The built-in altimeter, which boasts a range of up to 29,500 feet, puts all 14 of the world's 8,000-plus-meter summits within the avid climber's range. Among the altimeter's functions are an altitude measurement function that lets you follow the vertical progress between stages, an automatic 24-hour memory that stores the altitude and ascent/decent rate for every hour, and an adjustable altitude alarm. Climbers will also dig the logbook function, which lets you record total and cumulative vertical ascents and descents as well as the number of runs skied.

The Vector also displays the current barometric pressure and temperature--a must for activities in which weather plays a factor. The device automatically records barometric data for the previous four days, with the first six hours manifested in one-hour intervals and the rest in six-hour intervals. When the reference altitude is set correctly, the instrument also displays the present sea level pressure, which makes it easier to read and understand the barometric pressure at high altitudes.

And few things are more important when exploring unfamiliar territory than a compass. The Vector's electronic compass contributes by guiding you with cardinal or half- cardinal points and a North-South arrow. The compass can also be set to track a certain bearing, which helps you follow a chosen direction. Meanwhile, the unit's declination adjustment function allows you to correct the difference between true North and magnetic North.

In addition to the variety of outdoor functions, the Vector also displays normal time, with such add-ons as three daily alarms, a calendar programmed to the year 2089, a stopwatch with split-time measurement, and a countdown timer. The entire design is unified by an intuitive user interface and convenient, easy-to-access control buttons--a handy extra when hiking or climbing in tough conditions. Additional features include an electro-luminescent backlight, a user-replaceable battery, and an attractive black housing. In addition, the Vector is backed by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box?
Vector wrist-top computer, battery, user's manual.

Product Description
Suunto Vector, Standard-Setting Outdoor Sports Instrument for Adventurers. The Suunto Vector is truly an instrument that you cannot leave home when planning any kind of outdoor activity. Hiking, climbing, off piste skiing all share one common feature in order to practice them safely, you need accurate, real-time information about the surroundings. And this is where Suunto Vector, a versatile device that it is, delivers. Regardless whether you are climbing mountains, riding a muddy bike track, or skiing off piste, Suunto Vector will not let you down even in the toughest of the tough situations. It combines an altimeter, barometer, and an electronic compass with all the features of a sophisticated sports watch. The clear logic of the user interface makes Suunto Vector a real forerunner on the mountain. Its ergonomic design with a large display and convenient control buttons makes it easy to use even in the harshest and toughest conditions. It has an electro-luminescent backlight and a user-replaceable battery. Suunto Vector keeps track of your activities and provides you with means to make rational decisions in situations where information on your surroundings plays a crucial role. The Suunto Vector and its barometric functions provide you with valuable information for forecasting weather changes. Information on the present sea level pressure helps you read and understand the barometric pressure at high altitudes. Knowing your altitude, ascent/descent rate, compass bearing, weather trends, and barometric pressure enables you to make safe and responsible decisions, particularly when moving in the mountains. The altimeter features a range up to 9 000 m/ 29 500 ft, which puts all 14 of the World's 8000+ meter summits within the avid climber's range. Suunto Vector features an altitude difference measurement function for following vertical progress between stages. It has an automatic 24-hour memory that stores the altitude and ascent/descent rate for every hour. It also f

My recommendation - If you're looking for an altimeter and/or thermometer, keep looking...


suunto vector   January 20, 2004
 14 out of 25 found this review helpful

IF YOU ARE AN OUTDOOR PERSON THE VECTOR IS THE ITEMTO HAVE==THE ALTIMETER ANDBAROMETER WORK IN CONJUCTION=WHICH MIGHT INITIALLY CAUSECONFUSION==BUT BY SETTING THESEA LEVEL PRESSURE=THE SETTINGSWILL EQUAL OUT=THE COMPASS ISSPOT ON AND WHEN SET WITH DECLINATION ==WILL GET YOU WHEREYOU WANT TO BE==OVERALL THE VECTOR IS WORTH THE INVESTMENTIF YOU LOVE TO-HIKE-CAMP-CLIMB-OR ANY OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITYWHICH REQUIRES TO YOU TO HAVEA HEADSUP REGARDING WEATHERAND YOUR SAFETY IN THE FIELD=ONE NOTE ==YOUR LOCAL AIRPORTCONTROL TOWER-CAN GIVE YOU=ELEVATION==SEA LEVEL PRESSURE=DELINATION=WHICH MAKES SETUPEASIER=ALSO A FIRST CLASSPHONE HELP LINE=THE PEOPLETHERE ARE TOP NOTCH AND WILL TAKE TIME TO HELP YOUSET THE VECTOR UP PROPERLY=


Get the old style ...   July 14, 2006
 14 out of 18 found this review helpful

I've had a VECTOR for more than 5 years, GREAT TOOL, but it finally slipped away to lost-watch land. I bought a new one and was very sad to send it back. You see, I could see the old black letters on a white face just fine, even in bright sunshine. The new improved model has faint green letters on a black background -- much harder to see while hiking or sailing, especially when wearing polarized sunglasses. The graphics on the new model are also much harder to discern --for example, the indicator for degrees F or degrees C is tiny (granted that is probably an issue only during set-up). The good folk at Suunto have still not addressed the problem of accidentally uncalibrating the barometric sensor -- that's a problem if you hit the buttons while running -- and the manual still doesn't help you get out of the mess in the field. It was a great product for backcountry activity, now it's mostly for show. Look for the old version and buy a new battery ...