Durable, Lightweight, and useful

By Mark L Ranked #55 - Running Watches December 9, 2008

Reading the manual front to back upon receiving the Vector is highly recommended. Like anything else, becoming familiar with it will greatly increase the ease of use. It is extremely lightweight, which is nice in any outdoor endeavor. I have personally had no problems with it leaking underwater. I have worn it snorkeling during my honeymoon in the caribbean as well as during a marine biology research trip in which it was frequently submerged. Many useful functions. The altimeter is "accurate to within 100 feet" an associate told me. This has proven true in most cases. Beware that the altimeter is based on barometric pressure readings, so if the weather is changing, the altitude measurement becomes inaccurate. It is easy to tell if you can rely on your altitude measurements by using the barometer's difference mode to check changing conditions (sounds complicated but is like second nature after a few weeks). Face of the watch can scratch and is very large, so take care. The compass bearing mode is a great feature, as well as the barometric trend monitor. Common sense is to use the traditional tools in the backcountry such as a topo map, compass, etc. This should not replace such items, but is useful in a pinch. Easy to calibrate, easy to read, lightweight, durable.

View Details: Suunto Vector Altimeter Watch

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No