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roddyp

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roddyp says:

Suunto Core and alternatives

As I'm bit of a gadget freak, I got a Suunto Core for christmas. However, I'm more than a little disillusioned with it. I'm about to return the second one to Amazon - both have had display problems with dead/flaky areas of the display - and worse yet, both have spontaneously reset for no reason, losing the current time in the process. The thought of that happening in the hills doesn't appeal to me.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good reliable Altimeter/Baro/Compass watch - The Techtrail range look nice, but I don't know what UK sales and support is like?

 

http://butnoidea.wordpress.com
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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 10:44)
craigdyson1

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Posts: 563

craigdyson1 says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

I have a Sunnto Core and never had any problems with it mate.

Sunnto are a really good make of those kind of gadgets.

Sorry to here that you are disapointed with your whatches.

I think Graham Thompson could help you why dont you give him a PM.

cheers

Craig

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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 10:48)
GuyHurst

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Posts: 604

GuyHurst says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

The Casio Protrek range are good. They do a variety of models with different features. Both the ones I've had have been very tough and reliable.

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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 11:03)
wurz

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May 07

Posts: 2237

wurz says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

Funny this should crop up as I nearly bought a suunto last week, not the core but similar, smaller size.  In the end I didn't because my experiences with rubber/plastic straps have always been they fail and this one didn't look like an animal/other 2nd strap would look right because of the design.

Anyway I'm waffling.  I have had a casio protrek altimeter watch as my work watch for about 10 years and it is excellent, just change the battery every year or two.  The altimeter has worked well, just (as with any) check/reset at fixed heights, in the morning, etc. The temperature function is obviously effected by your body so if you wanted that to be accurate too you'd have to put it on your sac's shoulder strap or somesuch alternative to your wrist.

I don't want to be the Worlds best climber, just the oldest.
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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 11:21)
roddyp

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roddyp says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

Craig - thanks for the reply -what model of core do you have - I've heard suggestions that the plastic-bodied ones are more prone to static damage than the metal ones?

http://butnoidea.wordpress.com
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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 11:23)
Andy Say

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Mar 08

Posts: 1509

Andy Say says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

Lidl Ski Pro does the job for me!  I won't tell you the price!

Mountain Leader Training - you know we talk sense :-)
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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 11:55)
snowman1

Joined:

Nov 07

Posts: 4795

snowman1 says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good reliable Altimeter/Baro/Compass watch

 

 

Yeah the Suunto Core.I have had a Suunto Core for long enough to guess at the problem.Battery.

I just changed mine and it is back to its excellent best.I noticed some of the problems that you pointed out a few weeks back, changed the battery and .perfection.I love mine, and the altimeter aint failed me once yet........unlike the pile o shite innaccurate Vector.....(just a personal experience Vector lovers).

I think the Core is really reliable and a superb addition to my kit.I got mine in a sale for brand new  £140 so ..a bargain too,Honest I cannot recommend it enough.

 

feel free to pm me Roddy and I will be glad to discuss it with you.

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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 12:41)
GrahamThompson

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GrahamThompson says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

 Hi

Not heard of Suunto problems before so this might just be a one off?  I still have a Suunto Advizor that I had for many years and this still works fine. 

However I notice you mention the Techtrail range. However I have to say I have been very disapointed with the product values on some of these items. I have managed to break two straps ( reported in Used and Abused in Trail) and the current model I have is the Techtrail Altis, but the plastic moulding around the housing is coming adrift in two places. So I have to say Techtrail don't appear to be very durable.

When Trail last looked at watches the winner of our test was the £140 Casio PRG-40-3VUR - the review is on this web site.

www.livefortheoutdoors.com/Gear-Reviews/Search-Results/Accessories/Casio-PRG-40-3VUR-/

 

Second place was the Timex Expedition Adventure Tech £75

www.livefortheoutdoors.com/Gear-Reviews/Search-Results/Accessories/Search-Results/Timex-Expedition-Adventure-Tech/

There are other threads on this topic too if you search on the search box (top right below horizontal add) and type in Casio or Timex

GT

Graham Thompson Technical Editor Trail Magazine
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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 12:43)
snowman1

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Nov 07

Posts: 4795

snowman1 says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

roddyp said:

Craig - thanks for the reply -what model of core do you have - I've heard suggestions that the plastic-bodied ones are more prone to static damage than the metal ones?


 

I heard that too.I have this one.

Attached images:

  1. core  
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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 12:58)
sheffieldpaul

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Aug 07

Posts: 258

sheffieldpaul says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

I'm suprised to read this, Suunto are top quality and I think you've been unlucky. I've had a Suunto advizor for at least 4 years and the only thing I've had to do is replace the battery once, its been totally reliable and its been heavily used- its the only watch I have, wear it every day and its got abused in mountain rescue work, climbing, skiing as well as getting take off and put on 1000s of times. I'm really pleased and the strap shows no wear and tear at all. I'd have preferred a titanium body and leather strap for style but they were much more expensive.

Often to be found in the Lakes and the Peaks on bike, on foot or on a crag.
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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 13:13)
roddyp

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Jun 08

Posts: 527

roddyp says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

Thanks all - I just replaced battery with a fresh one - the display is still flaky, so that one IS being returned :-(

I really like the functions and look of the Core, and suunto is meant to be a good brand, so I'm giving it another go and will see if #3 is any better. Will keep you posted...
 

http://butnoidea.wordpress.com
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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 15:06)
clivecops

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Posts: 463

clivecops says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

i have had a core for over a yr now with no probs :( the same model as in the pic above ^

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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 18:14)
BikerFool

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May 07

Posts: 6816

BikerFool says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

I have been toying with getting such an instrument for myself but have a mjor problem....I'm female and have those delicate narrow arms beloved of Victorian ladies. 

All the recommended watches look like a brick (and feels like it) on my arm.  We are talking of a diameter of about 25mm - any ideas?

Life is not a rehearsal

Live it, love it

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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 19:17)
roddyp

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Posts: 527

roddyp says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

@BikerFool : there's the Suunto Lumi, which has all the Core features, but looks less like it's been ripped from Rambo's arm. The size is likely to still be chunky (my Core measures 48mm diameter, including bezel, but there's a "pendant" option for it which might solve the aesthetics. That's probably not too practical , though?

http://butnoidea.wordpress.com
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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 20:08)
BikerFool

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Posts: 6816

BikerFool says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

roddyp said:

@BikerFool : there's the Suunto Lumi, which has all the Core features, but looks less like it's been ripped from Rambo's arm. The size is likely to still be chunky (my Core measures 48mm diameter, including bezel, but there's a "pendant" option for it which might solve the aesthetics. That's probably not too practical , though?

It'll get mixed up with my map case , but thanks, will look at the Lumi
 

Life is not a rehearsal

Live it, love it

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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 20:28)
craigdyson1

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Oct 07

Posts: 563

craigdyson1 says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

I have the core light.

I haven't had a problem with it yet but we will see. Well it still tells the time lol.

Craig

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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 21:22)
cja1968

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Posts: 16

cja1968 says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

Definitely have a look at the Lumi BikerFool - seriously nice watch, and you forget about the weight about 5 minutes after you start wearing one

I actually seriously considered the Lumi, even though 'tis a girl's watch, on the basis that it looked a bit thinner than any of the other Core models, and it is a much nicer design. In the end I held them both up side by side and they are about the same size. Much nicer looking though - if I could swap the strap (which is very girly) I would still like one.

My X Lander had a dodgy button once so emailed Suunto and they collected it same day, took it to Finland, fixed it, bunged a new battery in for free and returned it within 4 days. Smashing service so stick with it RoddyP - I'm sure they'll sort you out.

That said, my only criticism of my Core was that the Altimeter went a bit off-campus on the one and only time I took it over 6000m. Up to that point it was fine though.

I think these are more than a gadget - especially on the bike, if you know the next hill is XXm high, they are great for pacing yourself and psychology ("only 100m to go" etc!)

 

 

 

 

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  • Posted 5 years ago (14 January 2009 21:40)
roddyp

Joined:

Jun 08

Posts: 527

roddyp says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

@cja1968 : The Core altimeter is the function I'm most impressed with so far. It seems accurate to within a couple of meters. Admittedly I've only walked out the back door with it for an hour or two, so nothing much over 450M.

Amazon can't replace the dud Core (no stock available), so I'll get a refund. The irritating thing is that if I want to get another core, I've got to dip into my pocket for around another £40. Amazon were selling them before xmas for ~£120. I'll have to see if I can find one where a BMC discount will work...

http://butnoidea.wordpress.com
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  • Posted 5 years ago (15 January 2009 10:02)
oldstephen

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Jun 07

Posts: 796

oldstephen says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

I'm with Andy Say, Lidl's version is fine for a 10th of the price. Watch out for their next walking offers.

..because it's there.
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  • Posted 5 years ago (15 January 2009 12:54)
jonathan

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Jun 07

Posts: 508

jonathan says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

snowman1 said:

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good reliable Altimeter/Baro/Compass watch

 

 

Yeah the Suunto Core.I have had a Suunto Core for long enough to guess at the problem.Battery.

I just changed mine and it is back to its excellent best.I noticed some of the problems that you pointed out a few weeks back, changed the battery and .perfection.I love mine, and the altimeter aint failed me once yet........unlike the pile o shite innaccurate Vector.....(just a personal experience Vector lovers).

I think the Core is really reliable and a superb addition to my kit.I got mine in a sale for brand new  £140 so ..a bargain too,Honest I cannot recommend it enough.

 

feel free to pm me Roddy and I will be glad to discuss it with you.


 

Snowy explain yourself. Surely you have to reset the altimeter throughout the day else it will be +-10m out due to pressure differentials. I have a vector and when I know where I am I reset the watch to the spot height marked on the map. I have no issue with that and cant imagine anyone would expect to not have to do that?? We could of course discuss this over a pint next Wed

its up norf you wanna be, not darn sarf
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  • Posted 5 years ago (15 January 2009 13:07)
roddyp

Joined:

Jun 08

Posts: 527

roddyp says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

The Core has a mode where it automagically switches between Baro/Altimeter. I *assume* this is based on rate-of-change of air pressure. If it's changing fast, it assumes altimeter, if slowly then barometer.

Once it's in the Barometer mode, it assumes you're stationary. So I can set the height to 200M while I'm at home (local spot height), faff around at home with the weather changing, and then when I walk out and start gaining height it switches to Altimeter mode and is pretty much still on the money.

It's not perfect (>15 minute not-quite-level sections on a walk could confuse it), but it's pretty close.

 

http://butnoidea.wordpress.com
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  • Posted 5 years ago (15 January 2009 13:43)
jonathan

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Jun 07

Posts: 508

jonathan says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

thats pretty neat. As I say I dont have a prob reseting it 2 or 3 times a day. Its a good way of checking I am where I think I am and not relying on the watch totally; which you shouldnt do anyway.

its up norf you wanna be, not darn sarf
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  • Posted 5 years ago (15 January 2009 17:54)
roddyp

Joined:

Jun 08

Posts: 527

roddyp says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

Well, I do rely on the watch to tell me the time, which is why the apparent flakiness is a bit of a concern.

http://butnoidea.wordpress.com
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  • Posted 5 years ago (15 January 2009 19:41)
snowman1

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Nov 07

Posts: 4795

snowman1 says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

Hi Jonathan,

I had a Vector and I did keep re-setting it but it was way out on the three occasions that I used it before......getting rid.I went up onto Ullock Pike after resetting it but it ended up nearly 100m out, I reset it again and headed along the rideg and then down.According to the map I had descended over 100m.According to the vector I had ascended 90m.......................lol.

The Core does require resetting but not so often......and it has an ace wee function called the Storm Warning......cool.I have found it to be accurate on all counts but the altimeter is what I mainly wanted it for.

As u say beer and debate . These Winter nights will fair fly by

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  • Posted 5 years ago (15 January 2009 21:10)
roddyp

Joined:

Jun 08

Posts: 527

roddyp says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

Thought I'd drag this old post back to the top- with an update:-

My first dud core was replaced by Amazon for a second one, which failed similarly in a few of days. Amazon only offered a refund, which wouldn't have nearly covered the cost of buying another, so I sent it back to Suunto for "repair". It took a couple of weeks, but they kept me informed. Pickup/delivery was at thier cost by DHL.

I received a brand new core which hasn't missed a beat and does exactly what I wanted, so at last, I'm a happy bunny.

 

 

http://butnoidea.wordpress.com
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  • Posted 5 years ago (27 March 2009 21:03)
yoda

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Jun 08

Posts: 354

yoda says:

Re: Suunto Core and alternatives

my dad made turned this one up in his shed.

ok, just the one funtion  (barometer)

and you need to take it off to change your jacket.

but its very accurate, and the wood is super smooth.

cost to me  =  £0  

[This Reply has been modified by the Author]

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  • Posted 5 years ago (29 March 2009 18:09)

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