Suunto T6/T6c vs X6HR

[outdoorsman]

First of all I was excited to run into this site, it has been very helpful so far. I did a search and couldn't find my specific question answered, so I apologize if it has been, but I'd like to hear a comparison of the two models. I'm leaning much stronger towards the X6HR (seems more geared towards the ABC end) but for some reason the T6's seem to be much more popular so I thought it was worth looking at some comparison reviews.
I'm into the outdoors, and am pretty rough on stuff...mountaineering, rock climbing, kayaking, paragliding, skiing, sailing, biking etc... I also have a small wrist (about 6") but have been impressed with the reviews I've read about the Suunto's although they seem to be large in general. From what I've seen the 6-line (T6, S6, X6 etc) seem to be among the thinnest and lightest, plus I have been looking into a HR sensor for my rowing machine anyway for those that have that option. The EPOC software of the T6 sounds interesting, but I'd be interested to hear how useful it really is or if the X6HR software will do just fine. So basically what I'm looking for is:

-An ABC watch (compass is cool but not really necessary)
-Thin (small low profile...I don't like large watches and am pretty scronny)
-Decent Alti. refresh rate (at least 5 sec) I won't use this as primary for paragliding, but it would be a nice backup...1sec would be nice.
-HR is a plus
-Not sure I really care about the pods probably wouldn't buy them anyway.
-Ruggedness so I don't have to baby it...scratch resistance, excellent water resistance/proof

I guess that's probably it...if anyone has any info on battery life too that would be awesome...or just a suggestion for a different/better watch.

Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Justin

[Jeff_C]

Hi Justin and welcome. I dont have either of those models... but a good starting point for you may be on the Suunto website. You can use the "product chooser". It will allow you to compare models side by side. Just drag the T6 and the X6 up into the little comparison box and off you go!

Welcome to the forum!
http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/pr...34198674739561

You can use all products or the T6 is from the "Training World" and the X6HR is from the "Outdoor World".

[kxux]

Justin,

you need to figure out whether you need / want fitness watch or ABC watch. If the first T6c is the one, if the other do not get T6c.

T6c is a great training watch, the EPOC/TE helps assess the level of recovery is very good aid in training. Not sure of its use for hiking though.

[gus]

I'll repeat Kxux, the T6c is a fantastic training watch. The X6 family is a great all around watch. The T6c doesnt have a barometer or compass. The T6c training effect feature is great but it does IMHO require a regular work out pattern to be truly useful.

Hope that helps.

[stetre76]

I've never owned a T6c, but I had a X6HRM and I can assure you, it's not a small piece of metall you put on your wrist - it's quite big and not really thin, so if you really want a thin/small watch the X6HRM probably is the wrong choice for you!

otherwise it's just as the other two already mentioned - the T6c is a training watch, nice for cycling, running and other sports. doesn't come with a compassor braometer, as already stated

the X6HR is great for hiking and your time in the mountains. the barometer was very accurate the compass works fine as well.

so it pretty much depends on what you want to do with the watch.

[outdoorsman]

Thanks for the responses everyone. ststre76...it's been my understanding the composite model is smaller (and smoother around the edges) than the metal models. I'd be going for the composite...are the differences insignificant or would the composite model be much better? I remember trying one on probably 5 years ago and thinking it was awesome but don't have any opportunity to try one now...and my memory could be failing me.
I'm upgrading from a Casio DW-5600E for reference and the dimensions seem only slightly larger on paper...any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

[STEELINOX]

I use an X6HR and it works great for an ABC and cardiac monitor.

Thanks,
Randy