? about Suunto X-Lander model.

[Multiple Knives]

After reading many posts that the Suunto is a great watch I do have a concern though. I really like the style of the X-Lander however, I noticed that the housing is made out of aluminum :barf: . If memory serves me correctly, (I stole that saying from Iron Chef) aluminum is a soft metal that scratches very easily. Why would they take such a beautiful watch and use that as opposed of steel or Ti ? I called Suunto directly and they were unable to explain to me why, all I got from them is "I don't know". Can ase someone please shed some light on the subject for me? I mean, who wants to have a watch that's made out of a melted down beer can??? For less than half the price I can get the same functions with a great look from Casio's SPF40T-7v, SPF40-1V, or the PRG80T-7V. If you look at those watches they are really nice! Help me out freinds and of course, thanx in advance!

Signed by the carrier of "Multiple Knives"

 

[bugmenot]

Lots of things are made out of aluminum. If the watch is anodized you have nothing to worry about. My flashlight (aluminum) has type-3 anodization (milspec?). It feels like it could withstand a semi in a head on collision. Google for it, I'm sure you'll find explanation as to how it works. I'm fairly certain the watch is anodized to some extent.

 

[Cutshaw]

Well, I've got one that I've worn for nearly four years. I bought it at the REI garage sale where they bargain off their "returned" items for cheap; in this case $89. If it ever died I wouldn't think twice about paying over $2xx to replace it. It has been a bombproof watch that looks MUCH better than the other Suuntos with the same functions that are nearly as expensive... and those have PLASTIC cases.

It does have some scratches on the case. I'm 6'3" 220 and somewhat clumsy. Pair that with camping and kayaking, and the watch has been thru some $h!t. In the same time frame I've destroyed at least five cell phones. The only thing I would suggest is cutting up one of the PDA protector sheets to put on the bezel. I did it and the glass is still as new.

BTW - Not to start any flames but I went thru a few g-shock casios and there really is no comparison between them and the X-Lander. The casios felt like toys relative to the suunto.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Daniel Koster]

have had my eye on the X-lander for a while too...good to hear it's more durable than I initially supposed. :thumbup: