5 Suunto Core All Black Review

Reviewer: George Arvanitellis, Attica, Athens   (21-4-2012)

I have it for about half a month and it sure does what you expect it to do. When I was outdoors I had some storm alerts from the watch that were more than accurate, due to the very nice implemented barometric pressure feature. The watch looks big but feels small and light on hand. Negative LCD screen looks more than nice and tactical, you can forget all the bad reviews about it, but of course don't expect it to be as visible as a positive LCD screen. Acceptable backlight illumination.

5 Suunto Core All Black Review

Reviewer: David Hicks, Greenwich   (20-4-2012)

My review of this product is based more on the excellent after sales service that I received from Suunto than just the product itself. I have read a few of the reviews of the Core on this site and there is little more for me to add other than I love the watch. Unfortunately on the first day of a recent week of Telemark skiing I "went over the handlebars" on the first morning on a shaded icy piste. Having dusted myself down I rejoined the group but noticed that my Core was flapping about my wrist as the strap had snapped at the join to the main body of the watch. Also the LCD display had shattered despite the glass face still being intact...In short my watch was a write off.

Upon returning to the U.K. and it having been suggested to me to return it to Suunto for repair, I logged onto the Suunto website and completed their registration form. I had a reply back before the day was out and a reference number and an idiots guide of instructions as to which forms and how many of each to print off. I was told to call DHL to arrange pick up. Within 24 hours of DHL picking up my seriously battered watch I had received an email from Suunto saying that the expected turn around time for repair was 7 days. 7 days later I got an email saying my product had been sent to me with DHL and a link to track its delivery. The following day I now have brand new spanking Suunto Core All Black at no extra cost to me, no further questions asked. This has literally cost me nothing extra as all the P+P was covered by Suunto aswell. Seriously impressed, and thank you Suunto.

A truly excellent product and outstanding after sales service. This watch was bought for me from Facewest about 2 years ago, so was not under warranty. I was fully prepared to buy a replacement from you again, but thanks (or not, from your sales point of view) to Suunto I have no need. One very satisfied customer.

5 Suunto Core All Black Review

Reviewer: William Hold, Falmouth   (16-4-2012)

I have not used it 'in the field' yet, but have been learning how to use it for when I do. It is a good looking watch, without the usual chunky all-bells-and-whistles look of many competitors. The instructions that come with it are basic and you need to refer to the downloadable users guide on the Suunto website to get a more detailed understanding of how it functions. Having said that it is a pretty intuitive set up. You need to be familiar with the programmes to use the Alt/baro as these need to be regularly re-set to be of any use - both these functions are based on measurements of air pressure. I presume that using this on a hike you would have it on Alt setting whilst hiking and it would register changes of air pressure as changes of altitude. When you stop to make camp switch to Baro and any change in air pressure then registers as change in barometric pressure, thus warning of any change in weather.

I'm looking forward to using it this summer on some long hikes in the US, where knowing my altitude will be critical to some of the navigation.

5 Suunto Core All Black Review

Reviewer: PETER BERINGER, EDINBURGH   (29-2-2012)

Purchased this for hill walking and am absolutely delighted with this fantastic watch. Well built and very smart looking - I now wear it to the office as my every day watch too. I was worried that it may look plastic - but no such concerns.

5 Suunto Core All Black Review

Reviewer: keith scott, edinburgh   (25-2-2012)

The Suunto Core is not only a time piece but a wrist top computer. At least that's what you're told before you get one. And oh my, It's true. As useful on the hill as it is waking up in the morning.

Along with looking bold and strong on the wrist it offers a number of features ideally suited to the outdoor wanderer.

I've used mine doing everything from pacing my jog to work, Confirming North bearings while navigating in a white-out on the Cairngorm plateau, checking altitude while ice climbing in the Ecrins and being warned of impending storms so you can bail off whatever you're on so as not to get caught in horrific weather.

If you love the outdoors and spend as much of your time there as possible, Then you need this watch or one of its brothers in your life.

ABCT sums up the main features after basic timekeeping tasks, Altitude Barometer Compass Temperature.

All as accurate as can be expected from a tiny device on your wrist. For best accuracy I recommend setting the Altitude and pressure whenever you know it to be exact such as hilltops or weather stations. And for the temperature to be true it must be away from your body’s heat source. I find the shoulder strap of your rucksack is ideal. Some people moan thinking this is a foolish gimmick but it is perfect for calculating wind chill and when to bail off ice routes!

5 Suunto Core All Black Review

Reviewer: Harry Wiggins, London   (20-2-2012)

I'm still finding out about all the fantastic functions of this little beauty. It has a storm warning and a barometric log. It has all the usual time functions that you'd expect: dual time, alarm, timer, stopwatch. It has a compass with a bearing lock function to keep you headed in the right direction.

I bought the black screen version and the display is a little weak even with the contrast cranked up. But to be honest I prefer the discrete nature of the darker display. As yet I don't know what the battery life is like, it wouldn't surprise me if it's quite short but the batteries are not madly expensive c.£2.

My only complaint would be that the instructions are inadequate. It doesn't explain and nor can anyone on any forums explain how to undo the bearing lock once you've turned it on. Bit of a bug there.

5 Suunto Core All Black Review

Reviewer: Martyn, Suffolk, UK   (20-2-2012)

Suunto Core watch has a digital compass feature which is excellent for monitoring where you are and ensuring you are on the right path. In addition, it features a intensity meter which you can use to accurately measure drinking water depths up to 30 feet.

So, if you really enjoy the outdoors, you need to get the Suunto Core wrist top computer watch as it's effective for keeping safe and on the right track in all your outdoor hiking and mountaineer adventures.

5 Suunto Core All Black Review

Reviewer: Nadia Farlina, Middlesbrough, Cleveland,   (15-2-2012)

I've been wearing the Suunto Core Black for about 3 weeks now.

Love the watch features, the functions are also easy to use and not as complicated as I thought at first. I don't think there is any problem at all with the backlight and the storm alarm is quite accurate. but I still haven't use all the function yet as I haven't done any outdoor activities yet since using this watch but so far I'm satisfied with it.

5 Suunto Core All Black Review

Reviewer: steve haden, blairgowrie   (12-2-2012)

I am a keen mountain walker in the Scottish hills. I am about to undergo my mountain leader course and need accurate altitude measurements to aid navigation. The Suunto core was my main choice.

The Core is a lovely looking watch, light and comfortable to wear. The face looks large however I have quite a wide wrist so it does not look out of place. I originally had a G shock and found the smaller digits on this watch difficult to read. The Core has clear large LCD digits.

Plus points. Reasonable cost, comfortable, looks good, large main characters in the centre of watch, good company service record, user replaceable battery, Nice use of animated log for barometric pressure readings, peace of mind having a storm alarm on your wrist.

Minus points: The instructions that come with the core are not comprehensive enough. I had to use a combination of youtube clips and download the PDF from Suunto to find out how to use some of the functions. The barometric trend indicator is very small and difficult to see.

All in all I am very happy with the watch so far and I don't see any other watch coming close to what I require especially sub £200

5 Suunto Core All Black Review

Reviewer: Miguel de Merlo, Spain   (6-2-2012)

For years I wanted to this watch. Now I have it and it is as good as I thought. Its multiple functions are very useful. I love the compass, its precision and its way to tell you if you've strayed.

The screen can be adjusted to have more contrast, but this is a trick that does not come in the instructions. The instruction manual is bad. There is a need to enter the website of Suunto and seek additional information. The barometer is very accurate.

Awesome looking watch with some really great features such as the Storm Alarm and Depth Meter which more than cover the cost after a few days in the backcountry.

Pros: Accurate; Stylish; Water Resistant; Comfortable.
Cons: The crown seems a bit flimsy for a expensive watch.

Change the battery can bring complications. It doesn't work with any battery even though it is, in theory, equal. I think that it is better to go to an authorized Professional to replace the battery.