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Suunto Core Altimeter Watch
Great watch, but don't get the orange band
By don bowie
Ranked #137 - Altimeters
April 13, 2009
For summer or moderate weather activities, wristwatch altimeters are great. But for winter or cold weather, clothing layers and gloves make it difficult to access the watch- especially with an ice tool leash. For winter or cold weather I use an external clip-on altimeter like the High Gear ATF8 (lightest, most functional I've found). I used the Suunto Core (Organge/black)for two Himalayan expeditions in 2008, and the functionality was great, battery life was good, and the black face version was the best for viewing the display on bright days and in snow- especially when wearing eye wear. Also, the buttons do not involuntarily depress against the back of your hand when climbing- a big issue with some other models. However, after 50 days or so, the orange band began to seriously discolor, so I recommended getting the black band version. Also, the threads on the battery cover have now stripped, and I had to send it in. Luckily, Suunto has a strong return policy- at least for a year. Confident 4 stars.
View Details: Suunto Core Altimeter Watch
Helpful Votes: 6 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Altimeter:
- yes, usable to 29,500ft (9000m)
- Heart Rate Monitor:
- no
- Barometer:
- yes
- Thermometer:
- yes
- Digital Compass:
- yes
- Adjustable Declination:
- yes
- Chronograph:
- yes
- Backlight:
- yes
- Water-Resistant:
- yes, up to 100ft (30m)
- Alarm Type:
- , date, time
- Face Size:
- medium
- Recommended Use:
- casual wear, skiing, mountaineering, navigation
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- 1 year
Change me.
3 Comments Last Reply: August 11, 2011 By: RT_in_VT
Great watch...second the orange band problem, went with the black after it started to turn funky. Also second the issue with the manual, it took me a month or two of playing with it to get the functions down. My only other problem with this watch is that moisture seems to be able to easily get into the watch. However it has never caused any problems for me. Took it on a canoe trip and it got fogged up for about 30 min after I got out of the water. Put it in the sun for 15 min and no more probs...Im going to contact suunto about it and see what they say.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Had a Suunto Vector for years. Got the Core for Fathers day. Function buttons are completely different from the Vector. Poor directions on how to get through the functions in supplied booklet. I'll catch on eventually, but I'm taking the old Vector to the Sierras and leaving the Core at home for this trip.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
That's disappointing about the orange band because it looks so bad ***...
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes