Gear Reviews

July 1999 Gear Reviewssuunto.jpg (17166 bytes)

Suunto Vector Wristop Computer

     This piece of equipment comes packed with all you could possibly want in a wristwatch. The word ‘computer’ in the title describes it best. Basic functions include: altimeter, barometer, thermometer, digital compass, and of course all basic watch functions. Its huge face makes it very easy to read, and the large buttons are very user-friendly, even when wearing heavy gloves. Like any altimeter, it must be calibrated often, but Suunto has done a great job at making this a very simple task. Advanced altimeter and barometer functions keep track of everything you want to know from ascent/descent rate to current pressure relative to three and six hours ago. A small graph, which can be seen while in any function, uses an arrow to let you know these changes in barometric pressure. Standard and metric units are available with the push of a few buttons.  Alarms can be set to go off when reaching a specific altitude or pressure reading.

Advanced watch functions include: 3 daily alarms, stopwatch, and countdown timer

Advanced altimeter functions include: altitude difference (tracks altitude and time difference between stages), feet/meters per minute climbed, automatic 24-hour memory, logbook (capable of recording approximately 3800 measurements), summary information, and altitude history (including highest attained altitude).

Advanced barometer functions include: atmospheric pressure difference, automatic 4-day memory, and pressure relative to sea level.

What puts Sunnto ahead of other multi-function watches? Electroluminescent backlight (a definite must for campers), waterproof to 100 ft, altimeter resolution 5m/10 ft, barometer resolution 1 mbar/.05 inHg, compass resolution 1º, bubble level to insure compass accuracy, user-changeable battery. This watch comes with a 44-page instruction manual including detailed instructions for all its many functions. You will definitely want to take the time to read through this manual because without its knowledge you will most likely be in the dark.

Misses: The most important part of this article is what this piece can’t do. While I have found only a few true ‘misses’, there are some you should be aware of. Memorizing the path to each function can be a bit of a chore, with some functions requiring holding down a button for a certain number of seconds. Another minor set back is the fact that only one function can be displayed at one time. Suunto’s competitors offer up to three displays (time, altitude, and temperature) on one screen. Ascent/descent rate per minute is Suunto’s standard, while most use rate per hour.

All in all, we feel that the Suunto Vector is a worthwhile purchase, and can be found at outdoor retailers in your area. While it may take you a while to master all the functions of this watch, it is well worth the $199 if you are a true outdoor enthusiast.



Score: logoman1.gif (13218 bytes) logoman1.gif (13218 bytes)logoman1.gif (13218 bytes)logoman1.gif (13218 bytes)out of 5.