Suunto Advizor Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Barometer, Compass, Altimeter, and Chronograph
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Description of Suunto Advizor Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Barometer, Compass, Altimeter, and Chronograph
ALT/BAR range up to 29,500ft/9000m,resolution 10ftSuunto's Advizor Wristop Computer is more than just a techno-geek toy. With an accurate compass and features such as measurement of air pressure and temperature, the Advizor can keep you on the right track during your outdoor adventures.
The Advizor also doubles as a digital personal trainer, with a heart rate monitor via its included chest strap. We clipped the strap on under a shirt (it will also work through the shirt, but you'll need to get the shirt quite wet), moistened the electrodes, and the Advizor automatically picked up our heartbeat. With the plastic bar on the front, the strap wasn't exactly comfortable, but we were able to forget about it after getting into our workout.
The simple-to-use monitor worked well for setting a target heart rate zone and alerted us by beeping an alarm when we went over or under the range. The heart rate monitor also stores information from past workouts, which let us keep track of average heart rate, maximum and minimum rates, and time spent in and out of the target heart rate zone.
Like other Suunto watches, the Advizor offers a barometer mode that keeps track of air pressure and trends (which let you forecast changes in the weather) as well as temperature. However, as the watch's reading is affected by body heat, using the temperature gauge while working out can be problematic.
It also features a compass, useful for cross-country hiking and running, as well as an altimeter--accurate to within 10 feet. We did have to reset the altimeter rather frequently as it measures altitude using the barometer, so changes in air pressure can affect the altitude reading.
Its outer plastic bezel proves handy in different modes for showing barometric changes or changes in altitude denoted by a segmented digital circle that lights up around the perimeter of the watch.
And hey, get this, it tells time too. The watch functions of the Advizor include three alarms, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. A bright backlight illuminates the watch face in dark environments, and it's also waterproof to 100 feet. (Note, however, that it's not a diving watch, so you can't use the buttons to manipulate the modes while underwater.)
The Advizor is more expensive than other Suunto watches and other heart-rate monitors. But if you need all these tools packed into one device and are willing to pay for the consolidation, the Advizor definitely does a nice impersonation of a digital Swiss Army knife. --J. Curtis
Pros:
- Accurate heart rate monitor
- Ruggedly designed--great for the outdoors
- Easy to switch between modes
Cons:
- Large size can be unwieldy on wrist
Take your training to the next level with the Suunto Advizor. This wrist computer receives a signal from the included heart-rate transmitter to measure your total training time, maximum, minimum and average heart rate during training, plus your time spent in, above, and below your preset target heart rate. The Advizor also features an altimeter, barometer, and compass in its stylish and rugged design.
The Advizor looks like a high-end wristwatch, with an ABS plastic body and elastic wristband. The body is gray, with an oversized backlit LCD screen. It is made tough, built to be waterproof even submerged at 100 feet. The watch displays day, time, and date with three programmable alarms and has a stopwatch and countdown timer.
The Advizor's altimeter allows you to view the current altitude with a range up to 29,500 feet and a resolution of 10 feet. Also view your ascent/descent rate in feet per minute. (All measurements are also available in metric units.) The barometer allows you to measure the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit, absolute pressure, and a difference measurement to follow changes in barometric pressure and temperature. The automatic four-day memory keeps track of atmospheric pressure information. Another feature is the adjustable sea-level pressure function.
The compass shows directional bearing in degrees and cardinal or half-cardinal point. There is a north-douth arrow and a bearing tracking function that displays locked bearing, actual bearing, and the difference between these declination adjustments. The compass's bubble level indicates a level position to ensure reading accuracy within 2 to 3 degrees.
The Advizor comes with a user-replaceable battery, which lasts up to 18 months, and a low-battery indicator. It is covered by a one-year warranty.
Sports reviews of Suunto Advizor Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Barometer, Compass, Altimeter, and Chronograph
Customer Review: Very Comfortable Watch
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
Originally purchased this watch in 2000, lost it in 2008 and bought a replacement. Have worn it around the world on a daily basis. I've knocked it against many things with the only damage shown being a few scuffs on the face. Did have to replace the watch band a couple of times. The band on the first one seemed to be bit sturdier than the newer ones.
I have a large wrist and most other watches dig into my skin and are uncomfortable, this one is very comfortable. I have also found the dual time zones and the choice of 12 hour or 24 hour format to be very beneficial.
Customer Review: Suunto Advisor
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
2nd Suunto. 1st was a Vector bought in 2000 that I abused pretty good before having to get another (water seal was damaged and it took on water during a kayaking trip). Doubt I'll ever use the heart monitor in the mountains but it is excellent for training. Highly recommended.Customer Review: solid equipment
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I've worn mine since Decemeber of 1999, it's still running strong and accurate. Gone through a few Heart Rate Chest straps, batteries and also replaced the bezel and strap. Would love to by my next Suunto but not ready to pack this one away.Customer Review: Suunto Advizor
Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I'm very happy with this new acquisition, the product is excellent and meet with my expectations.Customer Review: Great watch with slight durability problems
Sport shop rating: 4 Stars
I have owned this watch for about a year and a half, and it has been great. I liked the heart rate monitor for cross country running (although I didn't "use" it exactly - I tried it out and though it was cool, but didn't go so far as to incorporate it into training.) The altimeter is great - I like to use it as a reference for orienting myself on a map (if you're lost on a trail, find your altitude, match it up with that altitude on the trail, you have a rough idea of location). My only complaint is that after awhile the bazelle on the compass wears and breaks off. I have met other people who experienced the same problem. Suunto has a 1 year warranty, so be sure that yours breaks by then so that you can send it in to be replaced. Overall a great watch. My dad gave it to me as a present so I can't complain about the price (which is very steep).