Suunto Core Alpha Review! Maybe skip this one...

[@ComputerStuff]

At this point I'm not convinced Suunto knows how to design a good product... and this is the best one they offer...

[@W5NWA]

Interesting comment as I have a LOT of these type of watches that cost a great deal more. G-Shock Rangeman (Standard x3 and one GPR-B1000), Mudmaster (3), Frogman(2), Gulfmaster (1), Garmin 5x, Tactix 7 Pro Ballistics, Luminox Colormark, Bear Grylls , a pair of these Core (original and Alpha Stealth with the red backlight) and the Suunto Traverse Alpha which is their best offering IMHO and not the Core. All that said setting the solar's aside, the simple battery replacement process in this model that is seldom mentioned along with the toughness make it one of the better ABC watches at a reasonable price. The operation itself is so stupid simple even the village idiot can run it. I don't really like the original band but they corrected that on the Alpha. All of my watches are in cases except this one which sets in a tray with the rest of my EDC upstairs on the bar which really sums it up for me. What would you do differently and retain the same price point? I'm curious.

[@ComputerStuff]

@@W5NWA Thanks for commenting Terry. The watch is priced close to the Garmin Instinct. Better screen, better functionality. Now ultimately if you need a watch that doesn't have a heart rate monitor (which I'd welcome with open arms) but you still want some proper ABC and functionality... I dunno... I guess I'd just strip the heart rate from the Instinct but still have the same platform including screen, frame, other features, and solar charging if possible. I'm a huge fan of the Instinct Solar series.

[@austin4652]

Man, I guess we're different target audiences. This watch has been amazing for me for the past few years. The altimeter especially is very usful, and much better than what Casio offers. Suunto has been much more accurate for me with alto and baro than Casio. This watch also takes quite the beating and has stood up with great build quality. I also find the display to be very nice and readable with great contrast. Can't imagine using anything else.

[@ComputerStuff]

I appreciate your reply Austin. I'm glad the watch works for you and that you enjoy it. To each their own!

[@threadripper979]

Unlike the reviewer, you probably know how to use the altimeter and barometer lock to get accurate readings. And there isn't a single G-Shock that has that feature. I am a Core "fanboy" as well as a Rangeman "fanboy." I just understand their limitations.

[@BeardedCaveman]

See that’s wild I am the complete opposite. Compared to some of my friends who have suunto my g shocks have always been more accurate. The 3 suunto watches I bought like an idiot all failed me within a month of each purchase. Luckily just on training missions. G shock has never failed me nor Garmin and luminox. It sucks too because I like the way they look and I want to like it. They just have never been reliable. I really wanted to get the core alpha stealth one, but it may fail like the others. I’d almost rather spend $400-500 on a frogman or mudmaster and never have a worry or doubt. Maybe one day I will have to give Sunnto a shot again just to see if things are better.

[@Henley1446]

i had my core through my deployments, I just recently purchased a new one and still love it!!

[@MysticMungusSlungus]

This watch definitely is for a different audience. The good features on this watch are as follows: -The red backlight is useful for looking at it under NVG, as well as it having a very low light signature -The watch has no transmission inbound/outbound, making it very safe for OPSEC reasons -The altimeter is useful for working off topographic maps while traversing/navigating terrain I wouldn't suggest this watch for the average user. I don't disagree with your review, especially if you're used to watches that utilize some type of sync functionality on wifi/bluetooth, allowing for more features. The watch, for me, is useful during field exercises, but this will only apply to a very minuscule portion of the population in the service.

[@ComputerStuff]

Thank you for your objective commend and input. Much appreciated!

[@haemmertime]

That's exactly what I was abaout to say, it's simply designed for different a kind of use than let's say an apple watch.

[@sakkki87]

All I'm seeing is- this is a good watch for what I need. Maybe we are not the same target audience. Maybe the reviewer is a bit more picky audience, which is fine.

[@ComputerStuff]

I appreciate you recognizing that not everyone's needs / tastes are the same. If you feel this is a good watch for you after the things I pointed out, then more power to you! Enjoy it!

[@luiscasado5124]

What a lot of people fail to mention about this ABC watch is that it is actually an ABCD watch! It has a depth metre! You can free dive/snorkel and it can log depths to 10 metres which is ideal if you are an average spearfisher. There is no other ABC watch in the market that has this feature.

[@ComputerStuff]

Thank you for commenting.

[@thomasbodegrim]

it actually works to like 14 meters :) took it to 25 meters freediving and it stopped measuring around 13- 14.@@ComputerStuff

[@Cam-h9w]

If you don't mind me asking, what do you use the watch for? outdoor hiking, diving, hunting, military/tactical, etc.? I think depending on the use different people may not agree with your review! Very curious about your perspective, just so I can fully understand why the watch doesn't work for you and whether I should buy it :) Thanks in advance.

[@ComputerStuff]

Great question. I was using it for a daily carry, hiking / camping.

[@LOMROB]

Any suggestions on a similar function watch that you like and think is better in quality?

[@ComputerStuff]

Garmin Instinct 2. Hands down.

[@ccw5886]

Despite all your criticisms this watch is absolutely fabulous! I have it and have tested it at length and it’s really very good. It’s just a robust classic cool design.

[@ComputerStuff]

Glad you enjoy it! I respectfully disagree, but I’m not here to yuck anyone’s yum.

[@archstanton664]

Saying the Apple watch is fancy and sophisticated automatically discredits this guy. I do agree with skipping this watch though. Maybe it's me but the battery only ever lasts for a few months and I don't get why this watch's timer only goes up to 100 minutes. Most digital g shocks can do multiple hours on their countdown timer.

[@ComputerStuff]

You name me a more sophisticated smart watch than the Apple Watch and I'll buy you one of whatever it is. I'll stipulate that "sophisticated" implies more than aesthetic but also engineering feat. Apple watch, which I am NOT a huge fan of, is an engineering home run (other than bad battery life) and few competitors have been able to match it. That said I love Garmin's offerings. Suunto is the pits.

[@norn83]

Got the suunto core black since 2012 , been all over the globe with it. I will remplace it with another one :)

[@abar3904]

What the diffirence on this watch and core balck. It seems same watch

[@st7650]

I would love to see this watch compared to the Suunto Traverse Alpha

[@sharagan]

Thanks for the honest review, there will always be people. who will be triggered by negative feedback, which makes creators praise everything (apart from ties to the manufacturers). It is very hard to find constructive reviews nowadays. Keep it up!

[@ComputerStuff]

Thanks Sharagan! We're really striving for transparency on this channel!

[@luketayler6]

I stumbled on your channel while looking for reviews of the Tissot Connected Solar. I really enjoy your honest reviews! I would be interested to hear more on why you have “fallen out of love” with the Tissot Connected Solar as I was very close to purchasing one based on your review. Thanks

[@ComputerStuff]

Hey Luke, thanks for commenting. I still very much like and enjoy the Tissot Connected Solar. The battery life and feature set are amazing. I'm nitpicking here - but for my needs the Tissot has changed. E.g. I like to bike, play tennis, ultimate, etc. So to track these things and try to keep my health metrics up I almost always wear a Garmin Instinct now. Whereas my go to was the Tissot that now sits on my dresser most of the time. The Tissot still has one of the best interfaces hands down and looks great to boot. I get tons of praise when I wear it. But what I want is something I can wear ALL the time, and for my needs the Tissot doesn't fit that anymore. That's not the Tissot's fault though. If you decide you want a Tissot still, we have a brand new demo unit that's been sitting around. I'd be happy to give you a killer deal on it. Feel free to email me at [e-mail] if you're interested.

[@markmceathron2013]

What would you recommend for us outdoor types, that also happen to work in a secure lab where we're not allowed to have a smart watch, or any watch with things like bluetooth, etc....

[@ComputerStuff]

If you're not allowed to have a smart watch but you still want something outdoor and rugged I think I'd recommend a tried and true G Shock. They are not without their flaws but they take a BEATING and will last forever. And they keep accurate time.

[@markmceathron2013]

@@ComputerStuff Thank you. The only problem with the G-Shock is they have a radio receiver to get their time. This is not allowed in these labs.

[@simba9725]

@@markmceathron2013 You can turn that function off in settings.

[@markmceathron2013]

@@simba9725 unfortunately, that's not enough. It's not allowed to even have that functionality.

[@markmceathron2013]

@Bryan thank you. I'm most interested in the ABC functionality. An Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass. I was hinting to those features when I appealed to "us outdoor types". Do you happen to maybe know of any of the ABC G-Shock models that don't have radio functionality? I love the solar aspect of these watches. 🤘🏼

[@PetroMechanx]

I got the core Stainless steel with sapphire glass and I work daily with it. Bought it on February 3rd 2018 and it still going mega strong. Sapphire screen is a must cause still not a scratch on it after all these years. Suunto makes good watch but the core 'core' are cheap compare to the Stainless version.

[@ComputerStuff]

Glad to hear you like your watch.

[@villagranvicent]

I have one and I agree the screen is very difficult to read which is annoying. My negative G-Show displays are terrible too LOL

[@ComputerStuff]

These are basic things Suunto should be addressing by now!

[@gokrille]

Love when a dude thats not even a outdoor guy tries to review a military watch. What a fail review.

[@ComputerStuff]

Love when a dude incorrectly comments about another dude's outdoor disposition then tries to defend a crappy product. What a fail comment.

[@gokrille]

@@ComputerStuff That "crappy" product was used by alot of us deployed in northen Afghanistan. Never failed us. Had mine for 9 years, many of them in military environment. And a crappy review is when you dont even take the time to read basic setting of the watch. Maybe you should do something else then reviews.

[@ComputerStuff]

@@gokrille Understood. No more reviews... kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5XJnZShjdF3h7M

[@ComputerStuff]

But that's my point! The Core didn't NEED features. It's supposed to be a reliable beater, which as you two have pointed out, it is. But there are other reliable beaters out there. What the Core does offer (ABCT) it does it clunky and less accurate than the others. That said, you can find a Garmin Instinct (non solar) now for the same price Suunto sells the Core Alpha and I'd argue the Garmin is just as reliable, has a better interface, and is packed with stuff.

[@BAR-ct7ti]

Always showcase the watch on your wrist during a full review.

[@ComputerStuff]

Thanks for the tip. Will do on the next watch video.

[@robertmonson992]

What people seem to forget is that it's not a smartwatch, it's designed to have low tech features that a smartwatch would have without apps or online functions.

[@ComputerStuff]

And it doesn't "dumb"watch well either...

[@Cinematically1]

But its huge right? What size is your wrist?

[@ComputerStuff]

It's big, yes. I dont know what my wrist size is!

[@annekedebruyn7797]

Suunto seems to be pretty popular in the Dutch military. I am surprised that all the reviews aren't that favorable.

[@ComputerStuff]

They also like Volvos.... :P I tease... but seriously Garmin is superior product.

[@shanemcman3665]

​@@ComputerStuffI had a Volvo, great and terrible

[@Burdell1776]

Just buy a G-Shock Rangman and be done with it.

[@ComputerStuff]

Great advice, but then what products would I review / bitch about???

[@Burdell1776]

@@ComputerStuff I have owned a couple of these and they have failed me. I own several G-Shocks and they have yet to break. Hell I don't you think you can break the damn things if you wanted. Good video by the way

[@thuggoe]

i like the watch except I can't read the small numbers in the dark

[@ComputerStuff]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@pacopakito4576]

Suunto alpha is made in Finland while the black (earlier model) is made in China. Well with all digital watches expect them not to last long - 100 years or so.

[@ComputerStuff]

100 years is a generous number

[@likkleyouth3871]

7:25 I wonder how you managed to calibrate the temperature sensor since that is something you simply cannot do on a Suunto Core. The only setting is changing from Celsius to Fahrenheit. No calibration option whatsoever.

[@ComputerStuff]

And yet it still doesn't work!

[@likkleyouth3871]

​@@ComputerStuff could you please explain what did you do to calibrate the temperature sensor?

[@ComputerStuff]

@@likkleyouth3871 This video is 2 years old and I haven't had a demo unit since then. I recommend reading the manual or reaching out to Suunto.

[@likkleyouth3871]

​@@ComputerStuff I know for a fact that there's no calibration option for the temperature sensor on this watch. That's the point. Whatever you did you could not have calibrated it. The sensor is not inaccurate but sensitive. You don't need to wear the watch on your wrist to get inaccurate readings of the temperature, even touching it like pushing buttons for one or two minutes is enough for it to pick up your body heat.

[@ComputerStuff]

​@@likkleyouth3871 Might need to recheck your "facts". Without getting into a pissing contest with you, the *point is* the temperature on this crappy watch is inaccurate regardless. Can't be trusted.

[@bennydubya1]

I feel as though you don't understand this watch. When you said "you pretty much have to do this every time" while calibrating the compass, is wrong. I don't think you understand how the alto/baro works either. Each to there own but you shouldn't review a watch that you don't understand.

[@ComputerStuff]

Respectfully I disagree. I simply don't like the watch and feel there are better options available. That said I appreciate your comment. But if you enjoy your Suunto I'm glad.

[@garymccreath2773]

Not the best review I've seen, each to their own I suppose

[@ComputerStuff]

So you're saying it was 2nd best? I'll take silver!

[@HunterAtheist]

Seems like an old Vector would work better for you than this.

[@ComputerStuff]

Perhaps!

[@TheExpendables4]

...same with the Suunto core all black ...i send it back after 2 hours of using...terrible display

[@ComputerStuff]

They need to up their supply chain game.

[@mrkeyboardclicker]

I enjoyed watching this video until u dropped the f bomb in front of my kids. So.....off to someone else.

[@ComputerStuff]

Thanks for watching the part you did, Dan!

[@lgroves336]

I will keep buying more G-Shocks. Thanks for saving me some money.

[@ComputerStuff]

Good choice!

[@Ryan-c6g]

It's rated to be ok in saltwater

[@ComputerStuff]

Yes it is.

[@ivanmarjanovic5891]

Dude this watch is meant to be military watch. Having one 9 years now and is prety beat up. Its not smart watch. Its you can call it now retro watch. Its a f...... watch. Hihihi

[@ComputerStuff]

Howdy!

[@Aestheticsolutionsvegas]

I'll take that piece of junk off your hands lol. Thanks for the great review. I'm now just leaning towards the GShock Rangeman.

[@ComputerStuff]

G Shocks are a classic! If we still had our review unit I'd offer it to ya ;P

[@tremaynepayne1303]

What? It’s not a good watch? Ur trippin

[@ComputerStuff]

Trippin' over Garmins...

[@pacopakito4576]

this watch is still the best classic battery driven abc watch. compared to apple watch that you charge endlessly as eff, this horse beats them all.

[@ComputerStuff]

Sure.... this or the Instinct Solar 2 ;)

[@HunterAtheist]

Id say the Vector clears this by far.

[@RIPPvanDiesel]

I like that the core isn’t a smart watch. No bluetooth or WiFi capabilities eliminating EMF’s from a device you wear every day. Had the original core when it came out and have been a Garmin Fenix watch owner since the 3 all the way to the 7 but I want to get away from smart watches and go back to the basics.

[@LabiaLicker]

The issue I discovered with Garmin watches is once the warranty expires. There is zero guarantee of fixing it when something goes wrong. And after 3 years of use when you will want to replace the battery. You can't, theres no spare parts offered. You can toss your $1000 dollar watch into the trash.

[@ComputerStuff]

That's a shame :(