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.
Buy/More Info
