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Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from des moines, iowa,usa
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Continental Divide | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Active Endevors | | Strengths: | Altimeter is very accurate once you learn how to use them. Works great with for trending. Good features like switchable from Alpine to Ski, Multi stop watch, Weather trending, altitude tracking and storing. Lighter then most. If damaged can get case replacements. Not as expensive as simular models that have simular featurs and test as accurate. I have beaten the daylights out it on many climbs and case was crushed once by postal service so Avocet replaced for free. Hold up to cave mud and moisture as well as alpine winter summits. | | Weaknesses: | The watch band is cheap. Replace it. I use the elastic one most of the time. It could use a light. Worst complaint about it. | | Similar Products Used: | Several models of altimeters, including GPS internals | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo | | Bottom Line: | I have been reading the reviews and seemed surprised by some of the extreme pro and negative comments. Truth be told is has some missing things. You can change the battery but be careful of the clip that hold the battery. Don't take out the main guts. There are small parts that you can easily loose. Hate sending it in to change the battery, but do most of the time. It seriously needs an internal light, but I always keep a headlamp near by anyway. I love the replacement case idea. If you are looking for something to monitor pressure, altitude, trending has an alarm and time then seriously look at this. You have to replace the batteries about every year or every other, depending on climate and use. It's a pain but you seriously can do so yourself. It takes a CR 3032 watch battery, that's pretty common. Sending it off to be redone though has a plus of a tech looking it over and recalibrating if needed. Buy an elastic band option or replace with some funky nylon one. The standard one is lame. The product if very accurate. I have been using it since 1995 and use it to nail spot on topo points. I use it to check myself as well as trend weather. Be it kayaking, climbing, riding or backpacking in remote areas I try to always bring it in the backcountry. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Ogden, UT
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Like the very easy controls (buttons). | | Weaknesses: | The replacement battery wore out in less than three months??
The altimeter did not seem to accurate. | | Similar Products Used: | Garmin 305 | | Bottom Line: | If I can get the battery to last I will use this often. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tobin kelley
a Weekend Warrior
from missoula, mt
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | Has actually withstood quite a bit of abuse. Have used sparingly on the fireline, due to ash, dust issues, but I have used it in the past. GPS's with altimeter and tracks have negated the use for this now. Great for skiing, hiking, biking for vertical record. | | Weaknesses: | Battery replacement. Although this last time it was very quick and efficient. Not nearly so good in the past. | | Similar Products Used: | I came back to the Avocet after trying several other brands. Either the instructions and functions were just way too complicated, or way too expensive. | | Bottom Line: | Best altimeter watch I have used on a dollar basis, and ease of use. Keep the functions simple. I too would like to see a light, since I hate fumbling around for my headlamp in the middle of the night for those alpine starts. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joy Fitzgerald
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY, USA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Appalachian | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado | | Strengths: | Ease of use, durability, accuracy--used on AT, Rockies, and on fireline in KY & Indiana. | | Weaknesses: | Temperature sensor tends to read higher than ambient air temp.--probably due to influence of body temp on wrist. | | Similar Products Used: | Brunton Kestral | | Bike Setup: | Mountain bike with packs. | | Bottom Line: | I have used this instrument to avoid incoming storms especially in tornado alley in Midwest and snow storms in Rockies. I will purchase another when this one quits. I purchased mine in 1998. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from Naknek, Alaska USA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Excellent altimeter, thermometer, and memory capabilities. | | Weaknesses: | Battery seems to go out a lot. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Unknown, I am a ultralight pilot and hang glider pilot, as well as a fixed wing private. | | Bottom Line: | Here is the address for repair: JE-NOR, 30500 Union City Blvd., Union City, California 94587. They have a two week turn-around and it costs you $20 to have a battery and calibration done. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mogul skier
a Racer
from Pleasanton, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | gift from girlfriend | | Strengths: | I like most of the features of the watch. I light would be nice so you can read the watch when the alarm goes off or during apres events that go late. A built-in heart monitor would be nice too. YOU CAN CHANGE THE BATTERY YOURSELVES!!! If your warranty is up, just take it to the watch repair shop and tell them to be carefull about the rubber grommet for waterproofness. I have changed the battery 3 times myself in my car outside of the drug store where I purchased the battery. It is a very common battery... sells for less than $3.00 US. You should put some kind of water sealant (sometimes you can use a "real thin" layer of vasaline on the grommet... too thick, the watch will fog) Silicone sealant that I use for my scuba camera (available at scuba shops) is ideal. 4 small screws and you're set.. You won't be without your watch for more than a half hour!!!! | | Weaknesses: | water proofness, water proof grommet is very thin and easy to damage while replacing the battery. Watch could come with 5 extra grommets and not raise the price more than $1.00 $US. The watch crystal is acrylic which scratches very easily... Thermometer is worthless unless you wear it outside your gloves. Watch can break easily that way during a fall. I sometimes put the watch outside my glove on the lift ride up... gives me an idea albeit not an accurate measure of the temp. | | Bottom Line: | Watch is great. I can't wait for the next version.
Look into the Suunto brand. Very ruggid - top of the line wrist computers. www.suunto.com. I don't have one but am thinking of getting a Suunto when the Avocet dies for good... unless something better comes along. (Suunto uses metal-glass crystal which is virtually scratch proof although very heavy glass) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any SCruz Mtn. trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$119.00 | | Purchased At: | Don't remember | | Strengths: | The altimeter/barometer is quite accurate. If you know how to read instructions and understand how a barometer works you shouldn't have any problems. Yes, you must calibrate the unit on a regular basis to insure proper altitude readings and barometric trend. You do this by determining the elevation at your current location i.e - home residence, bench mark or other known elevations. Adjust the unit periodically at known elevations through out the day and it will be very accurate. The is especially true in winter where large changes in atmospheric pressure are common. The barometric trend feature is useful only at the elevation that you last adjusted the unit. Also, accumulated vertical ascent/descent feature is quite useful as well as accurate when used to determine the overall vertical feet ascended/descended of a given ride/climb or ski outing. This feature is unaffected by the barometer function and is quite accurate. I personally haven't found much use for the splits feature on the watch but I am sure a more hardcore rider might find it useful. The alarm feature has come in handy for getting my ass up for an alpine start in the mountains for summit bids. Overall the unit has performed very well. However, if you have difficulty reading/understanding directions or don't understand how a barometer works don't buy this product.
| | Weaknesses: | The unit requires bi-annual battery replacement and recalibration at a cost of around $20. It should be more like $10. The unit is not very water resistant. I had one go dead on me in a light rain during a Mtn. ride. Avocet replaced it with a new one at no charge. The temperature feature is only accurate in limited circumstances ie- inside a tent and out of the sun. When on the wrist it reads closer to your body temperature than the outside temp. As far as a light is concerned I really don't see the point. If it is dark out I am either sleeping or wearing a headlamp. Besides adding a light will more than likely require replacing the battery on a more frequent basis, another $20 charge, no thanks! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | GT Zaskar, XT/XTR, Marz. Superfly. | | Bottom Line: | Accurate, functional, keep away from water, read and understand directions, know how a barometer works and you will like the unit. I use mine for Mtn. bike riding/skiing/ and alpine climbing and it works great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Pocatello, ID
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Can track altitude climbed which is a great way to track training progress. A group of us at work tracked our climbs & went over 1 million feet for the summer. | | Weaknesses: | Not reliable. Has a 1 year waranty & broke within the 1st year. Fixed under waranty & it broke the 2nd year. Avocet wont back up the product either. Plus no light. The temperature adjustment didn't seem to work either. | | Bike Setup: | GT Avalanche | | Bottom Line: | Cool watch if it worked. Plan on paying to get it fixed every year. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
h
a Racer
from w
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
g | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
I would have to say that this products strength,is its ability to be extremly inacurate.THIS PRODUCT IS A PEICE OF SH*T. | | Weaknesses: |
The band wears out fast,very inacurate,breaks easily,contact with company is very difficult,and I cold go on and on........(It even kinda smells bad) | | Similar Products Used: |
I got it as a gift to my friend and he gave it back. I wondered why and decided to try it out. Then I figured out why he gave it back. | | Bottom Line: | PEICE OF SH*T and I would actually rate it -4(but that's not an option) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Harper
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
The ski functions are great and it records up to 300,000 vertical feet. Then you have to clear the memory. It has a daily lof that can be cleared with out loosing total vertical feet skied. The elastic band works great, I never used the plastic band. | | Weaknesses: |
You have to send the watch in to have the battery changed. The altimeter is not very accurate at high altitude. No light | | Bottom Line: | I never had any problems with mine and it worked well for both backpacking and skiing. You have to recalibrate daily if you want accuracy. The battery will last about 18-24 months and I ski about 600,000-800,000 vertical each year. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mountain View
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Manzanita | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
The Altimeter is accurate. The run-counting feature is nice for downhill skiing. | | Weaknesses: |
Reliability | | Bottom Line: | This would be a great gadget if it would keep working. Mine has died twice due to moisture. (Both times skiing, so maybe it is ok for biking in nice weather.) I found Avocet to be pretty good at fixing it but I am still going to try one of those Sunto watches next time. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Drury
a Weekend Warrior
from Saranac Lake, NY
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Accuracy | | Weaknesses: |
wristband and durability | | Similar Products Used: |
The original Casio Alt-watch | | Bottom Line: | This is a great altimeter/barometer. I guess I'm in the minority in that I don't need to know about the altitude or time when it's dark out. I had an original Casio alti-watch which was great but had definite limitations. When it died I didn't want to get the new bulky Casio with the same limitations. I got a Avocet to review for a book I was writing (The Camper's Guide to Outdoor Pursuits). I loved the Avocet's accuracy and for all the things it could do. Unfortunately the wrist band broke while I was paddling and it flew inito the river. I figured it was a freak accident until I read all the reviews here mentioning the wristband problems. I'm looking forward to the new Avocet coming out this fall and hope it is more durable. Maybe it will even have a light! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Works perfectly, very durable. | | Weaknesses: |
Have to send to factory for battery replacement.
No backlighting. (-1 chili!)
Face scratches easily. | | Bottom Line: | Have used one for several years without incident, including Search & Rescue work in various conditions. I replaced the rubber strap it came with with a large nylon one from REI. The altimeter and barometer still work great, as do all functions. The altimeter has proved good to the manufacturer's claims of +/- 10 feet as long as you calibrate it like you have to with any altimeter. I just adjust it when I put it on in the morning. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hiroshi
a Cross-Country Rider
from Iwaki Japan
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
‚f‚‚‚„ appearance.
Smaller than CASIO.
Watch does work.
20laps stop watch: Good for race.
‚l‚‚„‚… ‚‰‚Ž USA (If Made in Japn,
Zero chili) | | Weaknesses: |
Only official distributor can exchange battery.
And it took 2 months.
Hard to use option functions.
Thermometer is a clinical thermometer.
Useless barometer.
Poor waterproof. | | Bottom Line: | Please do not be nervous adout the altimeter.
It's enjoyable for a few hours ride.
But do not climb high mountain with this watch. (Nobody do?)
You will be a victim. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Galagnara
a weekend warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the product about two years ago. I must admit that I just bought it because it looks cool. I assumed that a watch of this caliber would come with a light so you could use it at night, I was wrong obviously. They should sell this with a small flashlight attached to it. The thing-a-ma-jigs worked great for about six months, then it just quit on me. The altimeter works only for about two hours, then you'd have to re-calibrate it again. The same goes with the barometer. The strap cracked and basically broke apart after another six months. The designers probably spent a lot on developing this product(ha!ha!ha!). What's even funnier is I actually bought the f**kn thing. Fellow MTBers beware!! Let my experience be a lesson to everyone who buys it because it looks cool or because its manufactured by a PRESTIGIOUS outfit.
Question: Can I rate them any lower? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alvin C.
a weekend warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought mine more than a couple of years ago. It was just the good looks that made me buy this junk. How can a high tech watch not have a simple light? After using it for nearly a year, the altimeter went crazy and I was not able to calibrate it since I cannot adjust to decrease the altimeter reading. After a few months, the cheap plastic strap cracked and got ripped apart. DO NOT BUY THIS JUNK! ZERO FLAMING BANANAS FOR THIS! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kristine Hartman
a cross-country rider
from Applegate, CA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I use my Avocet a little differently than most of the posts here. When I checked Cross-Country it does not mean on a bike. I am a long distance Equine Endurance Rider. My Avocet has been strapped to my saddle for two years and I love it!! It has done hundreds of miles through all sorts of conditions. It not only endures the sweat from the horse, also the dirt & grime from dusty, muddy trails the extreme heat and cold of our California climate and lots of water, either to cool down the horse or from getting caught in a rain storm. The Avocet performed great on the worlds toughest endurance ride, The Tevis Cup, which is a 100 mile race from outside Squaw Valley (Lake Tahoe CA area) to Auburn CA. It displayed the tempature extremes from the snow over the 9000' summit to the killer heat in the canyons, down to 600' at the river crossing. The altitude decending for this ride is 21000' and ascending is 18000' and the Avocet was great. Yes, a backlight would be great due to this ride lasting 21+ hours, of course in and out of darkness. Also if you could somehow make bigger readout or just get the horse to have a smoother trot!! Besides the endurance use, my husband & I use it on our Santana Cilantro Mountain tandem and my son uses it snowboarding in Tahoe. We all love it. The battery is still the original, guess I'm luckier than most!! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy Buttaro
a weekend warrior
from Phila, PA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Here is some info regarding Avocet. My watch is currently being serviced. Avocet is still in business, however, will not have any new watches until ~spring of 1999.The web site for Acocet is www.avocet.com
The web site for info on battery service is www.avocet.com/custserv/battvert.htmlThe phone number for Avocet is 650-321-8501
The phone number for service is 800-731-4407
I have had mine for about four years an have used it for mountaineering and it has performed well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Cole
a weekend warrior
from Albuquerque, NM 87110
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just like everyone else is asking, where is Avocet ? I can't seem to find a phone number or web link to them anywhere. My Vertech has a dead battery and I am stuck. Other than the battery fiasco, I love the watch. Works great and large buttons are easy to use. Keep the instructions handy though because it's operation is not very intuitive. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Jackson
a downhiller
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought one. Instructions are terrible. I can't even tell if there is a battery included. I assume not. No instructions on how to install or replace a battery. (Most people don't have the necessary tool at home, and buy a watch expecting the battery already installed.) The instructions say don't change the battery; send in in to Avocet with $10.00. I called the Avocet support line. It is no longer in service and there is NO new number listed. Furthermore your link above Vertech at Avocet Site. doesn't work. This is the worst customer service I have ever seen. Is the company out of business? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erica Schneider
a weekend warrior
from CO
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This request is not really a rating... My husband has been very pleased with his watch and in fact...my husband loves it!!!... Hwever, we have had trouble finding a replacement battery for it. Do you know where we may order one or can we order one from you???Please e-mail back. Thank you,Erica Schneider | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a downhiller
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am interested in purchasing an altimetre watch. I have read on the internet about both the casio and avocet. The avocet seems to be the favoured piece but doesn't sound as tough as the casio.I was hoping that which ever one I pick I could wear all the time. Any feedback before my purchase would be greatly appretiated.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Tanguay
a weekend warrior
from Spokane WA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Can anyone out there give me some info on were I can get a new battery, new wrist straps, and repair work done on rubber option button (replace). I would really appreciate it, this watch has been very good to me its just seen some wear and tear. I have used this watch overseas in my capacity as a Navy diver and it has been banged around abit. I don't use it as a dive watch of course but as an all around timepiece I have found it to be very nice. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Muhammad M. Haque
a weekend warrior
from Winston-Sale, North Carolina
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this watch in April 1994. So far it is providing me a very good service. It has survived three continental journey under variable climatic conditions. The problem is that I need to change the battery and I cannot locate the company. Has the company comitted suicide or mutated genetically because of which I cannot trace them. If none of the two things happened please respond. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Blovat
a weekend warrior
from Poughkeepsie, New York U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just sent in my Vertech in for repair for the second time, the first time was when it was only a couple of months old. I waited several weeks and called customer service. They had some problems locating it and when it was returned, it was a different unit. If it breaks down one more time, it goes in the trash. They are impossile to locate on the interenet and all of their phone numbers were changed with no forward. I thought they had gone out of business. It is a good looking machine and when I was able to use it, it preformed well.
My suggestion is that you purchase the Vertech only if you live walking distance from the repair center. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barney Brannen Jr
a cross-country rider
from Wilmot, NH
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Accuracy is good on most functions. The battery doesn't last long and the replacement is expensive. I had the same problem with the posts that hold the band pins and cannot contact Avocet. Their 800 numbers are no longer in service.
Also can't find an email address for them. Help!!! My Casio works well but has less features than the avocet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michele Annette Tilford
a weekend warrior
from Quincy ca
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned an avocet for two years and have had nothing but problems with it. The watch band either breaks or the buttons have fallen off of three watches now. I will never recommend this watch to any one in field of work. You cannot rely on the accuracy of the watch. The higher the altitude I went the more haywire the watch got. Overall I would say that this was a major waste of time and money. Don't bother to purchase it. Casio has a better watch with more features, that has out lasted my avocet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos J. Montanez
a weekend warrior
from Phoenix, Arizona
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Avocet Vertech for over two years and am very pleased with its
performance. The Vertech gives you the information that you need when you
need it. All altimeters require periodic calibration, and the Vertech is no
exception. The accuracy is more than adequate for its intended use. I've
gained an understanding of atmospheric phenomena simply by regularly using
the features contained in the Vertech. If you do any hiking, skiing, mountain
bicycling, etc., the Vertech will soon become one essential piece of gear.
I give it a solid 5-Star. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brandt garner
a weekend warrior
from salt lake city, utah
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The watch band was to small to wrap around my thighs. Sometimes the watch would say it was 78 degrees o'clock, or even 7500 ft. o'clock, c'mon like Im really going to beleive that. Also it was not very durable, during one of my hump sessions the watch caught on my partner while I was on my way out and the band broke and fell in a hole, so now I cant find it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brad kane
a cross-country rider
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a mixed opinion on the watch. It rates high on the swag scale but
is not very durable. I have broken two band attachments as most have I see.
I have also broken one of the buttons off. I find that the customer
service department is terrible. The features on the watch are nice and
are very functional but my watch has spent most of its life getting fixed.
Too bad the other altimeter watches on the market are so ugly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul C. Talmadge
a
from Hawthorne, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Battery didn't last long for having to send back the watch for a replacement. did not use alarm much. did use the timer and altitude function a great deal. I do a lot of hiking and traveling. Also the temperature indicator didn't function that well, it read high on cool days and low on hot days. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Thornon
a downhiller
from Cordova, TN U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Avocet watch has performed very well over the past few years. I have used it extensively while snow skiing in Colorado. It would be great to have some easy way to attach the watch to my ski jacket without having to stretch the band over my ski jacket. I would appreciate information on additional parts on the watch | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Milt
a downhiller
from Gurnee, IL
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had two of these watches over the last 4 years. The primary problem I have had with both is the same as Ryan Klemm reported earlier today (3/13/98); i.e., the case breaks where the pins for the band mount. I am also not hard on the watch, but when I was taking a multi-layered ski jacket off, the watch got tangled between the inner and outer jacket layers, and next thing I knew, the case had broken. Surely I'm not going to tug very hard on the fabric of my ski jacket and risk tearing it. I would have thought the watch should have been more durable than that!A call to their service number today got a your call can not be completed as dialed error. Anyone know how to reach Avocet?I've had no trouble learning to set and use the functions I want on the watch. Last week I had occasion to check the altimeter function against an altimiter in a small plane, and found it right on!! Much better than I had expected. The time function is also quite accurate. The clear plastic crystal scratches too easily. I expect to have to calibrate the altimeter every day because the ambient air pressure changes. This is not a problem with the watch or its design. Helpful to forcast changes in weather.I like gadgets, I like to know how far I've skied or how high up I am. I would love the Vertech if it was more robust and not quite as bulky on my wrist. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Klemm
a weekend warrior
from Durango,CO
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had two of these watches now and they've broke in the exact same spot both times . I m not in any way abusive to my watches especially those that cost 120 dollars. The watches broke where the pins go in for the band. The little hole just split in half. When I conpared the first to the second the break was almost identical, I probably could have stuck them right together. Both of these watches werent even a year old yet. Although toughness isnt one of the avocets big qualities , I was never upset with the performance. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from Atherton, Ca
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I use the Vertech mainly for hiking and skiing. I've had it for almost a year.
So far no problems, but I don't wear it every day. Seeing a lot of the
complaints here leads me to believe that it's smart not to wear it all the
time. I love the features. It is clear the temperature function is meant for
when the watch is worn outside clothing. I have no complaint there. It's logical and would seem impossible to do otherwise.The complaint that people have about the lack of light seems like a simple enough improvement, but it would tax the battery which only lasts 2 years anyways, so, as I figured, they didn't put in a light to save battery power. How about some luminescant material that glows all the time? I would be willing to pay more for a watch that was more durable. Cost is
not a constraint for me. The watch seems cheap to me especially considering
the features. I like it a lot and I have to admit that reading a lot of these
reviews has me concerned about its reliability, so I'll take better care of
it knowing that it may not withstand abuse. Unfortunately, hiking and skiing
have a certain uncontrollable element which is why most gear for sports are
over designed not Under designed.Once again I really like it. The one time I called service they were very
good and helpful.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a downhiller
from Hood River, OR
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my watch for 2 years and have experienced lots of good and bad with it.
Sent it in once for repair due to a button sticking and recieved a different watch back. It worked great and now it has quit due to the battery dying after one year of use!? The watch they sent back obviously didn't get a new battery as I requested and paid for with good money. I dread losing my watch once I send it in now! Problems: scratches easily, no light, mediocre service. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicolas HŽbert
a racer
from Montreal,Quebec,Canada
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Your watch is not very good for is price and is quality is not very good and your function are very accurate.The watch battery can have a longer durability.You should have a authorized service center in all other country of the world but not all the country of the world.you should do a better quality compass for the vertech watch instrument because my broke in one month and the plastic that hold on the watch should be in a thicker plastic. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve smith
a downhiller
from regina,sask, canada
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Perchased from mountain equipment co-op in 94. That ski season it logged feeet and displayed altitude beautifully. Temp was, as it was put earlier the temp of my wrist. Tested in -52 degrees C but only read -18 degrees C. No light? Limit of 300000 feet? Any way sent back that summer to Mountain equ co-op for warrenty alarm didn't function. Was told that they were no longer a carrier and I was given a cheque for it's original purchase price, No watch however, just in time for me to go to Europe. Oh well fun while it lasted. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karol Mizla
a cross-country rider
from Košice, SLOVAKIA
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After 3 years my good friend Avocet Vertech collapsed: the buttons don´t work.
I noticed this watch are very good in stable temperature conditions. If temeperature is rapidly changing, altimeter is changing too. Temperature´s changes were about 30-50 meters - it is the main lack of this watch. Another (but less important) problem is thermometer. Despite it I consider this watch has very good ratio quality/price.
Please, advice me good service for Avocet in Czech republic, Slovakia, Austria or Germany
Thanks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PCB
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm on my second vertech since my first one self destructed when I attempted to change the battery (a word to the wise: don't try this at home; pay to have it professionally changed or $130 down the drain....Also keep the suntan lotion away or the pretty white markings will dissolve...). Despite my battery change fiasco, I really like the vertech and get lots of comments on it from my MTB friends and others. I like this watch! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sergio de Campos
a weekend warrior
from spain
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Once upon time there was an Avocet on my wrist. I will tell you its story.
I purchased it on Dec-94, but it only worked for 7 months. After summing more than 22000
meters, during a Pyrenees MTB crossing, it died the last day. I had it repaired by Dec-95, just
in time for the mountain ski season.
But unlukily it only works for 3 months. Suddenly it changes from meters to feets and begun
a random climbing. It died a few days later. I sent it back to the Madrid technical service,
diagnostic: some capacitors replaced. I had it repaired by Set-96, just in time for a new
mountain ski season.
It was a good and snowy season, but not for the Vertech. It begun the famous random feet
climbing by Nov-96, only two months on my wrist. Diagnostic: a shortcircuit.
The Madrid technical service responsible promised me a brand new electronic board inside
my Avocet, but I am still waiting.
Summing up, I bought it 27 months ago, but I only enjoyed it for 12 months. I trust the
Avocet Vertech precision and funcionality, but honestly, I am really tired about its reliability. I
will be gratefull for any explanation. Please contact me for any details.Sergio de Campos, climber, hiker, biker, skier...
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Abell
a downhiller
from Steamboat Springs Co
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Works great (when I have it). Sent back for warranty service on Jan 3 and still have not gotten it back. Latest communication was a card postmarked 11 Feb which said it would be shipped within two weeks. Mar 13 and still no watch.The two seasons I used it before it vanished into the system, it was very useful in tracking verts and decent rate. The adjustment of altitude was easy but not really necessary since all I wanted was a general recordHope I get it back before the end of the season. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Moench
a downhiller
from Salt Lake, UT
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Avocet watch for about three months. It has great features on it but the durability is poor. After one day of skiing my watch had two big scratches on the clear lense. The black round sensor sticks out so it is very susceptible to being scratched which mine has. Both buttons skip through the functions and options to rapidly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Davidson
a downhiller
from Loomis, CA U.S.A
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a vertech alpin in 1995 and have had it fixed twice and replaced once. The first repair was done to the plastic case that holds the band pin in. The second was done to the rubber buttons as they slowly wore down and eventually tore off. The third was to replace a mangled face after a major MTB crash. Avocet lost the watch, but soon sent a brand new one, no questions asked. Overall Im not too impressed with the toughness of the watch but the features are still cool. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a downhiller
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I use my watch every day. My biggest complaint is that it stops accumulating vertical feet at 299990'. I hit this within about 15 days of skiing. Too bad it won't actually let you build up a whole season's worth. Altimiter is OK if you check it daily. Thermometer always tells me the temperature of my wrist. How this is important is somehow beyond me. Anyone else notice that the watch DOES NOT HAVE A LIGHT? Hard to see what time it is in a tent in the middle of the night.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Bussey
a weekend warrior
from Durham, NC
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Watch is holding up well after a bit of use. I work at REI, so have recommended the watch to a lot of folks with mixed results. Lost Left Function button and destroyed band. Have been trying to contact Avocet Customer Service but Hold for Customer Service loop keeps going until it stops with no one picking up.There is no escape to operator. Does Avocet have an Email address that someone there will answer? I also have a Casio altimeter watch with no thermometer and only Mb adjustment. It works as well as the Avocet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a weekend warrior
from Kingsport, TN
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased my watch in April, 1994, and have been very pleased with it. The battery died on it sometime between March, 1996, and December, 1996. I was very surprised that the cost of replacing the battery went from $5.00 when I purchased it in 1994 to $25.00 now. Expensive maintenance!?! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E. Bryan Enfinger, PLS
a weekend warrior
from Lancaster, SC USA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great wrist instrument for the backpacking enthusiast like myself. Good overall
performance. Barometer needs to be set DAILY for any accurate results (either by
National Weather Service broadcasts or known elevation). Temperature accuracy is
nominal while on the wrist, but faily accurate as per the manual (+-4deg. below
32 deg). Time accuracy is poor (mine is approx. 2-3 seconds per month). But for
the price, I think this is great instrument for gadget minded people like myself. BUY ONE TODAY AND JOIN THE CLUB OF AVOCET VERTECHERS!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Thorniley
a cross-country rider
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a Veratech for two years now and like it. It works great, is very durable and nice looking. I use most all its functions regularly and have
been satisfied with them every time. Many complain about the accuracy of the
of the elevation gained/lost feature, but if you reset it regularly to compensate for the changes in air pressure I find it to be close enough for most needs.
I have had some problems with the accuracy of the barometer, but Avocet's product support was great. I mailed it to them, they checked it out and found it was off and then gave me a new one with which I have had only one problem and when I mailed it to them again it was the battery, which they replaced free of charge and with in less than two weeks. Not to bad in my book.
Good product, fair price, great support. Buy it if you want it, it will be well worth it in the end!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Javier Morales-Reyes
a downhiller
from Guadalajara, MEXICO
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I use it for handgliding, it is just good to fly but I love it to
be anywere. I thing you can develop one to fly easily, we only need
a beeper when going up or down! faster or slow if possible.
!!!I URGENTLY REQUIRE TO KNOW HOW CAN I CHANGE THE BATERY!!!! PLEASE
INFORM ME.
Another datail, Could we adjust temperature? mine is three or four
centigrades above normal temp.
Thanks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E. Rader
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my vertech as a replacement for the discontinued Avocet 50 altimeter computer. After using the Avocet 50 for two years I was convinced that I could not cycle without an altimeter. After browsing the manual that came with the Vertech I was overwhelmed with the myriad functions of the watch and the difficulty of setup and adjustment. After the shock wore off in a couple of months I successfully setup the Vertech and I was astounded at how accurate it was compared to the Avocet 50. I still have a difficult time navigating through the many functions that I don't use and if I use the watch infrequently each time I attempt to do so requires a re-education process -- sorta like when you reset your VCR. It's a great tool but I use it infrequently because of its complexity. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zack
a weekend warrior
from Ogden, UT
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the watch for 2 years and have loved it! The only drawback I have found is that it has no light. Other than that it's been very useful. When used in combination with a decent topo you can quickly find your approximate location by altitude. If you reset the barometer before turning in, you can tell what the weather is going to be like for the next 24 hours or so when you wake up. Great for those times that watching the Weather Channel isn't practical | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William S. Davis
a cross-country rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had an Avocet Vertech watch for nearly two years now. It is quite amazing how much technology we once never knew we needed can now be packed into a small thing you can wear on your wrist. I use it for biking, skiing, and hiking. The features I have found most useful are: its ability to keep track of total elevation gain or loss, its lap counter, and its accurate stop watch. It also has weather functions (changes in barometric pressure), but I have not used these too much. The altimeter works by air pressure (changes in air pressure deflect a small metal diaphram). Because of this you have to set the correct altitude often, since changing weather patterns can change the altitude readings by hundreds of feet, even if you haven't moved an inch. This need for frequent adjustment can be annoying. The Vertech is, however, very good at keeping track of overall elevation gained or descended, because it can average this over time, allowing weather changes less effect. If you select the ski mode it can even keep track of how many runs you have taken! Useless information? Probably. But if you thrive on life in our age of excessive information, as I do (or if you want to impress people who do), this is a great investment. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raptor
a cross-country rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I like my Avocet watch, the battery lasts, the band hasn't broken, and if you keep the altitude adjusted properly you can get pretty good vertical ascent/descent rates and changes in altitude. My only gripe is that the change in altitude can only be measured either up or down not both at the same time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor Ho
a cross-country rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Hmmm... if you have money to burn and want a new toy go for it.... seriously though you'd probably be better spending your money on something else. I'm onto my third replacement watch and hopefully this one will last longer than my first two, on the plus side I have to say the warranty is good. Sugest if you really want one have a look at the CASIO watch. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Ippolito
a weekend warrior
from Fort Collins, CO, USE
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Avocet Vertech watch has been an added bonus during long hikes. If one sets the watch to current barometric pressure prior to activity, it is usually no more than 10 to 20 feet off of the true altitude. I wish the battery would last a bit longer, but with all the functions it's not bad. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B Lindsay
a weekend warrior
from sdf
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Avocet for hang gliding as a back up. I have found the watch
to be reliable and incredibly accurate. Several other pilots have them
and we compare altitudes over great distances and the watches ALWAYS remain
within 10'. Futher, the warranty is bulletproop. You have problem, they
will send you a new one. The temperature measuerment is a little slow but
still accurate. I find great pleasure in knowing the accumulated altitude
after I finished flying or riding and it is a good reference for working out.
I would highly recommend this durable watch to anyone involved in outdoor
activities. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric von Eckartsberg
a weekend warrior
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great piece of gear for the right use. It is
great for mountaineering, high altitude trekking, and climbing,
but is not really needed for mountain biking unless you really need
to keep track of altitude and/or feet climbed. The altimeter
works as well or better than others but requires that the user
know the limits of altimeter technology. ALL altimeters require
almosts daily adjustment because of weather changes, but
if used properly, can save your life on a big mountain. Water
resistance could be better, but they'll replace it free if it leaks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby Easy Chan
a weekend warrior
from St Laurent, Quebec, CANADA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this watch when it first came out and boy... I went on a camping trip with it and within 2 weeks after I bought it, the reset button didn't work any more. Not only that, the altimeter isn't accurate and the temperature is totally inacurate. One good thing about the watch, which i would give 5 stars for is the satisfaction warranty. I returned the watch to the place I bought it from and got a full refund after a year of use! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Canaday
a cross-country rider
from Aurora, Co USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Avocet Vertech is a watch that people should really not waste
your money. It is billed as a sportwatch is is not really water
resistant and get good figures often requires that you know your
current altitude. I am sure Timex or Casio manufacture one that is
a lot more reliable and really water resistant. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Coen
a cross-country rider
from Kunkletown, PA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I would have to second previous motions to save your money. The watch is nice yet it requires too much maintainance. I hardly use it for riding. I had planned on using it more but found that it was a much better idea to buy a good bike computer. However, if you know the elevation of your house or point that you frequent often it does have its advantages when it comes to skiing. I don't hike much myself, but if you do alot of orienteering it might pay off.
A second problem is that it is difficult to learn how to use all of the functions. I still have not figured them all out. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott N. Deane
a cross-country rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Avocet Vertech watch about 5 months ago. I planned on using it
for Mountain Biking and hiking. Ive found that it is a dependable watch, a
good stop watch, and a decent temp. guage, but the altimeter/barometer funtions
are a little difficult to deal with. The altitude, which is necessary to have
the Lap function work, requires daily maintenance. This kind of sucks! Not that
the altitude is a vital part of your ride, but the lap function is cool.
Other than the altitude maintenance, it is a cool watch. It comes with an
optionial stretch style band, which fits well over gloves. Also, it is easy to
operate while riding, because of the larger sized buttons.
All in all, the altitude is still more of a novelty, but the all around watch
is cool.
| | Overall Rating: |
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