Pros: Highly water-resistant. Easy to read digital display, containing both simple visual indicators and clear numbers. Holds altitude data accurately over time/descent/ascent, provides very accurate absolute and sea level barometric data - in terms of both overnight accumulation and change during the day. The compass works flawlessly, is very accurate, and is really easy to use and keep calibrated. It comes in some cool colors too.Cons: Plastic bezel is hard to rotate, and small particles have a tendency to get caught between the bezel and the watch body. The alarm function is sort of quiet, decibel-wise. Don't wear it on your wrist if you're a light sleeper and you have to get up super early. I would have to remove it if I didn't want to sleep through the alarm. The watch is not very intuitive to use at first, though the instruction manual is very thorough. Ascent/descent history seems to provide inconsistent data, though it has recorded history of high-points, summit proof, etc. Note that water-resistant is not synonymous with immersion waterproof - buttons cannot be pushed under water! Beyond that, however, I never take the thing off - showers, swimming, hot water, etc. It handles it all.
Let me clarify - I am new to the world of Altitude/Barometer/Compass watches.
So far, I feel like I've learned quite a bit about the technology - the advantages and disadvantages of certain instruments/inclement conditions, etc.
I've used the Suunto Vector for alpine climbing in our local area (Shasta, lesser peaks), many backpacking and climbing trips in southern Oregon and northern California wilderness areas, and several backcountry ski trips. I can honestly say that the Vector is very much worth its quoted price of $199.00. Every dollar of it! However, the slightly more expensive Suunto Core would be a worthwhile upgrade in several ways - I'll get to this in a minute.
Let me rave about the compass a little bit. Really easy to take bearings/headings on the fly. It has turned out to be really useful for backcountry skiing, backpacking or trekking cross-country, and any sort of alpine climbing. Suunto just did an awesome job with their digital compass. Also - really easy to use with a map. I still bring a classic compass/map with me for every adventure, but I haven't had to pull that little plastic square out in a long time. Calibration is as easy as several pushes of the button and spinning slowly in a circle.
The altimeter works very, very well. You can switch between feet or meters, and set reference altitudes in intervals of ten feet. If you actively keep track of altitude changes, set reference altitudes off an accurate topo, and pay attention to what the barometric pressure is doing, you will be absolutely stoked on how accurate the altimeter is. Otherwise, I only noticed discrepancies of 50-100 feet. With relatively stable barometric pressure, however, the altimeter almost without fail managed to keep accurate altitude data (the altimeter and the barometer share the same pressure sensor). You can track changes in a logbook, and change your intervals for this logbook as well - depending on how fast/slow you are ascending or descending (alpine climbing, ski descents, backpacking, etc).
People questioning your summit or your high point? Keep a thorough approach to using the altimeter - the proof will be in your logbook :)
The barometer also gets thumbs up. I am not a weather man, and this watch does not predict the weather. I don't think you're going to find a watch that does, however.
The Vector does what it was intended to do, and very well. The barometer keeps track of pressure in inches of mercury or bars, both absolute and sea level - it very accurately informs you of what's going on with pressure systems in your area. The logbook automatically accumulates data per hour. Thus, when you wake for your 2-am alpine start, you can double check what the barometric pressure has been doing overnight. On the watch face at all times is a six-hour history of the pressure trend - rising, falling, staying stable? By using a combination of the pressure history, referencing weather reports, paying attention to the six-hour trend indicator, and actively clearing and watching the pressure difference meter, one can really dial in their understanding of what's going to happen with the weather. Barometers are incredibly useful instruments, and Suunto did a good job of designing this wristop computer. They set the standard.
So. Overall the Suunto Vector is great. I have my small gripes about it, as you have read, but they are minor details. The Suunto Core is definitely an upgrade though! Don't purchase either watch without considering advantages/disadvantages. The Core still uses one pressure sensor for altitude/barometric data - but it automatically knows whether you're climbing or stagnant, unlike the Vector. Thus, it does a better job of providing incredibly up-to-date data on either altitude or barometric pressure. The Core is more intuitive to be sure, whereas the Vector acts more like your normal calculator. They can be pretty stupid if you're not paying attention. I've heard people say many times that the Core is 'easier to use than the Vector'. I think the Core also comes in some really cool colors. It looks different and operates a bit differently. One major advantage is also the storm alarm. If the barometric pressure drops drastically in a short period of time, the Core will let you know immediately.
It all depends on how much money you want to spend, and how much you think you'll be using the instrument. Personally, I was just fine with the Vector, and I still consider it one of, if not the best wristop computer for outdoor use. If I one day save some more money, I might buy a Core - but for right now the Vector is awesome - i've taken it on a lot of adventures and will continue to do so!
Let me clarify - I am new to the world of Altitude/Barometer/Compass watches.
So far, I feel like I've learned quite a bit about the technology - the advantages and disadvantages of certain instruments/inclement conditions, etc.
I've used the Suunto Vector for alpine climbing in our local area (Shasta, lesser peaks), many backpacking and climbing trips in southern Oregon and northern California wilderness areas, and several backcountry ski trips. I can honestly say that the Vector is very much worth its quoted price of $199.00. Every dollar of it! However, the slightly more expensive Suunto Core would be a worthwhile upgrade in several ways - I'll get to this in a minute.
Let me rave about the compass a little bit. Really easy to take bearings/headings on the fly. It has turned out to be really useful for backcountry skiing, backpacking or trekking cross-country, and any sort of alpine climbing. Suunto just did an awesome job with their digital compass. Also - really easy to use with a map. I still bring a classic compass/map with me for every adventure, but I haven't had to pull that little plastic square out in a long time. Calibration is as easy as several pushes of the button and spinning slowly in a circle.
The altimeter works very, very well. You can switch between feet or meters, and set reference altitudes in intervals of ten feet. If you actively keep track of altitude changes, set reference altitudes off an accurate topo, and pay attention to what the barometric pressure is doing, you will be absolutely stoked on how accurate the altimeter is. Otherwise, I only noticed discrepancies of 50-100 feet. With relatively stable barometric pressure, however, the altimeter almost without fail managed to keep accurate altitude data (the altimeter and the barometer share the same pressure sensor). You can track changes in a logbook, and change your intervals for this logbook as well - depending on how fast/slow you are ascending or descending (alpine climbing, ski descents, backpacking, etc).
People questioning your summit or your high point? Keep a thorough approach to using the altimeter - the proof will be in your logbook :)
The barometer also gets thumbs up. I am not a weather man, and this watch does not predict the weather. I don't think you're going to find a watch that does, however.
The Vector does what it was intended to do, and very well. The barometer keeps track of pressure in inches of mercury or bars, both absolute and sea level - it very accurately informs you of what's going on with pressure systems in your area. The logbook automatically accumulates data per hour. Thus, when you wake for your 2-am alpine start, you can double check what the barometric pressure has been doing overnight. On the watch face at all times is a six-hour history of the pressure trend - rising, falling, staying stable? By using a combination of the pressure history, referencing weather reports, paying attention to the six-hour trend indicator, and actively clearing and watching the pressure difference meter, one can really dial in their understanding of what's going to happen with the weather. Barometers are incredibly useful instruments, and Suunto did a good job of designing this wristop computer. They set the standard.
So. Overall the Suunto Vector is great. I have my small gripes about it, as you have read, but they are minor details. The Suunto Core is definitely an upgrade though! Don't purchase either watch without considering advantages/disadvantages. The Core still uses one pressure sensor for altitude/barometric data - but it automatically knows whether you're climbing or stagnant, unlike the Vector. Thus, it does a better job of providing incredibly up-to-date data on either altitude or barometric pressure. The Core is more intuitive to be sure, whereas the Vector acts more like your normal calculator. They can be pretty stupid if you're not paying attention. I've heard people say many times that the Core is 'easier to use than the Vector'. I think the Core also comes in some really cool colors. It looks different and operates a bit differently. One major advantage is also the storm alarm. If the barometric pressure drops drastically in a short period of time, the Core will let you know immediately.
It all depends on how much money you want to spend, and how much you think you'll be using the instrument. Personally, I was just fine with the Vector, and I still consider it one of, if not the best wristop computer for outdoor use. If I one day save some more money, I might buy a Core - but for right now the Vector is awesome - i've taken it on a lot of adventures and will continue to do so!
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