Altimeter Watch: Suunto Core Update
The Suunto Core altimeter watch came out in 2007 as the next generation upgrade to the Suunto Vector. In addition to being an altimeter watch complete with logging, the Suunto Core also boasted an altimeter, chronograph, barometer with storm warning, and digital compass.
Suunto Core Aluminum Black
The Suunto Core was poised to become the next great thing in altimeter watch technology! And initially, the outdoor gear industry was enamored with the Suunto Core and it's vast improvements on existing altimeter watch technology. The feature set promised to revolutionize the industry - with great features like the storm warning the Suunto Core was set to go beyond a data delivery device, and turn itself into a safety watch critical to every outdoor person's gear staple.
However, within a few months of the 2007 product release, early adopters of the Suunto Core started registering significant and repeated complaints. Common issues were low battery life, product casing quality, and firmware malfunctions. It appeared Suunto had been either premature in it's release of the Suunto Core, or just had not spent enough time testing product quality.
Throughout 2007, 2008 and 2009, Suunto (true to it's reputation as THE leader in the outdoor watch industry) invested considerable capital into fixing existing Core units and remedying the underlying issues. The watch at its core (pun intended) is still a great product and Suunto has stuck to it's guns in keeping this watch on the market and positioning it as the altimeter watch for your outdoor adventures.
Suunto Core Light Green
The great news is that over the last year, the Suunto Core altimeter watch issues have been resolved and when buying one you can almost (nothing is 100%, right) be sure you are getting a great watch that will last for years. The Suunto Core runs from $249 to $499 and is available in Black Yellow ($249), Light Green ($249), Regular Black, All Black Military ($299), Orange Black ($349), Light Black ($349), Aluminum Black ($499), and Aluminum Light versions.
