Suunto Core Watch Tactical Reviews, Deals, Problems and Guides

Very beautiful and functioning watch really nice best watch I've had a long time although I'm not a rocket scientist the instructions on how to set the watch time and date those kind of things did not make any sense to me could not figure out how to set the time or date or anything else on the watch searched the Internet till I found the company that makes the watch got the 800-number called the company and the agent there got his watched just like mine preceded to guide me through the procedure and functions once he explained it to me it was easy I have to tell you as four of I'm concerned the instructions that come with the watch just stuck could not make heads or tails of them but as far as the watch goes it works great would buy it again. And I would like to thank TACTICALGEAR they are first-class really enjoyed doing business with them.

This is a nice gadget and I enjoy using it but I have to admit there are some things that don't stand up to the brand name. Altimeter: Real life test. Drove to the top Haleakala (Maui, HI) and set the watch to the known elevation (3055 m). Drove down, to the ocean level only to discover that I'm at ~650 m asl. That's over 2100 ft! Come on Suunto!! Depth measures: On several occasions, while snorkeling, I've noticed that the maximum depth was not registered. I dove to approx. 5-6 meters and the maximum depth was still set at 0.5 m. Backlight: Some have already noted it but the blinking light when the watch is in the compass mode is really annoying. Would I buy it again? Probably. Did it match my expectations given my experience with other Suunto equipment? No, not really.

For summer or moderate weather activities, wristwatch altimeters are great. But for winter or cold weather, clothing layers and gloves make it difficult to access the watch- especially with an ice tool leash. For winter or cold weather I use an external clip-on altimeter like the High Gear ATF8 (lightest, most functional I've found). I used the Suunto Core (Organge/black) for two Himalayan expeditions in 2008, and the functionality was great, battery life was good, and the black face version was the best for viewing the display on bright days and in snow - especially when wearing eye wear. Also, the buttons do not involuntarily depress against the back of your hand when climbing- a big issue with some other models. However, after 50 days or so, the orange band began to seriously discolor, so I recommended getting the black band version. Also, the threads on the battery cover have now stripped, and I had to send it in. Luckily, Suunto has a strong return policy- at least for a year. Confident 4 stars.

this watch has a lot of great features. however i've arrived at this watch as my "go to" for logging my training after using the suunto t6 for years and trying to use the 305 and 406 garmin forerunners. i'm a trail runner mtn biker so gps doesn't work in the bush. also foot pods inevitably break. so i use this watch for time, elevation gain and the occasional "which direction am i facing" check of the compass.

the altimeter i find to be pretty good, although usually when i check it against topo or some other resource it seems to be a tad bit low - but since it uses barometric pressure i think that is acceptable and expected. the compass is good enough in a pinch and for general direction, but anyone really navigating knows to bring a real compass anyway. the features and screen are good. i leave mine in altitude mode and it shows me the time of day on top and the log run time on the bottom. i can change the bottom view to show me total vert gained or lost on the day too, which i do frequently.

my bottom line: this watch simply works and isn't packed with so many features they get in each others way. simplicity. nice product again from suunto

Nice big face like I like my watches, had my wife set it all up for me very difficult for me being the computer illiterate man that I am. She showed how everything works. And I love it even more. Only thing is it's a bit more expensive than I would have liked to spend. Suunto, I hope it works as good as it looks. Time will tell even though the over pricing is a little extreme 160 more than some places I still love the watch I have spent a great deal of money at this site and I love dealing with them. Always top-notch service. Thanks again

i gave it 4 stars because, it consumes an enormous amount of energy. so u always have to feed it with premium batteries. couple of times it had an error like key lock that i couldn't unlock until i didn't take out the battery. many cheaper watches have a sunlight assist to energy usage of the watch.but in general, AWESOME WATCH.
p.s. altimeter is to sensitive. even after driving in a car with A/C on, could spoil it's "zero" and it would give not accurate readings.

This watch is very hard to operate with its multiple menu screen. The backlight is not bright at all leaving you no other option but to use a flashlight. In a tactical situation this watch does not fit the bill for its price and hype. Casio's Triple Pathfinder is far superior and much easier to use. Price point is the same. Don't forget to lock your functions or your battery may die if a button is pushed inadvertently.

1.) How you use the product
Paragliding(log entries only/excellent for this purpose)
Snowboarding
Mountain Biking
Hour Lunch count down timer
Shallow Dives (Free and SCUBA)
Hiking (EXCELLENT for this purpose)
Dual Time (Family on the East Coast/I live in AK)

2)Things that are great about it
SEE ABOVE.

3)Things that aren't so great about it
I have owned a few triple sensor watches (Casio, High Gear, Suunto). The Suunto Core All Black Military is Superior. The one possible improvement would be to have 1' altimeter increments like the High Gear triple sensor watches I have owned. But this watch is superior for ease of use and perfect functionality for my activities.

What you lose in stealth by white is made up in great visibility reading this watch quickly day or night. I had the negative face version and was terrible to read it. The white band has been surprisingly non marking when used on fire overhaul, K9 training, hiking, running, biking- no stains on it. The silver face ring scratches easily. Functions are excellent and watch can be worn doing scuba and triathlon swimming. Rare in these multi function watches. Well worth the investment. Storm alarm is accurate.

This watch has great features (time, date, alt/bar, compass, etc) But in dim light it is difficult if not impossible to see! The backlight is too dim. Would be fantastic watch if brighter. I will swap on and off with my c......o.