Suunto (or other) watch for every day, camping, biking, kayaking etc

[brucered]

Looking to get a Suunto watch for every day activities, biking, camping, kayaking etc.

I'd like to stick to around $200 or so. MEC and Costco are my first choices for selection as they are backed with money back, no questions asked warranty for any length of time.

Costo has a Yachtsman, but I would likely never use the SAIL function.

MEC has a Vector, which has all the functions I want. takes away SAIL and adds ALTIMETER instead.

Here is my dilemma. I like the band on the Yachtsman, but if it got wet it may be uncomfortable, and it's a discontinued model. The Vector is proven and I really like the yellow, but hear the face is harder to read in that one.

I'm leaning towards the Yellow Vector from MEC but would like any thoughts between the two or should I avoid both and look for something else?


Thanks,

Yahtsman:



Vector:

 

[ceego]

I would imagine that a watch named the yachtsman, with its sail function, obviously designed for use on the water would not be uncomfortable if it gets wet. That would kind of defeat the purpose of the environment its being used in.

 

[brucered]

I would imagine that a watch named the yachtsman, with its sail function, obviously designed for use on the water would not be uncomfortable if it gets wet. That would kind of defeat the purpose of the environment its being used in.

I thought so too and looking closer at the band, it's not material but synthetic, so my mistake. The fact that it says "water resistant" and not "water proof" for a Sailing watch has me concerned though.

Either way, I'm sure the band would be fine, I don't plan on diving or swimming with it, but wanted opinions from anyone who has experience with the brand.

Online reviews are hit or miss, depending on which site you are on and what they are giving it 1 star for (amazon service etc)

 

[Prince]

That's a lot of coin for a bump around watch. I just use a $20 Armitron for those activities. That way, if something happens, I don't cry about it.

 

[brucered]

That's a lot of coin for a bump around watch. I just use a $20 Armitron for those activities. That way, if something happens, I don't cry about it.

I'm high maintenance.

actually wife/kids surprised me with it or the option of another, so i'm not complaining or putting up a fight.

i've always wanted one, was eyeing them a few months ago and they took note of my lust/hints.

 

[AABCDS]

I didn't know Costco was in Canada. I think most or all watches, even divers, say "Water Resistant" and not "Water Proof" and then state a depth. I would like to see a watch that says "Water Proof".

 

[brucered]

I didn't know Costco was in Canada. I think most or all watches, even divers, say "Water Resistant" and not "Water Proof" and then state a depth. I would like to see a watch that says "Water Proof".

We even have grocery stores up here now too

yeah, we've had costco for years.

you are likely correct on the "resistant vs proof". as you can see, i'm new to watches and haven't looked or researched them in years. hence some of the things i'm looking at or discovering i had no idea.

So to recap a bit. the watch is a gift, so i'm not going to say i want to buy a $25 kick around watch from Walmart, as in reality I really do want a $200 digital watch for some reason. I will likely use it for everyday use, take care of it, respect it, take it off when in the water etc. but could use features like stop watch, altimeter for camping, barometer for fun, compass for fun and a bit of actual function (but when in the woods i carry a garmin 62).

i have a feeling i'll be exchanging the Yachtsman for the Vector, unless I can find a different model/make in that price range with everything I want.

 

[Kazeryu]

I didn't know Costco was in Canada. I think most or all watches, even divers, say "Water Resistant" and not "Water Proof" and then state a depth. I would like to see a watch that says "Water Proof".

They arrived in Canada shortly after that big heat wave that melted the National Igloo.

 

[JaggerDragger]

What about a GPS watch as an everyday piece? You will be able to use the GPS to tell distance travelled and speed etc., instead of the altimeter function that would be better suited to mountain activities.

Also garmin make some very affordable GPS watches like the FR10:

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2012/08/garmin-forerunner-10-fr10-gps-watch-in.html

 

[cb91710]

Keep in mind that the "depth" is also not exactly accurate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Resistant_mark

The ratings are for static pressure. Dynamic pressure can greatly exceed static pressure.

A 30m/3ATA watch is not good to 100ft... it is the bare minimum and suitable for rain.
A 50m/5ATA watch is good for casual surface exposure and bathing.
100m in a non-divers' watch is minimum for swimming

 

[brucered]

thanks for the tips/suggestions guys.

i do like the look and features on the Garmin 410, which comes with a heartrate monitor so i can use cycling.

and for $159 at costco.ca, it seems like a better watch for cheaper price.

I just ordered one to compare.

 

[JaggerDragger]

Yeah that 410 looks nice! Remember that GPS watches are most commonly USB rechargeable, I would check into battery life as well and make sure that you are okay with charging it every so often. I guess that can be one of the cons to a GPS enabled watch is that they are not as self efficient with power as an altimeter watch with a regular cell battery. But then again it can sometimes be a pain to change a cell battery...

Whatever you do make sure the store has a good return policy as these complicated electronics can sometimes crap out unexpectedly.

 

[brucered]

Thanks jagger.

its costco, so I have no concerns but will not take advantage like some and return it 3 years.

sounds like its one of the models people either lover or hate, so we will see.

Its on its way to me and I'll try it out around home for a while and see how it works.

it looks like these type of GPS watches is more of what I'm after.

thanks guys, but keep any suggestions or concerns coming. I am still open to them.

 

[StillShaving]

I think this is getting beyond what you are looking for, but have you considered any of those hi-tech watches coming on the market like the Peeble, Cookoo, or the always rumored iWatch. In a few years the technology have really came together to really pack a lot of functionality within. For instance, I would like to get this Fitbit module as something that could be attached to a normal watchband or built into the watch, to avoid a second wristband.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

Have you checked out the casio pathfinder series? I bought one of these when I deployed to Iraq and have taken it on many trips since....great camping tool watch with actually useful tools (altimeter, compass, temp gauge). Around the right price point for you if memory serves.

 

[brucered]

I think this is getting beyond what you are looking for, but have you considered any of those hi-tech watches coming on the market like the Peeble, Cookoo, or the always rumored iWatch. In a few years the technology have really came together to really pack a lot of functionality within. For instance, I would like to get this Fitbit module as something that could be attached to a normal watchband or built into the watch, to avoid a second wristband.

oh for sure it has, but to be fair and honest, i should have included some of the other watches in my original post. as even my wife said, "you can get one of those GPS watches", so i'm exploring them too.

Have you checked out the casio pathfinder series? I bought one of these when I deployed to Iraq and have taken it on many trips since....great camping tool watch with actually useful tools (altimeter, compass, temp gauge). Around the right price point for you if memory serves.

not yet, but i'll be sure to take a look. thanks for the suggestions.

 

[rushchairman]

I realize it's a bit of a budget buster, but I do love the Suunto Core Alu ...

 

[Larry C in Texas]

I've had an Suunto X-Lander for a few years, and it's been bulletproof. It's the guts of the Vector in an aluminum case and carbon fiber back. I'm not really an outdoors type - I got it because it's a big cool watch (I know, I'm a poser). I hardly ever wear it now. It has the nylon with rubber-type backing band and those aren't bad when it gets wet or sweaty. But, it's a great vacation watch when you occasionally need a compass and barometer. I have a Zagg shield on the crystal and it has protected it from a few scratches, and I recommend those.

The Core is a more modern watch in it's "insides", but it's made in China whereas I think the Vector, X-Lander, Yachtsman are still made in Finland.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[mdove47]

Suunto Vector. If it is good enough for the Army it should be good enough for what you have in mind. I wore one for many years, til I retired. I have not worn a watch for 4 years.

 

[Dirk-Lerxst-Pratt]

The physical size of these kind of watches has always been a turnoff. I've tried them out and I can't get used to having that hunk on my arm. The features definitely appeal to me but I'm in the $15 Timex camp. I can destroy it and not care. I'd rather have a dedicated device for nav/altimeter or whatever else I need.