Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (xBlack) Review

Received as a corporate gift, and basis of comparison as "outdoor watch" is a G-Shock I purchased

+Extremely comfortable to wear despite large dial
+Fixed barometric "trend" window is neat
+Altimeter very accurate. I calibrate in the morning before heading the slopes and it matches markers exactly.
-Less durable than GShock/More cosmetic wear/scratches easily (face and case)
-Very UNINTUITIVE control. Try to change the units without reading the manual, I challenge you. (for reference i work in the field of technology)
-Weak backlighting
-USELESS temperature gauge is mounted on BACK of the case... thus always registers a ~82*F skin temp. Manual recommends removing watch for 10-15 minutes for ambient temperature reading. Whats the point??
-Buttons have dull feel


I only grab this watch when going hiking and interested in azimuthal direction and elevation. Most of the time I default to Casio as outdoor watch. Actually, since I bought an REI keychain compass&temp gauge, there's even less need for the Suunto. Based on my personal experience, and Casio's general reputation for wristwatches, were I to purchase an altimeter watch, I would look at their PATHFINDER series

Just for comparison, some benefits of "upgrading" to Pathfinder:
-instant access to baro/alt/comp feature (instead of cycling through)
-AUTOMATIC backlight option (AutoEL)
-Solar-charged!!! (vs 1 year battery)
-Atomic-clock synchronization (always accurate time)
-Dual time zones w/ multiple preset world cities (now thats a travel watch)

Buy it here now!