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frostbite
Oct 4, 2002, 6:23 PM
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Registered: Sep 18, 2002
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Just wondering if anyone has used any of the Suunto watches for climbing. How accurate are they as far as altitude, barometric pressure, compass, etc. Thanks for any info.
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natec
Oct 4, 2002, 7:16 PM
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Mine has worked very reliably so far. I have not had it at extreme high altitude but it has served the purposes that I bought it for.
The altimeter is typically accurate +/- 50ft. I recalibrate it at marked elevations just to be positive.
The compass has served me well.
It tells time.
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punk
Oct 4, 2002, 7:18 PM
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Registered: May 28, 2002
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I like mine I find it very useful
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chuckd278
Oct 4, 2002, 7:48 PM
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Registered: Jun 23, 2002
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I have had the same vector for 3 years and I love it. For the altimeter you have to reset it all the time because it doesn't like the pressure changes. I didn't buy mine for climbing but for mountaineering. It has worked well for that. It has it's limitations, but I think it is a very good all purpose watch for 180.00.
Chuck
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tradguy
Oct 4, 2002, 8:04 PM
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Registered: Aug 22, 2002
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I have a vector that I got in spring of 1999. Took it to the summit of Denali - worked great. I find the compass to be the weakest part of the watch - ie I wouldn't leave my dedicated compass at home. The rest of the features work great though. As others have said, the altimeter must be calibrated often, since it works only on barometric pressure, but it is reliable. The alarms could be a bit louder. Also, the plastic face scratches very easily. The wristband will fit snugly over the top of a mountaineering jacket, but it would be nice if it was a little longer.
All in all though, I'm pleased with the purchase.
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frostbite
Oct 4, 2002, 8:35 PM
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Registered: Sep 18, 2002
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Hey thanks for all the info... I just bought the X6HR. Found it for a great deal. Haven't played with it much yet. I'll be curious to see how accurate the heart rate monitor is and how the pc link works. It's something to play with at work.
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bouldertoad
Oct 4, 2002, 8:44 PM
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Registered: May 26, 2002
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Maybe I am mistaken but I believe that all altimeters must be recalibrated at certain known elevation points. Suunto watches are awesome unless of course you do not like having a small computer on your wrist. the new X6 is pretty cool though... alittle bit smaller and more options...
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coclimber26
Oct 5, 2002, 7:03 PM
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Registered: Sep 8, 2002
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I use the Sunto alot and it is relatively accurate. Like any altimeter it must be reset at every known point. Pressure and temprature changes affect the altitude. The compass must be calibrated out of the box...
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blacksamba
Oct 5, 2002, 7:40 PM
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Registered: Mar 28, 2002
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An inaccuracy of +/- 50ft seems rather large to me. I had a cheaper altimeter watch that drove me crazy for the same reason. Through some basic map reading I could guess my elevation within that same window of accuracy. What is the point of dropping that much dough on something that needs constant attention and calibration when dead reckoning seems to have worked well for the last 10,000 years of human existance.
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kman
Oct 5, 2002, 10:05 PM
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Registered: Oct 16, 2001
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It is a great tool...if you use it right. I don't use the compass though and would not rely on it.
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alpinerocket
Oct 5, 2002, 11:53 PM
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Registered: Aug 13, 2001
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I have one as well. I dont rely on it as a tool. I use it more as a toy. For navigation I prefeer the use of a good compass and map and altimeter. The watch is nice to count laps and elevation gain/loss while resort skiing. I just have fun with it.
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