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Our Review of the Suunto Vector / Vector HR
The watch that started it all is celebrating it's 10th anniversary! Happy birthday to the Granddaddy of Suunto ABC wristops!
Has your watch been to the top of Everest? The Suunto Vector has. When to-the-second data makes the difference between life and death, the Suunto Vector delivers with a highly accurate barometer, altimeter, and compass, and on select models, a heart rate monitor.
Standout Features:
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass
- Available in HR to monitor heart rate
- Barometer tracks 4 days of pressure trends for weather prediction
- Clock, alarm, and stopwatch
What Can the Suunto Vector & Vector HR do?
Altimeter Watch: All 14 of the worlds 8,000+ meter summits are within your reach with the Vector's altimeter, which features a range up to 9,000m/29,500 ft. If you're focusing on pacing yourself, the Vector features an altitude difference measurement function for following the vertical progress between climb stages.
An automatic 24-hour memory stores altitude, ascent/descent, and features an adjustable altitude alarm. If you want to prove you got to the top, the Vector records your total and cumulative vertical ascents and descents as well as the number of runs skied.
Barometer Watch: If there's one thing that can ruin a day making ski runs, it's bad weather. Stay one step ahead of Mother Nature with the barometer equipped Suunto Vector.
The barometer displays current pressure and temperature and records barometric pressure from the past 4 days, allowing you to make robust predictions.
Set the reference altitude to show the present sea level pressure, helping you to better interpret barometric pressure at high altitudes. But when exploring the mountain, don't forget that the detected barometric pressure changes when you are moving in a vertical direction, which at times makes the tracking of weather changes more complicated.
Compass Watch: Get lost? Yeah right. The compass on the Suunto Vector tracks cardinal or half-cardinal points and features a north-south arrow. The compass can also be set to track a certain bearing.
The declination adjustment allows you to correct the difference between true north and magnetic north for more accurate readings.
Heart Rate Monitor Watch: Select models are available with HR and do all the same things as the Vector, plus monitor heart rate during outdoor adventures. Whether you're already on the mountain or training to get there, Suunto's heart rate technology monitors the effects of training on your heart by measuring your beats per minute and the effects of altitude on your heart.
The Vector HR includes the Suunto Comfort Belt which wirelessly collects and tracks your heart rate data and features a user-replaceable battery.
Watch Features: Wake up on time with the alarm and have two alarms left over to remind you of meetings and lunch. The Suunto Vector also has a calendar programmed to the year 2089, a stopwatch with split-time measurements, and a countdown timer.
Who is the Suunto Vector & Vector HR best for?
The Suunto Vector features a sporty look and larger watch face that is best suited to avid adventurers or those who keep their look outdoorsy both at the office and on the trail.
With top-notch adventure features like altimeter, barometer, and compass, the Vector is the perfect companion for backpackers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, or anyone who needs critical data. For peak performance in any of those areas, upgrade to the Vector HR to monitor the effects of training on your heart.
Comparison: If you'd like a Suunto watch with altimeter, barometer, and compass that features a look that is at home in the boardroom and on the trail, check out the Suunto Core.
If you want to track how harsh conditions affect your body, consider the heart-rate monitor equipped Suunto Advizor.
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- Suunto Vector - X Black
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- Suunto Vector - Black
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- Suunto Vector - Yellow
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- Black HR
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- Black HR
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- White HR
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- White HR
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Click here to download Vector instruction manual. (Adobe Reader required)
Click here to download Vector HR instruction manual. (Adobe Reader required)
Related Categories:
Suunto Watch Face Specs(cm/mm)
- Thickness
- 1.56
- Casing Diameter
- 5.1
Time
- 12/24 hour clock
- Calendar preprogrammed to the year 2089
- 3 daily alarms
- Stopwatch, range 23:59,59 / Countdown timer, range 23:59, 59
Altimeter
- Current altitude: range up to 29,500 ft / 9,000m - resolution 10ft / 5m
- Ascent/descent rate in ft/min or m/min
- Difference measurement function allows zeroing of the altimeter for following vertical progress between stages
- Automatic 24-hour memory stores altitude and ascent/descent rate for every hour
- Logbook stores total ascent/descent, average ascent/descent rate, number of runs skied, duration of log
Barometer
- Absolute pressure range 8.90 - 32.40 inHg / 300 - 1100 mbar
- Sea level pressure range 27.25 - 31.90 inHg / 921-1080 mbar
- Resolution 0.05 inHg / 1 mbar
- Difference measurement function allows zeroing of the barometer for following e.g. overnight changes in barometric pressure and temperature
- Automatic 4-day memory stores pressure information in one hour intervals for the last six hours, then in six hour intervals
- Adjustable sea level pressure function
- Barometric trend indicator
- Temperature: range -20 - +60 C / -5 - +140 F
Compass
- Shows bearing in degrees and cardinal or half-cardinal point
- North-South arrow
- Bearing tracking function displays locked bearing, actual bearing and difference between these declination adjustment
- Bubble level to indicate level position to ensure +/- 2-3 degree reading accuracy
- Declination adjustment
Other Features
- Backlight, electroluminescent
- User-replaceable battery
- Low Battery Indicator
- Easy-to-read display
- Water Resistant to 30 m / 100ft
- Weight 1.9 oz / 55g
Suunto Watch Face Specs(cm)
- Thickness: 1.56
- Casing Diameter: 5.1
Suunto Vector / Vector HR Reviews
All Customer Reviews
- Average Rating:
- Highest Rating:
- Lowest Rating:
- Number of Reviews:
- 220
Disappointed
Reviewer: Anonymous , Washington, DC
Date: July 18, 2010
I got this watch before leaving for a 15 mo sailing voyage. The bezel fell off promptly. The band broke during the trip. When I got back to the US I contacted Suunto to complain and was told the watch had fallen prey to normal wear and tear. I didn't think that was fair but took my lumps and put the watch in a drawer. Tonight I was cleaning out the drawer and found this sad little watch. I stumbled into this forum and realized, as I had originally complained to Suunto, that this watch simply wasn't built tough enough. I am now preparing for a North Atlantic crossing in 2012. Given my experience with this watch and the follow up (lack of) customer service, I won't have any Suunto products on board and, based on this experience, cannot recommend Suunto products for seriously demanding activities. The quality is consumer grade, acceptable for weekend recreational use, but certainly not for anything serious like extended work offshore.
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Great watch; great company
Reviewer: Carlton , Stafford, Virginia
Date: July 07, 2010
Excellent watch from a company that provides great customer service. I bought a Vector for an Iraq deployment in 2006, and have since worn it all over the world. Four years and tons of abuse later, it looked like it had been beaten with a sock full of nickels. After about 2 years, I had to replace the rubber strap as it had rotted off; considering I never take the watch off, even in the shower, this was expected. Watch bands on hard use watches are a consumable item. I replace the battery every year as routine maintenance, and at $2 a piece why not? Recently though, one of the strap pin holes on the frame broke off. The watch was out of warranty, but I contacted Suunto by phone to find out how to get it fixed. I went online like they told me and filled out a form, printed off the FedEx label that was generated for me, and dropped the watch in the mail on a Thursday. The following Monday I got a price quote (very reasonable price), and the next day it was mailed back to me with a brand new case, face, D-rings, and bezel; it looks brand new. I didn't have them replace the strap, as I bought the velcro replacement strap with the D-rings over a year ago - I use the D-rings with a Zulu strap and it works perfect. In the end, Suunto definitely stood behind their product, and I will be purchasing another watch from them sometime in the near future. I highly recommend the Vector.
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Good watch, great service
Reviewer: Kevin , San Jose, CA
Date: June 08, 2010
My Vector is about 8-9 years old and I bought it... when I replaced a Timex outdoor watch that died after trying to replace the battery. I don't have the overseas/war/mountain climbing stories for my Vector, only to say its been a reliable, durable product that has withstood being in the mouth of a toddler many times and seen the everyday wear and tear of urban life, with the occasional dip in the water. The bezel fell off last summer and after finding that you can't get parts on line or locally, I went to the Support Site at Suunto.com, got an approval along with a prepaid FEDEX #, boxed it up and in 2-3 weeks I had it back with a new bezel- all at no charge. What other companies do this anymore? No problems to this point...I am looking forward to many more years of utility from this watch (maybe my daughter will get it when she gets older, as she loves it, and I get a new one!)...Job well done, Suunto...
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Great watch
Reviewer: Anonymous , Erie, PA
Date: May 11, 2010
I am an Army officer. I bought my Vector when I couldn't get anyone to replace the battery in my cheap watch, in 1999, at the National Training Center, Ft. Irwin CA. I thought I was spending a lot of money on an expensive toy. Turns out to be a better value than just about anything else I own. This thing has been to Ft. Irwin more than once, been through many many field exercises and schools, been overseas more than once including Iraq, been up and down mountains in all kinds of weather, and works great. I'm on my 4th battery and 3rd band in 10 years. The bezel ring finally died about 3 years ago I think, but hasn't been an issue. The lower RH button cover is also MIA, again no issue so far. Still waterproof, still functioning. I am split between being buried with it or willing it to my son...either way I could live to be 100 and it will still be working. Good product!
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Best watch ever!!!
Reviewer: Anonymous , Portland, Or
Date: April 19, 2010
I have had this watch since 2002. It has gone everywhere from the top on Mt St. Helens to snorkeling in Hawaii to keeping track of my vertical on Mt.hood, I love this watch!!! Miner scuff on the screen and the name has warn off.
But like all good dogs there comes a day when you have to put them down? So I Hope the new vector can do the same!
But like all good dogs there comes a day when you have to put them down? So I Hope the new vector can do the same!
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The... this watch has been through...
Reviewer: Erik , Virginia Beach, VA
Date: March 24, 2010
I've owned a Vector for 7 years. It's been around the world with me in my career as a Soldier. I've used it while hiking the hills in Korea, to keep track of time while assessing patient vitals, and worn it through battles in the streets of Iraq. I was injured in an IED blast that severely burned my hands to 3rd degree, and required skin graphs. The watch left a mark of unharmed skin underneath it, half it's housing melted, but it still keeps ticking like nothing happened! I went as far as to tattoo a four leaf clover where I still wear the watch to this day! ...this thing has even survived a few trips through the washer AND the dryer. Tell me what other watch can do that.
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Vector to War and back
Reviewer: Anonymous , Oldest City, FL
Date: February 15, 2010
When it came time to deploy to Afg, my Rolex stayed home and I bought a Vector. It has been beat to he!! and still runs great. I wish I could read the name on the side of the watch but the bug spray and sand has etched the name off the sides. Again, best watch I have ever owned. Its 6 years old and just ordered my first replacement band. Keep up the great work guys!!!!!!!
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Love it -Hate it
Reviewer: Anonymous , Ballston Spa, NY
Date: February 02, 2010
I have had my Vector for years. I have encountered a problem where either when I felx my wrist or by contact with my ski glove, the buttons on the side get accidentally pushed causing the watch to reset or do go to weird modes. I have lost my ascent/decent data more than once. That is extremely frustrating. I wish the reset/mode buttons on the sides of the watch were protected from accidental pushing. I now keep it in my pocket insead of on my wrist so it does not happen again. Also wish there was a higher maximum total ascent/decent. I have maxed out the watch. Now I try to rememeber to start a new log at lunch so my day is split in half to avoid maxing. I would buy another but wish they would do some redesign.
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Older Vector
Reviewer: Anonymous , Phoenix, Arizona
Date: January 24, 2010
I have owned my Vector for eight years and have been extremely satisified with the performance. I have found the time to be better than a casio atomic watch which I had to send back to casio and they couldn't fix.
The barometer and compass work great but here in Arizona, the temperature feature isn't so hot.
My biggest complaint is that the printing has worn off of the face and I lost one of the screws out of the band pin and can't figure out how to get a replacement.
The watch is still working great after all this time and it has been through some might tough duty. I highly recommend it.
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