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Hi all,
I haven’t seen much enthusiasm about the Suunto core or Casio Protrek series abc watches.
Anyone have a preference or could shed some experience with either of these series devices?
I’m in the market for a low maintenance but functional watch for weather prediction and basic navigation/time.
Maybe the Suunto Vector suits you…It`s relatively cheap and I see a lot of “explorers” using it. You can also look for a Garmin Fenix 1, with the release of the models 2 and 3 the first model should be cheaper.
I’ve been happy enough with my core, though it does go through batteries at a decent clip.
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I have a suunto navi tec (like vector but only compass)that sits on the shelf. It eats batteries constantly and the negative display is hard to see most of the time and the crystal scratches when you look at it. The biggest annoyance are the buttons because they don’t have a surround to avoid accidental pushing. If I bend my wrist too much or put my hand in my pocket, it would hit the adjust button.
My daily watch is a ana-digi casio pro trek 5100 series. It’s easier to see the time (the lcd display is a bit hard for me as I need specs). It’s radio controlled and check the time with the nearest atomic clock every night. It’s solar powered so no more messing with changing them. The buttons are much harder to bump.
Some people think the suunto is more accurate but if you’re looking at the vector it’s old tech. Overall the casio pro trek or g shock are much better in both build and performance.
JMHO
I use a Garmin Forerunner for running/biking. Definitely some Garmin devices to keep an eye on in the future, but their battery life majorly nixes them as an edc or abc watch.
I’ll look into the Vector.
Surprised that their’s not more talk about abc watches around these parts!
#5m.e.t.a.4, Apr 26, 2015I’ve had the Suunto Vector for close to 10 years. It’s accurate and durable. It is very reliable, but it does eat batteries quickly. Keep a spare battery and extra gasket handy. My only other complaints after many years of hard use, is it is easy to bump a button and switch into compass mode unknowingly. This will really drain the battery if you don’t notice it. Also the alarm is too quiet for me, it’s a high pitch and my rock and roll ears don’t hear that well anymore. That’s probably just me though because my wife can hear it from 3 rooms away, but I don’t hear it when it is on my wrist. Other than those minor issues, highly recommended.
I love my Suunto Ambit2 Peak. Awesome battery life and functionality. Really accurate and quick GPS locks.
I always like Casio Pathfinder because they are solar, some are atomic so that you don’t have to worry about setting the time in most situation.
I have the PRW3000 and PRW6000. And they really the best Pathfinder so far.
I like PRW3000 because its relatively small and slim, great comfort on the wrist. It has 24hr CWT and snooze alarm. It basically has all the features I want in one watch.
I also like the PRW6000 because its an analog/digital watch, looks awesome, useable lume and the has LED that lights up the LCD as well. It also thin and curved to huge the wrist. My has carbon fiber strap and it should last longer than rubber strap.
I have the Casio Pathfinder and I couldn’t be happier. It’s a maintenance free watch that’s accurate & tough as hell.
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I have both. The Suunto eats batteries but is more accurate than the older Casio’s. The newer Casio’s have increased their accuracy with the new sensors they are putting in some pathfinders and are solar so no batteries. The Suunto I have has a black aluminum bezel that got all dinged up fast. The Casio I have didn’t show wear as bad. I wore the straps out on both and eventually the bezel on my Casio broke off. Both are about even IMO on ease of use. Guess that brings you to, what functions do you want, which do you like the looks better and how much are you willing to spend? Make sure you check the different modules on the Casio’s too. Sunrise and sunset are important to me but I don’t care about tides. That can make a difference in your choices.
And…….great. Just checked out the PRG170-1AJF. Pretty sexy looking.
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I’ve had a pathfinder the PAG40 for a long while I think I went through two sets of batteries and real liked it but when it came time to replace the batteries for a third time I couldn’t find any local so with a wedding anniversary coming up I started looking for another watch I looked at the new pathfinders but the G-Shock rangeman caught my eye! It’s the first gshock with the triple sensor and its solar and atomic! I got the the OD green with the negative face I’ve had it for two days now and so far I’m liking it!
Sent from the pay phone next to the quickie mart!
I love my Core.
I experienced a battery drain right after the 1st battery replacement, and at the worst moment, just 10 days before I leave for a 15 days hike (GR20 in Corsica), but the customer service has been awesome. within 7 days following my email, the watch went to the HQ in Finland, the problem has been analised, and a brand new one was delivered.
No problem since this one.
I really love this watch, it’s very useful, easy to use and very accurate (on a 2000m ascent, it gives +/-30m elevation datas without set up during the hike).That being said, that’s my only ABC watch, so I can’t tell if it’s better or worse than the others 😉
do you have the black on black model or the white display model? any impressions on how easy the display is to observe in day/night?
I’ve got experience with ABC watches. My most current model is a Casio PRG270, and I’ve owned several Pathfinders in the past. It has the latest version of Casio’s Triple Sensor technology, which is more accurate with improved features over previous sensor versions.
I would like to offer some thoughts and opinions on ABC watches for what they might be worth:
ABC watches really aren’t intended for serious use, and the manufacturer warns against using them in survival situations. They’re more for novelty, and for things like local day hikes, maybe camping, checking the barometer at the office, etc. Nothing beats real experience in outdoor navigation and weather prediction. For more serious use I like a handheld GPS. For treks like the Swiss Alps (I don’t do those!), I’d use a GPS and carry spare batteries, a map, a real compass and know how to use them well. Otherwise, ABC watches are fun and cool tech novelty to play around with.
There are GPS watches coming on the market recently, some of which have GPS very reliable tracking features such as: distance, speed, altitude, barometer, compass, mapping with breadcrumbs and backtracking abilities, etc. Their maps can show you the terrain, take photos and more. If you’re in an area with cell phone coverage, a phone with true GPS features can work very well. Handheld GPS devices can pack in much more features and reliability than an ABC watch, and do so for a similar price. It’s much better value to spend $299 on a handheld GPS than $299 for an ABC watch, unless you’re more interested in wearing techno-bling.
ABC watches are not the best option for navigating high peaks like Casio’s videos would lead you to believe. As long as you understand the proper applications and limitations of devices such as ABC watches, handheld GPS’s and a reliable map and compass, AND you know how to use whichever one you choose, your experiences should be positive.
One last comment: In my opinion, the most anyone looking for a navigation watch should pay for an ABC watch is $150 USD or less. They just aren’t worth higher prices. Try looking at the Garmin Fenix 3 (GPS). Pricey, but much better. As for me, I use a 5 year old Garmin Dakota 20 which I expect to get another 5-10 years out of. My Casio PRG-270 is very nice for home, office, around town, day hikes and picnics.
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