Posted: 9/10/2014 3:54:57 AM EDT
| I'm pretty hard on watches and have always just gone with Timex Ironmans because they are cheap and do what I need them to. I've always wanted to upgrade a bit and am now spending every other weekend hiking or backpacking. I like the looks of the Core and the extra functions besides telling me what time it is would be nice to have in the woods. Any opinions on the watch or recommended alternatives? |
| I have a Core and really like it. Very accurate barometer, and the storm alarm has been helpful in the past. If you are looking for durability, you should take a good look at Casio's ProTrek line. I don't mind changing the battery in my Core, but I have my doubts about the water resistance. With the Casio, you shouldn't find yourself in a situation where you'd need to mess with the case back since they're solar. The PRG270 is a lot of watch for a little over $100, and has way better time functions vs. the Suunto. |
|
I agree with Springermania above. I think Casio is the most bang for the buck when it comes to "work and outdoor" watches. The model he mentioned is one I have had my eye on for a while and will buy one or a similar Casio model, not sure yet. Solar powered, day and date, chronograph, dual time, alarm, compass, world time, altimeter, barometer and light up dial all in one package for around $100.  |
|
Quoted:
Looking at the Casio PRW-6000 or the Gulfmaster series myself.... PRW-6000  http://youtu.be/aAlroIE9wH0
Gulfmaster http://youtu.be/qtsQkH5fsUsI like the direction Casio is going with these analog/digital combo watches, just haven't seen one that I love yet. A lot of them just look too busy to me. |
| Another vote for the Pro Trek series from Casio. Just got mine last week and it's been pretty awesome. Talked to a few guys in my unit, those who also have the Casios love them. One guy had a Suunto Core and he's had to send it back twice in the 3 years he's had it. I've heard of a lot of reliability issues with them. That, the additional cost, and having to replace batteries are all reasons why I went the route I did for an ABC watch. |
| Check out the G Shock Rangeman (GW9400).http://www.gshock.com/watches/Master_of_G/GW9400-1 |
| I bought a suunto core a while back for mountaineering and hiking. It's worked pretty well for that, although the altimeter was off a few times pretty badly even when I rezeroed it. Wore it to work and it started showing age quickly on the bezel, every little scratch started showing silver. The face also scratched badly against a wall and I'm less than impressed with how it's held up. I won't be buying one again. |
|
I like my Core. I have two gripes however: 1) had to send one back as the compass stopped tracking properly. 2) Yesterday I noticed some dust/particles under the crystal. IDK if they've been there the whole time since they sent me my new watch or what. What worries me is that they got in there and the water resistance is ruined. I might go have it checked out. I can say that they are durable. Mine has been in the ocean and I have smacked it a few good times and it still functions perfectly (now after they sent me a new one).
I have both a franken-Vector (parts from two ebay watches) and my Core. Only reason I bought a core is I got a 50% discount from 3pont5 through a store that I worked at. Else, I would have just stuck with my Vector. If I were you I would get either a Vector or X-Lander as every C-clamping mofo has a Core nowadays 
|