it has everything from GFS to HRRR to ASCAT. Simply Awesome.
professional tool.
The professional tool I was looking for. Thanks
Grib Viewer for Mac
First off, the software creator, Craig, is awesome. Before purchasing this app I sent him an email asking a couple questions and he responded almost immediately. Second off, this is hands down the best grib viewer for Mac. I spent quite a bit of time trying to port grib viewers from Windows/Linux on to Mac and I spent quite a bit of time trying to find one that was natively supported by Mac. Long story short, I stumbled across this gem. I have rougly 10 years of forecasting experience for aviation and remote expeditions. I would like to note that I do not have a sailing background, which is what this app is focused towards. However, for what I do this app is amazing. It’s fast and efficient, and the software developer is quick to respond to any issues. There is a pretty extensive list of things you can do as far as creating your own styles and color schemes and if you have a meteorological background then this app is for you.
Incredible!
I happen to be in my final semester of school in the pursuit of a Meteorology degree at Virginia Tech. I have gone through the weather classes really just trying to make good grades and get my credentials (As most college students do). I had the mentality of someone who’s only focus was that GPA. This is a very different goal than LEARNING to the best of my ability (which is what I should have been doing all along). I think the issue with me is that I was unable to really develop a true appreciation for this field. After using this pristine piece of software, I found myself just playing around and trying my hand at forecasting. The way that this program uses interpolation, in my opinion, is the best part about it. I can’t even imagine the amount of work that these people put into this program. Because of that, I feel that what you are actually getting for only 20 dollars makes the decision to purchase this warranted - if not imperitive for someone with ANY interest in weather phenomena. This is an incredible tool, and it requires you to take the time to understand the different variables and how they relate to weather. This is work, but once things slowly begin to click mentally, you begin to develop insight into just how powerful this product is. I also think that we should take some time to appreciate the fine humans who distribute the incredibly vast amount of weather data for free. We live in an incredible world with incredible technology allowing us to think on a level that seemed unimaginable a very short time ago. If you are intersested in weather for any reason, you are simply missing out if you don’t give this a try!
Amazing
This is by far the best Grib viewer that I could find. Finding a viewer for a MAC was hard enough, but this is even better than any PC based program I used on my last computer. Great graphics and options of viewing. Highly recommend this program to any serious offshore sailor!
Great for rev 1.0!
I haven’t spent a ton of time with this, but after an hour or so it’s great for rev 1.0. As far as I can tell it assumes there is an internet connection and doesn’t have any comm control features or asynchronous email requests. Very nice UI and informative display! I wish I had had this while cruising the south pacific.