Posts Tagged ‘Air Pressure’

Suunto Advizor Wrist Top Computer Watch with Barometer Compass Altimeter and Chronograph

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Suunto Advizor Wrist Top Computer Watch with Barometer Compass Altimeter and Chronograph




Suunto’s Advizor Wristop Computer is more than just a techno-geek toy. With an accurate compass and features such as measurement of air pressure and temperature, the Advizor can keep you on the right track during your outdoor adventures.

The Advizor also doubles as a digital personal trainer, with a heart rate monitor via its included chest strap. We clipped the strap on under a shirt (it will also work through the shirt, but you’ll need to get the shirt quite wet), moistened the electrodes, and the Advizor automatically picked up our heartbeat. With the plastic bar on the front, the strap wasn’t exactly comfortable, but we were able to forget about it after getting into our workout.

The simple-to-use monitor worked well for setting a target heart rate zone and alerted us by beeping an alarm when we went over or under the range. The heart rate monitor also stores information from past workouts, which let us keep track of average heart rate, maximum and minimum rates, and time spent in and out of the target heart rate zone.

Like other Suunto watches, the Advizor offers a barometer mode that keeps track of air pressure and trends (which let you forecast changes in the weather) as well as temperature. However, as the watch’s reading is affected by body heat, using the temperature gauge while working out can be problematic.

It also features a compass, useful for cross-country hiking and running, as well as an altimeter–accurate to within 10 feet. We did have to reset the altimeter rather frequently as it measures altitude using the barometer, so changes in air pressure can affect the altitude reading.

Its outer plastic bezel proves handy in different modes for showing barometric changes or changes in altitude denoted by a segmented digital circle that lights up around the perimeter of the watch.

And hey, get this, it tells time too. The watch functions of the Advizor include three alarms, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. A bright backlight illuminates the watch face in dark environments, and it’s also waterproof to 100 feet. (Note, however, that it’s not a diving watch, so you can’t use the buttons to manipulate the modes while underwater.)

The Advizor is more expensive than other Suunto watches and other heart-rate monitors. But if you need all these tools packed into one device and are willing to pay for the consolidation, the Advizor definitely does a nice impersonation of a digital Swiss Army knife. –J. Curtis

Pros:

  • Accurate heart rate monitor
  • Ruggedly designed–great for the outdoors
  • Easy to switch between modes

Cons:

  • Large size can be unwieldy on wrist

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars solid equipment
I’ve worn mine since Decemeber of 1999, it’s still running strong and accurate. Gone through a few Heart Rate Chest straps, batteries and also replaced the bezel and strap. Would love to by my next Suunto but not ready to pack this one away.

5 Stars Suunto Advizor
I’m very happy with this new acquisition, the product is excellent and meet with my expectations.

3 Stars Technically Sound
Great features, but the display is hard to read unless you are direcly over the watch at zero angle. The field to the left of the hour display often displays other numbers at slight angles. I have had many watches(SuUNTO, Oregon Scientific, Bulova, Casio, nIKE) and none have aver done this. Im sure when I contact SUUNTO they will help me out. Just got the watch and havent had time. If it wasnt for that it would be TOP rated. So I will give it 3 stars….for now.

5 Stars Very Comfortable Watch
Originally purchased this watch in 2000, lost it in 2008 and bought a replacement. Have worn it around the world on a daily basis. I’ve knocked it against many things with the only damage shown being a few scuffs on the face. Did have to replace the watch band a couple of times. The band on the first one seemed to be bit sturdier than the newer ones.

I have a large wrist and most other watches dig into my skin and are uncomfortable, this one is very comfortable. I have also found the dual time zones and the choice of 12 hour or 24 hour format to be very beneficial.

4 Stars Suunto Advizor
Pros:

1. Great watch with a TON of features. Not many compass, altimeter, barometer combo watches also come with a heart rate monitor. That’s impressive.

2. This is one of the best styled watches I’ve ever owned.

3. Very comfortable and easy wearing band.

Cons:

1. Suunto Watches have terrible function navigation. There is no intuitive function design to these watches.

2. I use a stopwatch often and the stopwatch function can only be accessed through another function - which was a big negative for me causing me to give the watch away to a friend.

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Suunto Core Wrist Top Computer Watch with Altimeter Barometer Compass and Depth Measurement All Black

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Suunto Core Wrist Top Computer Watch with Altimeter Barometer Compass and Depth Measurement All Black




Building on the success of the venerable Suunto Vector, the Suunto Core keeps you informed of conditions while you hike, bike, or camp, making it a terrific companion for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. What can the Suunto Core do for you? For starters, it can sense an approaching squall even when the sky looks clear. This intelligent Storm Alarm–one of several intelligent features designed to keep you safe and secure–is activated by a rapid drop in air pressure over a three-hour period. Once the Core senses the change, the Storm Alarm sounds and flashes, letting you know that something unpleasant is fast approaching. The built-in altimeter, meanwhile, displays your current elevation, shows how much you’ve climbed or descended, and records your entire session for later analysis. Accurate to within 30,000 feet, the altimeter is an extremely valuable tool for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and wilderness travel. Add in such additional features as a barometer, a digital thermometer, a weather trend indicator, and a digital compass and you have a terrific wrist-top computer for almost all your outdoor needs.

The altimeter contributes to your excursion in several ways. If you’re standing on or near an obvious geographic feature, such as a ridge, trail, or creek, the altimeter can alert you to your current elevation and help you find your position on a topographic map. Similarly, if you plan on climbing a slope to a certain elevation and then traversing, the Core can help you stay on course. And as a bonus, the Suunto Core includes a unique start-from-zero function, so you don’t have to enter a reference altitude. Instead, with the single push of a button, the altimeter will begin tracking your ascent and descent.

The Core also includes a barometer, which measures and records air pressure to help you predict changing conditions–from sunny skies to hair-bending electrical storms. The barometer helps you decide whether to bring a soft shell or rain shell jacket when the skies look ominous, or even when to high-tail it back to the car. In general, low pressure brings inclement weather, while high pressure brings stability and clear skies. If you’ve arrived at camp and notice the pressure starting to plunge, it’s probably a good idea to secure the tent and crawl in. Likewise, if you were on a climb, it would be prudent to find shelter and retreat. Even at home, the Suunto Core barometer can look beyond office walls, skyscrapers, and nearby hills to help you plan for upcoming activities.

If you want a weather forecast that extends out a few hours, you can turn to the built-in weather trend indicator. The indicator shows the barometric history for the last three and six hours, helping you predict the weather with amazing accuracy. What’s more, the watch doesn’t give you a regional forecast posted earlier in the day, but rather the most current information about the weather directly overhead. And no outdoor watch is worth its salt without a digital compass, a great tool for keeping track of your direction while skiing, hiking, or exploring a new city. You can set and follow a bearing with a traditional rotating bezel, or simply point the top of the watch toward your intended destination and lock it in.

Additional features include several traditional watch functions, including dual times, a date display, and an alarm; predicted times for sunrise and sunset to help you maximize your daylight hours; an automatic Alti/Baro mode that senses movement or lack thereof and switches between the altimeter and barometer accordingly; a depth meter that provides accurate water depth readings to 30 feet; and the ability to function in English, German, French, and Spanish. Available in such colors as all black, aluminum black, light black, black orange, aluminum brown, light green, black yellow, and steel , the Suunto Core carries a two-year warranty.

Specifications:

    The Suunto Core watch includes an altimeter, barometer, compass, and weather indicator.

    The watch is compatible with several different straps (sold separately).

  • Finish: All black
  • Real-time vertical cumulative value: Yes
  • Temperature compensation: Yes
  • Total ascent/descent: Yes
  • User-removable logbook files: Yes
  • Automatic Alti/Baro switch: Yes
  • Automatic 7-day Alti/Baro memory: Yes
  • Resolution: 1 meter
  • Recording intervals: 1 second, 5 second, 30 seconds, 60 seconds
  • Altitude range: 1,600 to 29,500 feet
  • Difference measurement: Yes
  • Log graph: Yes
  • Logbook function: Yes
  • Countdown timer: Yes
  • Stopwatch: Yes
  • Guided calibration: Yes
  • Heading in degrees: Yes
  • Declination setting: Yes
  • Cardinal directions: Yes
  • Bearing tracking: Yes
  • North-South indicator: North indicator
  • Languages: English, German, French, and Spanish
  • Depth meter: Yes, to 30 feet
  • Rotating bezel: Yes
  • Time: 12/24 hours
  • Sunrise/sunset times: Yes
  • Calendar clock: Yes
  • Dual time: Yes
  • Daily alarms: 1
  • Alarm snooze: Yes
  • Weather memory: 7 days
  • Weather alarm: Yes
  • Trend indicator and graph: Yes
  • Temperature range: -5 to 140 degrees F
  • Sea level pressure: Yes
  • Barometer range: 300 to 1,100 mbar
  • Low battery warning: Yes
  • Water resistance: 100 feet
  • Backlight option: Yes
  • Weight: 2.26 ounces
  • Warranty: 2 years

About Suunto
Suunto was founded in 1936 by outdoors man and a keen orienteering enthusiast, Tuomas Vohlonen, who had long been bothered by a problem: the inaccuracy of traditional dry compasses and their lack of steady needle operation. Being an engineer with an inventive turn of mind, he discovered and patented the production method for a much steadier needle, better readings, and a new level of accuracy.

By 1950 the company was exporting compasses to over 50 countries around the world, including Canada and the United States. In 1952, Helsinki was hosting the Olympic Games, and the torches carried to light the Olympic flame were Suunto products. The next step was improving the stability and accuracy of marine compasses. The first marine compass, the Suunto K-12, was launched onto the market in 1953. In 1957, Suunto started manufacturing hypsometers, which measure the height of trees.

In the 1960s, the compass range grew further and Suunto introduced its first diving compass–initiated by the divers themselves. A British sports diver attached a Suunto compass to his wrist and found that the device also worked underwater. Thanks to his feedback and initiatives, the new business category was found. Suunto’s exports and business grew steadily and Suunto then focused on combining its strength in precision mechanics with new skills in electronics. Accuracy, reliability, and ruggedness have been Suunto’s key values from the very beginning of the company history.

Today, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing, and golf. True to its roots, Suunto is today the world’s biggest compass manufacturer. Prized for their design, accuracy and dependability, Suunto sports instruments combine the aesthetics and functionality of watches with sport-specific computers that help athletes at all levels analyze and improve performance. Headquartered in Vantaa, Finland, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide and distributes its products to nearly 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Helsinki-based Amer Sports Corporation with the sister brands Wilson, Salomon, Atomic, Precor, and Mavic.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars good watch
Good watch but its not water proof. If you stay in the water for a long time, water will seep throiugh. Also you get a lot of condensation which makes it difficult to read the time. One thing I notice is that this watch does not have a rubber o-ring inside inside the battery compartment which prevent water to seep through. I had to take the battery and the circuitry dry off twice which annoying.

3 Stars Just ok
I bought my suunto in March 2009 at a greater than 50% discount due to a connection I have. It’s a great looking watch with lots of useful functions. However I think the listed price on Amazon is a little too much. Although I paid much less, I still feel like I over paid.

The battery life is terrible. If you plan to do serious trekking with the suunto core, I would advise you to take spare batteries along. There is a low battery indicator but it gives less than 24hr warning before dying completely. At that point, all reference values and setting will be lost.

The alt and baro is accurate. I work near SFO so I’m able to check my watch baro reading against weather observations (METAR) broadcast for that location. The alt is usually equivalent to the reading I get from my flight instrument when flying.

It’s a great looking watch but if you need a serious adventure watch, keep looking.

5 Stars Best Suunto for outdoor activities ever made
This watch is really amazing, despite it has few additional functions compared to previous version (Vector), this watch is very helpful for those enthusiast that really likes outdoor activities. In overall this watch is amazing but at the same time it has some negatives such as: i) the storm alarm it is complicated to get used to ii) the owner’s manual in some sections lack of detailed information to complete the right setup for some functions iii) the price is little expensive even though the materials used for this model has been improved significantly compared to Vector series.

5 Stars Mil Core
The watch was delivered in a very timely manner in great condition. I had no problems with my watch since i have received it and went diving with it the day after i got it. Great watch for any that really on the gear for there outdoor actives.

1 Star Good For about a Year … Then hassle to have it fixed even if you have warranty
Got my Core to use mostly for hiking, sailing and daily use. Looks good (although had few friends make comment that now when I am wearing that watch they can see me 3 miles down the road - making fun of the size) The watch is surprisingly light and good looking. After that its not so hot. My watch lasted for about 7 months when my lower right button became stacked and pushed in. Watch became unusable and even thought in warranty I had to pay $50 dollars to have it replaced. (warranty fee - what???)

I am very disappointed with the quality of the watch. The functions are not as precise as I expected (altimeter, compass are really good only as a rough estimate). Hope you have a better luck. I am selling my new unit ASAP and looking at different makers.

Buy/More Info

Suunto Core Wrist Top Computer Watch with Altimeter Barometer Compass and Depth Measurement Light Green

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Suunto Core Wrist Top Computer Watch with Altimeter Barometer Compass and Depth Measurement Light Green




Building on the success of the venerable Suunto Vector, the Suunto Core keeps you informed of conditions while you hike, bike, or camp, making it a terrific companion for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. What can the Suunto Core do for you? For starters, it can sense an approaching squall even when the sky looks clear. This intelligent Storm Alarm–one of several intelligent features designed to keep you safe and secure–is activated by a rapid drop in air pressure over a three-hour period. Once the Core senses the change, the Storm Alarm sounds and flashes, letting you know that something unpleasant is fast approaching. The built-in altimeter, meanwhile, displays your current elevation, shows how much you’ve climbed or descended, and records your entire session for later analysis. Accurate to within 30,000 feet, the altimeter is an extremely valuable tool for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and wilderness travel. Add in such additional features as a barometer, a digital thermometer, a weather trend indicator, and a digital compass and you have a terrific wrist-top computer for almost all your outdoor needs.

The Suunto Core watch includes an altimeter, barometer, compass, and weather indicator.

The altimeter contributes to your excursion in several ways. If you’re standing on or near an obvious geographic feature, such as a ridge, trail, or creek, the altimeter can alert you to your current elevation and help you find your position on a topographic map. Similarly, if you plan on climbing a slope to a certain elevation and then traversing, the Core can help you stay on course. And as a bonus, the Suunto Core includes a unique start-from-zero function, so you don’t have to enter a reference altitude. Instead, with the single push of a button, the altimeter will begin tracking your ascent and descent.

The Core also includes a barometer, which measures and records air pressure to help you predict changing conditions–from sunny skies to hair-bending electrical storms. The barometer helps you decide whether to bring a soft shell or rain shell jacket when the skies look ominous, or even when to high-tail it back to the car. In general, low pressure brings inclement weather, while high pressure brings stability and clear skies. If you’ve arrived at camp and notice the pressure starting to plunge, it’s probably a good idea to secure the tent and crawl in. Likewise, if you were on a climb, it would be prudent to find shelter and retreat. Even at home, the Suunto Core barometer can look beyond office walls, skyscrapers, and nearby hills to help you plan for upcoming activities.

The watch makes a great companion for almost any outdoor activity.

If you want a weather forecast that extends out a few hours, you can turn to the built-in weather trend indicator. The indicator shows the barometric history for the last three and six hours, helping you predict the weather with amazing accuracy. What’s more, the watch doesn’t give you a regional forecast posted earlier in the day, but rather the most current information about the weather directly overhead. And no outdoor watch is worth its salt without a digital compass, a great tool for keeping track of your direction while skiing, hiking, or exploring a new city. You can set and follow a bearing with a traditional rotating bezel, or simply point the top of the watch toward your intended destination and lock it in.

Additional features include several traditional watch functions, including dual times, a date display, and an alarm; predicted times for sunrise and sunset to help you maximize your daylight hours; an automatic Alti/Baro mode that senses movement or lack thereof and switches between the altimeter and barometer accordingly; a depth meter that provides accurate water depth readings to 30 feet; and the ability to function in English, German, French, and Spanish.

Specifications:

  • Finish: Light green
  • Real-time vertical cumulative value: Yes
  • Temperature compensation: Yes
  • Total ascent/descent: Yes
  • User-removable logbook files: Yes
  • Automatic Alti/Baro switch: Yes
  • Automatic 7-day Alti/Baro memory: Yes
  • Resolution: 1 meter
  • Recording intervals: 1 second, 5 second, 30 seconds, 60 seconds
  • Altitude range: 1,600 to 29,500 feet
  • Difference measurement: Yes
  • Log graph: Yes
  • Logbook function: Yes
  • Countdown timer: Yes
  • Stopwatch: Yes
  • Guided calibration: Yes
  • Heading in degrees: Yes
  • Declination setting: Yes
  • Cardinal directions: Yes
  • Bearing tracking: Yes
  • North-South indicator: North indicator
  • Languages: English, German, French, and Spanish
  • Depth meter: Yes, to 30 feet
  • Rotating bezel: Yes
  • Time: 12/24 hours
  • Sunrise/sunset times: Yes
  • Calendar clock: Yes
  • Dual time: Yes
  • Daily alarms: 1
  • Alarm snooze: Yes
  • Weather memory: 7 days
  • Weather alarm: Yes
  • Trend indicator and graph: Yes
  • Temperature range: -5 to 140 degrees F
  • Sea level pressure: Yes
  • Barometer range: 300 to 1,100 mbar
  • Low battery warning: Yes
  • Water resistance: 100 feet
  • Backlight option: Yes
  • Weight: 2.26 ounces

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Two-year warranty

About Suunto
Suunto was founded in 1936 by outdoors man and a keen orienteering enthusiast, Tuomas Vohlonen, who had long been bothered by a problem: the inaccuracy of traditional dry compasses and their lack of steady needle operation. Being an engineer with an inventive turn of mind, he discovered and patented the production method for a much steadier needle, better readings, and a new level of accuracy. By 1950 the company was exporting compasses to over 50 countries around the world, including Canada and the United States. In 1952, Helsinki was hosting the Olympic Games, and the torches carried to light the Olympic flame were Suunto products. The next step was improving the stability and accuracy of marine compasses. The first marine compass, the Suunto K-12, was launched onto the market in 1953. In 1957, Suunto started manufacturing hypsometers, which measure the height of trees.

In the 1960s, the compass range grew further and Suunto introduced its first diving compass–initiated by the divers themselves. A British sports diver attached a Suunto compass to his wrist and found that the device also worked underwater. Thanks to his feedback and initiatives, the new business category was found. Suunto’s exports and business grew steadily and Suunto then focused on combining its strength in precision mechanics with new skills in electronics. Accuracy, reliability, and ruggedness have been Suunto’s key values from the very beginning of the company history.

Today, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing, and golf. True to its roots, Suunto is today the world’s biggest compass manufacturer. Prized for their design, accuracy and dependability, Suunto sports instruments combine the aesthetics and functionality of watches with sport-specific computers that help athletes at all levels analyze and improve performance. Headquartered in Vantaa, Finland, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide and distributes its products to nearly 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Helsinki-based Amer Sports Corporation with the sister brands Wilson, Salomon, Atomic, Precor, and Mavic.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars good watch
Good watch but its not water proof. If you stay in the water for a long time, water will seep throiugh. Also you get a lot of condensation which makes it difficult to read the time. One thing I notice is that this watch does not have a rubber o-ring inside inside the battery compartment which prevent water to seep through. I had to take the battery and the circuitry dry off twice which annoying.

5 Stars Mil Core
The watch was delivered in a very timely manner in great condition. I had no problems with my watch since i have received it and went diving with it the day after i got it. Great watch for any that really on the gear for there outdoor actives.

5 Stars Best Suunto for outdoor activities ever made
This watch is really amazing, despite it has few additional functions compared to previous version (Vector), this watch is very helpful for those enthusiast that really likes outdoor activities. In overall this watch is amazing but at the same time it has some negatives such as: i) the storm alarm it is complicated to get used to ii) the owner’s manual in some sections lack of detailed information to complete the right setup for some functions iii) the price is little expensive even though the materials used for this model has been improved significantly compared to Vector series.

3 Stars Just ok
I bought my suunto in March 2009 at a greater than 50% discount due to a connection I have. It’s a great looking watch with lots of useful functions. However I think the listed price on Amazon is a little too much. Although I paid much less, I still feel like I over paid.

The battery life is terrible. If you plan to do serious trekking with the suunto core, I would advise you to take spare batteries along. There is a low battery indicator but it gives less than 24hr warning before dying completely. At that point, all reference values and setting will be lost.

The alt and baro is accurate. I work near SFO so I’m able to check my watch baro reading against weather observations (METAR) broadcast for that location. The alt is usually equivalent to the reading I get from my flight instrument when flying.

It’s a great looking watch but if you need a serious adventure watch, keep looking.

1 Star Good For about a Year … Then hassle to have it fixed even if you have warranty
Got my Core to use mostly for hiking, sailing and daily use. Looks good (although had few friends make comment that now when I am wearing that watch they can see me 3 miles down the road - making fun of the size) The watch is surprisingly light and good looking. After that its not so hot. My watch lasted for about 7 months when my lower right button became stacked and pushed in. Watch became unusable and even thought in warranty I had to pay $50 dollars to have it replaced. (warranty fee - what???)

I am very disappointed with the quality of the watch. The functions are not as precise as I expected (altimeter, compass are really good only as a rough estimate). Hope you have a better luck. I am selling my new unit ASAP and looking at different makers.

Buy/More Info

Taylor Made Products Eco Blast Rechargeable Boat Air Horn

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Taylor Made Products Eco Blast Rechargeable Boat Air Horn




Taylor Eco Blast Rechargeable Air Horn. This Taylor rechargeable air horn features a refill valve to permit recharging using any bicycle pump, service station air pump or air compressor in seconds. This air horn can be operates in all weather. Pump sold separately.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Did NOT get all parts
I ordered this product and it was supposed to come with a hand pump to recharge it and it was not in the package. Furthermore, the company has not returned calls or e-mails. Buyers beware.

4 Stars Works awesome
Ordered this to scare the neighbors dogs back into the house when they bark incessantly. A short burst from this sends them running through the doggy door, giving me peace and quite. The charge could last a little longer, fortunately I have a compressor.

5 Stars Air Horn
This product is well worth the investment. It maintains air pressure and saves money due to air pump refills. A must have item!

Waymon

5 Stars great horn
This is a great little product to have. It does everything I wanted it to do; everything I wanted and expected. It’s a must have and I would highly recommend it.

3 Stars Works, but…
Great little air horn. However, I was disappointed with the construction quality. Although rated to 150 psi, the canister bottom buckled and bulged outward at only 75 psi. The unit was pressurized slowly using a hand-operated bicycle pump with a pressure gauge. It works fine, but I’m always concerned that it might rupture when I refill the canister.

Buy/More Info