Suunto vs. G-Shock vs. Luminox

[noxx]

Hello,

I'm searching for a watch for (Outdoor-) Sports. A watch, whicht takes part in "everything"... so I come to Suunto an G-Shock. At present I wear a Luminox Commander Titan 100.

I'm active in: hiking, jogging, mountain biking, swimming

In near future I want to perform: kayaking, (free-) diving, kite surfing, racing bike

So until now I didn’t need such Gimmicks as Baromter, Thermometer and so on which are available at the Suuntos / Pro-Treks. On the other hand, if my watch would have such Gimmicks, I surely would use it.

In addition comes: I would like to purchase and wear most of all not for each activity its own clock, but use a clock for every activity. Wear the clock in the office and in the spare time.

Here my pro and contra list:

Suunto
pro: "Gimmicks" (Alarm, Stopwatch, ...), very functional, optical very attractive, battery replaceable, mineral glas (X-Lander).
contra: small water resistance, not ruggedized?, expensive, not solar, no mineral glas (other models).

G-Shock
pro: Alarm, Stopwatch existing, solar, radio controlled, ruggedized, WR 200m, realtive cheap.
contra: optical not so attractive?

Luminox
pro: optical very attractive, WR 200m, very good readable, sapphire glas, strap easy changeable, watch is already on my wrist ;)
contra: no stopwatch, alarm and so on. Tritium fading by years, battery powered

In addition it’s important to me, that I can change the strap by myself. The strap keep normally not eternal with me. It would also be good, if I can equip the watch with a Zulu- or Nato-Strap or use other alternatives to the original straps.

The Models, I’m interested in: Suunto Core All Black, Core Alpine Edition, Vector Black, Vector XBlack, Vector Military Foliage Green, Vector Red?, X-Lander Military. I like the “Military”-Look. But I have to say, that the Core is to high in price for me.

G-Shock GW-9110-1er (I like Titanium)

I looked around in this forum for a few days (as a guest) and the Suuntos please me very well. But I can heavily do a decision… perhaps I remain with my Luminox.

There are also contradictory statements in things to robustness, water resistance and readability (negative displays). I heard of solving screws. Is it correct, that the strap of the X-Lander can not be changed – or that only original straps fit?

What would you do? Have you a hint for me?



P.S.: English is not my mother-language. So, pardon my bad english, please.

[Jeff_C]

I have experience with all 3 brands. Honestly, I think a G Shock would suit you best. To me, they are hard to beat for folks that are looking for that "one watch". They pack a lot of features in a darn near indestructible case.

Of course I love Suunto, but your strap concerns are... well... a concern. Of the 3 brands Suunto has the most proprietary straps. They are a bit tougher to find than G Shock straps.

The most versatile of the 3 is Luminox as most of their models are more traditional... meaning they can take LOTS of strap types. But with the Luminox, you lose all the digital features.

I would personally avoid negative (reversed) displays totally. They sure look good (G Shock included) but they are simply not as readable in low light (something you have no doubt come to appreciate with your Luminox).

The X Lander is pretty robust. Its straps are changeable... but they do use curved bar ends if i remember correctly (don't have mine on right now).

I may suggest stepping into a G Shock and seeing if you like/use the features and then potentially exploring the Suunto line.

I have two Gulfman watches. They are very nice and SUPER tough. (not the exact model you are looking at but... )




Of course the X Lander is a favorite of mine:


My Luminox experience has always been with the more basic models, but I sure like the tritium tubes!