Suunto Vector or X-Lander?

“Feature wise they don't look all that difference. MSRP Vector=$199, MSRP X-Lander=$329.

Now, I can get the Vector for around $150 and the X-Lander for $200. So the price difference is really only $50.

Still, is the X-Lander worth the extra $50? I haven't had a chance to study the differences between the two just yet (at work right now), but it seems their features are nearly identical. The X-Lander does come with a "mineral crystal glass face and a carbon fiber back to ensure maximum durability", and it also comes with a leather waterproof strap.

Otherwise, I don't see a huge difference. Perhaps the X-Lander just works better?

Thoughts?”

“My Vector is THE MOST used piece of gear I own. If I'm correct, the X-Lander is just a metal-case version of the plastic Vector.

If you're going to use it for hiking go for the Vector. If you ant it for show, go for the X-Lander.”

“I love my Vector and don't leave home without it. It's held up well for me. I didn't need the titanium model.”

“The Vector does all I need it to do. I just wish the backlight was brighter.”

“2 floridians with altimeters?!?!

inconceivable!!!”

“I didn't say I used it here!
LOL”

“"InconTHEIVable!"

... as in The Princess Bride

(oops. I mean "PrinTHess ...")”

“Like the others said; there is absolutely no difference in the operation of these models. The X-Lander is just a fancy looking version of the Vector. I love my Vector, and it makes every trip.”

“Hey Dave, where did you see a Vector for $150?”

“There is a difference in the vector and the x-lander with the vector you have to level the watch with the bubble for the compass to be accurate. Whereas with tthe x-lander you don't have to do this and there is a 10-15 degree accuracy compensation. so you still have to hold it level. you just dont have to work so hard at it.
by the way where do they have the x-lander for 200.”

“Vector! Never leave home w/o it.”

“There were a couple of new X-Laner's on ebay for $200 (that was with the 'Buy it Now', so it REALLY was $200). But given the $50 difference, I went for the Vector (also on ebay - $150 w/Buy it Now).”

“My gripe with the Vector is the size. Damn thing is huge on your wrist. I have a Nike Ascent watch that has many of the same features and is half the size. Does everything I need it to for navigation. The model I have does not have the compass but I wouldn't use it anyway. If I need a compass for navigation, I carry a "real" one with me.”

“Bigger is better! :)

I don't really mind the size. I tell you, I was eyeballing that Casio GPS watch quite a bit. Now that thing is BIG. But in the end, the Casio GPS has too of a display to be useful for GPS.”

“I've had my Vector for a couple of years and it's scratched up to buggery, in hind sight I wish I'd gone the extra few bucks and gone the Xlander. If an alarm is not important, you should look at the Suunto Observer. It's smaller and increases in 1 metre increments compared to 5 metre increments. The altitude can be locked, which is great if your spending the night out and are relying on the altitude readings.”

“I got the "Yer watch is pretty big!" from some people, mostly from my jealous friend who has the Casio version. Most others are simply curious and amazed at the thing.

Last spring my watch did bite the dust though, and i had to send it back for "reconditioning" which turned out to be a new replacement. It was a little over 2 years old when the altimeter and barometer went haywire showing unbearable pressures and high-altitude flying altitudes. But a replacement for $35 wasn't bad!”

“I just got the Vector for my 10 year anniversary gift. A new toy!”

“Um - is there a class available to learn how to work this thing?

A barometer is cool - now - what does it mean? I need to think back to meterology 1001 back at FSU.”

“I've been wearing the Vector for about 6 months now. It's a bit on the big side but I like the features, especially the Log Book.”

“It is big - I just got news from my fashion consultant (wife) that it is too big to wear to work. Hmmm...”

“You need to wear it to work for the week before trips to get used to the extra weight on your arm.

Not sure why you'd want to lock the altitude when you go to sleep. Since you know your altitude isn't changing, the watch will tell you what the ambient air pressure is doing overnight, giving clues to tomorrow's weather and you just reset it in the morning after noting the deviation.

The Vector really does require that you take care to level it to get an good bearing and even then the compass is only accurate to +/- 3 degrees. Being able to get max accuracy without centering the bubble might be nice, but I have yet to need that much precision. If you're strapped and have to take frequent precision bearings it'd probably be easier to leave the Vector in your pocket, not on your wrist, since it's a lot easier to level it that way.”

“I've learned more about barometric pressure in the last day than I have the preseeding 33 years of my life. The pressure was falling and sure enough a big nasty cloud cruised over town - but no rain on my house.

Interestingly - I gained about 100 ft of elevation when the storm blew over. (yes I know the altimeter relies on atmospheric pressure).”