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Anyone have experience with this model? I’m looking for a good watch to throw in my bob. Preferably something solar powered, compass, back light ext. Any thoughts or suggestions on this or another watch is appreciated. Thanks.
There are SO MANY options with Casio. First off, you can’t beat solar powered. My last 2 Casio’s (1 Pathfinder and 1 G-Shock) are solar and I have not had one issue with either one. If I were looking for a new Pathfinder or similar I’d look at:
Casio GW-9400-1CR
Casio PRG-270-1
Casio PAW1100T-7VIf I had the need (ok, funds) I’d get the 9400 Rangeman. Sweet looking watch there and from what I’ve been told, tough as nails.
I haven’t found the digital compass in any of my watches to work particularly well, this includes a pathfinder. There’s a calibration sequence you can do, but you have to remember the random button sequence to get it to begin. I do like the barometric pressure sensor though. It helps enable weather prediction, but is very altitude sensitive. The solar feature is great though.
If you really need an alto-meter for more then checking your elevation on a day of hiking I would look elsewhere personally, but otherwise I absolutely love my PRG-200.
Besides just checking what time it is I use the compass, barometer and sunset/sunrise timer the most of the numerous functions on mine. The thermometer is also very useful but keep in mind you need to take every thermometer watch off and let it cool down a bit before you get an accurate reading, or the reading will be influenced by your body-temperature. The barometer is altitude sensitive but if you use the baro-graph and don’t change elevation too often and or quickly (like driving through the mountains, it will drive the baro-graph nuts temporarily) it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I personally have no problem using the compass, in fact I trust the one on my Pathfinder more than any of my analog compasses.
I think the most recent popular models are the PRW- and PAW-2000 and the the PRG-200 version (same watch as the 2000 minus the atomic feature) so I’d definitely look in to those (I believe the PRG-270 uses the same module as the 200, either way it’s a great watch too if it appeals to you), but also look in to the PRW-3000. The 3000 is the latest model and wears quite a bit smaller then all it’s predecessors, plus it uses a newer faster sensor and consumes less energy (something you probably won’t notice since it’s solar-powered). I’d also suggest you look in to a version with a cloth wrist-strap once you’ve narrowed down which model suits your needs best as they’re much more comfortable then the resin straps (there are also a few -usually more expensive- models that come with a titanium strap if your prefer).
If you have more questions just let us know!
Also, this thread needs at least one pic :rolleyes:
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What is the button sequence to calibrate the compass, it sounds like you may know Here Comes The BOOM
The watch is and has been my daily EDC for years now…but if you plan to leave it in a BOB you’ll kill the solar charged battery and it wont be running when you need it. I know because my battery get low (and by low I mean not fully charged) when I wear a coat too often in the winter and cover it up.
The watch is and has been my daily EDC for years now…but if you plan to leave it in a BOB you’ll kill the solar charged battery and it wont be running when you need it. I know because my battery get low (and by low I mean not fully charged) when I wear a coat too often in the winter and cover it up.
Great point. I have a PRW3000-1a and love it. When I bought the watch, the charge level was at medium from being enclosed in its box. A couple of hours in my office window with some sunlight coming in and it was fully charged. With regular wear, it hasn’t dropped below a high charge level.If I ever need to grab one of my emergency bags and run, I hope I’m wearing the watch. But if I were going to include it as part of my kit, and it wasn’t seeing any regular wear, I would probably attach it to the outside of the bag. It wouldn’t be too inconvenient to throw it in a window sill every now and then to recharge.
Not at all worth the money in my opinion. The altimeter is inaccurate based on my experience mountain climbing. The thermometer, as mentioned above, is only accurate if you take the watch off and let it cool. I can’t speak to the compass feature. The barometer isn’t bad but if you look in a westerly direction you can accomplish the same thing.
What is the button sequence to calibrate the compass, it sounds like you may know Here Comes The BOOM
I think it varies per model, if you google the model you have and add the word “manual” to your search inquiry you should be able to find a .pdf version of the one you have.
On mine (if I recall correctly, I only did it once and it hasn’t been necessary to do it again so far) you activate the compass, then keep the adjust button pressed until “hold” disappears from the display and then you can cycle through the options with the mode button.
Get a proper compass that you can actually navigate with. If you’re willing to spend what I presume will be a lot of money on a fancy ‘survival’ watch, I presume you can spare the relative pennies for a proper compass, not a gimmick on a watch.
PRG-270.
You can get them at kohls. Some offer military discount or use your wife’s kohls cash. Or just wait for a sale. I got mine new for $130
Whenever I see the word survival, I figure it’s a piece of kit that your life might depend on. I’d prefer a simple G shock. I wouldn’t trust the compass on any watch, go for a Silva or something similar for navigation. Thermometers, barometers and other bells and whistles built into a watch aren’t very accurate, and most likely not critical.
I’d echo everyone’s advice and suggest getting a good compass, that is, if you don’t have one already. There have been a lot of name changes, corporate changes, and licensing between Suunto, Silva, and Brunton over the last few years. The end result and short story version is that if you’re shopping in the U.S., stick with Suunto. If you really want a bomb-proof compass for survival purposes, go with a Cammenga Model 3H (tritium) or 27 (phosphorescent) lensatic compass. No liquid to develop bubbles, needle locks up when closed, rugged metal case, etc. Downside of the Cammenga is its heavy weight, larger 5 degree increments (plus mils), and the need to carry a protractor tool for interfacing with a map.
If you’re totally set on a wrist compass, check out the NavELite illuminated wrist compasses. Had one for a while, they are pretty sweet. If it’s a must with the watch route… a Suunto Core, or a Casio Pro Trek PRW3000. Both of those have the latest & greatest sensors.
Disclaimer: I run a Suunto Core for EDC use. It’s better (and easier) than putting a magnetized needle on a leaf. :p I wouldn’t use it for any critical navigation, though.
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