Basejumper.com - archive

There are some topics about Suunto watches in the skydiving/wingsuit forums, but I really like to know which Suunto is best for basejumping...

Are there models with altimeters accurate for 1m/3ft?

Which one do you use?

I´m using X9, it has accuracy to 1m...it has also compass and GPS receiver.

I´m really happy about it

Except when it runs out of battery and you're in Russia ;)

Jul.

Yes, that happened....my mistake, leaving the charger at home.

GPS takes lots of power, so if you buy one,you have to remember to keep the charger with you, even if you are somewhere in Russia with some French guy, jumpin some chimneys....

More seriously, I have an Observer and a T6.

The Observer is lightweight, small and quite robust (Steel elastomer version).
The T6 can record altitude to be transfered on the computer.

Both work great for height measurement. I tend to use more the T6 nowadays in skydiving/BASE as I can record the freefall (however at a low resolution, 1 measurement per second).

Jul.

I'd guess that most of the newer models have altimeter with 1m accuracy. I use myself X6.

I'm using the Observer (1m resolution), and I'm quite happy with it. The compass needs fairly frequent calibration though, it's a simple procedure, but it usually takes me a few attempts before it succeeds.

As a sidenote, the resolution of the displayed altitude and the accuracy of the altitude estimate is two different things. Suunto refers to the 'resolution' in their specs. The accuracy of the altitude estimate depends on the air temperature and actual altitude.

i've been quite pleased with my S6. it's usually pretty accurate, but no guarantees.

the log is kool to look at later, but essentially useless for jumping due to the slow interval.

more than anything, it's a great watch all around. especially at half price.