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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.
How does an altimeter watch measure altitude?
At the end of the day, when using an altimeter watch we want it to spit out the correct information. When you get to the trail junction and have to make a navigation decision, or you are climbing a fourteener and you want to know how far you have until you get to the top - you want your altimeter watch to accurately display the current altitude and maybe some other information like rate of ascent, total ascent, etc. Knowing what factors go into calculating altitude and how environmental conditions effect that output is important when you need to quickly determine if the altitude given is accurate or not.
So a simple lesson on how an altimeter watch calculates altitude:
In laymans terms, an altimeter watch measures atmospheric pressure. The higher you go, the less atmospheric pressure there is (this is why airplanes have pressurized cabins and climbers on Everest wear oxygen). Essentially, what you have on your wrist is a barometer with a function that uses a simple calculation to spit out altitude.
HighGear's Ryan Hamsho said it like this:
An altimeter does not actually measure altitude directly, but rather just atmospheric pressure. So an altimeter is actually a barometer created for a specific purpose. The altimeter uses the changes in atmospheric pressure to determine the changes in altitude. Why does pressure change with altitude? Simply put, the pressure at any given point in the atmosphere around the earth is a result of the weight of the atmosphere above it (pulled down by gravity). For this reason, the higher in the atmosphere you are, the less atmosphere you have above, and the less pressure exerted on you.
Again, the calculation is simple. What it means in the field is you need to calibrate at least daily from known positions if you want the altimeter watch to be accurate. With stable weather, once a day is probably enough. When weather changes, you need to recalibrate at known points as often as once an hour. Use your paper map or Google Maps to record and set known points on your altimeter watch and make sure to set your watch when you get there. You User Manual on your watch will show you how to do this.
Keep in mind as you purchase an altimeter watch that it is a tool to assist you with calculating altitude, but it is not an exact scientific instrument. Used correctly with appropriate supplemental information (maps, etc). your altimeter watch can be a valuable tool in getting you to your destination.
Altimeter Watch: Top five things you should look for when buying your altimeter watch
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.
Introduction to the Altimeter Watch blog
This first post will serve as an introduction to the Altimeter Watch blog. The purpose of this site is to provide an unbiased, informative, and objective guide to assist you with your altimeter watch purchase. We'll be reviewing all altimeter watch manufacturers as well as individual altimeter watches. So read on, enjoy, and take the time to learn about altimeter watches so when you buy your altimeter watch you will make an informed decision. We'll start by providing a top ten - the top ten things to look for when deciding on an altimeter watch.
When looking for your first (or next) altimeter watch, there are many things to consider. Obviously, manufacturer, price, features in addition to altimeter, durability, and activity will determine which altimeter watch you ultimately choose. Lets take the time to learn all about these fantastic tools and hopefully educate you a little too.
First, what is an altimeter watch? As it's name implies, an altimeter watch is a watch that tells you the altitude, among other things. Some also include a set of other features such as time, chronograph, barometer, rate of ascent/descent, temperature, and compass. Your intended use of your altimeter watch will dictate whether you need all or just some of the previously listed features.
During the next month we'll count down the top ten things you need to look for when deciding on an altimeter watch. Number 10? Deciding on a budget. Check next time for deciding which altimeter watch to buy depending on what you can afford.
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