Altimeter Watch Altimeter Watch Information and Altimeter Watch Reviews

I was sitting down with my Suunto rep on Monday going through their 2010 line. They have some really, really cool stuff coming out, particularly related to altimeter watches. With all of the altimeter watch choices out there, making an intelligent and frugal decision about your next altimeter watch purchase can be a very daunting activity.

#5 - Budget. The plain fact is there are many, many really good altimeter watches in the market. The bad news is like anything else you pay for what you get, particularly if you want add on features like a stopwatch or barometer. If you are in the $100-$150 range, go after some of the High Gear or Nike watches. If you can afford a bit more, go for the Suunto Core or even the Suunto X10.

#4 - Durability. Depending on how you plan to use your altimeter watch, how durable it is should be one of your main concerns. While the Suunto Core models have received very good reviews, we have experienced many returns due to software and band breakage. The High Gear Axis watches have a lot of the same issues. The best of the bunch is the Suunto Vector (my rep confirmed this in our meeting too) - it takes a beating and keeps on ticking. Look for a watch with a solid band and face. You want one that can survive a fall while hiking or a drop while changing. Another consideration is how well the altimeter watch face handles scratches.

#3 - Compass. Many people want an altimeter watch that has it all. Our recommendation is to eliminate the compass as a decision maker when choosing your watch. Digital compasses are a battery drain and just are not that accurate compared to a regular hand held compass. Spend the $20 on a good Suunto or Brunton compass and don't think about it anymore.

#2 - Activity. How will you be using your altimeter watch? Do you need one for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, maybe all of these? Many altimeter watches have some very cool features like vertical rate of ascent and descent, barometer (which warns of coming weather conditions). Consider what you will need your altimeter watch for and choose one that makes the most sense for your needs. Remember, you are buying a watch that compliments your activity, not the other way around.

#1 - Accuracy. After all, the purpose of an altimeter watch is to know your elevation. A common complaint from new altimeter watch owners is that the watch does not show the correct altitude. Do you mind re-calibrating hourly (or every few minutes, depending on changing weather)? If not, then a lower end watch might work for you. Want an altimeter watch that automatically adjusts based on changing weather conditions? The Suunto Core does just that. Decide how accurate you need your watch to be before making your purchase decision.