Outdoor Archives - Watch Ideas

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.

April 7, 2021April 19, 2021

Best Watches for Firefighters

Firefighters have an extremely important job- they protect the public and risk their lives every day for the well being of society. If you are reading this as a veteran firefighter, or a new firefighter, I want to let you know how much I respect your work.

The job of a firefighter calls for a watch that can withstand heat, water and take some bangs every once and a while. Features like durability, easy readability, analog second hand, and a lighting up dial are some top capabilities that firefighters look for in a timepiece. That being said, I am here to give you the top five watches for firefighters.

Our Top Pick – Best Watches for Firefighters

Let’s cut to the chase. Rather than watering down your search, I’ll give you number one, best watch for firefighters. That watch being the German Military Titanium Watch. This watch literally could put a fire out on its own!

No really though, it passes every checkpoint to be considered an excellent watch for a firefighter. The German Military Titanium watch is as strong as they come, luminescent for easy viewing in the dimmest of light AND is very light and comfortable for everyday wear. It is literally heaven-sent for a firefighter.

The German Military Titanium may be the best in my opinion. However, I encourage you to continue on to find out the other four watches that are great for firefighters!

Best Watches for Firefighters	What Makes it Great	Overall Ranking
German Military Titanium Watch GPW	VERY Durable, Lightweight and Comfortable, Extra Bright Luminescent hands for easy viewing	★★★★★
G-Shock Men’s Mud Master GG-1000-1A5CR	Easy to use, Durable, Two Years of Battery Life	★★★★★
Marathon WW194003 General Purpose Mechanical	Self-illuminating Tritium Gas Tubes, Mechanical Movement, Long Lasting	★★★★★
Marathon WW194009SG	High Performing Quartz Movement (Great for Pulse Reading), MaraGlo technology, Fibershell High Impact Case	★★★★★
Aqua Force Firefighter Dive Watch	Great Firefighter design, Affordable, Durable	★★★★★

Top Five Watches for Firefighters

German Military Titanium Watch

If it is built for military use. You know it could be used for firefighting as well. This is an amazing watch that is highly regarded and a perfect piece for any firefighter!

The German Military Titanium Watch GPW has a strong, tough look to it at first glance. It is similar in aesthetics to a dive watch, and that is definitely a compliment. If you decide to purchase this watch you will be more than happy to hear that it is literally the perfect watch for a firefighter.

The titanium build is not only strong but built to withstand anything that comes in its way. Not only is the case a powerhouse, but it is also lightweight titanium that does not bother the wrist with wear. This is a bulky watch that is actually really comfortable.

The Best Pick For The Active Firefighter

Not only is this timepiece durable and comfortable. But it also includes features that are very important for the job of a firefighter. Never miss a second with the bright, luminescent dial with an easy to see the red ticking second hand. Whether it is dark out, or very sunny, the anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensures that you can view the dial no matter what!

The wristband is made out of a comfortable rubber material that fits the firefighter look, and will not absorb water or sweat. So no smelly or wet wristband on this piece.

Top Features

SandBlasted Titanium Case
Reliable, Easy to read Swiss Quartz Movement
Extremely Great Value
Simple, Yet Stylish enough Design for Everyday Wear

G-Shock Mud Master

You can not have a durable watch review without including at least one G-shock. The Mud Master is top-notch when it comes to durability and great for the everyday fireman.

With a G-Shock, you know what you are paying for. Shock-resistant material, mineral glass, mud, and water-resistant. All of the perks you would look for in a durable watch.

The look of the watch is rugged, tough and bulky. Not a favorite of mine when it comes to looks. But hey, it looks great while putting out fires!

A Power House

Besides having all of the features that are needed for a fireman (backlight for visibility, analog display, and even a built-in compass), the G-Shock Men’s Mud Master GG-1000-1A5CR is also a long-lasting watch. G-Shocks are built to last and built to withstand everyday wear. Go with the Mud Master if you are a long time fan of the Casio brand and enjoy a tough, rugged watch.

Top Features

Accurate, easy to read, dial
5 daily alarms
Shock, water and mud resistant
G-Shock design

Marathon WW194003

Simple, yet so intricate at the same time.

One of the highlights of the Marathon WW194003 is the tritium gas tubes that illuminate without batteries. This is an excellent feature for a firefighter because you never have to worry about the light going out.

The Marathon is also designed for general infantry. So it’s self-explanatory when it comes to the durability of this timepiece. . . What makes the Marathon even better is the mechanical movement that lies within the watch. Why it may not be the best for taking a pulse, the movement runs without batteries, so again, you do not have to worry about the time turning off either.

No Batteries Needed

The Marathon WW194003 General Purpose Mechanical made today’s list because of the fact that no batteries are needed. It is a high-quality, Swiss-made watch with features that are typically found on more expensive watches.

The 34mm case is a great size and looks good on any wrist. Choose from multiple colorways to ensure you get the watch that fits your style the best.

Top Features

Self-winding, mechanical movement *(may be a con for those who want a ticking hand. Mechanical movements have a steady “sweeping” movement)
Nice sized, 34mm fiber shell case
Tritium, self-illuminating dial
Nylon military strap for comfort

Marathon WW194009SG

Yes, this is another Marathon watch on the list. It is another great choice for firefighters.

Similar to the Marathon WW194003 in design, yet more affordable. This watch is PERFECT for those who love the Marathon name and design but do not want to break the bank.

The main qualities that are different in the Marathon WW194009SG model are a quartz movement, MaraGlo technology and yeah, that’s about it. So if Marathon watches are appealing, you won’t go wrong with either model.

Affordable and High Performance

Marathon watches are built for US government bodies. So perfect if you are a federal firefighter. If not, it is still a pretty interesting pickup! You will not be let down by the timekeeping. It is very accurate and ticks at a great rate. The durability is exactly the same as the Marathon WW194003 and also glows without batteries. However, instead of tritium, this model uses MaraGlo.

MaraGlo is a strong, non-nuclear paint that enables the dial to light up in even the darkest of lighting. Even in the pitch black! When compared to tritium it is pretty similar. Personally, I prefer the tritium ( it is a bit stronger and easier to view). But MaraGlo will not let you down.

Top Features

Amazingly affordable price
MaraGlo technology for a bright, easy to see dial in the dark
Strong, 34mm fiber shell case
Analog display with 2 timescales

Aqua Force Firefighter Dive Watch

This is a great watch to end the review with. It is made for a firefighter! The design makes a perfect gift for any hardworking, dedicated firefighter who loves their job.

It would be hard to see a firefighter open this watch as a gift and not let out a laugh. One thing to note. This is not the BEST performing watch. It gets the job done, but the beauty lies in the design.

47mm stainless steel case with a black and red rotating bezel gives the watch a dive watch look. Because of the large case size, it is suggested to purchase for those with bigger wrists.

The dial itself is black with a symbol in the middle that reads “firefighter” and has a fire hydrant and fire ladder featured beside the words. So definitely a watch for the proud firefighter who displays their passion on a daily basis.

Firefighter Design

For what it is, the Aqua Force Firefighter Dive Watch is a great choice. The quartz movement functions properly, only losing a few seconds per day. Being that this watch is the most affordable on the review. It is easy to see why some features may not be as great.

If firefighter looks outweigh the features and functionality of the timepiece you are looking for; then the AquaForce is probably for you.

Top Features

Designed for firefighters
Water-resistant up to 50 meters
Bright red second hand (great for taking a pulse)
Luminous hands and dial

Best Watches for Firefighters – Which Watch Will it Be?

At the end of the day, the choice is all yours! So which watch will it be! No matter what watch you decide to go with, I am sure you will be happy! If my word alone is not enough, check out the great reviews from current owners on Amazon!

If you do in fact go with one of the watches that reviewed today. Drop a comment below to let other readers know if you are enjoying your brand new watch.

For the readers today who are active (or will be becoming a firefighter), thank you so much for your service! I appreciate everything you do to protect and keep your community safe. Hopefully the review today helped assist you in finding a perfect watch to complement your awesome work. If you are someone buying a watch for a firefighter friend or family member, choose wisely!

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 26, 2021April 14, 2021

Suunto 9 Vs. Garmin Fenix 5 Plus: In-depth Comparison

In-depth comparison of Suunto 9 VS Fenix 5 Plus

Suunto and Garmin are the leading companies in sports and outdoors wrist watches. Today we are comparing head to head their best devices for multi-sports and outdoors activities, Suunto 9 Vs Garmin Fenix 5 Plus.

In the watch industry, Garmin still stands as a leader when it comes to GPS technology. They well developed Fenix 5 Plus as a watch perfect for athletes, sportspeople, pros alike or anyone on the move. Suunto is a trusted brand name when it comes to designing and manufacturing sports or dive watches. Their products are known to combine style and performance for unmatched quality and longevity. Suunto 9 is their evidence.

Currently, GPS watches have been seen to hold all the rage with the features, performances, and incredible values that they add to our daily life. Equipped with GPS/GLONASS sensors, these watches are perfect for tracking performances and heart rate monitoring of the wearers.

As two leading watch brands, it becomes a difficult decision to conclude on which is better. Although anyone of the Suunto 9 or Garmin Fenix 5 Plus would be a fine choice, truth is that it comes down to your use and preference.

Benefits / Drawbacks – Suunto 9 VS Fenix 5 Plus

Suunto 9 or Fenix 5 Plus are both the best watches for outdoor activity tracking. But they come with different features, and even similar ones have slight differences. We put the pair head to head to see how the two watches compare to each other.

Design

Suunto 9 and Fenix 5 plus similarly feature round rugged designs. This is perfect since they have to look as good as they perform. Sunnto 9 has a more streamlined look and fewer buttons, while Fenix 5 Plus looks slightly bigger and bolder. Garmin have the bezel above the watch face to protect the display. The bezel also holds the button function.

Suunto 9 sizes at 50mm and weighs 70g, but the Fenix 5 Plus is favored to come in 3 different sizes – 42, 47, and 51mm. With this you have a choice of size preference. They both come in a variety of case colors and straps. Also, there is an opportunity to customize your case and strap to what fits you.

Unlike the rectangular apple faces, these embrace the circular appearance. But both watches are thick which is understandable given all the electronics and battery required to power them. At the back of the devices is the charging port, as well as some sensors embedded in it.

The materials used in building the watch parts are top-notch. Ranging from the scratch-resistant display to the durable bands and stainless steel casing; everything is of stand-up quality. Needless to say, when it comes to the design of the Suunto 9 vs Garmin Fenix 5 Plus – it’s a tie.

Comfort

Even if both watches are delightful to wear, of the two, Suunto 9 seems to be more comfortable. It has a much smoother design at the back cover compared to the bump design on the Fenix 5 Plus. The lugs on the Suunto 9 are more curved which provides a better grip on the wrist. It also depends on your wrist – Suunto feels better on smaller wrists, while Fenix 5 Plus suits larger ones. As with the sizes, the buttons on Suunto 9 are smaller than the ones on the Fenix 5 Plus, which keeps them from digging into your wrists or snagging on your sleeves.

Still on comfort, if you want a simple-to-use gadget, Suunto remains your choice. It uses a touchscreen where you can browse through different menus and options. Fenix does not use touchscreen and requires a bit of time to learning how to navigate through the menus. But it gives you more choices with customizing options.

Battery life

The flagship feature on the Suunto 9 is their state-of-art battery saving technology. Suunto created an intelligent battery mode to enable the watch monitor not only your exercises but also your battery life. Even while you are working out, this technology allows the Sunnto 9 to predict and report the amount of battery life you have left to carry out your activities. The watch also gives reminders so you can charge before or mid-workouts and avoid running out of juice.

Suunto 9 uses a unique function – Fusedtrack to achieve improved tracking by combining GPS and motion sensors. At the same time, save on battery. Garmin Fenix 5 Plus does not monitor power levels or give reminders like Suunto 9, but it has different battery profiles. Also, it introduces a Power Save Timeout Setting for when you need a break in between the activities.

Battery longevity is another feature where the Sunnto 9 proves superiority over the Fenix 5 Plus. They come with three modes to choose from – Ultra, Endurance, and Performance. Comparing the battery life of 120 hours of tracking in Ultra mode on the Suunto 9 vs Garmin Fenix 5 Plus delivering only 70 hours of Ultratrac mode. Suunto 9 is unmatched.

Sensors and Connectivity

Fenix 5 Plus gets the better of Sunnto 9 in the sensors and connectivity sector. Both watches use standard options of sensors and connectivity to obtain and report heart rate measurements of the wearer. You can connect them to your pods and other peripherals via Bluetooth, but Garmin offers more with an edge. Fenix uses ANT+ devices, supports Glonass, Galileo satellite tracking, WiFi and Suunto 9 does not without an adapter.

Most people buy fitness watches for the sake of tracking exercises and performance measurements. Features such as the compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, and thermometer sit well with Mountain runners and alpinists.

Another feature to consider on the Fenix is the pulse oximeter to measure blood oxygen saturation, and acclimation to high altitudes. But a little requirement is that you have to be still for the sensor to take the reading. This can be quite difficult during a race or a strenuous activity.

Smartwatch Features

In the smartwatch category, Fenix 5 Plus beats Suunto again. Through the Bluetooth of both devices, you can connect it to your phone and receive incoming alerts on the watch. With Suunto 9, you can see the incoming signals, but you cannot have full control or interact with them from the watch. Dismissing the notification from the watch only reflects on it without leaving the phone.

This is not common with Fenix 5 Plus, here once you delete the alert or message from the watch, it removes from the phone. You can accept or decline calls from your gadget without breaking a stride.

Also, Fenix 5 Plus comes with tons of options, built-in music player, app store and credit card payments. The music player shows its benefits when you don’t want to take your phone along for a workout session. You can store up to 1,000 songs on the Fenix 5 Plus or just stream from your smartphone. Obviously, playing music will also have a toll on battery life.

Navigation

Both the Suunto 9 and Fenix 5 Plus have built-in navigation and are two of the best triathlon watch models. They both offer the necessities like showing you’ve been or where you need to go on a route. The difference is the features and their performance. Suunto 9 allows you to save up to 250 points of interest like your home address, your parking spot, or certain running trails you prefer, but it’s a little slower at finding locations.

But Suunto 9 cannot stand the color topo maps and navigation features of the Fenix 5 Plus. Some of them include the trendline popularity routing to locate the most popular local trails, and ClimbPro for a better glance of the hill for a run. While the watch has all this, it may not be as easy to use as the big screen on your smartphone, but it’s there when you need it.

Software

The usability of the Garmin Connect is way better than the workout analysis software of Suunto. It has more advanced features that are displayed clearly. They both have a beautifully done interface showing tons of information on steps, sleep, calories burned, workout duration, and distance. If you want, you can comment, share, or add photos and record your detailed pace, average pace, max heart rate, average heart rate, heart rate zones. Fenix 5 plus adds performance conditions, training effects, and temperature change.

Suunto moving to the mobile app and web-based Sports Tracker app can encourage improvement on their side. The Heatmaps app shows popular trials from other people’s runs, which is beneficial when you want to try out new routes. But they lack third-party support, which is a bit of a deal-breaker. However, Suunto still connects with MoveCount service to give result of your performances, but it overlooks other health metrics like sleep, steps, and more.

Price and Value

Averagely, Suunto 9 undercuts Fenix 5 Plus with their price. The cost is understandable since Garmin watches have more features than the Suunto. But with prices and values of items, it comes down to a personal choice. Many people can consider the Suunto 9 to have enough features to track and analyze their performance. Others may want a bit more and won’t mind paying extra for it. But if you are on a budget get the Suunto 9.

Bottom Line

Suunto 9 and Fenix 5 Plus are outstanding and two of the best GPS smartwatches for hikers. Both come with the ability to track and provide performance metrics of the wearer. They both share some core features and excel differently in most sectors.

Both watches have great designs, but for anyone desiring a beautiful, comfortable watch with a long-lasting battery that is less expensive choose the Suunto 9. If your priorities are detailed navigations, smart features like music players, and built-in payment system, then go for Garmin Fenix 5 Plus. Nevertheless, no matter the choice you make any of these watches will undoubtedly make you happy.

March 4, 2021March 28, 2021

Best Women’s Dive Watch

We’ve researched for hours on end to provide you with a few recommendations for the best women’s dive watch. When diving, it’s crucial to have information at the tip of your finger.

If you’re wondering whether a women’s dive watch is necessary or not, we may be able to give you some insight. Overall, the best women’s dive watch is the Momentum M1 Mini Women’s Dive Watch. Why? Mostly because the price-point is very affordable and isn’t as expensive as other brands. Plus, the company ensures you’re not skipping on quality. Although it is the “mini” version, which may not be suitable for all divers.

As a water sports enthusiast, it’s essential to have a stylish yet reliable wristwatch on hand. Each of the watches on this list are beautiful watches. Not only do they work while you’re diving but can quickly transfer into the workplace or everyday life — no need to purchase a separate dive watch, as you can use it as your everyday wristwatch.

Alternatively, if you’re just looking for a men’s dive watches, then check out this article.

Momentum M1 Mini Women’s Dive Watch

The Momentum M1 Mini Women’s Dive Watch is the best women’s dive watch. The attractive and detailed watch face is incredible to look at and is specially designed to fit women’s wrists. It includes a slim 31 mm diameter outer case, which is perfect for diving and other daily activities. Even though it’s a “mini” version, you’re still getting all the enhanced features you’d find in a full-sized watch. Plus, there’s a large variety of colors to choose from, ensuring you’ll find one to your liking.

Elegant Design

The M1 Mini features one of the thinnest watch-faces on the market. The thickness is approximately 31mm and includes various features. Some of the features included is a rotary bezel, date window, luminous dial, and buckle closure. Each element is based on classic diver watch designs, ensuring you’re getting a stylish product. Lastly, the analog display includes marks for minutes, seconds, and the date.

Long-Lasting Precision

As for other features, the long-lasting precision ensures that the watch never lags behind in time. The main watch face includes Japanese quartz movement that’s been powered by a non-standard battery. Each clock consists of a battery length of at least two years at minimum and three at max.

Water-Resistant

All dive watches are waterproof, but this one includes a few enhancements. The dive watch has been rigorously tested to ensure that the device will still work even submerged at 200 m/660 ft. This makes it ideal for scuba diving, boating, or other types of watersports.

This not only makes it suitable for recreational diving but also everyday life. It doesn’t matter if you’re washing your hands, taking a dunk in the pool, or just walking in the rain – this watch can handle it all.

Comfortable

What makes this watch a step above the rest is the unique natural mini rubber band. It’s much smoother and softer than other materials, plus the size is suitable for women’s wrists. The rubber ensures that the watch stays on your wrist at all times, which is designed for all day use.

What Do We Think?

Overall, the dive watch includes many features any diver would be happy with. The watertight sealing helps prevent any accidents by keeping water out of the working parts. Plus, the battery replacements happen every 2-3 years. This helps avoid tinkering with the case to replace the battery and loosening the casing.

As for the watch face, there’s more information than other dive watches including a rotary bezel, luminous dial, and a date window. Plus, the multiple color and design options are what make this version stand out amongst many others. We’d say it’s well worth the investment and would even go as far to say that it’s the best women’s dive watch.

Invicta Mako Pro Diver Women’s Dive Watch

The next choice on our womens dive watch list is the Invicta Mako Pro Diver Women’s Dive Watch. If you’re looking for a stunningly detailed watch with all the features you need to succeed it in your dive, you won’t have to look far. The slim band is perfect for dainty wrists, and the case features a small 24.5mm design. These features make it lightweight, manageable and enable you to use it in everyday life.

Classic Nautical Design

When thinking about dive watches, you don’t exactly imagine a stunning silver and gold peice. Instead, you think of dark bland colors. However, the Invicta Mako Pro is designed to give classic nostalgia to the signature colors you’d find on any diver’s gear. The case itself is only the size of a quarter, or roughly 24.5 mm, which works well for small wrists. Plus, the long bracelet band is around 170 mm, but you can remove and adjust the band as needed.

Sturdy & Stunning Watchface

The watch face features Japanese quartz movements while also boasting an analog display. Beyond that, the screen is coated with an anti-reflective mineral crystal dial window to make it easy to read in all forms of lighting. Plus, the anti-reflective properties ensure that you’ll be able to read it above or below water.

Water Resistance

As with any excellent dive watch, the case must be fully waterproof. Each clock includes different levels of submersible, which can be useful depending on what watersports you’re doing.

The Mako Procan resist water levels of 330 ft, or approximately 100 m. This makes it suitable for recreational scuba diving, watersports, etc. Although, the company does suggest that you tighten the crown every time you set the watch, ensuring water won’t leak in.

What Do We Think?

It’s a stunning womens dive watch that can be used for watersports or other daily activities. When compared to others, it features higher quality materials such as stainless steel and a blue bezel. If you’re looking for a diving watch that’s not only accurate but also stunning, then this is for you.

Orient Automatic Women’s Dive Watch

The next on our list is the Orient Automatic Women’s Dive Watch. It’s an affordable priced automatic watch which has been specially crafted for female divers. With the affordable price range, you’re getting a steal with all the beautiful features, inducing the luxurious and stunning design. Plus, the textured wristband is crafted from sturdy urethane rubber, which is goth sporty yet comfortable.

Extremely Durable Case

The case is crafted using sapphire crystal, which is known to have high durability and scratch-resistant properties. Plus, the 32 mm thick stainless steel case can be put through rigorous everyday tasks and still hold its delicate design. If you’re looking for an all-around, watch that not only is water-resistant but can also last through daily life, you can’t go wrong with the Orient.

Automatic Movement

The watch is powered through automatic movement, which uses a self- winding Orient caliber 55742. This means that instead of relying on batteries or other energy sources, your movement will keep it functioning.

Why is this a huge benefit? Other cases require you to replace the battery, which can lead to water leaking in if it’s not placed correctly back together. Plus, the Orient also includes a clear backing, allowing you to watch the intricate mechanical movements.

Beautiful Design

With the fact that it’s been designed for women’s wrists, the watch face includes a beautiful design. Displayed is a luminous dial which includes contrasting hands. Each of these consists of both hour and day markers, along with an easy to read screen. The casing is made using anti-reflective sapphire crystals, which ensures you’ll be able to read it in any lighting conditions.

What Do We Think?

Compared to the others on the list, we believe that the Orient Automatic is an excellent choice for those looking for a more reasonably priced watch. Just because the price point is dropped doesn’t mean you’re skipping out on quality. It includes a very sturdy stainless steel casing. Plus, the rotating bezel is beautiful and provides you with more information than just the time.

Other than that the automatic movement can come in handy for those who don’t want to replace the battery. It ensures that the watch will always be working, plus you won’t have to pay for an excerpt to replace batteries or risk doing it on your own. This ensures that the case stays intact and that no leak ever happens.

What is the Best Womens Dive Watch?

Overall, the best women’s dive watch is the Momentum M1 Mini Women’s Dive Watch.

Purchasing a dive watch for women can be a difficult task, as you want to make sure that the quality is superior. Picking a bad dive watch can not only ruin your scuba diving experience, but also lead to the watch becoming damaged.

To ensure that you’re getting a reliable watch, we’ve research hours on end to give you the top pics for women’s dive watches. However, if you find that you didn’t find a watch that you like, we recommend checking out our review for the Breitling Superocean 44 or the Seiko Dive Watch.

Just remember, when searching for womens dive watch it’s important to keep a note of two factors. The first factor is that is has a wristband that is designed for dainty wrists. If its a multi-gender or men’s dive watch, it will likely not fit and may fall off.

The second factor to keep in mind the different water-resistant levels. Some watches are suitable for deeper dives, while others are only good for diving on the water’s surface. Check what meter/feet the watch can withstand water to ensure it fits your needs.

February 25, 2021March 23, 2021

Best Garmin for Triathlon: Get The Most Out of Your Triathlon Training

When you are training to be a triathlete, staying on top of your performance is a must. If you are only guesstimating the number of laps or miles you’ve covered, it will be hard to tell if you’re progressing or not. So for today, we’ve made a roundup of the best Garmin for triathlon.

Garmin made some of the best GPS watches money can buy. For a triathlete like yourself, it’s hard to go wrong with a Garmin triathlon watch. A good multi-sport watch can accurately monitor your running, cycling, and swimming metrics.

Let’s get to it!

Best Garmin for Triathlon	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	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus	Built-in mapping and navigation features, TOPO mapping, Advanced performance metrics, Wrist-based heart rate, Garmin Pay, Easily store and play up to 500 songs, Smart notifications	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Garmin Forerunner 35	Built in GPS, 5 ATM water rating, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, Vibration alerts, Activity tracking milestones, Virtual pacing progress, Step counter	★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Forerunner 735XT	24/7 Heart rate monitoring, Built-in activities, Smart notifications, Multisport mode, Step Counter, Advanced Running Dynamics. Move Bar, Recovery Advisor	★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Instinct	Military standard 810G, 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, heart rate, activity and stress monitor, smart notifications, TracBack feature	★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Vivoactive 3	15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, VO2 Max feature, Smart notifications, 14 days of activity tracking data, Garmin Pay, Heart rate monitor	★ ★ ★ ½

Best Garmin for Triathlon

1. Garmin Forerunner 935

The Garmin Forerunner 935 is a certified beast when it comes to multi-sport watches. I’ve checked out the newest version of Forerunner, the Forerunner 945, and I think it’s not worth the upgrade yet. This is still the reigning king of Garmin GPS watches.

Takes Your Performance to Another Level

The Garmin Forerunner 935 has been my go-to device for running.

Perhaps one of the best selling points of the Forerunner 935 is the excellent battery life. With every charge, I could squeeze in plenty of workouts before it needs to be charged again. With watch mode, it can last as long as 14 days in a single charge.

Furthermore, the Training Status is a godsend feature that will automatically evaluate your recent workouts. There are even performance indicators to let you know if you did have a productive workout or not. This is a key feature for triathletes who are looking to optimize their training sessions.

Of course, the Forerunner 935 offers some built-in activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming, and plenty of other activities. The watch can provide advanced metrics with just a press of a button. With the information at hand, you can tweak your performance to help you achieve a better lap time.

Ultimately, the Forerunner 935 is one of the best GPS watches that you can get in the market.

2. Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

The Garmin Fenix 5 is one of the more popular watches from Garmin’s collection. The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is a worthy upgrade to the original, thanks to its numerous impressive features.

A Worthy Upgrade

For starters, the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is a rugged watch. It’s clearly designed for more rugged activities and is appropriately referred to as a multi-sport adventure watch. Despite being a hard-wearing GPS watch, the design looks sleek and very high-quality.

There’s a bit of bulk to the watch but you won’t have a hard time wearing it all day with plain clothes. It’s utilitarian but sensible at the same time.

As expected, the Fenix 5 Plus offers a wide range of built-in sport modes. However, the watch does let you easily tweak the information that displays on the watch during workouts. The intuitiveness of operating the features is very much appreciated.

For triathlon, the running, cycling, and swimming metrics are all here and come with a rich feature set. For instance, you get advanced swimming metrics such as drill logging, stroke detection, and swim efficiency scoring. Most, if not all, of the monitored metrics are highly accurate.

It’s also worth mentioning that the watch can store up to 500 songs that you can listen to while training.

On a negative note, the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus commands a hefty price tag which is hard to ignore. However, I have to say that it’s a worthy investment.

3. Garmin Forerunner 35

If you are looking for the best Garmin for triathlon that won’t break the bank, the Garmin Forerunner 35 is worth checking out. It’s a great option for triathlon beginners or those who simply run for fitness and fun.

Covers the Basic

As the budget option on this list, the Garmin Forerunner 35 doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other, more expensive Garmin GPS watches. However, it’s still a very good activity tracker for all fitness levels.

The Garmin Forerunner 35 provides the expected features and functionalities without dialing it to 11. With this GPS watch, you get the usual features like intervals, auto-laps, daily alarm, notifications, and heart rate monitor. Again, nothing too crazy here but it gets the job done beautifully.

The wrist heart rate (Garmin Elevate) works great and I’ve had no issues with accuracy. The display is easy to read but the quality of the screen could be better. But that’s to be expected from a budget-friendly Garmin watch. The vibrating alarm is also another feature that works well and is a welcome addition to the watch.

Style-wise, the Forerunner 35 looks like your typical smartwatch. The square face reminds of the Apple watch which is not a bad thing at all.

If price or simplicity is your thing, the Forerunner 35 offers a tremendous value.

4. Garmin Forerunner 735XT

Another candidate for the best Garmin for triathlon is the popular, Garmin Forerunner 735XT. This multi-sport watch is very comparable to the Forerunner 935 with some key differences. This is a good watch to consider if you think the 935 is too expensive.

A Great Multi-Sport Watch With a Learning Curve

For starters, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a great option if you’re looking for a thin and lightweight triathlon watch. Whether you’re in the track or the gym, you’ll forget that it’s even there.

Although it’s light in weight, not so when it comes to features.

The Forerunner 735XT comes with built-in sports profiles. It supports a wide variety of activities such as running, cycling, swimming, hiking, skiing, weightlifting, and cardio. A neat feature is the ability to track multiple activities as one which is obviously great for triathletes. All you need to do is to press the lap button so enable the feature.

As mentioned, there’ a bit of a learning curve to use the Forerunner 735XT. There are five buttons to operate which can be confusing for first-time users. However, if you have used other Garmin GPS watches before, operating the watch shouldn’t be that hard.

Once you get the hang of it, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT should cover most of your triathlon needs.

5. Garmin Instinct

The Garmin Instinct is your watch of choice if you are a triathlete who also loves to explore the great outdoors. Although it’s mainly a hiking watch, the superior GPS and mapping features are useful for triathlon training.

Tough Watch With Superior Navigation

When it comes to looks, the Garmin Instinct can be a bit polarizing – you either love or hate the look of the watch. If you are a fan of Casio G-Shocks, there’s a good chance that you’ll love the Instinct’s design.

With that said, the main draw of this watch is the navigation features.

The Instinct features a built-in 3-axis compass so you won’t need to guess your bearings while training. The TracBack feature is a great addition especially when you like running on a less-traversed trail. Basically, it allows you to easily backtrack to your starting point.

Also, there’s the ULTRATRAC battery mode which gives the watch a battery life of 40 hours. It’s a neat power-saving feature especially when I don’t like charging watches every so often.

Customization is excellent when it comes to setting workouts. You can choose to follow a predefined workout or create one using Garmin Connect – all of which can be done on-the-fly.

Wrapping up, there’s so much to unpack with the Garmin Instinct. It’s not your typical triathlon watch but it gets the job done and more.

6. Garmin Vívoactive 3

Hardcore ironman athletes will likely find the Garmin Vívoactive 3 to be a bit inadequate. It’s not specifically designed for triathlon but its a pretty good multi-sport watch for orienting yourself with training concepts.

Feature-Packed Multi-Sport Watch

Unlike watches that are designed for triathlon, the Vívoactive 3 lacks a way to transition from one activity to the next. However, the watch does support various sports profiles and you can even set custom workouts. For triathlon, it comes with unique tracking features for running, cycling, and swimming.

Furthermore, the Vívoactive 3 is not only waterproof but also comes with a compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer. Whether you’re working out indoor or outdoor, this watch has got you covered.

In terms of accuracy, the GPS and heart rate monitor are both fairly accurate. However, for serious triathletes, the gold-standard accuracy is simply not here. For steadier pacing, the watch is accurate. On the flip side, accuracy becomes erratic at higher intensities.

Overall, the Vívoactive 3 is more of a fitness tool but it packs enough features to be a reliable triathlon training companion.

Garmin Knows Triathlon Watches

This concludes our buyer’s guide for the best Garmin for triathlon. Garmin makes excellent GPS watches, so it’s hard to go wrong with any of our selection. Here’s hoping we have helped you find the best triathlon watch to help with your training.

February 22, 2021March 23, 2021

Best G-Shock Watch for Police: Tough Watches for Law Enforcement

A career in law enforcement is one of the most unpredictable jobs out there. It’s a tough job being a policeman or policewoman thus, you need a watch that can withstand the rough and tumble nature of your profession.

When it comes to tough watches for law enforcement, it’s hard to go wrong with a G-Shock. Besides offering unparalleled value, Casio G-Shocks and legendary for their toughness.

So today, we’ll round up some of the best G-Shock watch for police and other law enforcement professionals. We have been testing several G-Shock models for many weeks now and here are the best ones we’ve come up with.

Best Police Watch	Key Features	Our Rating
Casio G-Shock Black Out Basic Series DW6900BB	Shock Resistant, 200 Meter Water Resistant, 12 and 24 Hour ( Military Time) Formats, EL Backlight with Afterglow, 1/100 Second Stopwatch	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400	Solar powered, Quartz movement, Protective mineral crystal dial window, Mb6 atomic timekeeping, auto LED, 5 Daily Alarms, Water resistant to 660 feet	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Casio G-Shock GA 100-1A1 Military Series	Stopwatch, Countdown timer, Full auto-calendar, Features both analog and digital movement, Shock resistant, 10-year battery life	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-1000-1A5	Shock Resistant, Neobrite, Mineral Glass, Mud Resistant, 200-Meter Water Resistance, Led Backlight (super Illuminator), Digital Compass, Thermometer, World Time, Stopwatch, Quartz	★ ★ ★ ★
Casio G-Shock Gravitymaster GA-1100	Bidirectional calibration digital compass with magnetic declination correction, Neobrite and Super Illuminator LED backlight, Shock resistant and water resistant to 200 meters, Hand-Shift feature	★ ★ ★ ★
Casio G-Shock Quartz Resin GA-700-7ACR	Resin, Shock Resistant, 200m Water Resistance, Led Light (super Illuminator), World Time, Stopwatch, Countdown Timer, 5 Daily Alarms, Hourly Time Signal, Hand Shift Feature	★ ★ ★ ★

Best G-Shock Watch for Police

1. Casio G-Shock Black Out Basic Series DW6900BB

G-Shock watches are quite popular with members of law enforcement and this is far from surprising. G-Shocks deliver in terms of durability, reliability, and value proposition. The Casio G-Shock Black Out Basic Series DW6900BB is a watch that embodies such virtues.

Black Out Excellence

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Casio G-Shock Black Out Basic Series DW6900BB is the successful fusion of analog and digital displays. It’s not anything mindblowing but it works and highly functional.

The main reason why it’s such a hit with police officers is its top-notch shock resistance. Casio did a great job of creating a watch that suits the day-to-day activities of police. After many weeks, the watch received a great deal of exposure to moisture and impacts. However, it still has to show signs of visible damage. The face also wards off scratches rather well.

The negative display is the main concern for many users which is understandable. However, the main purpose of the watch is to be tactical and stealthy – the black out design fulfills that promise wonderfully. In a pitch dark situation, you won’t be able to read the watch at all. Fortunately, the electroluminescent (EL) backlighting is excellent.

It’s a highly recommended timepiece for officers and it will serve you well day or night.

2. Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400

The Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is one of our top picks for the best military watches. Naturally, it’s no surprise that it will find its way on this list.

Unparalleled Toughness and Feature-Packed

The Rangeman GW-9400 is perhaps the most popular model in Casio’s Master of G Series, and it’s more than well-deserved.

While this watch isn’t nearly as stealthy as the previous model, the Rangeman GW-9400 more than makes up for its toughness. It features an aggressively bulky performance but that’s quite expected from a tough watch like this. From law enforcement duties to outdoor activities, this G-Shock has got you covered. Thanks to its superior construction and top-notch durability.

Seriously, mine is still going strong after many years.

However, it’s more than just a watch that can take a beating. The Rangeman GW-9400 is packed with features as well. The most noteworthy one is the Tripe Sensor feature which is essentially a trio of features: compass, thermometer, and altimeter-barometer. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you’ll find a lot to love about this watch.

Also, the watch is solar-powered so as long as you are wearing it regularly, you don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries.

The GW-9400 is an excellent tough watch with plenty of features to offer.

3. Casio G-Shock GA 100-1A1 Military Series

From the name, you can easily tell that the Casio G-Shock GA 100-1A1 Military Series is a watch that’s made for the toughest of jobs and activities. It’s doesn’t hurt that it looks great as well.

Rugged, Functional, and Tactical

The GA 100-1A1 Military Series comes in an all-black color scheme and I must say that I’m a fan. The watched is designed for military and outdoors-oriented activities which mean that it’s a great fit for members of law enforcement.

The watch boasts a clever mix of digital and analog displays. Due to its color scheme, the main concern for this watch has got to be its legibility. That is, in fact, a valid concern since it’s quite hard to read the watch under low-light conditions. Luckily, it does have a LED light that illuminates the top part of the face.

Many said that the illumination is weak but for me, it’s the perfect solution for a timepiece geared towards tactical activities. It provides enough illumination so you can read the display while still being discreet.

On top of being a tough and tactical watch, the GA 100-1A1 offers other timekeeping features such as daily alarms, world time, stopwatch, countdown, and many more. The water resistance rating of 200 meters is also a nice touch.

Ultimately, it’s a perfectly capable tactical watch that comes at a great watch.

4. Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-1000-1A5

The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-1000-1A5 is a premium pick for this list of the best G-Shock watch for police. The price is more than warranted because it’s a highly utilitarian watch that will please even the most jaded extreme outdoorsman.

More Than Just For a Muddy Situation

For starters, you don’t have to wear or feel the Mudmaster GG-1000-1A5 to know that it’s a tough as nails timepiece. It’s exactly as tough as it looks. The purpose-built design resulted in a bulky profile which is quite expected from G-Shock models.

The sizable bulky is surprisingly soft but don’t think that it will dent or peel easily. The rugged construction and overall aesthetic make it seem like a military watch but it’s more than capable to meet the needs of a police officer. For instance, the shock resistance of the Mudmaster is second to none and yes, it is mud-resistant as well.

The watch is equipped with Casio’s Twin Sensor which means a digital compass and thermometer. The dial features analog timekeeping and a digital day/date panel. This enables you to easily check the time easily, especially when the legibility is on-point.

Navigating the menu and features is a breeze, even for a new G-Shock user. The layout of the buttons are excellent and you can operate them with confidence.

The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-1000-1A5 commands a higher price tag but it’s more than worth it.

5. Casio G-Shock Gravitymaster GA-1100

The Casio G-Shock Gravitymaster GA-1100 is an aviation watch. However, its set of features and toughness make it a good candidate for the best G-Shock watch for police.

Looks the Part

The Casio G-Shock Gravitymaster GA-1100 is more of a fun pick. I was looking for a watch with a color scheme similar to a police siren and I ended up with this timepiece.

The blue and red color scheme is certainly not for everyone but I think the design is well-done and not cheesy. The combination of blue and red works so well and it resulted in a good-looking watch.

Aside from the police siren color scheme, I was very impressed with the legibility of the watch. Despite the fairly busy dial, I had no trouble reading the face and accessing the features. Additionally, the Gravitymaster GA-1100 is equipped with an impressive backlight. This thing just comes alive at night.

As mentioned, the Gravitymaster GA-1100 is a pilot watch and it comes with a bidirectional calibration digital compass with magnetic declination correction. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to test the said feature properly.

The Gravitymaster GA-1100 might be a fun pick but it’s tough and reliable like the best of them.

6. Casio G-Shock Quartz Resin GA-700-7ACR

Last but not least, we have the Casio G-Shock Quartz Resin GA-700-7ACR. If you want a subtle or stealthy timepiece, this watch is not for you. This timepiece is all about bold designs and standing out – and I’m all for it.

For Those Who Want to Stand Out

Not every police officer wants to keep things on the low. For those who just want to stand out, the GA-700-7ACR is a no-brainer.

First, it hard to miss the bold approach to the dial. The dial features both analog and digital displays which I’m a big fan of. The lighting feature is referred to as “super illuminator” which I’m inclined to agree. Even the darkest of nights don’t stand a chance against the GA-700-7ACR’s illumination.

However, the boldest aspect of this timepiece is the strap. I’ve opted for the white colorway strap since it reminded me of my first G-Shock. Needless to say, the strap just makes the watch a true head-turner. While wearing it casually, I usually get compliments from people.

It’s not the most stealthy G-Shock out there but who says police officers can’t be bold and stylish?

Best G-Shocks for Law Enforcement

This wraps up our list of the best G-Shock watch for police officers and other members of law enforcement. I had a difficult time putting up this list since there are so many great G-Shocks in the market. Hopefully, this list has helped you out.

January 21, 2021January 26, 2021

Rolex Explorer 2 Review: A True Utilitarian Rolex Timepiece

When you are looking for a watch that you can wear under the toughest conditions, you are probably not looking for a Rolex. However, if you are in the market for one of the toughest luxury watches available, today’s Rolex Explorer 2 review is for you.

After all, it’s a timepiece that’s designed for cave divers and spelunkers. Although not many of you will be using this watch for exploring dark caves, it’s still a watch that’s rich in history.

Among the Rolex collection, the Rolex Explorer II has always been some sort of oddity. It’s not as popular as the Submariner or Datejust but it’s still going strong even after 45 years of production.

With that said, let’s take an in-depth look at the Explorer II ref. 216570 a.k.a. the Polar.

Rolex Explorer 2 Review: At a Glance

The Rolex Explorer II is a relatively quirky offering that added plenty of character to the Swiss luxury brand’s stable. Before we go to a detailed Rolex Explorer II review, let’s first check out its key specs and features.

Model:	Rolex Explorer II
Reference no.	216570
Model case:	Oyster, 42 mm, Oystersteel
Oyster architecture:	Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
Material:	Oystersteel
Bezel:	Fixed, 24-hour graduated
Winding crown:	Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system
Crystal:	Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date
Water-resistance:	Waterproof to 100 meters / 330 feet
Movement:	Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding
Caliber:	3187, Manufacture Rolex
Precision:	-2/+2 sec/day, after casing
Functions:	Centre hour, minute, and seconds hands. 24-hour display. Second-time zone with independent rapid-setting of the hour hand. Instantaneous date. Stop-seconds for precise time setting
Oscillator:	Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring
Winding:	Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Power reserve:	48 hours
Bracelet:	Oyster, flat three-piece links
Clasp:	Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
Dial:	White, Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence
Certification:	Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

First Impression

Take note that the 216570 White Dial is the new and improved version of the Rolex Explorer II 16570. There are actually two dial versions of the 216570: white and black (pictured below). While I am a big fan of black dials, I went with the white dial since it somehow looks better than the black version.

My first impression is that the watch maintains most of the essence of classic Rolex timepieces but has been reworked to appeal to contemporary collectors. Perhaps the most obvious change is the 42mm case diameter. In comparison, the original Rolex Explorer 214270 was only 39mm.

It’s one of the largest models in the Rolex catalog.

Purists and traditionalists will surely prefer the smaller 39mm but as an outdoor tool watch, the size increase is more than welcome.

The white maxi dial is another standout with its boldness and superior legibility – perhaps it’s boldest among other Rolex sports watches. The glossy white dial has markers with black surrounds. It is an instantly striking dial with somehow more of the signature Rolex attention to detail.

The construction looks to be on-point and while I’m not too keen on wearing it to explore cave systems, it feels like it would serve me well even if I choose to. It looks and feels like a true tool watch and noticeably less luxurious.

The Polar White Dial

The Polar white dial is a masterclass in contrast. The Chromalight markers and hands sit perfectly against the white background, and the bright orange 24-hour GMT hand adds a perfect contrast to everything that’s going on.

In case you don’t know, the 24-hour hand enables the user to keep the time for two different time zones. In addition, it will also let you know if it’s day or night, very useful when you are down in a cave.

Rolex Explorer II Chromalight

As mentioned, the Rolex Explorer II features top-notch legibility. After all, it’s a watch designed for very low-light environments or at night. Based on my tests, the proprietary Chromalight coating does a great job of providing long-lasting readability.

Plus, it looks amazing when the blue luminescent coating is activated.

The black surround around the oversized markers and stubby hands is another great detail that completes the overall look of the Explorer II. I have always been a fan of the Cyclops lens so it’s a nice cherry on top as far as the dial goes.

The Rolex Explorer 2 is bigger and bolder which is what you want for a heavy-duty tool watch.

The Robust Case

The Rolex Explorer II was first released back in 1971, and since then it has gone through numerous makeovers over the four decades. It was designed for extreme resistance and this is mainly due to its robust case.

Of course, there’s the 904L stainless steel that makes the case which measures 42mm in diameter and a thickness of 13mm. While I don’t have the largest wrist, the 42mm diameter is more preferable to me than the 39mm of the previous Explorer.

For reference, the Yacht-Master II is 43mm and the Sea-Dweller Deepsea is 44mm.

Just like with the previous generations of Explorer, the watch is fitted with Rolex’s signature twinlock screw-down crown. This adds a fair bit of waterproofness to the watch and should be able to handle a few splashes. Just make sure you don’t wear the Explorer II for diving.

In classic Rolex style, the watch features sapphire crystal on the front and a solid case back on the back. The 24-hour bezel is made with fixed stainless steel with a satin brush finish. However, the bezel is more prone to scratches. I would have loved it more if it instead had ceramic inserts like on the Rolex Submariner.

However, the brushed finish of the bezel does look great.

The Oystersteel Bracelet

The Explorer II uses the signature Oyster bracelet made in 904L steel with three links. Looking closely, you’ll see that the center links of the bracelet lack polish. This is, of course, a conscious design choice for a more “tool-like” look. However, the sides are polished which adds an interesting twist to the bracelet’s aesthetic.

As you might expect, the bracelet’s construction feels very solid and it comes with the Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink system. This enables the user to extend or shorten the last link by 5mm increments which are useful for achieving a great fit.

While the Glidelock fine-adjustment extension found on watches like the Submariner is the superior system, the Easylink is useful for adjusting the short and long positions. This allows you to easily adjust the bracelet in case of weather changes.

Timekeeping

Explorer II’s 3187 Caliber Movement

Of course, you can’t have a Rolex Explorer 2 review without talking about the movement. With that said, the Explorer 2 is powered by the automatic in-house calibre 3187.

The movement features a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring with a 48-hour power reserve. For the price, I was expecting a better power reserve than 48 hours. Having to reset the watch after two days of not wearing it does get old pretty quick.

The blue Parachrom hairspring provides the much-needed resistance against magnetic fields. Plus, it adds a good deal of durability to the watch which is crucial for the type of environments the model is designed for. Even with extreme temperature changes, the Explorer II will remain ticking accurately.

The 3187 won’t blow anyone’s mind when it comes to aesthetics but that’s no big deal since you’re getting a robust solid steel caseback anyway.

Like with all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 3187 is a certified Swiss chronometer with -2/+2 sec/day precision performed after casing.

Pricing

The Explorer II 216570 Polar is about on the same price range as the Rolex Submariner. However, if you can get a pre-owned Explorer II, expect to pay a little more than a no-date Submariner and a little less than a date Submariner.

It’s no entry-level watch like the Rolex Air-King but it’s certainly an affordable option if you’re looking to get into the Rolex rabbit hole. Due to its not-so-massive popularity, you won’t find an Explorer II that sells for over the retail price. Basically, you can just walk up to a Rolex shop right now and later come out with the watch on hand.

This isn’t the case for other popular Rolex models like the aforementioned Submariner where the cost is driven up by demand.

As far as resale value goes, this luxury steel watch offers a rock-solid resale value. However, it’s not exactly a fly-off-the-shelves sale when compared to other popular Rolex models.

Should You Get the Rolex Explorer II?

To wrap up this Rolex Explorer 2 review, we put in the verdict if this watch is worth the investment or not.

The Explorer II is a somewhat a forgotten model that’s lost in the sea of Submariners, Day-Dates, and Daytonas. This is quite a shame especially when it’s one of the few unashamedly utilitarian Rolex timepieces.

I love the big and bold display with a throwback design to the vintage Explorer. However, Rolex made some excellent updates that make it more appealing for fans of contemporary timepieces. It looks great, especially with the Polar white dial, and offers legibility for days. In terms of comfort, the watch sits comfortably on my wrist so I have no complaints.

It’s also perhaps the toughest and most robust Rolex watch that I’ve owned. More than anything, it’s a tool watch and a great one at that.

The Rolex Explorer II is not the kind of watch that I would recommend for first-time Rolex buyers but it sure is an imposing addition to any luxury watch collection.

December 17, 2020December 19, 2020

Our List of the Best G-Shock Watches by Casio

To start off this list, we want to give you a bit of a spoiler alert. In our opinion, the Casio Men’s ‘G-Shock’ Quartz Resin Sport Watch is the best G Shock watch. This is based on its amazing durability combined with its hard to beat price. Read more about the Casio Sport Watch and our other favorites below.

With a focus on creating the indestructible, Casio began designing the first G-Shock watch in 1983. These watches are close to indestructible in adventures on land or water, with one even beating the Guinness World Record title for the heaviest vehicle to drive over a watch.

But which G-Shock Casio watch is best for you? Read our guide to find out.

Top Five Best G-Shock Watches

	Casio Sports Watch	GA 100-1A1 Military Series Watch	G Shock Resistant Black Resin	Master of G Stainless Steel	Casio G Shock Mudmaster
Model	DW-9052-1V	GA100-1A1	DW5600E-1V	GW-9400-1CR	GG-1000-1A5
Key Features	48.5 mm resin case with mineral dial window. Water resistance 200 m	LED light and afterglow. 29 time zones. Water resistance 200 m	Discrete. Mineral dial window. Water resistance 200 m	‘Rangeman’ Solar powered. Digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer	Easy to read with Neobrite. Analog and digital display. Water resistance 200 m
Rating	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★

Casio Sport Watch

This Casio Sport Watch is an incredible example of Casio’s shock-resistant watches. It has a 48.5-millimeter resin case that has a mineral dial window to keep the digital display safe. The rectangular dial has an afterglow EL backlight. With a stopwatch, auto calendar, and more, this watch has many great features for an incredible price. Like most of the Casio watches, this one is water-resistant up to 660-feet. That allows for rugged wear on land as well as water.

This Casio Sport Watch is beloved and trusted by many in the military. It is also incredibly cheap and incredibly durable. With great visibility and many features, there are few who can deny that this watch is about too good to be passed up.

Potential Negatives

The watch can be a bit hefty to some and the buttons on the side could be a bit difficult to manipulate.

Casio GA 100-1A1 Military Series Watch

This Casio GA 100A1 Military Series Watch will work for any job or activity but will work especially well for hard-core athletes and those in the military. It has a flexible resin band and buckle closure. The display face is digital with an analog display. It has an LED light and afterglow. The watch also features a calendar with the day, date, and month—pre-programmed to go until 2099. The watch allows for time in 29 time zones. It’s also water-resistant up to 200 meters. Along with multiple features, like a stopwatch and battery life that will last you years, this watch is incredibly durable. It will serve you in whatever capacity you need it to for a long time to come.

Potential Negatives

Many reviewers dislike that it is just about impossible to see the analog time without perfect lighting. This is a good thing if the person wearing the watch does not want their location known because it doesn’t light up. However, other reviewers say the watch is still reflective, so stealth will be an issue regardless.

Casio Shock Resistant Black Resin Sport Watch

If you are wanting a sleeker, yet subtle version of Casio’s watches, the Casio Shock Resistant Black Resin Sport Watch is a great option. This watch has the more laid back appearance of a watch to wear to work with all the durability and shock resistance to take with you to the Olympics. This G-Shock provides many great features: a stopwatch that can measure down to 1/100 of a second for the first sixty seconds, a multi-function alarm, and an auto-calendar that is pre-programmed until 2039. Water-resistant up to 660-feet, this watch is great for athletes on the water as well as land.

The digital display is protected by a mineral dial window. The oval/square-like case is resin and has a diameter of 45-millimeters. The watch color is a snazzy black with a bit of gray. Again, this is not the flashiest watch, but it has a bit more emphasis placed on class rather than rugged, tough, durability the others focus on emanating.

Finally, the price is absolutely unbeatable. There’s not much more to say on that besides the fact that if you’re looking for a good, quality watch you can easily afford, this will probably be the winner.

Potential Negatives

It can be a bit difficult to manipulate the buttons on this watch as well.

Casio Master of G Stainless Steel Solar Watch

If you want to do anything from going scuba diving to climbing a mountain without breaking your watch, the Casio Master of G Stainless Steel Solar Watch is your best bet. Also known as the Rangeman, this watch is the definition of an adventurer’s watch. It has a slew of great features, including five alarms, sunrise and sunset dates, and a stopwatch. However, one of the greatest features is that it’s solar-powered. Hiking across the country? The last thing you want to worry about is a charger and you won’t have to. With some sun, it’ll stay in tip-top shape.

For many reasons, this is a great and reliable companion for those who need durability in their life. Other incredible features include a digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, calendar with the day, date, and month, MB6 atomic timekeeping, and it is water-resistant to 660 feet. The case is stainless steel with a diameter of 5.3 centimeters. It has a black band and black bezel with bits of red and gray.

Potential Negatives

Overall, this watch is highly loved by reviewers but there are some things people may not love about this watch. It’s relatively cumbersome. Should you be interested in this watch, make sure the size and weight won’t bother you. Another thing is that your watch may take your temperature if you’re wearing it, not exactly the temperature of the air around you. If you’re aware of the features of this watch and comfortable with the weight, this should be a great choice.

Casio G-Shock Men’s GG-1000-1A5CR

This Casio G-Shock Men’s GG-1000-1A5CR is a great example of Casio’s rugged, durable design. With an analog and digital display, protected by a mineral dial window, this watch has a 5.2-centimeter diameter resin case. The band is also resin and closes with a buckle clasp. The beige and black color of the watch is perfect for anyone who may want to keep it inconspicuous.

This watch is also mud resistant so you can go crazy on wild, muddy adventures out in nature. Being a companion to the adventurer as Casio’s brand has continued to be, this is a solid option for anyone needing a sturdy watch that has great features. Some of these features include an LED backlight, water-resistance up to 660-feet, full auto-calendar, alarms, alert for low battery, thermometer, compass, and more.

The face of the watch has very clear features, including largely pronounced lettering and hands for the analog display. With Neobrite, the hands and markers of the watch are easier to see.

Potential Negatives

The display is a bit difficult to read because of the lighting. The watch also needs to be taken off the wrist for a few minutes before trying to get an accurate temperature reading.

Guide to Selecting the Best Casio G-Shock Watch

These rough and tough watches can become your right-hand man considering how useful and long-lasting they can be. Therefore, it’s important that you take into consideration some things you might want to factor in before purchasing what you think is the best Casio G-Shock for you.

Features: The More the Merrier or Short and Sweet

The best thing about Casio’s watches, besides their durability, is that they are stocked with features. These can include how many alarms you’re able to set, a thermometer, a compass, digital and analog displays, and many more. How many features and the quality of those features will affect the price. So, which are important to you? Do you want many features in the first place or will they make the watch too complicated? These are all important questions that should be answered before buying a watch—especially a Casio watch.

Your Intent

Similar to discussing features, there are many options for what you want your watch to do for you. Are you an athlete who wants durability over everything? Maybe an explorer who needs to know where you are all the time and is reliant on solar power to keep your watch going? Or maybe you are in the military, where all of the features will be helpful but you also need your watch to be subtle, non-reflective, and with no light so that your position won’t be given away? There’s a lot to think about with Casio.

As many watches they have, catered to so many areas, make sure you’re getting the one that suits your needs because with this brand, it would really be a waste not to.

FAQ’s

What is the Company Behind the Product?

Casio is a Japanese multinational consumer electronics and commercial electronics manufacturing company. Along with watches, they also produce instruments, calculators, and more. Founded in 1946, Casio became well known for producing innovative wristwatches. They were one of the first companies to produce watches that displayed time in different time zones. Casio was always at the forefront of technological changes in watches, like beginning the use of quartz and, of course, G-Shock watches.

What Are G-Shock Watches?

First designed in 1983 by a Casio engineer, G-Shock watches are made to withstand shock, force, and vibration. This is so the watch remains in good working order despite potentially devastating conditions. G-Shock is short for Gravitational Shock. The design used to help diminish shock’s effect on a watch multiple layers of quartz and other materials made to keep it safe

Conclusion

These Casio watches provide a lot of options in your search for the best Casio G-Shock watch. Nearing, indestructibility the sturdiness of these watches, combined with their many amazing features will help to keep you prepared and safe during your next great adventure.

Again, our favorite was the Casio Sport Watch because of its affordability and durability. However, all of the options above are also great options in case your style or preferences point you in a different direction.

Still need convincing? Check out our Suunto vs G-Shock Watch article to see why Casio’s G-Shock wins every time.

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?

Garmin Tactix Charlie – Best GPS Watch for Military

Benefits / Drawbacks – Garmin Tactix Charlie

Incredibly Durable

Awesome Navigator

Tactical Features

Suunto Traverse Alpha

Benefits / Drawbacks – Suunto Traverse Alpha

Awesome Navigator

Easy to use

Impressive Features

Garmin Fenix 5X Plus

Benefits / Drawbacks – Garmin Fenix 5X Plus

Well-designed and comfortable

Multipurpose Timepiece

Incredible features

General Criteria in Selecting the Best GPS Watch for Military

GPS features

Ruggedness

Tactical Features

Battery Life

Design

Final words on the Best GPS Watch for Military

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Best Watches for Firefighters – Which Watch Will it Be?

Best Garmin Watch for Hiking

1. Garmin Fenix 5X

2. Garmin Tactix Charlie

3. Garmin Instinct

4. Garmin Fenix 3 HR

5. Garmin Fenix 6S Pro

6. Garmin Epix

Found the Best Garmin Watch for Hiking Yet?

Benefits / Drawbacks – Suunto 9 VS Fenix 5 Plus

Design

Comfort

Battery life

Sensors and Connectivity

Smartwatch Features

Navigation

Software

Price and Value

Bottom Line

Momentum M1 Mini Women’s Dive Watch

<img class="alignnone lazyload" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41a-PbTEMuL.jpg" alt="Best Women's Dive Watch" width="500" height="500" />View on Amazon

Elegant Design

Long-Lasting Precision

Water-Resistant

Comfortable

What Do We Think?

Invicta Mako Pro Diver Women’s Dive Watch

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Classic Nautical Design

Sturdy & Stunning Watchface

Water Resistance

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Orient Automatic Women’s Dive Watch

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Extremely Durable Case

Automatic Movement

Beautiful Design

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What is the Best Womens Dive Watch?

Best Garmin for Triathlon

1. Garmin Forerunner 935

2. Garmin Fenix 5 Plus