Suunto or G shock
Discussion
Sorry to jump in as well mcpiston, but I just popped into the watch section to literally ask the same question!
I'm also looking for an outdoors watch. Although my PO is a daily wearer and I love it, I require something that has an altimeter, barometer and digital compass etc. It also needs to be able to take the odd knock and be worn in water.
So far I have been considering:
Sunnto Core
Casio PRW-5000T
My first thought was for the Core because they (the Sunnto range) seem to be quite popular with outdoorsmen and I like the storm alarm and depth meter, but it doesn't seem as tough as the Casio PRW. The auto time set and solar power features of the Casio also seem rather appealing.
Has anyone used either of the above or have any other suggestions. Any idea what the standard battery life of the Core is?
Once again, sorry to jump in on the thread OP, but thought it daft to start another!
I'm also looking for an outdoors watch. Although my PO is a daily wearer and I love it, I require something that has an altimeter, barometer and digital compass etc. It also needs to be able to take the odd knock and be worn in water.
So far I have been considering:
Sunnto Core
Casio PRW-5000T
My first thought was for the Core because they (the Sunnto range) seem to be quite popular with outdoorsmen and I like the storm alarm and depth meter, but it doesn't seem as tough as the Casio PRW. The auto time set and solar power features of the Casio also seem rather appealing.
Has anyone used either of the above or have any other suggestions. Any idea what the standard battery life of the Core is?
Once again, sorry to jump in on the thread OP, but thought it daft to start another!
I have a Core, and it's a decent piece of kit - didn't mind being dragged face down through the snow as I decided that skiing wasn't for me (in mid bale-out/crash)
The negative display can be a bit of a pain to read, so for functionality get a positive display one if you get one. The g shock will probably take more abuse, but unless you're intending to bash it off every wall you see, you should be ok with either.
Plus the core doesn't look like it's something a 5 year old would wear
The negative display can be a bit of a pain to read, so for functionality get a positive display one if you get one. The g shock will probably take more abuse, but unless you're intending to bash it off every wall you see, you should be ok with either.
Plus the core doesn't look like it's something a 5 year old would wear
Not at all AJ (great minds and all that)
For me its a combination of 3 things really.
1. rugged enough for everyday bangs and scratches (i.e. not have to take it off every time I go to do something)
2. Function, although don't see myself getting into any life dependent situations (well at least I hope not)
3.Appearance. I know G Shocks would be stronger, but nice to have something a little different from the ubiquitous G Shock.
For me its a combination of 3 things really.
1. rugged enough for everyday bangs and scratches (i.e. not have to take it off every time I go to do something)
2. Function, although don't see myself getting into any life dependent situations (well at least I hope not)
3.Appearance. I know G Shocks would be stronger, but nice to have something a little different from the ubiquitous G Shock.
I must admit the Core was the watch that got me wanting a 'technical' watch. I spend a fair amount of time in the mountains so feature wise it's exactly what I'm looking for.. except for the battery life! I could also use a little more durability for when climbing and jumping into water. The Casio has a battery life of 5 months on a full charge and that's without seeing any daylight in between, so in essence, as long as the battery condition remains ok, it'll never need changing. The radio calibration feature means it's always exactly accurate too. Why do Casio insist on making them look like some kind of transformer though? It's pig ugly.
If the Core had the solar tech, it would be a no brainer.
If the Core had the solar tech, it would be a no brainer.
I have the Casio PRG-80T (Protrek Triple Sensor Titanium). All of the features of the Casio you've mentioned bar the radio time setting and IMHO better looking. Also absolutely indestructible.
I like the look of the Suunto and considered one myself, but I was put off by the short lived battery. If a watch is going to spend any time in water then it's undesirable to change the battery regularly - at some point the seal will be damaged / won't quite fit correctly when put back in and you'll have a leak. Solar powered watches neatly avoid that problem.
I like the look of the Suunto and considered one myself, but I was put off by the short lived battery. If a watch is going to spend any time in water then it's undesirable to change the battery regularly - at some point the seal will be damaged / won't quite fit correctly when put back in and you'll have a leak. Solar powered watches neatly avoid that problem.
I have a Suunto Core Black for a holiday watch after my Breitling nearly got stolen.
201006187545.jpg by jcross70, on Flickr
I haven't needed a new battery since I bought it a year ago but I don't wear it that much either.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend one as the compass and altimeter are woefully inaccurate and the thermometer doesn't work unless it's away from your wrist.
I'd sell mine on but I got some mosquito spray on it and have now scarred the strap, plus I'm on holiday at the end of the month and the Breitling needs a new battery.
201006187545.jpg by jcross70, on Flickr
I haven't needed a new battery since I bought it a year ago but I don't wear it that much either.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend one as the compass and altimeter are woefully inaccurate and the thermometer doesn't work unless it's away from your wrist.
I'd sell mine on but I got some mosquito spray on it and have now scarred the strap, plus I'm on holiday at the end of the month and the Breitling needs a new battery.
I really like my Core, use it for MTB'ing, skiing and hillwalking, and it's great for all. Only picked up a few scrapes on the bezel, and the bottom of my alloy bodied one has re-acted to my sweat with a bit of dis-colouring.
The Battery life issues I heard were mainly from an early batch, but from other forums if it does appear Suunto have very good customer service. Mine seems to last about a year and a half. But it's user changeable, so cheap and easy.
Altimeter and barometer are very accurate as long as you calibrate them correctly, but that goes for all ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) watches, even the Auto mode will get some drift from time to time.
Just find a location where you know the height and use that as a reference before each trip.
I don't have any experience with the Casio's, but another forum described the Casio as a sports watch 1st and the Suunto as an ABC computer 1st.
The Battery life issues I heard were mainly from an early batch, but from other forums if it does appear Suunto have very good customer service. Mine seems to last about a year and a half. But it's user changeable, so cheap and easy.
Altimeter and barometer are very accurate as long as you calibrate them correctly, but that goes for all ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) watches, even the Auto mode will get some drift from time to time.
Just find a location where you know the height and use that as a reference before each trip.
I don't have any experience with the Casio's, but another forum described the Casio as a sports watch 1st and the Suunto as an ABC computer 1st.
I use a Suunto Observer Ti for my generalised outdoory stuff and it's a great little watch. The screen is well protected unlike (IMHO) the core models and it has what I need - Barometer, compass, temperature and second time. Only gripe is a very quiet alarm.
I'm a bit of a Suunto junkie to be honest, partially due to their awesome customer service. I use a Vytec DS as my main dive computer and a T4C as my training/workout watch.
I've known people with 10 year old Suunto dive computers send them off to Sunnto because they stopped working, only to get a brand new replacement in the post with an apology!
I'm a bit of a Suunto junkie to be honest, partially due to their awesome customer service. I use a Vytec DS as my main dive computer and a T4C as my training/workout watch.
I've known people with 10 year old Suunto dive computers send them off to Sunnto because they stopped working, only to get a brand new replacement in the post with an apology!
I'm pretty much sure of what the Core is capable of. It is a very large watch, but it's not so large that's it's a problem. After all, it's sold as an outdoors computer rather than a timepiece. I love the potentially life saving storm alarm feature of the Core.. if it works.
I have narrowed the Casio search down to the PRW-1300Y now. It's pretty much like for like with the Core as far as price and sensors go and I'm encouraged by the radio calibration and solar technology which could make it a more accurate and longer lasting choice. But can I find anywhere that sells them? Nope! If I can't find one to try, it'll be the core for me in spite the relatively crap battery life.
I have narrowed the Casio search down to the PRW-1300Y now. It's pretty much like for like with the Core as far as price and sensors go and I'm encouraged by the radio calibration and solar technology which could make it a more accurate and longer lasting choice. But can I find anywhere that sells them? Nope! If I can't find one to try, it'll be the core for me in spite the relatively crap battery life.
I've got a Core and the feature I like is the sunset / sunrise times which come in useful if I'm camping and need to know how much daylight there is left so I can find a suitable place to pitch a tent.
I'm still on my first battery so no idea about battery life but you can pick up 12 pack of CR2032 for under £3 on Amazon and change them yourself so it's not an issue really.
I'm still on my first battery so no idea about battery life but you can pick up 12 pack of CR2032 for under £3 on Amazon and change them yourself so it's not an issue really.
I have the latest Pro Trek PRW ( http://www.sporttek.co.uk/Sports_Watches/Altimeter... )
Love it - it's my "Gym" watch and looks more rugged than my Gshocks.
Love it - it's my "Gym" watch and looks more rugged than my Gshocks.
There have apparently been 'issues' with the Tough Solar bits on Pro-Trek watches. My last one certainly failed on that issue, I have replaced it with a battery model. They may, of course, have eradicated these problems by now.
I have found the Pro-Treks to be very accurate and useful, enjoy mine a lot.
I have found the Pro-Treks to be very accurate and useful, enjoy mine a lot.
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