GPS Archives - Watch Ideas

April 17, 2021April 27, 2021

Best Swim Watch For Open Water [Our Top Picks]

Many watches claim to be waterproof but only a few are truly fit for swimming. Your favorite timepiece may survive the shower or rain but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a good fit for open water swimming. This is why I’ve decided to make this list of the best swim watch for open water.

Today, we rounded up the watches that you can wear for open water swimming. For this list, we chose the Garmin Forerunner 935 as our top pick due to its wide range of features, superior build quality, and value proposition. Keep reading to see the rest of our recommendations.

Best Swim Watch For Open Water	Key Features	Our Rating
Garmin Forerunner 935	Advanced running and multisport features, Built-in barometer, altimeter and electronic compass, Advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming, Built-in activity profiles	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Apple Watch Series 5	GPS, Always-On Retina display, Swimproof, ECG app, Electrical and optical heart sensors, Built-in compass, Emergency SOS, Digital Crown with haptic feedback, 64-bit dual-core processor, W3 Apple wireless chip	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR	Battery life up to 12 hours, Steel bezel, mineral Crystal Glass, 100 meter water resistance, GPS route navigation, support for over 80 sports, Optical heart rate, Sapphire glass, Triathlon and multisport mode	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Garmin Swim 2	Wrist-based heart rate, Pool swim mode, Built-in GPS, Full-color Garmin chroma display, Auto rest feature, Advanced Swim Features, Turn-based pacing alerts, Up to 7 days battery life in smartwatch mode	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2	Advanced sensors, Aluminum or stainless steel, Detects a high or a low heart rate, Sleep tracker, 360 x 360 Super AMOLED display, GPS, Bluetooth	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Polar Vantage V	Up to 40 hours of training time with GPS active, Running power from the wrist, Training Load Pro and Recovery Pro, Integrated GPS, Polar Precision Prime sensor fusion technology, Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stages	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Best Swim Watch For Open Water

1. Garmin Forerunner 935

The Garmin Forerunner 935 is one of our top picks for the best Garmin for Triathlon and because of that, it’s easy to recommend is as the best swim watch for open water.

Beast of a Multi-Sport Watch

On top of the training and performance tracking features, the Forerunner 935 also has a healthy offering of dedicated pool smarts. It’s a full-featured triathlon watch, so you can trust that it will serve you well in open waters.

The Forerunner 935 comes with built-in activity profiles both for open water and pool swimming. Through the Garmin Connect app, you can create your own workouts or download pre-made sessions to your watch. Moreover, the watch will automatically detect stroke type along with metrics like lengths, distance, pace, and stroke count. Other advanced features include time and distant alerts, countdown start, and other open-water metrics.

Perhaps the best feature of the Forerunner 935 is the Training Status function which automatically evaluates your recent workouts. There are even numerous performance indicators that will let you know if you’ve had a productive swimming session or not.

Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 935 is one of the best GPS watches I’ve used which makes it a solid option for open water swimmers.

2. Apple Watch Series 5

The world’s most famous smartwatch also happens to be an excellent gadget for open water swimming. The Apple Watch Series 5 is not just a fancy offering from the Cupertino company, it works great for open water swimming as well.

Not Just a Fancy Apple Gadget

Regardless of how you feel about Apple products, the Apple Watch Series 5 is one of the best-looking smartwatches out there. Over the years, the design of the Apple Watch has seen some updates here and there but its overall design has not changed that much – it has become an iconic design.

The Apple Watch comes with an accelerometer and gyroscope, and they’re very accurate. As a result, the watch can recognize which strokes you are doing (backstroke, freestyle, breaststroke) and provide an accurate quantification. The watch will also track other metrics such as the number of meters or yards completed, pool size (if you’re not swimming in open water), total swim time, number of strokes per lap, and many others.

For open water swimming, you have the GPS feature that will tell you position while you’re in the ocean or a lake. However, one of the best functions of Apple Watch is the ability to use third-party apps that can give you more information about your workouts when compared to stock apps.

If you’re going to buy the Apple Watch Series 5 just for swimming, it can be very expensive. Otherwise, it’s a top-notch smartwatch and fitness tracker for everything else.

3. Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR

The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR is also one of the best smartwatches for triathletes. It’s a multi-sport GPS watch with a pretty good heart rate sensor – perfect for hardcore open water swimmers.

Excellent GPS Watch for Swimming

The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR is “everything but the kitchen sink” equivalent of smartwatches. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the Spartan Sport Wrist HR is the optical heart rate sensor. I won’t say that the heart rate sensor is 100% accurate but it’s more than good enough considering that you don’t have to use a chest-strap add-on. Suunto did a great job of creating an optical HR sensor for swimming.

The Spartan Sport Wrist HR has a water resistance of 100 m (300 ft) which means that it’s perfect for open water swimming. One of my favorite features of the watch is the heat map. It just makes it a lot easier to find training spots. You can create routes using the Movescount app and the best thing about this is that you can filter by sport. This makes it a breeze to find the right swimming routes.

The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR isn’t exactly cheap but I’d say the price is more than warranted.

4. Garmin Swim 2

Garmin is one of the biggest manufacturers of sports watches today. When it comes to full-featured sports watches, it’s hard to go wrong with Garmin. The Garmin Swim 2 is no exception. This functionality tracks your heart rate along with your steps taken to provide more accurate data.

Designed for Swimmers

Just by going by the name, you’ll know that the Garmin Swim 2 is a reliable swimming partner. Again, this is not just your standard fitness tracker that you can wear while on the water. The Swim 2 has features that will measure your swimming performance.

The Garmin Swim 2 can measure lap count, recognize all four strokes, and utilizes gamification to motivate to perform better. There’s a SWOLF Scoring feature which is basically a combination of “swimming” and “golf” that combines your stroke rate and overall speed.

One thing that I love about this watch is that it’s quickly usable out of the box. You can simply strap it on and use it right away. With that said, it’s highly recommended that you get the Garmin Connect app to get the most out of your Garmin Swim 2.

Overall, the Garmin Swim 2 is a definite upgrade to the old Swim model which doesn’t even have a GPS function.

5. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

Samsung has been killing it when it comes to wearable tech. This is true with their Samsung Gear (old name) and Galaxy Watch lines. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is another solid entry from the South Korean tech giant and it’s a pretty good entry for this list of the best swim watch for open water.

Great All-Around Fitness Tracker

With the 5 ATM waterproof rating and the fact that it’s water-sealed, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is an easy recommendation for swimmers. One neat functionality of the watch is that it allows you to customize the information displayed within the swim tracking screen. This includes your target, pool size, guide frequency, and which data to display.

When in the water, the Galaxy Watch Active2 will disable touch sensitivity so you’ll need to use the physical buttons to navigates. Like the Apple Watch, you can simply press a button to reactivate the touch interface after a swim. It also has an impressive battery life at 3-4 days after charging to the max, even when you use the GPS for swimming in open waters.

Overall, the Galaxy Watch Active2 isn’t as advanced as the other watches on this list but it’s robust enough to be used as a general fitness tracker.

6. Polar Vantage V

The Polar Vantage V has been touted as the “Garmin Killer.” While I can’t claim that yet, Polar did a great job with the Vantage V, especially when it comes to the swim features.

Formidable Rival to Garmin

For starters, I love the design of the Polar Vantage V. The very thin brushed metal looks great and practically disappears when viewed face on. The touchscreen feels intuitive and snappy, and you’ll have no trouble using touch as a primary input.

Like the Suunto Spartan HR, the Vantage V brings heart rate monitoring to the water. Also, the swimming metrics track information like pool size, swimming style, distance, strokes, rest time, and so on. The tracking results are quite satisfactory especially when you use it in conjunction with the Polar Flow app.

Overall, the Polar Vantage V isn’t the cheapest wearable tech out there. However, it’s very polished and can give some Garmin models a run for their money.

Ready for an Open Water Swim?

This concludes our list of the best swim watch for open water. Hopefully, you’ll find something here that will help maximize your training sessions. Stay safe out there!

April 12, 2021April 22, 2021

Best GPS Watch For Military: Tactical GPS watches

Here we reviewed the best GPS watch for Military and Garmin Tactix Charlie is our top choice. The watch offers excellent durability and functionality coupled with tactical features you need on the field.

Better than just any military watch, the GPS military watches are perfect for anyone looking for a tactical and reliable timepiece. They come with better functions, more durability, more battery life, and can withstand harsh conditions.

Not only for soldiers and law enforcement officers, but these watches are also excellent selections for mountaineers, hunters, backpackers, hikers, and other tactical enthusiasts. The GPS watch for military can assess the areas around you for a wide range of criteria including, timers, stopwatch functionality, temperature, and others that are useful in the field.

If you’ve done a bit of research, you must know that several companies make different types of GPS military watches in a range of durability, tactical attributes, and prices. However, the two main qualities you should look out for in standard perfect GPS military piece is the durability and tactical features.

Your selection for the best GPS watch for military depends on what you need it for. Notwithstanding, our top choice for this review is Garmin Tactix Charlie.

Garmin Tactix Charlie – Best GPS Watch for Military

When you hear Garmin, the first thought on your mind should be GPS. Their proficiency with GPS has made them one of the leading brands of tactical watches. Garmin Tactix Charlie is a sophisticated GPS watch for soldiers and other tactical enthusiasts. It offers excellent durability and functionality.

Benefits / Drawbacks – Garmin Tactix Charlie

There are so many reasons to choose Garmin Tactix Charlie as the best GPS watch for military. Here are some of them.

Incredibly Durable

Beginning from the casing to the stainless steel bezel, the durability of this watch is next to none. Attached to the housing are the silicon strap and Sapphire glass lens for utmost durability and abrasion resistance. With the vast selection of numerous silicone and nylon straps from Garmin, the Tactix Charlie is compatible with Garmin’s QuickFit system. This means you easily make quick strap changes.

Awesome Navigator

As expected from the best GPS watch for military, the Garmin Tactix Charlie has a built-in GPS that supports GLONASS and other useful tactical features. These qualities equip the device to show coordinates of your current position in the MGRS format. It supports navigation by aiding you with directions to target or pre-planned routes.

With the built-in GPS, the watch tracks your activities and takes an in-depth record of data about each event. You can synchronize your smartphone via Bluetooth to access this information using the Garmin Connect web or mobile app. To improve the watch’s performance, Garmin releases regular software updates.

Tactical Features

The tactical mood of the watch displays your map, coordinates, and other useful information you need for patrolling, swimming, running, or hunting. Believe it or not, there is an advanced tactical feature called the jumpmaster mode for parachuting. After the jump, it navigates you to the target landing zone.

Furthermore, the watch is a writs-based heart rate monitor, a compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, calendar, and so much more. It also shows information about the moon and the sun.

Suunto Traverse Alpha

Suunto Transverse is another trusted watch with excellent military features. Garmin Tactix may as well be the best GPS watch for military; however, Suunto Traverse Alpha is a fair contender. It offers incredible tactical features and superb durability. The case of the timepiece is of durable composite material attached to a stainless-steel bezel. It has a water repellent textile strap for extra comfort and durability.

Benefits / Drawbacks – Suunto Traverse Alpha

The watch offers several advanced features that may come handy during tactical activities or hunting. Let’s see some benefits.

Awesome Navigator

Again the watch features a well built-in GPS that also supports GLONASS. After setting up your routes and waypoint, the Suunto Traverse navigates by showing your location in relation to the set direction. This is very helpful during activities like hunting and patrolling.

The watch supports MGRS (Military Grid Reference System) used by NATO armed forces and can instantly show coordinates of your current location. If you want, you can import routes and waypoints in several formats such as GPX, KLM, and lots more. The automatic shot detection is another delightful feature that makes the watch detect when a shot is fired and creates waypoints to the coordinates.

Easy to use

With GPS, you can track your activities to access detailed information about each one, such as distance, duration, speed, and maps. This information is viewable via the Suunto Movescount app, which is available as a web and mobile app. However, you need to synchronize and pair the watch with your smartphone to access these details. When it is connected, you can change the settings of your watch from your smartphone and view notifications like messages and incoming calls from your watch.

Impressive Features

The Suunto Traverse is another one of the best GPS watches to offer more than enough features to please every tactical watch enthusiast. There are additional features like compass, barometer, thermometer, altimeter, moon phase, calendar, sunrise/sunset alarm, moonrise/moonset alarm, water pressure resistance to 330 feet, and a backlight compatible with night vision goggles. Also, there are displays of real-time GPS information like current speed, distance, etc.

Garmin Fenix 5X Plus

Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is another GPS watch for military you should consider. It comes with some mind-blowing features. Although there are incredibly impressive predecessors of this watch, Garmin Fenix 5X Plus comes with some goodies that the previous Fenix models may lack.

The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is the best Military smartwatch in today’s market. With consistent upgrades, it keeps getting better. This even makes the watch more exciting.

Benefits / Drawbacks – Garmin Fenix 5X Plus

Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is a GPS watch for military; you should check it out one day.

Well-designed and comfortable

The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus has a rugged design fit for adventures. It comes with a durable scratch resistant doom sapphire crystal and black band to smoothly fit the wrist. The stainless steel or diamond-like carbon titanium bezel and casing contribute to the ruggedness of the watch.

The look is a bit chunky, but this only adds to the style and presents the wear with more confidence. Surprisingly, the bulky appearance and size don’t hinder the watch from being comfortable and allowing free movements while you engage in physical activities.

Multipurpose Timepiece

Not only for soldiers, but Fenix 5X Plus is also an excellent choice for training during sports activities. If you are into trekking, triathlon, and other outdoor activities, this watch will be your best buddy!

The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus has features like the advanced GPS, heart rate monitor, Wi-Fi, rechargeable battery, Chroma display, calorie and step counter, an altimeter, and color topographical maps, and thermometer. It is water-resistant to 100 meters.

Incredible features

Amidst other impressive features, it also comes with a pulse oximeter for oxygen saturation. As a non-medical device, the watch proves useful by providing awareness of your estimated blood oxygen saturated level, especially while your body adjusts to higher altitudes.

In areas where there are extreme weather changes, the watch has a storm alarm to detect drops in barometric pressures. The built-in music storage, Galileo-based navigation system, and Garmin Pay are some other highlights of this excellent watch.

General Criteria in Selecting the Best GPS Watch for Military

Just as we have mentioned, the two main focus when getting this watch is the durability and tactical features. But there is more.

GPS features

Your timepiece should synchronize your current location accurately and within a short time. Some GPS watches take forever to load. However, a proper GPS function should trace steps, save routes, navigation plans, save tracks and waypoints

Ruggedness

Military watches have a reputation for durability. They should be rugged and shockproof to beats, knocks, or abrasion. From the glass to the case and band, the entire watch must be resilient.

Tactical Features

The standard military watch should have a compass, altimeter, and barometer features. These features allow the timepiece to serve navigation and prediction purposes better.

Battery Life

A reliable GPS military watch should operate for at least a year without needing a battery change. The GPS watch you choose should run on lithium-based batteries and must have battery life capable of running for days without needing recharging.

Design

To be honest, the main thing most people want to see in any gadget is the design. While most military watches stick to natural colors like black, brown, white, silver, camo or green, some others have changeable bands. You can decide to give yours a sleek outdoorsy look.

Final words on the Best GPS Watch for Military

We’ve given the best GPS watch for military as Garmin Tactix Charlie, and a few others that you should consider. The GPS watches are invaluable to soldiers, police officers, climbers, rescuers, security professionals, and many others. In several situations where survival depends on time, weather, or geographic data, these watches could make the difference between life and death.

After reading this review, you might find some of these watches quite expensive. This is why you should take your budget, needs, and preferences into consideration before going for one. If you are on a budget or none of the listed GPS watches suits you, have a look at our review of the best military watches under 200, which includes GPS watches mainly for outdoor activities.

March 27, 2021April 14, 2021

Best Garmin Watch for Hiking [Quick Buyer’s Guide]

When it comes to fitness watches, there’s no denying that Garmin is one of the top players in the industry. As a world-leading GPS manufacturer, Garmin has made some of the best GPS watches available. Therefore, many outdoor enthusiasts and hikers consider Garmin as one of their top options.

If you are considering a Garmin watch for hiking, I say that it’s a step in the right direction. However, there are loads of options to choose from. Garmin has some of the widest portfolios of watches so it can be a little overwhelming. If you are looking for the best Garmin watch for hiking, you’ve come to the right place.

Today, we handpicked some of the best Garmin watches that you can use for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Let’s get to it.

Best Garmin Watch for Hiking	Key Features	Our Rating
Garmin Fenix 5X	Full color TOPO U.S. mapping, Silicone band, Built in navigation sensors include GPS and GLONASS, Preloaded run profiles, 3 axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter	5/5
Garmin Tactix Charlie	1.2” high-resolution, sunlight-readable display, TOPO mapping plus routable map navigation, Rugged design, Tactical-specific features, Built-in navigation sensors include GPS and GLONASS	4.5/5
Garmin Instinct	Constructed to U. S. Military standard, Built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, Smart notifications, TrackBack feature	4.5/5
Garmin Fenix 3 HR	Precision satellite navigation, Activity and sleep tracking, Heart rate monitoring, 1.2 inch Chroma colour display, LED backlight	4.5/5
Garmin Fenix 6S Pro	1.2” sunlight-readable display, Enhanced estimated wrist heart rate, Advanced training features include PacePro, Preloaded TOPO maps, Support for Garmin Pay	4/5
Garmin Epix	1.4 inch high resolution, sunlight visible color Chroma touchscreen display, 8GB internal memory, Customizable, Multi activity tracking	3.5/5

Best Garmin Watch for Hiking

1. Garmin Fenix 5X

The ever-reliable Garmin Fenix 5X is our top pick for the Garmin watch for hiking. There’s already a newer version with the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus but I will still recommend the Fenix 5X over the 5X Plus.

Loaded With Great Hiking Features

The Garmin Fenix 5X is loaded with great hiking features such as altimeter, barometer, and compass (ABC sensors). It’s also a watch that comes pre-loaded with real topo maps.

The topo maps are very useful for hiking since they display your exact location while hiking. You can also load the routes into the watch before you set out. While you’re out hiking, you can simply follow the route in real-time. It’s a real godsend particularly for tough hiking spots.

Like many GPS hiking watches, you can add waypoints using the Fenix 5X. Waypoints are basically points of interests such as trails, landmarks, camping spots, or your parking area. Once you have set a waypoint, the watch tells your exact location in relation to your set waypoint and estimated time to get there. The ABC sensors are working great and the watch even comes with storm alerts and barometric trends.

The Fenix 5X offers an impressive battery life and can last up to 24 hours in GPS mode. There’s also a feature called UltraTrac mode that extends the battery life even more.

The Fenix 5X is a powerful GPS that’s suitable for everyday wear, hiking, and other activities.

2. Garmin Tactix Charlie

The Garmin Tactix Charlie GPS watch is a successful follow-up to the popular Tactix Bravo. The Tactix Charlie is a rugged tactical watch that makes it an ideal tool for hikers.

Great Tactical Watch for Outdoor Adventurers

For starters, the Tactix Charlie is one tough GPS tool with its black DLC coated titanium bezel, black titanium rear cover, and stainless steel buttons. It’s suitably rugged and I can’t see things letting you down even under the toughest outdoor conditions.

For hiking purposes, the Tactix Charlie comes preloaded with topo and routable map navigation. With the Garmin Basecamp app, you can create waypoints on the device and later explore it to the Tactix. You can name the waypoint and even assign an icon for easy identification. The Basecamp app is the main software solution for route and waypoint planning – it’s highly recommended.

Of course, the watch also comes with other sweet hiking features such as GPS and GLONASS plus a three-axis compass, barometer, altimeter and gyroscope. The built-in altimeter is quite impressive and does a great job of monitoring ascent and descent while hiking.

As for the battery life, you got 12 days in smartwatch mode, 20 hours in GPS mode, and up to 35 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode.

With loads of hiking-related features and excellent battery life, the Garmin Tactix Charlie is an easy recommendation for outdoor junkies.

3. Garmin Instinct

The Garmin Fenix series is the Ferrari of outdoor and sports watches but not everyone can blow $600 on a smartwatch. The Garmin Instinct is an affordable outdoor-focused timepiece for the budget-conscious hikers.

Affordable Heavy-Duty Outdoor Watch

While the Garmin Instinct offers a wide variety of activity tracking features, it excels at navigation. With that said, the Instinct supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. Based on our tests, the Instinct connects to these satellite systems fairly quick.

Unlike the previous watches, the Instinct doesn’t come with built-in topo maps which is a bit of a downer. This is because the Instinct has a low-resolution, non-color display, and isn’t compatible with top maps. However, you do get other navigation features. You can upload the routes to your watch or go back to basics by using the Instinct’s compass.

Another good feature that’s worth the mention is the Backtracking feature. If you have decided to turn around on a hike, the backtracking feature allows you to navigate back to your starting point. Garmin’s navigation features are rather basic but they will save you in a pinch while you’re out in the wild.

Overall, the Garmin Instinct is less of a smartwatch but it’s a very reliable GPS watch. At this price point, it’s a great buy for any hiker.

4. Garmin Fenix 3 HR

The Garmin Fenix 3 HR might be an earlier version from the Fenix series but it has enough bells and whistles for an amazing hiking watch.

Spot-On GPS Functions

If you’re going to get the Fenix HR 3, get it for the highly-accurate GPS. The watch comes with an omnidirectional stainless steel EXO antenna that easily connects to GPS and GLONASS satellites. You get accurate and reliable tracking whenever you’re outdoors.

Like all of the watches in this list, the Fenix HR 3 features a rugged design that will serve you well in the wild. The watch also features a crisp 1.2 inch Chroma display that offers excellent visibility in daylight and dim environments. When things get darker outside, you can use the LED backlight for reading the watch.

For navigation, you can simply download the route or track into the watch, and then use it to get on course. Following the track through your watch is about as easy as it gets since the screen shows your position relative to the track.

In terms of battery performance, the Fenix HR can work up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, 16 hours in GPS mode, and 40 hours in UltraTrac mode. It’s a heavy-duty hiking watch with excellent GPS features and battery life.

5. Garmin Fenix 6S Pro

For my premium pick, the Garmin Fenix 6S Pro is an excellent multi-sport watch that offers many features for adventure junkies.

Premium Navigation on Your Wrist

As you can see, we have another entry from Garmin’s Fenix series which is not a surprise since it’s some of the best multi-sport watches out there. The Garmin Fenix 6S Pro is no different.

For hikers, the main draw here is the preloaded topo maps. There are over 2,000 topo maps here which include trails and even skip maps. The Fenix 6S Pro also supports GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellite systems and based on my tests, the GPS performance is on-point. As expected, the watch also comes with built-in sensors for 3-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter.

Aside from navigation features, this watch offers a wide range of activity tracking options. Plus, it also has an HR monitor and the Pulse Ox feature to monitor your sleep and altitude acclimation at high elevations.

For the battery life, the Garmin Fenix 6S Pro offers up to 9 days in smartwatch mode, 6 hours in GPS and music mode, up to 20 days expedition GPS activity mode, and 34 days in battery saver watch mode. Pretty impressive.

6. Garmin Epix

The Garmin Epix is not the most fashionable watch (it’s not that bad, though) on this list but nevertheless, it’s a reliable GPS watch for hikers and campers.

Oldie But a Goodie

The Garmin Epix is not the latest and greatest GPS watch from Garmin but even today, it still holds up.

For navigation, the Epix offers colored maps which is a nice touch. These maps are mostly accurate but there were some issues when you’re hiking in locations with poor connection. The GPS function shows the exact location of your destination, how far you’ve hiked, and how many steps you’ve taken so far. Of course, it has a compass as well for basic navigation.

In terms of connectivity, the Epix is a bit outdated. You can connect your watch to a computer via USB cord but you need to make a Garmin Connect account first. Bluetooth is also another way to download information to your watch.

For battery life, it can go up to 50 hours which is not much when compared to similar GPS watches. You can find many watches that are more advanced than the Epix but it can hold on its own.

Found the Best Garmin Watch for Hiking Yet?

That wraps up our buyer’s guide of the best Garmin watch for hiking. When it comes to GPS and navigation features, it’s hard to go wrong with Garmin. We hope that this guide has helped you choose the right unit for your hiking needs.

March 24, 2021April 13, 2021

Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus: Which Multisport GPS Watch is Right for You?

Garmin tactix charlie vs fenix 5x plus review

If you are looking for a multisport GPS watch, it’s hard to go wrong with Garmin. Some of the best GPS watches and fitness tools I’ve seen came from Garmin.

Serious fitness enthusiasts and outdoorsmen will require a premium GPS timepiece for training and while out on the field respectively. For today, we’ll take a look at two recent premium GPS watches from Garmin.

For this head-to-head review, we’ll compare the Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus. Which premium multisport GPS watch is right for you? Let’s find out.

Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus: Specs Comparison

Model:	Garmin Tactix Charlie	Garmin Fenix 5x Plus
Lens Material:	Domed Sapphire Crystal	Domed Chemically Strengthened Glass or Sapphire Crystal
Bezel Material:	Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) Coated Titanium	Stainless Steel or Titanium
Case Material:	Fiber-Reinforced Polymer With Titanium Rear Cover	Fiber-Reinforced Polymer with Metal Rear Cover
Strap Material:	Silicone	Silicone, Leather or Titanium
Physical Size:	51 x 51 x 17.5 mm	47 x 47 x 15.8 mm Fits wrists with the following circumference: Silicone band: 163-249 mm Leather band: 166-229 mm Metal band: 166-242 mm
Display Size:	1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter	1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter
Display Resolution:	240 x 240 pixels	240 x 240 pixels
Display Type:	Sunlight-Visible, Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP)	Sunlight-Visible, Transflective MEMORY-In-Pixel (MIP)
Weight:	90 g	86 g Titanium version: 76 g
Battery Life:	Smartwatch mode: Up to 12 days GPS/HR mode: Up to 20 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 35 hours	Smartwatch: Up to 12 days GPS: Up to 18 hours GPS and Music: Up to 8 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 42 hours
Water Rating:	10 ATM	10 ATM
Memory:	16 GB	16 GB
Connectivity:	Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi	Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi
Smartphone Compatibility:	Android, iPhone	Android, iPhone

Garmin Tactix Charlie Review

Back in 2018, the Garmin Tactix Charlie was released – a fitness watch that has more features than you will ever need. The Tactix Bravo is a beloved fitness watch and many were looking forward to the Tactix Charlie. Based on my experience, the Tactix Charlie is a worthy update to the Bravo.

Design and Construction

This third generation Tactix watch doesn’t look that much different from the Bravo. The rugged construction is still the primary design selling point of the Tactix Charlie. The Tactix Charlie truly looks like a proper tactical watch that will not look out of place on a SWAT team’s wrists.

Fortunately, the Tactix Charlie doesn’t only look the part, it’s built to be the toughest watch in Garmin’s arsenal.

The main draw of the Charlie is the Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated titanium material. With the DLC material, the Charlie is more resistant and durable than the Fenix 5X. While the DLC delivers in terms of toughness and robustness, it’s surprisingly a lightweight material.

The Charlie also features stainless-steel buttons, black titanium rear cover, and domed sapphire lens. These top-of-the-line materials help the Tactix Charlie a true outdoors GPS watch. This is the type of watch that you can wear regardless of outside conditions. Well, after all, it’s a GPS watch that’s designed for tactical purposes.

The 1.2-inch display does a great job of making things readable, even under the bright sunlight. This is a fairly large watch with a large display. For a watch that offers a ton of functionality, I won’t have it any other way.

Comfort and Wearability

When it comes to comfort, the Tactix Charlie doesn’t disappoint.

The watch comes with an all-weather black silicone band and is QuickFit™ compatible. The band feels comfortable even when things get a little moist. However, I was disappointed that you can’t swap the band with a NATO strap out of the box. It would be neat if it did come with another type of strap.

Weighing at 90 grams, the Charlie does have a bit of weight to it which is not surprising at all. This is a feature-heavy GPS watch with tons of features, so be aware that it has some bulk and weight. However, Garmin did a great job of keeping things lightweight despite the tactical nature of the Charlie.

As for the battery life, the Charlie offers up to 12 days in Smartwatch mode, 20 hours in GPS/HR mode, and 35 hours in UltraTac mode. This makes the Tactix Charlie equal to Fenix 5x in battery life but slightly less than the Bravo. The addition of the optical Heart Rate Monitor is the likely culprit here.

Just to be clear, the Charlie is not a touchscreen watch. While I do like touchscreen watches, they won’t make sense for an all-weather unit like the Garmin Tactix Charlie. With a 5-button navigation, operating the watch is easy. There’s a bit of a learning curve but if you have used the Bravo before, you’ll know that they are very similar in operation.

Features and Software

This is the meat of the Garmin Tactix Charlie. This is where the majority of your big bucks go.

For navigation, you can use the built-in GPS/GLONASS and the TOPO maps or the compass. Garmin is a world-leading brand in GPS devices, so you can expect the same level of quality as the Charlie. It’s also a proper ABC watch with altimeter, barometer and a 3-axis compass.

The full-color TOPO map is easy to follow and is preloaded into the watch. You can easily map your route and receive at a glance information while you’re training or on the field. The navigation aspect of the Charlie certainly lives up to Garmin’s standard.

As an activity tracker, Charlie offers plenty of options as well. As expected, the Charlie is loaded with advanced performance monitoring capabilities to help maximize your training. The new anaerobic training effect metric is pretty neat as it gets you an in-depth insight into your training and helps pinpoint the areas that need improvement.

Of course, you can’t talk about the features of Charlie without mentioning the Wrist-Based HR. The watch comes with the Elevate wrist heart rate technology. However, the heart rate monitor is perhaps one of the lowest points of the Tactix Charlier. After multiple tests, I find the HR monitor to be quite erratic and sometimes, a bit laggy. It simply can’t compare to HR monitors with chest straps.

Garmin Fenix 5x Plus Review

The Fenix GPS multisport watches are some of the best fitness smartwatches on the market. The Fenix 5x is one of my favorite GPS watches and the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus looks to be an even better iteration.

Design and Construction

The Garmin Fenix watches are known for their big and bulky profile – the Fenix 5x Plus is no exception. Measuring at a whopping 51mm and weighing 86 grams, the Fenix 5x Plus is about 50% larger and twice as heavy as the Apple Watch Series 3.

That’s one way of saying that there’s no discreet way to wear the Fenix 5x Plus. Sure enough, you’ll get plenty of comments about how massive your watch is.

Despite its large profile, the watch still looks stylish. The black stainless steel bezel adds a sleek aesthetic to the watch. It looks good enough for daily wear. The black silicone band complements the rest of the watch and it’s easily interchangeable as well.

One of the highlights is the color sapphire display which does a great job of warding off scratches. Like the Tactix Charlie, the display is easily readable in sunlight. I’ve been wearing the watch during workouts and the display has yet to who signs of scratches.

Comfort and Wearability

The Fenix 5x Plus is about as comfortable as you can expect from a bulky watch. However, the Fenix 5x Plus is lighter than the Tactix Charlie. At 86 grams, the watch is not exactly light but Garmin deserves some props for not getting carried away with the weight.

The included silicone band is surprisingly comfortable, even after long periods of use. While training the band will accumulate moisture but I’m happy to report that comfort is not affected.

The watch does come with a sleep tracking feature but I’m not compelled to use it. While the watch is quite comfortable for a heavy-duty GPS watch, it’s not comfortable enough to sleep with it.

For the battery life, the watch will last you about 7 to 10 days with regular use. Due to the large number of features and functions (like playing music), I got about a week of heavy usage with this watch. If you are using both GPS and music, you will probably need to charge the watch by the end of the day. In this Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus comparison, the former wins in terms of battery life.

Features and Software

If you have used a Garmin multisport watch before, it will be easy for you to pick up the Fenix 5X Plus. The 5-button interface is still here and requires a bit of learning curve for new buyers.

As expected, the GPS on this watch is solid. As long as you’re in a reasonably open area, the GPS lock-on is fast and easy, thanks to the GPS, Glonass, and Galileo satellites. The watch is also loaded to the brim when it comes to metrics. In fact, the watch is packed with so many features that I find myself learning a new metric or dynamic with continued use.

On top of the usual activity tracking and navigation features, the Fenix 5X Plus also comes with GarminPay which allows you to complete purchases just by using your watch. Another highlight is the ability to store offline Spotify so you can listen to music on the go.

If contactless payment and offline music playback are high up on your list, the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is an easy recommendation.

Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus: The Verdict

We conclude this Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus head-to-head with our verdict.

The Garmin Tactix Charlie and Fenix 5x Plus are very similar watches, even down to the price range. For the base models, the price is similar between the two watches. However, the Fenix 5x Plus comes with a Titanium version which is a lot more expensive.

So which high-end GPS watch is right for you?

Well, if you are looking for a watch with tactical applications, the Garmin Tactix Charlie might be more right up your alley. It’s one of the best military watches available.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more advanced watch in terms of features, the Fenix 5x Plus has the upper hand. The ability to play music offline and contactless payment are winning features in my book.

Regardless of your choice, both watches are durable, versatile, and offer everything but the kitchen sink.

January 10, 2021April 22, 2021

Best Military Watch: For Tactical and Survival Use

Military personnel knows that it’s important to get and prepare gear long before a mission or outdoor trip. When you’re out in the field in the harshest conditions, how do you plan to keep the time? The best military watch will help you keep the time and more.

Military watches are becoming more popular. Not only do they look good, but they also provide the much-needed precision timekeeping, top-notch durability, and other advanced features.

If you are looking for the best timepiece that will inspire confidence in the field, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve spent several weeks testing numerous military watch models so you don’t have to.

Best Military Watch	Key Features	Our Rating
Casio G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman Solar Atomic	Solar-powered digital watch, Stainless steel, Quartz movement with analog display, Protective mineral crystal dial window, Triple Sensor feature, Mb6 atomic timekeeping, Military time	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Suunto Traverse Alpha	Knurled stainless steel bezel, Durable water Repellent nylon strap, Sapphire crystal glass, Automatic shot detection technology, Location-based moon phase calendar, Tested against Military standards	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Tactix Bravo	High-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS, Night Vision Goggle compatible, 3-axis compass, Altimeter, Barometer, Omni-directional stainless steel EXO antenna	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Luminox 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark	Notched unidirectional bezel, Contrast white markers, Date display, Swiss quartz movement, 44 mm Polyurethane case, Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft)	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X.	I.N.O.X. Carbon, Black dial, black Para cord strap, Carbon case with triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal, Swiss-quartz Movement, Water resistant 200m (660ft)	★ ★ ★ ★
Citizen AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph Canvas	Stainless steel watch with round dial, Japanese quartz movement with analog display, Charges in natural sunlight or indoor light, mineral crystal dial window	★ ★ ★ ★

Best Military Watch

1. Casio G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman Solar Atomic

The Casio G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman Solar Atomic was the top pick for our list of the best G-Shock for the military. The GW-9400 Rangeman is an easy top-pick due to its masterclass durability, reliability, and a number of tactical features.

One G to Rule Them All

The GW-9400 Rangeman proved to be a very popular model in the “Master of G” series. Firstly, any military personnel and outdoorsmen will love the Triple Sensor feature which means it offers a thermometer, barometer, and compass.

Whether you’re in the deserts of Afghanistan or out in the mountains of Peru, the GW-9400 will allow you to accurately track the time and determine your position. It’s an Atomic Timekeeping watch which means that accuracy is not an issue regardless of your global position. It’s also solar-powered which means that you don’t have to worry about running out of battery.

Ease of use is also excellent when it comes to the GW-9400 Rangeman. Each function is assigned with a different tone. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the beeps, you’ll be able to operate the watch without even looking.

What makes this model the best military watch is its durability and reliability. Trust me when I say that this is one of the toughest watches you’ll ever own. I’m quite an avid outdoorsman and this watch has yet to give me any problems.

It’s an incredible military watch that offers amazing value.

2. Suunto Traverse Alpha

Whether you’re in the military, law enforcement, or an outdoor junkie, the Suunto Traverse Alpha is one of the best outdoor watches that you can get.

For Going Over the Track Less Traveled

The Suunto Traverse Alpha is a GPS watch that offers a ridiculous number of cool features.

The built-in GPS is not just one of the best in terms of accuracy, it supports GLONASS navigation as well. For members of the armed forces, they can easily find out the coordinates of their current location. It also supports MGRS (Military Grid Reference System) coordinates which is a standard used by NATO armed forces.

Setting up routes and waypoints is also a breeze and you can even import routes in various formats such as KML and GPX. The ability to set up waypoints and routes can help you tremendously when patrolling or hunting. The Automatic Shot Detection feature detects whenever a shot is fired and the coordinates are saved as a waypoint for future reference.

Military folks will also love the addition of features such as altimeter, compass, barometer, thermometer, moon phase calendar, and a backlight that’s actually visible with night vision goggles. As you might expect, this is one tough timepiece, thanks to its sapphire crystal glass and knurled stainless steel bezel.

It’s the ultimate outdoor timepiece for military members and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

3. Garmin Tactix Bravo

The Garmin Tactix Bravo is another sophisticated GPS watch that’s highly recommended for members of the military forces. Tracking and navigation are the highlights of this piece.

Field-Ready Timepiece

The Garmin Tactix Bravo GPS was originally designed to be a watch for members of law enforcement.

The all-black, non-reflective design is clearly catering to the specifications of a tactical operative. The 1.2-inch Garmin Chroma Display is quite a beauty on its own, and you can easily use it day and night because it features night vision goggle compatibility.

The GPS technology of the Tactix Bravo also deserves praise. Setting up waypoints while in the field is about as it gets with this GPS watch. The GPS Coordinate Data Page is also MGRS supported.

This is also a full-featured ABC watch which means that it comes with an altimeter, barometer, and compass. Garmin did a great job with the compass as it’s very accurate, especially when compared to similar models. The altimeter provides real-time elevation data which helps in determining your exact position. The TracBack is a neat feature that enables you to navigate back to your starting position with ease.

The stainless steel bezel and buttons and 3-ring nylon straps are just some of the elements that make the Tactix Bravo a reliable outdoor watch. The only downside is that it’s quite on the expensive side.

4. Luminox 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark

When it comes to the best military watch, you don’t have to take my word for it. However, if you want a model that’s actually recommended by the experts, you will want to check out the Luminox 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark.

Recommended by US SEALs and Pilots

That’s right, the Luminox 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark watch is designed for the needs of Navy SEALs in mind. The end result is not just a watch that’s functional and reliable, it looks great as well.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Luminox 3051 is the big, bold display. This makes the watch very easy to read regardless of the lighting condition. This a 44mm watch so it’s best suited for users with larger wrists. It sits at 13mm high as well, so it’s fairly tall as well.

According to Luminox, the tritium luminosity accents are 100 times brighter than the competition. With that said, I never encountered any issues as far as legibility goes.

With that said, this is a distinguishable watch, thanks to some of its design elements like the pencil-shaped hands and absurdly large numbers. It’s an elegant sporty watch with the right amount of ruggedness for military folks.

5. Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Watch

If you are looking for the best military watch that’s Swiss-made, the Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. comes highly recommended. While it doesn’t have as many features as the other models in this list, the main draw here is durability.

Sharp-Looking Beater Watch

I have always been a fan of Victorinox’s design and the INOX is no exception. This watch will sell itself with design elements like the matte black dial and applied hour markers. The watch boasts enough visual bling without sacrificing readability.

As mentioned, the main selling point of the INOX is its durability. Victorinox claims that it has subjected the watch to 130 durability and strength tests. This should give you a rough idea of how much abuse and torture this watch can withstand.

The 43mm case is constructed from stainless steel and protected by crystal sapphire. The watch is available in titanium for those who find the stainless model too heavy. The watch also comes with a paracord strap that adds a ton of durability to the watch.

The INOX comes highly recommended for military folks who want a durable, tactical timepiece with Swiss-quality aesthetics.

6. Citizen AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph Canvas

The Citizen AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph Canvas may seem super simplistic at first look but it offers incredible functionality with regards to tactical purposes.

Simplistic Design With Outstanding Functionality

For hardware, the AT0200-05E comes in a stainless steel bezel and body, and a well-constructed canvas band. I’ve been using this watch for weeks and I have yet to observe any signs of wear and tear. Both the body and band give the impression that they’re superbly constructed.

The watch is fitted with a Japanese quartz movement system and features an analog display. Accuracy seems to be on-point so far and the watch is a breeze to adjust if ever such a need comes up. This Citizen Eco-Drive model comes with a fully functional chronograph with 3 subdials for seconds, minutes, and hours.

The main highlight of the timepiece is its distinguished aesthetic. The green canvas band alongside the stainless steel body really help in nailing that military-style design. The black dial and large silver numbers make the watch easy to read.

As far as active/military-style watches go, the AT0200-05E Eco-Drive is an excellent mid-range option.

Achieve Tactical Excellence

It was not easy but we’ve managed to make this list of the best military watch that you can buy now.

Regardless of your preference, we sure hope that this guide has helped you choose the right tactical timepiece for your needs. You can trust that each of these models won’t disappoint in terms of durability and reliability.

January 5, 2021January 9, 2021

Best Fitbit for Nurses: Top Wearable for Healthcare Professionals

Nurses are some of the most hardworking healthcare professionals. Nurses have a lot on their plates while they are doing their job. They have to count pulse and respiration, do charting, med times, and the list goes on. Plus, nurses walk a lot and can take around 11,000 steps on a regular 12-hour shift.

Therefore, investing in a good quality wearable should be in the best interest of all nurses. A smartwatch with the right set of features can make all the difference to the average nurse.

As a fitness enthusiast myself, I have always been partial to Fitbit products. So I took the liberty of testing several Fitbit trackers and smartwatches that will come in handy for our dedicated healthcare providers.

So for today, we have made a list of the best Fitbit for nurses. If you are a nurse who’s looking for a good smartwatch for work, this list is a good place to start your search.

Best Fitbit for Nurses	Key Features	Our Rating
Fitbit Charge 2	PurePulse, Simplified heart rate zones, OLED display, Splash proof, Connected GPS during run mode, Sync stats wirelessly & automatically, Silent vibrating alarm	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fitbit Versa	Track all-day activity, 24/7 heart rate, sleep stages, 15+ exercise modes like Run or Swim, Smartphone app notifications, SmartTrack, Anodized aluminum watch body, Water-resistant to 50 meters	★ ★ ★ ★
Fitbit Alta HR	Continuous heart rate, Sleep stages powered by PurePulse heart rate, Step tracking, Calories burned, Active minutes, 7 days of battery life	★ ★ ★ ★
Fitbit Inspire HR	24/7 heart rate, Track calorie burn, Resting heart rate, Track all-day activity, Automatically track sleep, Get more insights into your light, deep & REM sleep stages, 5 days of battery	★ ★ ★ ★
Fitbit Blaze	PurePulse Heart Rate, Connected GPS, SmartTrack, Multi-Sport, Workout Goals + Summaries, Auto Sleep, Silent Alarms, Up to 5 days battery life	★ ★ ★ ½
Fitbit Ionic	Dynamic personalized workouts, Step-by-step coaching, built-in GPS/GLONASS, Built-in NFC chip,	★ ★ ★ ½

Best Fitbit for Nurses

1. Fitbit Charge 2

The Fitbit Charge 2 is probably the most popular model from Fitbit’s line of activity trackers. The original Charge was already good on its own but the Charge 2 is way better.

Good-Looking, Multisport Tracker

The Fitbit Charge 2 is not a full-featured smartwatch per se but it’s certainly not lacking in terms of features.

First, the beautiful OLED displays the call, text & calendar notifications and they’re perfectly readable regardless of lighting conditions. This is, of course, important for nurses to check the time or a text message at a glance. It has the PurePulse feature that provides accurate and continuous heart rate tracking and measure calories burned.

For nurses who are always on their feet, the built-in activity tracker will track your steps, stairs climbed, distance covered, and active minutes. The tracker will also shed light on the quality of your sleep. There’s also a vibrating alarm that will gently wake you up once it’s time to hit your shift.

Serious fitness enthusiasts and athletes can unlock the potential of this wearable by downloading the Fitbit app. With the app, you’ll get access to even more advanced metrics to help you stay on top of your fitness goals.

The Fitbit Charge 2 is highly recommended for nurses for its excellent tracking features and lightweight profile. The Fitbit Charge 3 is also a good consideration since it’s the updated version but personally, the Charge 2 is good enough and cheaper.

2. Fitbit Versa

Making a case for a smartwatch to people is not easy. On top of commanding a high price tag, most smartwatches don’t fair well in the looks department. The Fitbit Versa is the result when the company went back to the drawing board and designed a watch that most people would want to wear.

Best Fitbit, Design-Wise

It’s easy to mistake the Versa for an Apple Watch. At a glance, it’s obvious that Fitbit took a few design cues from Apple’s wearable but you’ll be happy to know that it’s available for only a fraction of the price.

Don’t get us wrong, the Versa still pretty much looks like a smartwatch. However, I’m more compelled to wear the Versa outside, not just inside the gym. It’s a good thing that there are Versa replacement straps available so it’s easier to match the style that you’re going for.

As for the features, you can expect the standard ones like all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate, & sleep stages, and more. It also comes with 15+ exercise modes like Run or Swim and syncs with your smartphone for more advanced metrics. The watch is also available in Versa Lite Edition if you simply want the basic tracking features.

Healthcare workers will love this smartwatch for its sleek design (you can wear it to work no problem), on-point tracking, and tech-savvy features. Overall, the Versa is a true bang for your buck smartwatch.

3. Fitbit Alta HR

Fitbit skyrocketed in popularity due to their lightweight activity trackers. The company solidifies its reputation for lightweight wearables with the Fitbit Alta HR.

Lightweight But Not Light in Features

The Fitbit Alta HR is an update to the classic Fitbit Alta. The Alta HR is basically the original Alta with a heart rate sensor.

One of the highlights of the Alta HR is its stylish design. It’s a sleek and stylish wearable and looks more like an elegant piece of jewelry than an activity tracker. This is especially the case if you opt for the rose gold or metal band.

Nurses will appreciate the 3-axis accelerometer that accurately tracks your daily steps. It also utilizes this information to track the distance you have covered and stairs climbed. The screen displays your active minutes and calories burned and with the HR sensor, the displayed metrics are even more accurate and in-depth.

The SmartTrack feature will automatically activate once you start an activity. Unfortunately, there’s no way to manually start an activity like with other Fitbit trackers. It’s also worth noting that there’s no timer displayed when initiating an activity.

It’s one of the best Fitbit for nurses because it’s incredibly lightweight and accurate. Plus, the band is customizable so you can match it with your uniform.

4. Fitbit Inspire HR

If you have never tried an activity/fitness tracker before, the Fitbit Inspire HR is a solid entry-level option. It may not the most innovative Fitbit out there, it’s a tracker that’s worth looking into for the price alone.

A Great Fitbit for Beginners

Looking at the Inspire HR, it certainly looks familiar. That’s right, it looks pretty similar to the Alta. However, in my opinion, the Inspire HR comes out on top in terms of design. It’s a sleek and lightweight band that feels great on the wrist.

The features are about as basic as you can get with the Inspire HR. The tracker comes with an auto-detect feature that triggers as you begin an activity like running or walking. Since it comes with an HR sensor, nurses can easily check for vitals on the fly.

It’s a good thing that the Inspire HR works with the excellent Fitbit app. With the app, it’s easy to keep track of your activities and see more advanced stats that will help you achieve your fitness goals. As you might expect from a Fitbit, the Inspire HR offers excellent sleep tracking.

We recommend the Fitbit Inspire HR to nurses who want to track their vitals and fitness goals 24/7 but are not too keen to break the bank. The 5-day battery life means that you can wear it for a week’s worth of shifts without charging.

5. Fitbit Blaze

The Fitbit Blaze is actually the brand’s first crack at a fitness smartwatch that you can wear daily. It’s a solid choice for a fitness tracker but not so much for a smartwatch.

An Upgrade to Your Fitness Tracker

The Fitness Blaze is actually made up of two parts. First, you have the band that’s connected to a stainless steel frame. The rest of the Blaze is contained in a black rectangle that you can snap into the frame. While this may seem like a novel idea at the time, this design choice seems to be more like a gimmick than a practical feature.

The Blaze comes with a host of tracking features which is where its strengths lie. You have the PurePulse HR feature that provides continuous monitoring with simplified zones. The SmartTrack feature is also a standout as it automatically detects if you’re about to start an activity.

As for the design, Fitbit sure tried to make the Blaze look attractive. However, I can imagine that many people won’t be able to get past its angular look and sharp corners. I must admit that I wasn’t too wild about the design. However, the design did grow on me.

However, the Blaze does offer a chronograph face which is perfect for nurses. The stopwatch and digital seconds are also great additions for healthcare providers, especially with regards to taking vitals

With that said, the Blaze isn’t all that different than a regular Fitbit activity tracker. However, it’s certainly one of the best Fitbit for nurses and healthcare professionals.

6. Fitbit Ionic

The Fitbit Ionic was labeled as the “first real smartwatch” by Fitbit. The Blaze did not measure up to everyone’s expectations so the Ionic is designed to be the upgrade.

Next-Gen Tracker With Last-Gen Looks

Let’s first start with my major gripe about the Ionic. The Ionic has a watch face that only Fitbit could love. It’s almost as if it’s Fitbit’s 80’s vision of a modern smartwatch. It features the same angular look as the Blaze which I’m not too fond of.

Fortunately, Fitbit really knows their stuff when it comes to fitness. As per usual, the Ionic comes with a suite of fitness-tracking features, and it’s even better than the Blaze. The Ionic features include continuous HR monitoring, guided workouts, GPS, swim tracking, run-detect feature, and more. Sleep tracking is also superior in the Ionic.

Fitbit also excels in providing excellent battery life to their trackers, and the Ionic is no exception. And unlike the Blaze, the Ionic has access to built-in apps and you can download more if you like.

The ability to install apps is perhaps the best feature for nurses. For instance, you can download an app like Waterlogged to keep track of your fluid intake. The NFC technology is also a godsend for grabbing a quick snack from Walgreens or even better if your hospital accepts NFC payments.

It’s not the best-looking smartwatch out there but it’s no slouch when it comes to features.

The Best Wearable for Hardworking Nurses

That wraps up our list of the best Fitbit for nurses.

Fitbit is a leading brand in activity tracker and for good reason. We’re hoping that this guide has helped you find the right activity tracker to help you tackle those challenging shifts.

December 27, 2020December 27, 2020

Best Pilot Watch: Superior Watches for Your Aviation Needs

More than a century ago, Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont, known for his significant contribution to aircraft design, worked with Louis Cartier to design a watch specifically for aviation purposes.

The watch features an easy-to-read design with large dial, bold numbers, and a clean design. This marks the debut of the very first pilot watch.

Ever since, pilot watches have evolved and are known for their refined, sleek, and stylish aesthetic. However, the best pilot watch won’t just complete the snazziest of outfits, it’s still tough and feature-rich, making it practical for aviation.

If you are looking to add an aviation watch to your daily accessories or formal wear, be sure to check out our list of the best pilot watch.

Best Pilot Watch	Key Features	Our Rating
Breitling Chronospace Evo Night Mission	Scratch resistant sapphire crystal glareproofed, Matte black titanium case, Unidirectional rotating bezel, superquartz chronometer movement, Black Diver Pro III rubber strap, Fast Time Zone Adjustment System	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
AVI-8 AV-4011 Hawker Hurricane	Stainless Steel With Tachymeter Bezel, Japanese quartz movement, Water resistant to 50m, 42mm Case Diameter	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Citizen JY0010-50E Eco-Drive Skyhawk A-T	Titanium band, 99-minute countdown timer, Rotating slide-rule bezel, Perpetual calendar, Mineral dial window, Atomic Timekeeping	★ ★ ★ ★
Hamilton ‘Khaki Aviation’ Swiss Automatic	Luminous hands, 42 mm stainless steel case, Anti-reflective sapphire dial window, Swiss automatic movement, Water resistant to 100 m	★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin D2 Pilot Watch	Direct-to and Nearest buttons, Altimeter with adjustable baro setting and compass, Displays multiple time zones, Inflight task reminders, High-sensitivity WAAS GPS receiver	★ ★ ★ ★
IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Automatic Chronograph	Black ceramic case, Black fabric bracelet, Black dial with luminous hands, 68-hour power reserve	★ ★ ★ ★

Best Pilot Watch

1. Breitling Chronospace Evo Night Mission

Breitling has a strong and proud history of aviation. The Breitling Chronospace Evo Night Mission is another fine addition to Breitling’s brilliant aviation line. If you want the best pilot watch and budget is not an issue, this is THE watch for you.

Truly Masculine and Eye-Catching

One of the best details that I love about the Evo Night Mission is the superb combination of black and blue on the dial. This gives the watch a striking masculine look that’s perfect even for the dressiest of outfits. It truly looks the part as an instrument for professionals.

In terms of toughness, the watch features a sapphire crystal glass, a screw-locked crown, and a unidirectional bezel. The watch’s size is just right with the comfortable 43mm and it’s complemented with SuperQuartz movement that features a split-seconds function and an extra central hand for measuring intermediate times.

Another noteworthy timekeeping feature of the Evo Night Mission is the fast time zone adjustment system which ensures reliable precision of both the minutes and seconds display. Like all of Breitling’s movements, the movement is certified by the Swiss testing agency COSC.

Expect nothing less than stellar performance from this high-end pilot watch.

2. AVI-8 AV-4011 Hawker Hurricane

AVI-8 is a brand that has always piqued my interest. With the AVI-8 AV-4011 Hawker Hurricane, I sure have a positive first impression of the brand. The AV-4011 Hawker Hurricane is a solid watch for those who are in the market for a budget aviation timepiece.

Excellent Pilot Watch at an Inexpensive Price Point

The AVI-8 AV-4011 Hawker Hurricane is a terrific aviation watch for those who are in a budget. The watch boasts a bold, clean design, good durability, and at a price that won’t break the bank.

The watch’s design breaks away from the usual aviation watch but instead goes for all-out on the fighter plane aesthetic. Looking at the watch feels like you’re inside a fighter plane’s cockpit. While the face looks quite busy, the design is actually well thought out.

The strap looks and feels great. I’ve opted for the black/brown strap and it feels soft and comfortable to wear. However, the strap is a bit on the thicker side which might be a problem for folks who prefer a thinner and more discrete strap.

The watch features a Japanese quartz chronograph movement. It was not specified which specific movement is used but I did some digging around and found that it might be a Miyota or TMI.

The build quality is better than what you can expect from a budget model. Overall, the AVI-8 AV-4011 Hawker Hurricane is a hit.

3. Citizen JY0010-50E Eco-Drive Skyhawk A-T

We’ve mentioned that the best pilot watch features a bold but simple design. The Citizen JY0010-50E Eco-Drive Skyhawk A-T watch goes against the grain by offering an intricate design and perfect accuracy.

Feature-Rich and Superior Accuracy

The Eco-Drive technology is definitely one of the main draws of the JY0010-50E Eco-Drive Skyhawk A-T. This solar charging technology is a patented feature by Citizen and it has only improved over time. You can pretty much forget about replacing the batteries.

The watch also features atomic timekeeping which means that you only need to configure the watch once and never have to worry about accuracy. The HF Radio time sync seems to be working as advertised. However, it can be a little tricky when you want to sync the watch from a room. TIP: the watch syncs better at night, so leave it by the window and the watch should be synced in the morning.

The watch comes in a titanium case which provides the much-needed toughness. The materials used really does give the impression that you are handling a high-quality product. However, I wished they used sapphire instead of mineral crystal for face protection. I imagine this was done to keep the price down. The overcrowded dial might also not be for everyone.

All in all, the Citizen JY0010 Skyhawk is a great tool for aviators and comes at a great price.

4. Hamilton ‘Khaki Aviation’ Swiss Automatic

Hamilton is known for its designs that are safe and borderline classic. With that said, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Swiss Automatic is a good example of Hamilton’s design philosophy, and it’s the best pilot watch that you can get.

Classic, Yet Not Dated

The Khaki Aviation is a sleek aviation-style watch that boasts a classic design but it’s somehow nowhere near dated. The watch features a gorgeous face with impressive attention to detail. The numerals are bold and crisply printed. The oversized lumed dials and indices really do wrap up the bold look of the watch.

It’s just a clean and uncomplicated design that pops.

The case is entirely brushed which can throw some people off. Many watch manufacturers polish some areas of the watch to give it more depth and contrast. With that said, the brushing quality is good along with the signed crown.

Even at 42mm, the watch wears large. One of my main complaints about the watch is the bracelet which can get a little unwieldy. The clasp has three micro-adjustments and the bracelet itself has half-links. You can easily get a comfortable fit using the watch’s adjustment system but the bracelet tends to rattle with lateral movements.

Overall, this is a very attractive Swiss watch with a classic aviation style.

5. Garmin D2 Pilot Watch

Garmin does more than just car GPS devices and outdoor watches. The Garmin D2 Pilot Watch makes perfect sense for the functionally-minded aviator.

High in the Sky Features

The Garmin D2 is the best pilot watch to consider if you’re looking for smart features. Garmin is known for its feature-rich devices and the Garmin D2 Pilot Watch is no exception.

For starters, it comes with an adjustable altimeter and barometer. As you might expect, the watch also features a compass, making the D2 a legitimate ABC watch. On top of that, the D2 is equipped with a high-sensitivity WAAS GPS receiver. Seriously, it’s one of the better GPS watches I’ve used.

The D2 also can connect to a worldwide airport database, time zones, and Zulu references. The altitude and flight plans work as advertised and both very accurate as well.

Other bells and whistles include the ability to set inflight task reminders with vibrating alerts and profiles for many different activities. That’s right, the D2 works as an activity tracker as well. It doesn’t hurt that it looks great as well.

For the money, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an aviation GPS watch with as many features as the D2.

6. IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Automatic Chronograph

Last but not least, we wrap up this list of the best pilot watch with a premium pick. The IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Automatic Chronograph will have the hearts of watch connoisseurs racing.

Top Gun Inspired

As you might have guessed, the IWC Pilot’s Top Gun Automatic Chronograph is inspired by the movie Top Gun. It’s easy to see with the watch’s stealthy, dark aesthetic that resembles a fighter jet.

However, it’s more than just a homage to the cult-classic aviation movie.

IWC is known for its premium quality timepieces, and this watch is no exception. If you are familiar with IWC’s pilot watches, you’ll see some similarities with the Top Gun. In general, I’m not big into black cases but I’d be happy to make an exception for this model, especially when it comes in a ceramic case. Ceramic cases have a certain allure to them that just can’t be matched with any other coating.

Looking at the dial, the watch features a straightforward aesthetic which is how many people like it. It’s just simple, clean, and very legible. However, no one can argue that this elegant beast is a thing of beauty.

It’s a premium masterpiece that warrants the price.

Conquer the Air

That wraps up our list of the best pilot watch that you can buy. Hopefully, this guide has helped you buy the right timepiece for your aviation needs.

December 14, 2020December 15, 2020

Suunto Traverse Alpha Review: A True Utilitarian Watch for Outdoor Enthusiasts

As a watch snob, I tend to gravitate towards the appeal of traditional mechanical movements and pure aesthetics in regards to watches. The utility side of the timepieces generally takes the back seat.

Well, today is different, as we review a utilitarian watch that has great appeal for fans of the great outdoors.

For this review, we will be taking an in-depth look at the Suunto Traverse Alpha.

Suunto Traverse Alpha: At a Glance

To be honest, I’m quite familiar with the Suunto brand and their line of sports and smartwatches. However, I’ve never heard of Suunto Traverse Alpha until recently. The Traverse series has managed to grab my interest because Suunto implemented many features, accessibility options, and extra modes for a fairly affordable price.

Before we get to the meat of this Suunto Traverse Alpha review, let’s first take a look at its key specifications.

Measurements	50 x 50 x 15 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.59 “
Weight	75 g / 2.65 oz
Bezel material	Stainless Steel
Glass material	Sapphire Crystal
Case material	Composite
Strap material	Textile Material
Water resistance	100 M (according To ISO 6425)
Battery type	Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Alarm clock	1 Daily Alarm
Languages	EN, CS, DA, DE, ES, FI, FR, IT, JA, KO, NL, NO, PL, PT, RU, SV, ZH
Backlight	LED
Configurable backlight	Color / Brightness / Mode
Button lock	Customizable
Display type	Matrix
Display resolution	128 X 128
Battery indicator	Percentage / Icon
In time mode	14 Days
Training mode with GPS	10, 15, 100 H

Suunto Traverse Alpha Review

First Impressions

The Suunto Traverse Alpha is a tough-looking piece and I expected no less from a tactical watch. The watch itself feels extremely durable. The stainless steel bezel feels very solid and the nylon strap gives the impression that it’s not going to tear anytime soon.

As for the look of the watch, I love the fact that it looks rather simple but still looks handsomely good on the wrist. I got plenty of compliments from people on a daily basis. It’s not the most flashy watch but its simple, tactical look definitely did the Traverse Alpha a favor.

On top of its excellent looks, it certainly feels like a watch that I can reliably wear once the going gets rough.

Durability

While the watch doesn’t look like much at first glance, the Traverse Alpha is actually a fairly durable watch. This is, of course, a very important factor to consider if you want a watch that will help you brave the great outdoors.

This makes sense because the watch is designed with military applications in mind.

After wearing the watch for a couple of months now, I have nothing but good things to say about the Traverse Alpha when it comes to durability. I’ve worn it outdoors under rain and snow, in temperatures from 10 up to 100 degrees and I’ve experienced no problems with it.

The watch face is outfitted with sapphire glass and does a great job of keeping the watch scratch-free. Plus, the textile band is made mostly from nylon which makes it extremely sturdy. The only complaint I have about the strap is that it tends to gather dirt and moisture. If you’re always outdoors, it won’t take long for the strap to become a dirt, sweat, and moisture magnet. Needless to say, the strap becomes real stinky over time.

You may opt for the silicone band which is not as sturdy as nylon but it’s still plenty durable and can be submerged in water.

Speaking of water, the Traverse Alpha is water-resistant up to 100 meters and can handle heights up to nearly 10,000 meters. This makes the watch ideal even in some of the most extreme conditions.

Basic Features

The Traverse Alpha features a digital face, so if you are looking for a mechanical timepiece, you better look elsewhere. The watch is designed by Suunto which is a company that specializes in Finnish military hardware. With that said, you can use either the standard 12-hour clock or the 24-hour military specification.

The most basic display of the watch is presented without configuring any of the buttons on either side of the face. By default, the watch displays the date in the topmost portion, the time in the middle, and the sunrise/sunset on the bottom. The built-in sunrise/sunset counter should come in handy for hunting, camping, and trail running as it gives you the right information about the best times to set up camp or return to the vehicle.

Advanced Features

What makes the Traverse Alpha a utilitarian watch is definitely the advanced features.

It’s essentially a hunting/fishing sports watch with military specs. Thus, it’s not surprising that it hosts plenty of advanced features. You’ve got the basic sports watch features such as chronograph, altimeter, and compass. Based on my experience, these basic features work well as advertised.

The watch also comes with a lunar tracking feature to help fishing enthusiasts identify the ideal fishing times. The Traverse Alpha also features a fairly reliable and versatile GPS function. The GPS enabled me to track many activities from marking trail running paths to animal locations for hunting. You may also use the GPS to mark dangerous or restricted zones that should be avoided.

I highly recommend that you download Suunto’s Movescount app (iOS, Android) as it allows you to generate heat maps for charting routes for running, hiking, and hunting. The app will also let you access the more intimate details about your activities such as your steps and running speed. The Movescount is a very robust app that brings out the full potential of the Traverse Alpha.

The aforementioned chronograph will also track steps and distance, and the altimeter/barometer can give warnings of bad weather.

For sure, this is not your Pop’s sports watch and the advanced features can be quite intimidating and confusing for the casual user. There’s a bit of learning curve for using the watch, especially when accessing the advanced features. With that said, it’s highly recommended that you spend some time reading the manual and the supplementary online instructions.

Google Earth Integration

To expand on the advanced features of the Traverse Alpha, one of the best features of the watch is that you can easily transfer data to and from Google Earth.

Most outdoor enthusiasts use Google Earth for scouting key locations such as water sources, meadows, potential bedding areas, and more. However, when you actually trek into the area, such key locations can be quite difficult to spot. The Traverse Alpha takes away the guessing game by actually letting you mark the locations which you can view later in real-time.

This saves you hours upon hours of scouting.

On the other hand, once you find a good spot to set up a trail camera, you can mark that location as a point of interest (POI), label it accordingly, and easily upload those coordinates over to Google Earth. Once you get home, you can check the coordinates using Google Earth and gain a better picture of the location.

Connectivity and Accuracy

Although the Suunto Traverse Alpha is not exactly a traditional smartwatch, it might just be the smartest non-traditional smartwatch that you can buy.

The watch features GPS and Bluetooth connectivity. For the GPS, the watch connects to both GPS and GLONASS. The watch is fairly accurate as far as GPS connectivity is concerned but it comes at the cost of battery life.

The Bluetooth works flawlessly but as you might expect, running the watch alongside the Movescount smartphone app can drain the battery quickly.

As you might expect from a watch with military applications in mind, the timekeeping is very accurate. GPS-related functions such as step tracking also benefit from the Traverse Alpha watch’s accuracy. However, the weather alerts and sunrise/sunset tracker are more susceptible to interference which generally results in spotty accuracy.

If I have complaints, one would have to be with the fact that the time zones don’t change automatically. There are also cases where GPS acquisition is very slow.

Comfort

For a tough, utilitarian watch, I didn’t have that much expectation when it comes to comfort. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the watch offers a decent amount of comfort. It weighs about 75 grams which is roughly in the same average weight as a traditional men’s watch. Even after long periods of wearing the watch, it never felt heavy at all.

As I have mentioned earlier, the nylon strap can and will accumulate dirt and moisture. When it does happen, wearing the watch gives you a soggy feeling that I am personally not comfortable with. If you are buying the watch straight from Suunto’s website, you have the option to get it with silicone straps which offer better comfort overall.

Pricing

Suunto offers plenty of watches at premium price points. Many of their products range from $600 to $1,000. Fortunately, the Traverse Alpha is one of the more affordable Suunto watches that you can buy.

It’s far from a luxury watch, so the looks and the price definitely reflects that. For under $400, you get a tough as nails watch that provides a wide range of features for outdoor enthusiasts. Other tactical watches with similar specs from other brands will easily cost you about $600.

The Traverse Alpha strikes a great balance of value and price. It’s a good place to start if you’re looking for a reasonably-priced outdoor-centric watch.

Should You Buy the Suunto Traverse Alpha?

Again, this is not a casual sports watch. It was designed with military applications in mind, which means that it has features and functions that are far above that of a traditional sports watch. There’s a minor learning curve, but once you get around it, any camper, hiker, hunter, or runner is in for a treat.

Whenever I hit the trail, the Traverse Alpha goes with me.

It has elevated itself as a crucial part of my regular outdoor activities. It is durable, reliable, rich in features, and reasonably priced. What more can you ask for?

December 10, 2020December 11, 2020

Suunto vs G-Shock: Which Watch Should You Purchase?

G-Shock watches have disrupted the military watch market for years. The large, durable, and unique designs are popular among watch fanatics who have a main interest in “tactical” or military watches. (Tactical watches are built for durability and are sometimes used in the American Military). Today I’m having Suunto vs G-Shock face off.

Overview

Suunto is another military watch brand that is gaining popularity. The company began in Finland over 80 years ago and specialized in making liquid-filled compasses. Today, the brand is a top leader in military watches, competing closely with the powerhouse Casio!

So which brand is better? Hmmmm, I guess that is my job today. Well, instead of keeping my audience on the edge of their seats for today’s review, let me just flat out say that CASIO REIGNS SUPREME. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of great watches by Suunto. The reason I say Casio is the go-to is that of three main factors. Price, durability, and design.

Many Suunto watches are much more pricey than any G-Shock. The durability of G-Shocks cannot be compared to Suunto. G-Shocks are built for durability, whereas Suuntos are built more for technology. Lastly, the designs of G-Shocks are complex and interesting. So much so that G-Shocks are worn with almost any attire; even formal at times! Suunto’s on the other hand, are pretty plain and look like your average smartwatches.

Below, I will review the top watches by each watchmaker and conclude why G-Shock is the better choice. At the end of the day, the decision is ultimately yours; I’m just here to make your decision easier! ?

Casio G-Shock GA100-1A1

The model GA100-1A1 is definitely a top watch by Casio. Not only is it very durable, nice looking, and comfortable; but reasonably priced! No matter where you are in the world, this watch has got your back! The world time has up to 29 time zones and has the ability to set on/off daylight savings. Durability is also a strong suit. This watch can handle up to 200 METERS of water depth! And yes, it is VERY shock resistant. I honestly believe this watch can make it through a Hulk transformation…

Other highlights include a full loaded auto-calendar, programmed until 2099 (hopefully you make it until then), a large 37mm case, auto LED light within the dial, and a 1/1000th Second Stopwatch with Speed Indicator.

All in The Price

It is easy to see why this is a highly regarded watch by Casio. But the true deal-breaker is the price. All of the aesthetics of this watch can definitely be priced at a higher point. When accounting for the design, unique features, and durability, this watch is probably the best choice. So keep this watch in mind if you are looking for great, yet affordable!

Casio G-Shock GW-9400BJ-1JF G-Shock Master of G Rangeman

This watch really is something. The Rangeman is a favorite among Casio fanatics. And you will soon find out why!

Now, in my opinion, G-Shocks are not the nicest of watches. They are still trending as an everyday watch and no doubt, they can be worn with most casual attire. But what makes this watch so great is because of what’s inside this masterpiece.

This G-Shock is running off of a Japanese automatic movement. It is not every day that you see a G-Shock with an automatic movement; which is why this watch is so impressive. Besides the movement, this watch also features a triple sensor “engine” with an altimeter/barometer, thermometer, and compass. I guess you can say this is the ultimate military watch!

Other specs also include a carbon fiber band, a LARGE 54 mm case, and a water resistance up to 200 M. You simply can not go wrong with the Master of G Rangeman.

An “All-Around” Watch

The Rangeman is sure to keep any buyer satisfied. The durability is ridiculously great. Not many watches are SOLAR PROOF and shock-resistant. Yeah, no sun is burning up this bad boy. Swimming is never an issue, this watch is sure to hold its own no matter how strong the current!

With an all-black design, the watch can be worn with almost anything; making it a perfect “go-to” watch for any occasion. Lastly, and most importantly, the Rangeman is an AUTOMATIC TIMEPIECE! A whole lot of G-Shocks are made with quartz movements, but if you opt for the Rangeman, you are getting an automatic movement, my friends! To me, this is an extremely important feature when deciding on a watch to purchase. The complexity and effort put into designing and creating an automatic movement cannot be compared to battery-powered quartz.

G-Shock Extra Large Display

Everythings better when it’s bigger….. Right? The military series G-Shock offers owners a 55mm case! So readability should never be an issue with this timepiece. The watch also has the ability to change the time between 29 time zones. The watch also has a full auto-calendar pre-programmed until 2099. You don’t have to worry about time with the military series, because the watch has four daily alarms and even has a snooze button (lay off the snooze)! Accuracy is also a great feature of this piece. Expect +/- fifteen seconds per month; which is actually VERY good for an affordable Casio watch.

Size Matters

Ultimately what sets this watch apart from the rest is a large size. If you have a big wrist, or like big faced watches, then this watch is for you! With large size comes easy readability, heavyweight materials, and extreme durability. So, if you do in fact like large watches, the military series is a MUST.

If the large size keeps you from choosing this watch, I recommend that you look further into it. Although it is large, the design of the watch makes it so it does not look too large on the wrist.

Suunto Core Ultimate Black

The Suunto Core is considered a military watch, but at first glance, may be confused with a smartwatch or Fitbit. But the Suunto Core is nothing like either watch. It is definitely a unique timepiece itself. Core features (no pun intended) include an altimeter, barometer, and a compass. The Core also has a built-in thermometer, storm alarm and tracks the sunrise and sunset. A must-have watch for a first date!

Innovation

What makes this watch worthy to be reviewed by myself, has to be all of the innovative features that were added to this piece. This is a MUST HAVE watch for any outdoor adventure and the all-black design make it easy to pair with any outfit you choose. It can be a bit hard to rid at times in dim lighting and is not as durable as a G-Shock; but then again, it is not as bulky and large as a G-Shock.

Suunto Traverse Alpha

I’d say the Traverse is much more on par with the durability standards of a G-Shock. The Suunto Traverse has a bold stainless steel bezel with a water-repellent nylon strap. For extra durability, the watch also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal; which is usually found on top-notch watches! In short, the Traverse is a hunter and fishers gold mine. The watch has a built-in GPS, automatic shot detection, and a location-based moon phase calendar.

A Watch Made For a Hunter

Although I concluded that the G-Shock is the ultimate winner; there is an exception if you are a hunter. You can not beat all of the features added to this watch, it is literally made for a hunter. Hunting and fishing have never been easier and more fun than with the Suunto Traverse. No more worrying about getting lost in the middle of the woods.

Suunto 9 Watch

Fitness will never be the same…. (What’s a Fitbit)?

The Suunto 9 is more expensive compared to all of the other watches reviewed today. However, it is justified. This is a smartwatch that is more focused on fitness than other smartwatches on the market. One of the coolest features is the sports expertise tracker. This little watch gives support for over 80 sports. The Suunto 9 also has an adjustable battery mode, which you can curate to make your battery life lasts as long as you need to. You have access to the Suunto app, so you can track all of your activity and log it for the future.

Smart-Sports Watch

The Suunto 9 is a great choice if sports are an important part of your life. It is also a watch that will always be reliable. You have up to 120 hours of battery life, Bluetooth connection, GPS built-in, storm tracker. Basically, everything the last two Suunto watches have, but fused into a smartwatch. It is not as durable as the Traverse, but it does offer up to 100 meters of water resistance. Other than that, should be handled with a little more care.

Final Verdict

Casio and Suunto are two brands that are not usually compared with one another. Both are considered Military watches, due to military testing. Although I have no idea what they mean by that.

Anyway, when it comes down to it, G-Shock is a much more affordable, durable, and traditional watch. This is why I chose the brand as the ultimate winner. Suunto is more of a technologically advanced timepiece, rather than a watch. If the price is a deciding factor, G-Shock is your best option. If durability is a very important factor then once again, G-Shock is for you. But if innovation and technology is something that you are looking for in a watch, go for Suunto.

All of the watches reviewed above are highly regarded watches by each brand. If you do decide to purchase, make sure you buy from a reliable marketplace like Amazon!