Highgear AltiTech 2 Altimeter

I compared the AltiTech 2 Altimeter against the Suunto Vector, the Kestrel 4000 Weatherstation, the Thommens 5000 altimeter, and the Garmin Etrek Vista GPS. After testing, I found the AltiTech is accurate to within 1.5 degrees in bearing, 1mB of absolute pressure (which is a little too much error, it should be within 0.5mB--and you can't recalibrate the pressure sensor, unlike the Vector and Kestrel), and 0.7 degrees F in temperature. The AltiTech resolves 1 ft increments as compared to 10 ft for the Vector; I have not tested the AltiTech's accuracy over a wide elevation range (only 550 ft in New Jersey) but I suspect it is OK if the temperature compensation works. The AltiTech's altitude and pressure graphs favorably distinguish it from the Vector. An excellent feature of the AltiTech is the altitude hold which prevents altitude wander during long rest stops. The AltiTech display is highly readable and the "button logic" is as easy (or difficult) as the Vector. Remembering the button sequences when switching between the AltiTech and Vector is an intelligence test... HighGear and Suunto could both learn from Casio. Overall, at $100, the AltiTech is a winner. Few other comments: I love my Thommens for sentimental reasons. The Kestrel qualifies me as a meteorologist. The Garmin Vista is an indispensable space age nav system for extended wilderness forays (still bring a paper map). And my Vector takes a beating (along with my hand and wrist).

Fine for the money.

Aloha, We use our altimeter a lot on the Big Island of Hawaii. Since we are real estate agents, this comes in handy when people ask us what the elevation of properties are. This product is nice and small and easy to carry around. We recommend this product. Personal Regards, Team Carlson

I bought the Altitech Altimeter for the altimeter feature to use on a planned trip to Peru, where elevation changes from general travel will go from sea level to well over 11000. I live in Tucson, and drove from 2400 feet in 106 degree weather to the peak at nearby Mnt. Lemon which is 9080 feet and about 71 degrees. The distance is about 25 miles. When I reached the peak, the altimeter reading was nearly 500 feet off - I checked the altimeter readings to elevation posts on the drive up, and it was always off by around 300 feet. When I returned to my start point, the alitmeter was off by around 300 feet. I don't mind barometric drift, but something that is 300 feet off is of little use to me. The manual says I need to calibrate the altimeter often to known points of elevation - but to constantly have to do this renders the instrument useless as an informational device. I consulted my brother who is a Helicopter Instructor Pilot for the Army - he told me that he had given up on Altimeter watches, after trying several. He suggested a GPS unit instead, which is what I purchased (cheaper by about 10 dollars too and I am very pleased!) - I was concerned that there may not be GPS coverage in Peru, but my brother also assured me that there would be (since commercial airlines use them as standard equipment) - I must admit I was rather saddened by the poor performance of the watch - I think it has to do with barometric altimeters in general, not the Altitech specifically. And there is something nice about an instrument that does not depend on satellites! I was very happy with the ease of sending the instrument back - This site does a very good job at letting you know that it got the returned item and posted a credit to your credit card. Certainly no hassel there and I would not hesitate to use this site again !

This product has a lot of nice features, plus it’s easy to use and it looks cool. The compass works great and is very accurate. Two time zones on the clock are nice. What I don’t like is that some of the instruments are not very precise. The altimeter will fluctuate over long periods, even if you don’t gain/loose altitude. If the barometer is dropping that night, I wake up and my apartment is 30 meters lower than it was when I went to bed. This isn’t bad for a three-hour tour, but it sucks for a three-day backpacking trip. The barometer is a bit inconsistent as well. It does not accurately reflect the daily stats on the National Weather Service website. It is close, but rarely on the button. Overall, if you are a recreational day tripper and don’t require meticulous precision, this thing is great. But, if you are an expedition-grade mountain climber, or any other industry professional, I recommend finding something else.