SUUNTO VECTOR X-BLACK

An indispensable instrument for outdoor enthusiasts, the Suunto Vector wrist- top computer combines an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer, letting you plan and execute almost any activity with confidence and safety. Regardless of your excursion–whether it’s climbing mountains, riding a muddy bike track, or skiing off piste–you need accurate, real-time information about your surroundings to pull off a successful trip. The Vector contributes by not only providing important data, but also keeping track of your activities so you can make rational decisions at key moments.

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

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

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

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