Excellent mountaineering watch but often cumbersome for other activities. It is high performance, easy to read and easy to use- if you sit down and read the manual right when you get it. I've used the Vector on several expeditions to the Himalayas and elsewhere, and have owned 2 over the past seven years. They are durable and withstand very cold temperatures and continue to perform at altitude- my latest traveling to 7500 meters. The backing has been improved on the latest model (my main complaint on the last version) and so now it is easy to change batteries even if the cover has been sealed down in use. And, you do have to be sure to recalibrate it whenever possible to ensure accurate readings within 10 meters.

Picked up one of these MANY years ago and it has held up through thick and thin. Got a 2nd one with the black face which makes it easier to see if you have polarized sunglasses. Worked great for a while, but, it quit. Replaced the battery and was back in business. Then after a month, no display. Changed the battery again and was good for about a week and same thing. Replaced the battery a couple more times and the same thing. Worked great for a week then nothing.

To Backcountry's credit, I contacted them, told them about the problem and they said to send it back and as soon as I get my credit, I will get another one. It's well worth the price.

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.

I previously reviewed this watch based on years of ownership of a standard Black Vector. I really liked the look of the xBlack, but had some concerns about reading the reverse face in different conditions because of reviews posted here and other sites.

I recently received a new xBlack Vector as a gift, and I have found the reverse face to be easily readible in a variety of conditions. In very low light, it is no different than the Black; I still need to use the backlight, but it is nice that the glow is more subtle, and perhaps even goes a little ways towards preserving my night vision. In all other conditions, I really like the reverse face. It is probably even a bit easier to read while wearing polarized sunglasses than the standard face Vector.

So, if you're on the fence, and think you want this in the xBlack, I say go for it.

Best watch I've ever owned; it has been through thick and thin with me, all the lettering is gone, the surfaces are all worn smooth, and the face is dinged up. I had the battery changed at a reputable watch shop once, but it started malfunctioning after that, so I sent it back to Suunto. They repaired it at no charge. If this watch ever dies on me, and with Suunto's customer service, I don't believe that it will, I will replace it with another one. Period. :-)

I use it all the time. at work, sport and trekking. it is bomb proff.
At -1C (+30F) it start to work slowly and it will slow more as the temp go down. at -28C (-20F) the nombers stop moveing and at -35C (-32F?) it will be dead! you need to go to -18C (0F) to wake it up...
It is a very accurate in time and in altitude

I bought this watch a couple years back, for the altitude, and barometric features. The altimeter worked better, after calibrating it and the barometer worked fine. THe actual time function was nice due to the size of the readout. After 2 months, i had to replace the battery. oh well 15 bucks. then another six months went by, and then another battery. shortly after 9 months or so, the watch stared to fall apart.. the compass would go hay-wire, and the altimeter started to become less accurate. overall, i would just buy an altimeter/barometer watch from casio next time.

I currently own several Suunto Vectors. These watches are bullet-proof and last forever. The only thing I have done is replace the battery. The Vector is highly accurate. They are a bit large but comfortable on the wrist. The positive face Vector is easier to see than the negative face. The Vector has remained in the Suunto line up for years because it is popular and dependable. I would like to see Suunto put mineral glass on the face instead of plastic. Vector watch bands are real easy to replace. A great watch.

I really like this, but it is just too big for my wrist (5'5", 125) - not so much the diameter (though that is pretty big) but more the watch's profile height; it is totally messing up all my jacket/glove interfaces. I do like the buttons and functions - well thought out and good display. I would like to keep it but I'm going to return it in favor of the more low profile X3 (loose the compass but gain HR capabilities). We'll see how that goes.

This watch is awesome. By awesome I mean big and bulky. Even though they are way pricey at $15 the display shields are a necessity if you are going to be within 10 feet of rocks.
So make sure to drop the Suunto 6-Series Display Shields - 2pc in your cart along with this big bad mother.

Still putting it through its trials, but I am impressed! For an everyday wearer, its been pretty durable. Based on its reviews, its price for quality is well worth it! Light weight, accurate and up to now very dependable. Altimiter function is neat. Love the alarm! Compass is better than expected. Backlight is pefect! Took the advice of many and read the manual cover to cover which I also concur will add to your expeirence. I know it should not replace the essentials, but it comes pretty darn close! I haven't had this much fun with a watch since I had that calculator watch in the 80s!!!

I like this watch because it works well. You need to adjust your altimeter before each activity if there are multiple days between them because the change in weather can affect the altimeter, but that is normal for any watch. All the functions work well. I personally like the altimeter alarm that you can set so once you reach a particular height, it lets you know.

I got this watch in 2000 as a birthday present and have recently had it overhauled. Despite the overhaul (basically a new watch) I am very happy. I have abused it for 10 years without a second thought and was quite happy to pay to have it reconditioned.
The main thing that saved my watch face was covering it with plastic wrap, shaped to fit. Scratch free after 5 years...The light stopped working after about 6 years and the altimeter stopped after 10 years.

I sent it back and had it assessed and fixed within 10 days. New face, new bezel, new upper case, new circuitry... still the same watch, right?

I got my Vector ten years ago, and I think it's finally time for a new one. The face is cracked from the abuse I put it through, the compass bezel finally fell off and I lost it, and the alarm no longer sounds.

HOWEVER, I put it through some major abuse including catching/cracking it against rocks. It's taken direct close range hits during airsoft indoor CQB games. It's been dropped, dunked, smashed, and still, the major functions work.

The compass is as accurate as the effort you put into calibrating it. Read the manual for this and pay attention to the bubble level as you calibrate.

The altimiter alarm function helped me locate a lean-to along a trail just after dark. We just couldn't see that far off the trail, so I coordinated with the topo map and set the alarm for the lean-to's altitude. When the alarm sounded, a quick scan with flashlight found the shelter less than 50 yards away.

The Barometer has warned me of approaching storms with enough time to get shelter.

It's a powerful tool for the outdoors, if you take the time to learn it. As always, never rely solely on technology. Always have a compass and map and know not only how to use them on a trail, but also how to triangulate your position by taking bearings to visible landmarks that are also marked on your map.

I'll just Echo everyone elses.

I bought this watch 2 years ago (for $148????) on BC.com and I use this watch every day, no matter if I'm working, casual, or climbing Mt. Rainier. it's flawless. I bought the cheaper Highgear Aerial Altimeter Watch off SAC for 38 bucks and boy was it worthless. I had to reset it about every hour to the correct altitude. No matter where I use this watch, it's NEVER out of 200ft up or down. And when I do big climbs I reset it just to make sure.

The only thing I can honestly complain about it when you have it in log mode, if you ever hit that same button again, it will stop it, So SUUNTO suggests you switch to a different mode besides the altimeter when you are logging. Well whats the point in that? I would like to see what altitude I'm at or how fast I'm ascending when I'm touring or skiing. I usually strap it to my backpack to get an actual reading of temperature and then I can usually have it on the pack with the altimeter showing and log book running.

Buy it, Buy it now. I would not regret.

PS: The plastic face I read got scratched by some people, right after I bought mine I bought an "invisible shield" sold by ZAGG.com for it, And it's protected it flawlessly!

I have had the vector for a few years now and have used it on several hiking trips and used it primarily on expeditions in Africa. This puppy is bombproof! The face is extremely large and took some getting used to but once you wear it for a bit it starts to be a part of you and you feel naked without it. To echo other people, make sure to regularly re-calibrate the compass and barometer for accurate readings. It jumps around a bit but great for estimating altitude and pressure. Compass has been hit or miss for me but this is the case with most electronic compasses. An electronic compass will never be as accurate as a regular compass, so get one of those! I had to change the battery twice but found a replacement at my local gear shop so no headache there. Overall, great watch with some slick features, a great companion in the mountains!

I have owned this watch for two years and usually only wear it when I climb. I find that when I wear it I tend to bang it on door jambs, walls , and railings. It is thicker than your average timepiece. Tat being said, in the mountains and hills this thing does what it's supposed to do. I find the altimeter pretty accurate for something that uses air pressure to measure height. The barometer has given me a heads up on weather change a couple of times. Bottom line - its does what it was made to do - use it, enjoy it but know its limitations.

I really like the watch. Im not sure how to operate all of the functions, but im figuring it out. I can tell you that it keeps good time and it looks cool.

I bought mine before my first deployment to Iraq. It served me well in pre-deployment training, providing excellent altitude readings during my land nav course. It held up very well during the deployment, with the only casualty being the bezel - it broke off after getting smacked against the armor of my vehicle during a firefight. I haven't missed the bezel much - the compass feature doesn't require it, and other than looking like it's been through a battle, it functions perfectly. I'm now almost through with my second deployment (Afghanistan this time) and my Vector hasn't skipped a beat yet. I bought it when the model was relatively new, and paid quite a bit more than it goes for now, but I consider it money well spent. It's a tough watch that does everything it advertises - and it won't shy away from a lot of rough knocks.

What a superb watch. Executes every feature to a T. Out performs Casio, Timex and La Crosse. If you want to save money buy the Suunto because sooner or later you will make it your last buy.
I have tested the Vector in rugged field and mountain environments under severe conditions and all systems functioned great. I should have bought a Vector years ago.
Del

Watch works great; all functions work fast except the thermometer. The thermometer works, but on a delay. I have to take off the watch so my body heat doesn't affect the thermometers reading.

The watch is easy to recalibrate.

I'd purchase another one but mine keeps working. I've had for at least 7-8 years, possibly longer? I've just changed the battery for the 4th time. I would say I've put it through rough abuse, not military by any stretch (although it could handle it) but I use it climbing, mountaineering, running and any working around the house etc... basically worn to where the printed logo has worn off along bottom of bezel. I've had to replace the strap once.

The temp reading is not the most accurate, sort of a useless feature in my opinion considering its on your body. But alt and compass have served well, yes re-calibrating needed at times but expected. There's some other similar watch brands out there that are probably comparable. But Suunto website and online support is great for getting the most out of your watch/computer. Worth the $200.

I have owned my Suunto Vector watch since January 2000. The battery cover looks very used and the seal under the cover is still there. I'm a surveyor and use the barometer-temperature functions to set up my transit in the field. By the way, Suunto makes the best hand compass out there (the KB-14) and likewise the compass on the Vector is OK. I have had the compass to let me down a few times. Once was low batteries. Another was out-of-calaberation, for some reason. When my equipment let's me down one time (in the Dolly Sods Wilderness, in front of the other fellows), I must deduct a star. The altimeter is great for hiking in mountains, and my most used function other than the watch. The watch theometer works best hanging on a branch or in the tent, and appears to be accurate. I've been thinking about replacing mine, for another brand, but I am afraid I would be taking a steep backwards. This watch just keeps on going. Great outdoor device and a watch too.

I had owned the Casio Pathfinders since 1997. I liked them a lot, all except when it came time for batteries. When my last Casio was DOA from the jeweler, I looked at the Suunto Vector and XLander. I must say for the price, which is comparable to the Casio, the Vector shines.
This watch is beyond precise. I calibrated the altimeter using Topo USA, and I have checked it at various posted elevations, and it is within 10 feet! Amazing! The Casio always seemed to be in the ballpark, but not like this.
The compass has a mode that allows you to take a bearing, like a real compass. Not the point and shoot bearing taking on the other watches. The barometer has a 6 hour history so you can see the weather changes up close.
All in all this is the best gear purchase I have made in years! One thing...ditch the plastic band upon arrival. Not only is it hideous to look at it is not even slightly comfortable. GO with the Suunto Elastic band. Much more aesthetically pleasing than the plastic one, not to mention comfortable.

This is an amazing watch! I highly recommend it!

I bought this watch a couple years ago. I was wearing it playing softball one day and a guy slid into my arm with his cleats while I was trying to tag him out. Broke the part where the band mounts to the body. I sent it back to Suunto and they sent me a new one within a couple weeks. Great customer service.

The watch has been bomb proof. The calibration of the barometer is a bit complicated, but calibrating the altimeter is easy. The digital compass is a great feature.

Great watch!

Believe it or not, my husband and I have had this watch when it first came on the market about 13 years ago. To this day we still love it. For an outdoor enthusiast there is nothing better. This watch is very functional. It is light weight (you don't want a pound of watch to pull your arm down when you're running); You can actually see the numbers (no glasses needed to read the time, altitude, barometer or compass). My son loves it as well. He's in the military and wouldn't change the watch for any other.

I've used my Suunto Vector Alt during all of my deployments to Southwest Asia and it has performed near perfection. The altimeter and compass are essential as well as the rugged durability. The only reason I do not give it a five rating is due to it's single time zone. It would be nice to have zulu time as well as local available.

Sorry, got tired of calibrating it and went back to my "High Gear"!!! The "High Gear" was more consistant.

I looooove my Vector. Never had any problems with it and have had tons of compliments. I agree with Eric M.'s review though. If one is spending significant time on the trail, you should probably rely on more than a watch--er, "wristop computer." That being said, The functions are great, useful, and not that difficult with a little practice. (If you complain that your watch has too many functions, then get a simpler watch!) It's not hard if you read the manual. Certainly a great backup at the very least, and a great piece of equipment all around.

Awesome watch. Really lightweight and fits well. An aftermarket watch band will make it fit better though. Pretty accurate on everything except altimeter. Mine worked well to about 7,000 feet, and was only about 20 feet off. Plus it wasn't calibrated. But other than that it rocks. Plus Mark Wahlberg work this watch in Shooter.

The watch did everything that I wanted it to do and much, much more. I ended up returning it though because it was way too big for me. You could read the time off this thing from across the room. I have friends who wear it just fine though.
If you have a lean frame, I don't recommend it.

I have had my Vector watch for about 2 years now and I have had nothing go wrong. The watch is worth its weight in goal if you are in mountain climbing, sailing, or you just want a great watch. After 2 years the watch has gone through alot of abuse and still keeps going. For all of these people who say that they are hard to figure out, then I have the answer.... Read the directions

I have to wonder if my altimeter is defective after reading the other glowing reviews. If I set it at a known altitude, then climb 2000 feet in a couple hours, the altimeter can be off by 400+ feet. I don't consider this accurate. Because of this, I have a hard time recommending it. If I have to calibrate it frequently against known topo elevations, as is often suggested, I feel I am losing the value of an altimeter.

Over the last four years I have returned 3 Vector watches. Two developed leaks and then the display fogged up. I'm not talking deep sea diving. The last one fogged up after taking a shower. The other Vector display just began to become unreadable after about 10 months.

When they work, they work great. The altimeter is very accurate. I would never buy one of these again. If it wasn't for the warranty returns, they'd be out of my life. Clearly not reliable enough for backcountry.

Well were to begin I am a huge fan of Suunto watches I currently have two on the go right now. I recently changed from the Altimax to the Vecotr with less then owning it for 3 weeks problems began. I took through the sand low crawling on a range I was at recently came home showered and the seal on the watch had already been broken. No I made it through an Iraq deployment with the Altimax; so I was rather shocked about what occured with this watch. They are sending me a new one as Back Country looks after all thier gear which is awesome so we shall see how this one handles.

Had the Vector for around 5 years. All functions work well incl. altimeter, barometer, temperature gauge, compass, 3 alarms, timer and chronograph.
Recently I wore it while swimming at the beach as I have done for years and it stopped working. I let it dry out for a few days, and it returned to life. However, the speaker has apparently been damaged as the alarms no longer sound. This is very disappointing. I expect more from claim "water resistant to 30 meters", especially in such an allegedly rugged watch.

I bought this watch to use mainly for my hiking trips in Colorado.
On my trip this July I decided to take a swim in the hotel pool before starting my hike. After 10 minutes in the pool, I noticed my vector was "blank". I didn't bring another watch on this trip so I was watch-less while hiking several summits. I sent Suunto an email regarding the Vector's water resistance but have yet to receive a reply.

BTW... in an effort to "save" the watch, I took it apart to dry. The only metal pieces on the watch are the 4 screws in the back, the rest is plastic including the "crystal". I wish I only had a problem with the accuracy of the altitude like others. My problem was trusting a Suunto Vector in a 4 foot hotel pool.

I bought this watch because I thought that as a soldier it would be a valueable asset for my job. To be honest I have been more satisfied with a basic Ironman and military compass.

The first week out in the field the watch face was so fragile it became scratched to the point I could no longer read the numbers (which when I sent it back after only owning it for 2 weeks was told it was no longer under warranty and had to pay another nearly $100)

When I got the new watch the dial fell off when I rubbed it against the refrigerator door, and now the face is scratch again after rubbing it accidently against the wall!!! (not to sturdy)

In theory this watch sounds great but everyone I have talked to in the military that owns this watch expresses the same issues, even measurements such as the temperature are routinely off by 20 degrees

I couldn't recommend not buying this watch more strongly

I have beat this watch to death since 2006 and it is still the best watch I own. My Rolex stays at home now. The sand in Afghanistan wore the lable off the watch but it held up through a deployment.

I've owned three of these watches over the last 6 yrs., they work well when they work, reliable and accurate enough in the mountains, skiing/climbing in the northwest and BC, But, the first one I had water seeped in (accidentally pressed function button while in shower) and the condensation never dried out, then the battery lid was trashed in the process of trying to change the battery, second watch the compass bezel broke off, never did get that fixed, warranty two, tried a highgear, unfortunately they're nowhere near as accurate or detailed as the vector, then I had a handheld brunton and unfortunately lost it!!, I then bought another vector and now changing the battery plagues me again!!, I've tried taking the watch to a retailer to change the battery and that works well, but this time I bought the battery kit and tried it myself, one of the inner plastic tabs w/in the watch broke off so the lid won't seal on!!!, now Suunto wants $$$ to fix it, and getting the watch to them and from them is a headache. The watch is great when it works but be warned unless you're prepared to keep buying &/or warrantying them.

The vector is a great go to watch/altimeter for every outdoor activity. I have owned 2 over the last 11 years, my first lasting 10 years. When it died, I sent it back to suunto and they sent me a new one for really cheap. The buttons are easy to puch, even when wearing gloves. It is easy to set the diffrent modes. The only thing I dont like about it, is the band. I use the suunto velcro band and love that.

The good. Good instruction manual and easy logical to use considering all the features there are. The compass is very good. The watch keeps excellent time. The battery is very easy to change and a standard size you are likely to find on vacation. The display is the easiest to read of any I have tried. I got the black-they originally sent me xblack by mistake and it was impossible to read that display so if easy reading is important don't get xblack.

The bad. The barometer is only accurate to .05inHg. While it is accurate within that range, this seems to allow for too much variation in the altimeter reading. Also, I think their correction factors are not totally refined. I can go to sleep at night and due to a change in barometer the watch will claim my altitude changed by as much as 80 feet while I slept (since I live at 400 feet this seems like a huge error). I realize that this type of altimeter is not totally accurate as the weather changes, but this watch is not much better than my previous G-shock Casio that was much cheaper. This watch is much sleeker, better looking, and has a better user interface than the Casio and is a much better watch overall, I was just hoping that the altimeter would be much more accurate.

The alarm is not nearly loud enough. You can only hear it in a very quiet room and definitely only if you are already awake.

I've had my Suunto Vector for a couple of months and found it fun and great to use. It's the first altimeter I've owned and was initially concerned it would be frustratingly complex to operate. In fact I've found the opposite. The 4 button system is highly intuitive, as is adjusting settings and calibrating the compass and altitude readings. I used the watch on a recent trek in Nepal and really enjoyed following the altitude and temperature changes moving between 300 and 5300 metres and plus 30 to minus 15 degrees C, and it was also simple and useful to check our daily altitude gains stayed within safe limits. You must note though that the thermometer takes the reading of your skin/arm temperature and must be located away from your body (such as attached to your pack) to give an accurate ambient temperature.

I love this watch. I've put it through the ringer wearing it every day for years now. Maybe someday I'll upgrade to a fancier Suunto watch, but this is really solid. I appreciate having it in the mountains. I check my rate of ascent to estimate my time to the summit. Check my skiing vert/day. Monitor the weather in base camp. Love it.

The vector is an excellent watch, i have no had it for about a month and it has survived some brutal riding. IN that month i have skied in Montana, wyoming, ad BC. But all this change in elevation made the alitmeter and compass need to be recalibrated quite frequently. This was a hassle with the altimeter because most of the time I didn't know my altitude, to set it. It is a great watch, looks pretty good as long as you have a pretty thick wrist, otherwise it will look like you strapped a wall clock to you arm

works in metric as well

I use the Vector as a backup to my altimeter and GPS(s) in my sailplane. I've set the altimeter warning as a seconday reminder to put my gear down for landing. The altimeter is pretty darn accurate. The only downside is also its' upside...it's a little big, so it's easy to read! Would definitely buy it again...and I have a Suunto Dive watch as well. Good products.

The small hooks on the inside of the watch that connect to the battery cover have snapped off. Thus the battery keeps losing touch with the connectors and blanking out the watch. The hooks are apart of the main body and can not be replaced. I now am looking for a new Suunto watch. Other than that my Vector worked great for 9 years.

this Watch is a handy thing & beautiful, good design and color.

This was the first time that I have owned any watch of this caliber. It is awesome. My past watch was a Timex Iron Man. I like the looks, however I had to get used to the size of the dial. The altimeter works great. I do not need to be accurate within 100 feet. The barometer works wells also. I use the compass along with the hand held Suunto
that I have had for years. I use the stopwatch on my morning runs, however the back light could be a little brighter. Maybe it is dim to conserve power. As far as being waterproof, I can not tell you that. I have been really careful about water after reading some of the other reviews. I do not want to risk it with my watch. If I should bonk in a water hole, I will write another review and keep you posted. I hope that this helps.

The Suunto Vector is a wonderful watch, the greatest feature of which is its ability to forecast the weather. Using the barometer mode and knowing what rising and falling pressure means gives you a heads-up on what weather is likely to come.

The large display is very welcome to my aging eyes!

Others commented on how uncomfortable the original wristband was, so I went with the velcro band and I find that, while better than the original, it's a bit too tight for my liking.

A solid watch. Will never dissapoint you.

I have jumped off 30 ft. bluffs, hiked to 4000 ft., and have had no complaints. The altimeter is fairly accurate to about five meters. I've even showered with it and all's fine. Also the band is very comfortable and light- aka it's plastic assembly.

This thing is super killer. The manual is very easy to understand and makes it easy to learn how to use this watch. The functions are super responsive and have helped me with the log books. I did have to re-calibrate my compass so watch out for that. No biggie though.

capacity good ... thank you

The Vector watch gives you everything you need. I have made it through three demanding desert-seven-day races and the Vector fit the bill. Easy to understand-no advance degrees needed- and an intuitive interface makes using it a treat and it is easy to recalibrate for those of us who venture out of N.America. Also, with the info provided you can track weather trends that can really help you out. Happy Trekking.

I'm on my second Vector watch (the first going down from 5000' when the old band broke). However it lasted six years, and if I hadn't have been flying my powered hang glider when it broke, I'd still be using it. I use all facets for flight information exclusively and find it to be the best available for that purpose.

Everything was great!! Very happy!

My Vector was purchased in 1999 after a night spent sleeping with feet in pack on the shoulder of the Wasatch Mountains in the late fall. We realized early the next morning, after bush whacking through the dense brush of a side canyon for hours through the night and ending at the top of a significant cliff band (and of course with 1 functioning headlamp between the 2 of us) that we really just needed an altimeter to corroborate our map reading skills. We had estimated we were about 500 feet lower in the valley and the altimeter would have made all the difference.

It is now 2010 and that Vector still sits on my wrist. It still looks reasonably all right considering it's 11 years old (the face for how large it is is amazingly scratch resistant), and still works like a champ. It has gotten me out of pinches across the western US, Australia, and western Canada and is always a nice backup to have if the day ends, the batteries on the headlamp die, and the GPS mysteriously decides it's done. Great for trail running, mountain biking, skiing and paddling (and supposedly my yellow model stops time too- though I haven't figured that function out yet). Possibly one of the best $200 I have spent.