I would like to get an altimeter/barometer, temperature would also be nice. Compass would be ok too. Right now I am thinking that I would like it to be in the form of a watch, but I am willing to be persuaded otherwise. As I am researching these things, it is becoming apparent to me that there are a lot of issues with reliability and quality out there with various makes and models. Is it possible to find something like this that will last longer than a couple of years?

Right now my short list is:

- Tech4O TraiLeader 1 or 2: I hear that these are pretty good, but really big.

- Casio PAG40 or PAW1300: I hear that Casio is pretty reliable, but if you have to replace the battery in solar models, it can get quite expensive.

- Suunto Vector: Some people claim to have owned these for up to 10 years. Others claim they scratch easily and have poor quality these days.

- Polar S725x: Not really outdoors specific, but has altimeter and thermometer. Will also work as an HRM and is good for cycling and running as well.

- Brunton ADC Pro: Not a watch, but pretty feature rich and a good price. I am concerned with the longevity of the impeller.

Anyone have any thoughts on the above options? Any reason why I should strike one or more off this list? Any others that I should add? In the end I am hoping that you guys might help me narrow things down a little.

Thanks!

I have a Suunto Core that I've had for over 2 years without any problems- and yes I would purchase it again.

Wow, that's a bunch of choices. And to think, I bought my Highgear because it popped up for $39 on SAC.

Damien,

I have the Suunto Observer in titanium, which has all the features you mentioned. I like the looks of the Observer more and only change to my Omega when I put on a suit. The vector is simply too sporty for me.

I've only changed the battery once in six years and have given it some impressive abuse that decorum would not allow me to explain. Two other gents I work with also have the Observer in stainless steel, and have used theirs just as harshly.

The altimeter is accurate, the compass was good enough for my friend to direct artillery fire, it doesn't lose time like my Omega, but the thermometer is only accurate if you have it off your wrist for 15 minutes. The black face is unique and looks great when the backlight is on. Mine does have some scratches, but they only reminders of where this watch has gone with me.



Suunto Observer

P.S. How do I make a link? *Edit THANKS GREG!

Edited by Trooper on 10/06/2009 20:09:33 MDT.

Trooper - You don't have PM enabled.

Look here to embed a link.

Edited by greg23 on 10/06/2009 19:45:34 MDT.

I have an Avocet and love it. Reliable and easy to use.

http://www.avocet.com/vertechpages/vertechalpin.html

Like Joe, I went cheap and bought a Highgear. Stay away from this brand if you're not on a tight budget; many of the complaints you read about durability are spot-on.

My experience with multifunction watches is that the thermometer function is useless because its so close to your body. I also don't really see the need for a thermometer in the outdoors unless your gear testing or just curious about how cold it is. Also, if you are in an area where having an accurate compass reading is crucial, digital watches aren't to be trusted. If you're hiking the AT, well its probably fine but I wouldn't rely on one for back country use. Even a cheap analog compass is more reliable.

So in short, I'd cross thermometer & compass features off of the list of considerations.

I have a Suunto Advizor, which I liked quite well for a couple years, but for whatever reason the altimeter function has become unreliable. It formerly worked great, but I've tested it multiple times in recent months and it's definitely gone wonky, occasionally working more or less okay, more often flakeey, for example showing me ascending as I'm descending while someone walking beside me with another altimeter watch shows a smooth descent (i.e., this isn't user inexperience with weather/atmospheric change).

So I was looking around recently too. My current inclination is towards the Casio PAG40-3V, after reading owner reviews on a number of brands and models. A little less granularity of elevation change (20' I think), but that's well within the ballpark of what I can live with. It seems difficult to find a model with user replaceable battery that is tough, lasts well, has a reasonably easy to read screen, decent battery life, not too complex a user interface, etc etc. Probably if I looked in depth again, I'd come to a different conclusion; I don't have the sense that any of these are absolutely perfect.