Digital Altimeters (wristwatch style)

[Dracan 0]

Hi. I recently went over to San Diego doing my AFF course (I'm from the UK). A lot of the instructors had digital altimeters that looked like digital wrist-watches. They even strapped around the wrist instead of being on the back of the hand. Does anyone know who does these? I want to get one myself as I prefer a digital readout.

Cheers,
- Dan

[Dracan 0]

I've actually just found this webpage ...

http://www.thealtimeterstore.com/watch.html

Are these watches going to be as accurate? Is there any disadvantages to using one of these instead of something like the alti-2 neptune.

[justinb138 0]

Quote

Is there any disadvantages to using one of these instead of something like the alti-2 neptune.

The Alti-2 Neptune is purpose-built for skydiving, the watches aren't. IIRC, the display is going to be much easier to read on the neptune, it has logbook functions, can record freefall speeds, and does alot of other nifty things that the watch will not.

Personally, I'd buy the Neptune.

[darkwing 5]

Dan, many people, including me, prefer analog wrist types. "Real" skydiving digital altis are OK, and wristwatches masquerading as skydiving altis are not good in my opinion, due to small numbers, and infrequent sampling.

One reason to wear an altimeter is so other people can read it, which to my mind is best with analogs.

Don't get me wrong though, I usually wear two audibles, in addition to a wrist analog.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[Zeemax 0]

At your experience level i would absolutely look at getting the neptune. Its designed for skydiving and has a nifty log book function.

I jump a Suunto Vector and the numbers are very small, in fact, if i'm free flying (very rarely) its almost impossible to see the digits in free fall, however if i'm wingsuit flying (all the time) i have no issue with it.

Under canopy i think the Suunto is great and seems very accurate, but as the neptune offers a canopy function doing pretty much the same thing, theres no reason to pick the Suunto over it.

In fact, if you look in the instruction booklet for the Suunto, it states in big letters, DO NOT USE FOR SKYDIVING. or something to that effect...

I also jump with two audibles and my eyes have an idea of what the ground looks like at pull time, so it works for me. Also, as it's always on my wrist, i never forget it!

Phoenix Fly - High performance wingsuits for skydiving and BASE
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[mr2mk1g 10]

On a pragmatic note, at my level of experiance I might get away with using an alti watch Zeemax does. Darkwing probably wouldn't even get asked about it if were to use a watch. You however wouldn't be let near the plane with it only - with your experiance you're gonna need an ordinary alti no matter how good or bad the idea of using a watch style alti is.

I use a Suunto Observer watch in addition to my analogue alti. It can provide some great additional info - especially under canopy. I do not feel it is suitable for most people to use in freefall however and I suspect it's utility is entirely replaced by the features you find on many modern digital altimeters.

[Dracan 0]

I didn't think of that. I thought that you could use whatever you liked once you had your A licence. I presume once I've got my A licence, I'll be able to use something like a neptune though? or would I have to stay with analog for a while? I personally find digital a lot easier to read.

[mr2mk1g 10]

With your "A" it's up to you so long as the CCI is happy with it (that pretty much goes for everyone and everything that goes on at their DZ). You'll find that more than just the odd CCI will not be happy with you jumping with just an alti watch.

If I was flight lining you I wouldn't be happy with you with only a watch. A neptune however or any of the other skydiving specific instruments wouldn't even raise so much as an eyebrow.