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Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer
Equipment DetailsManufacturer: Suunto Brand: Suunto Product features: - Versatile wrist-top computer with altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer, and stopwatch
- Built-in altimeter measures vertical progress, stores hourly ascent/descent rate, and offers altitude alarm
- Automatically records barometric pressure and displays sea level pressure for accurate weather readings
- Electronic compass guides with cardinal or half-cardinal points; intuitive user interface and control buttons
- Electro-luminescent backlight, user-replaceable backlight, and attractive black housing; 2-year warranty
Sports reviews of Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and ThermometerCustomer Review: outstanding outdoor tool Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
I got my first Vector about three years ago, from REI. Yes, it is large. Not a problem for me as I am large.
I am on my third Vector; the first two, for some strange reason, leaked water, the first during an incredible monsoon rainstorm in the mountains of Arizona, the second while taking a shower. No, I did not submerse the watch, nor push any buttons while the water was 'on'. Fortunately, REI accepts returns with no questions. It is a testament to how nice this watch is that I continued to replace the watch. Perhaps I had models from a bad production run, as my present Vector has lasted for over two years with nary a leak.
The good: I have found the digital compass to be very accurate and useful. Remember that it must be calibrated from time to time, and don't forget about declination.
The barometer is VERY useful. The barometer function is constantly operating, and accounts for a nice little symbol in the upper left of the display showing pressure trends over the past few hours. This is very useful if you understand barometric pressure trends and their likely results. If you do not, look it up and learn, as you will find it to be very useful if you spend a lot of time in the brush. Remember that the barometric pressure must be calibrated against absolute sea-level readings from time to time, especially during rapidly changing weather conditions. Once you understand the relationship between altitude/changing weather, you will master the complexities of both the barometer and the altimeter, and understand just how simple they are, and how reliable this device really is. I have checked it against my high-end GPS and other barometers many times, and it is very accurate indeed.
The temp is useful if you need to know the temperature; like all such devices, it will have to be taken off of your body for about ten minutes before you will get an accurate reading.
The bad: the lens is plastic. If you have any experience with fine coated-glass, you will do fine with this: DO NOT, EVER, wipe any dust or dirt off of the face. Use a lens-pen, with a fine blower-brush. Or wait until you've stepped under water with it. Put simply, it has been my experience that if you keep your grubby paws off of it, and don't try to 'clean' it with your cotton t-shirt/flannel shirt/etc, and instead use methods used for fine coated glass elements, it will look like new forever. Mine does, and it has been in desert dust and swamp mud.
The battery does, in fact, eventually lose energy! In normal use, you can expect a year or more from the battery. If you are one of those fellas that shows everyone that he meets his "neat digital compass", or actually rely on this as your primary compass in the brush, it won't last nearly so long. The digital compass is the primary energy-sucker, likely as much as the backlight. Use the compass only when needed (you should have a base-plate compass anyway...Suunto also makes some of the best of these as well).
As for the review stating the watchbands give out, I find that remarkable as I have never had a problem with mine, and I wear it constantly, day in and day out.
All in all, and in spite of the fact that I had to return my first two, I heartily recommend the Vector. Tough and useful.
Description of Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and ThermometerThink youAAAve seen this altimeter on someoneAAAs wrist before? ThatAAAs because since its introduction in 1998, the Suunto Vector Altimeter Watch has served as the altimeter, barometer, and electronic compass of choice for hard-core adventurists from mountaineers to Marines. Since then, Suunto has greatly simplified the watch interface on this wristop computer to be more user friendly, upgraded the compass to be more precise, and added weather functions for peace of mind.
Product Features- Housing Material:
- Strap Material: elastomer
- Altimeter: yes, usable to 29,500ft (9000m)
- Altimeter Max Height:
- Heart Rate Monitor: no
- Barometer: yes
- Thermometer: yes
- Digital Compass: yes
- Declination Type:
- Adjustable Declination: yes
- Chronograph:
- Odometer:
- Backlight:
- Fitness Test:
- Training Program:
- Target Heart Rate Zone:
- Route Elevation Profile:
- Computer Compatible:
- Water-Resistant: yes, up to 100ft (30m)
- Alarms: time 3, altimeter 1
- Alarm Type:
- Date Indicator:
- Weekday Indicator:
- Battery Type:
- Battery Life:
- Low Battery Indicator: yes
- Face Size: medium
- Weight:
- Recommended Use: casual wear, skiing, mountaineering, navigation
- Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year
An indispensable instrument for outdoor enthusiasts, the Suunto Vector wrist- top computer combines an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer, letting you plan and execute almost any activity with confidence and safety. Regardless of your excursion--whether it's climbing mountains, riding a muddy bike track, or skiing off piste--you need accurate, real-time information about your surroundings to pull off a successful trip. The Vector contributes by not only providing important data, but also keeping track of your activities so you can make rational decisions at key moments. The built-in altimeter, which boasts a range of up to 29,500 feet, puts all 14 of the world's 8,000-plus-meter summits within the avid climber's range. Among the altimeter's functions are an altitude measurement function that lets you follow the vertical progress between stages, an automatic 24-hour memory that stores the altitude and ascent/decent rate for every hour, and an adjustable altitude alarm. Climbers will also dig the logbook function, which lets you record total and cumulative vertical ascents and descents as well as the number of runs skied. The Vector also displays the current barometric pressure and temperature--a must for activities in which weather plays a factor. The device automatically records barometric data for the previous four days, with the first six hours manifested in one-hour intervals and the rest in six-hour intervals. When the reference altitude is set correctly, the instrument also displays the present sea level pressure, which makes it easier to read and understand the barometric pressure at high altitudes. And few things are more important when exploring unfamiliar territory than a compass. The Vector's electronic compass contributes by guiding you with cardinal or half- cardinal points and a North-South arrow. The compass can also be set to track a certain bearing, which helps you follow a chosen direction. Meanwhile, the unit's declination adjustment function allows you to correct the difference between true North and magnetic North. In addition to the variety of outdoor functions, the Vector also displays normal time, with such add-ons as three daily alarms, a calendar programmed to the year 2089, a stopwatch with split-time measurement, and a countdown timer. The entire design is unified by an intuitive user interface and convenient, easy-to-access control buttons--a handy extra when hiking or climbing in tough conditions. Additional features include an electro-luminescent backlight, a user-replaceable battery, and an attractive black housing. In addition, the Vector is backed by a two-year warranty on parts and labor. What's in the Box? Vector wrist-top computer, battery, user's manual.
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