Customer Reviews

Suunto X9 Wrist-Top Computer with GPS, Compass, Barometer, Thermometer, and Altimeter

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I purchased this watch for navigational purposes. It is full of bugs and does not always function correctly. It is a waste of money! The watch is capable of getting a GPS LAT/LONG coordinate, but the issues arise when you try to load in routes into the watch. At times it will work and others it will hang up and stay stuck on " Loading Wplist" screen. This is really frustrating because the watch is frozen, and the only thing you can do is wait for the battery to die, before you can use it again. This normally takes around 24-36 hours. Which is really frustrating specially if you are out in the middle of no where trying to use it to navigate. The watch is also unable to connect to the PC Via there PC Interface software. I tried to connect the watch to 3 different PCs with no luck. Then I even went a step further and thought maybe it was just a defective watch so I returned it, for an exchange of another. The exchange had the same problem. It is very disappointing as these are very noticeable issues with the watch, you would think for a $700.00 watch that it would be bug free from the manufacture. And tech support, don't bother... Stay away from this you will be disappointed, and lost out in the woods, when the screen freezes up stuck on " Loading Wplist"

I have been using my Suunto X9 for about 6 months now and I love it! It's a lot of fun to use. You must keep in mind that this is a watch first, and a GPS receiver second. Here are pro's and con's that I've encountered:
Pro's
- the watch has a loop antenna, allowing it to remain synchronized in any position. So, it will work on your arm as you are running, skiing, backpacking, etc. Other GPS receivers have to be kept level.
- any map in .jpg, .bmp, or similar digital image file may be calibrated and used. I use www.terraserver-usa.com to capture and calibrate aerial photographs. They are on the dot accurate. You can even scan and use your own maps. Other GPS receivers require you to buy and use their own maps.
- easy to use. It really is, once you learn how to use it.

Con's
- it takes a long time to figure out how to use it. I think it took me even longer because I have never used a GPS receiver before.
- it cannot download your position and track it on a map in real time while you're connected to your computer.
- it's a little big and the buttons are somewhat hard to push. It does look like a nice sports watch, however.
- the software has a few bugs and some restrictions - none of which are serious and can't be worked around.

Some other things to keep in mind are: Because of the loop antenna, it takes longer to synchronize (up to 10 minutes if you haven't synchronized within a week) and won't work inside a building. It does work great inside my car, however. The alarm points feature is great. I program school crossings in and on my way to work it reminds me to slow down. I've been able to synchronize while on a commercial airline flight, too, but you have to hold it against the window.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this watch. It's really cool.

I bought the X9 to take to Afghanistan with me as a backup navigation tool. Fortunately I did not use it as a primary tool. First, when it arrived, the battery would not completely charge after the first charging. I was able to send it back to the supplier and received a replacement. When using the X9, it is slow to aquire satelites. The Garmin that I was using for primary navigation is much better, quicker and more reliable. After using the X9, mainly for a watch, it just stopped working after about 6 months. The display went blank. By that time, I no longer had the box or receipt. I sent Suunto a letter requesting some kind of support. They never replied. Buy a Garmin and save your money!!!!!

This watch has a many features relying on its GPS function. Unfortunately, the watch cannot pick up any of the signals for the GPS to work. Hence, it is only being used as a traditional watch. Even as an ordinary watch, it needs to be recharged every two weeks. Suunto's response to my complaint was that their new model X10 should work much better. (They declined my offer of trading in my X9 with cash difference for X10.) I did not expect a reputable company like Suunto to falsely advertise a product, let alone not stand by its product. Some of us risk our lives, e.g, military usage, relying on technology like GPS and will often assume that what company advertises is true. We can carry other GPS devices but I paid a lot of money for this watch to replace those devices. Suunto should be ashamed of its product inferiority and its product support or lack thereof.