Watch with all these features? (+ another question)

[WonderPup]

I recently decided that I should get myself a proper watch for the outdoors. I've become involved with my son's cub scout den, so I was kind of looking for a watch that has it all (or nearly all). I have picked out several features that I think I need (or that I feel could possibly, maybe be of use in the future), but finding them all on one watch doesn't really seem to be in the cards.

Since you all seem to be much, much more knowledgeable about watches, I thought I'd turn to you for assistance.

I was hoping to find:

• ABC functionality
• thermometer
• solar-powered
• sunrise/sunset times
• lunar phase
• tidal chart
• some amount of water resistance

After looking around, it seems that I have to make the choice between having either {lunar and tidal} information -OR- {sunrise/sunset} times. If I somehow manage to find a watch with both of these, I end up losing compass functionality. Is there a model of watch that you all know of that has all of these things? The closest I seem to be able to find are Casio's PAG240/PRW2500/PAW1500. Even still, none of these appear to have everything in one spot. Is there a non-Casio that has all of these things?

Also, which features would you consider "nice to have" for the outdoors? It's very possible that I'm over-reaching here. Is there anything that you would consider "essential" that I have left off of my list above? I suspect there will be one or two things (at least) that I have omitted due to my ignorance that I'll wish I had looked for later.

Thanks in advance.

[WonderPup]

Sorry for the double-post, but alternatively, if I removed the compass function, are there any other watches that fit the bill?

After looking around here more, I came across a few threads where people were talking about strap compasses. It never occurred to me to do that, so that may be a viable option - either attached to the watch or to a paracord bracelet.

[Emre]

Suunto and Yes Zulu, you might want to check them

[bezgeo85]

Welcome to the forum WonderPup,

Ive done the same question one year ago, i see you made some search and you know many things already.


Here some things:

There is not protrek with both moon,tide and sunriseset times.

There is a non abc casio with both sun and moon (no tide) the casio pas400b (it lacks a timer function)

And 2 casio (non abc) that have both sun,moon,tide are: (i think they are discontinued)
dw8600 http://www.google.gr/imgres?hl=el&safe

and casio gl150 http://www.google.gr/imgres?hh=126&t...9,r:6,s:0,i:88.



The only one abc watch that has both tide,noon and sun ive seen is the origo pro but it seems that it is discontinued and the more important no one in the forum had this or could inform me some info for this. Ive done a thread for that.

The question is:do you really need that info? sunrise seems more important unless you doing things sea related.

The other thing i say is: welcome to casio madness, you just have to see what fits you most (and something i usually do: if that deserves its money) and the make your desicion making some compromise.

Dont hurry up in buying, people here with more knowledge-experience will maybe guide you to something better.

I hope that i helped you.

[WonderPup]

Thanks.

Suunto and Yes Zulu, you might want to check them

I appreciate the input. The Zulu seems a bit ornate for an outdoor-oriented watch. I've looked at the Suuntos, and while I like the design, they're still missing some of the functionality. The battery life also seems pretty low, and I've been reading a lot of complaints about the Cores. I may end up having to bite the bullet and get something with some (but not all) of the functions I'm looking for. If so, a Suunto may not be a bad way to go.

There is a non abc casio with both sun and moon (no tide) the casio pas400b (it lacks a timer function)

I did come across that watch while searching, and it falls into the same pit as all the others: some, but not all, of the features. I've written it down, though, as a much more affordable alternative.

The question is:do you really need that info? sunrise seems more important unless you doing things sea related.

The other thing i say is: welcome to casio madness, you just have to see what fits you most (and something i usually do: if that deserves its money) and the make your desicion making some compromise.

I don't know that I'll need all the features I rattled off, but I'd prefer to go as broadly as I can (if I can). I agree that the sunrise/sunset feature is more important. And while I don't know how much sea time we'll see, my son is talking about joining the Sea Scouts (a sea-faring branch of the Boy Scouts) when he's old enough. But again, knowing the tides will probably be of little value in that instance.

[Smaug]

Well, I've had the PAW2000 and PRW2500 for a couple weeks now. I had a cheaper Twin Sensor before with just the compass and thermometer.

The moon and tide info on the 2500 is fun, but not that useful.

The barometer is not very useful for predicting weather. We just had our third storm in a week, and the teen plot went down, but the numerical data stayed the same.

I haven't tried the altimeter, but folks say it only works if it is calibrated frequently with markers.

The compass works great.

The thermometer works well, but remember that is has to be off your wrist at least 20 minutes before it is accurate.

Bottom line is that I'd get the Twin Sensor for $50 if I did it again. Unless you will feel like less of a man without the ABC. ;)

[Smaug]

Oh, and the sunrise/sunset feature works great. Maybe a watch with that feature and a compass would be best.

But don't forgo the more commonly useful feature: the countdown timer. That eliminates the hunting and fishing watches.

Come to think of it, maybe the fishing timer will be very useful for a boy scout? More than a compass or countdown timer? I don't know.

[Smaug]

One more idea: how about getting the Fishing Timer model AND the Twin Sensor. (compass/thermometer) together, they will be around $100 and you will have one for your son too. Switch back and forth as needed.

You'll have compass, thermometer, sunrise/sunset, moon phase, and a fishing and vibration alarm between the two watches.

[WonderPup]

One more idea: how about getting the Fishing Timer model AND the Twin Sensor. (compass/thermometer) together, they will be around $100 and you will have one for your son too. Switch back and forth as needed.

You'll have compass, thermometer, sunrise/sunset, moon phase, and a fishing and vibration alarm between the two watches.

I appreciate the feedback. I decided to do as bezgeo85 suggested, and I ordered two PAS400Bs - one more me, and one for my son. It was a lot more economical, and I'm just going to attach a compass to the band. Like you suggested, I probably won't make much use of the altimeter or barometer. I'm just trying to figure out how to change the strap out. The one on there looks absolutely terrible, and the way Casio has their straps connect looks to be a little frustrating. I think I may have found the answer in some G-Shock adapters, though.

Thank you for the input!

[bezgeo85]

I appreciate the feedback. I decided to do as bezgeo85 suggested, and I ordered two PAS400Bs - one more me, and one for my son. It was a lot more economical, and I'm just going to attach a compass to the band. Like you suggested, I probably won't make much use of the altimeter or barometer. I'm just trying to figure out how to change the strap out. The one on there looks absolutely terrible, and the way Casio has their straps connect looks to be a little frustrating. I think I may have found the answer in some G-Shock adapters, though.

Thank you for the input!

Im happy that i helped you, so you decided on pas400b. I think its a really nice and with good functions watch. In fact so nice that if it had a timer it would be right now at my hand.

I was ready to suggest you the this post Pathfinder PAS400 series band change ulntill i saw you replied there.

Anyway i hope you enjoy your new watch. And once you have it please post some pictures. Its a really good watch and it deserves some nice wrist pics.