Reviews for Suunto Altimax

I have been coaching off-piste skiing and glacier, climbing and high-trail expeditions for years. I normally navigate on the altimetric data, and I have found this instrument to be totally dependable, even in extreme situations. I have used the altimeter at -25°C and, with good calibration (as all barometric altimeters), it is dead accurate. And the display is readable, which is not a minor issue, at such temperatures. By all means, we should be aware tha this is *not* a watch, but rather a navigation instrument, and that the watch functions are marginal extras. So, I did not expect the ease of use of a watch. But, as I do rely critically on altimetry, I can advise that this is defintely the instrument to go for (warning: not for skydiving. It is not fast enough).

I purchased one several years ago for my brother who is an avid skier. We both have had trouble following the manual to get the unit to work properly. He's tried year after year before our trips and finally gives it to me to try to get it working. I've had limited success as I only get to work with it a few times a year. I would like to suggest a CD or onlie video explaining how to manipulate the watch and to show it's features. Some of us learn better by seeing it done rather than by trying to follow a manual.

My first Suunto watch and I am not dissapointed I am looking forward for my next one Thanks

I use it for skydiving, and it's perfect. Got a fabric velcro strap to avoid losing it in freefall, and that made it even more comfortable! It's same as the Vector, except the compass. Unfortunatelly cannot use it during night jumps, because the light stays on only for 5 seconds. Would be nice to be able to turn the backlight on-off-auto.

beautiful, functional and tough. I love how light it is. I use it mainly for the altimeter and it works great for me. I will surely buy another one soon.

I'm a commercial pilot, so I use mine for the barometer/altimeter and time-zone functions. I wore this one for work and had my other watches for day-to-day wear, this one has become the one I identify with the most. I feel uncomfortable without it. The barometer/alt are comparable to aviation instrumets, which need to be +/- 75 feet to be valid. My watch is easily within those parameters, provided you understand how to interpret the data ( a complaint from another user). There is no other way around this, since the watch does not know where you are, nor care. Maps can give you an absolute altitude, but every barometer in the world ( a basic altitude instrument) will give you different readings on any given day, based on temperature and pressure. It's not an aviation certified instrument so cannot be used for navigation, but it's been an invaluable tool for flight planning, and in an emergency with my instruments out at altitude, I'd much rather have this on my wrist then not.. Perhaps Suunto can come up with a wrist instrument for us aviators, maybe with E-6B flight computer functions on it, for those of us who peril in the air...

Comments from The Staff:

Great idea, and thanks for the great review.

Thanks!
Christina
Call Center Manager
Christina@NicheRetail.com

I first saw this watch when I was out west about to climb Mount Rainier. All the guides had them and I just fell in love with it. I now have the watch and use it everyday. Its good for running, hiking, climbing, and biking. It's GREAT!

Watch is very large. User manual is confusing. All I use it for is total up and down for hiking and skiing. By the way, you need a new cover when you change the battery which is expensive.

Comments from the Staff: This is not accurate; the cover somes with the battery kit . . . as well as a new o-ring.