Silve Tech4o Trailleader

Yes, the watch is being Tested at http://www.backpackgeartest.org by three testers. I'm one of them.

It works very well, BUT it is NOT NOT NOT slim. It is a huge bulky thing, and most of the testers have found it is too big and heavy to be worn on the wrist comfortably. The rigid strap makes it a pain to carry in your pack or pocket too. My summary is that it is not really designed for outdoors use; rather it is aimed at the machismo young male street market.

However, the barometer/altimeter is very good and does not contain any utterly stupid drift-correction software (which never works). I have found the altimeter to be very reliable (after allowing for the obvious weather-induced pressure fluctuations).

When the test is finished I may attack the huge strap with a scalpel and make it into a 'fob watch'. That format may be far more useful to me.

Roger, how does this watch compare in size to the Suunto Core? (and quality/features?)

The website ( http://www.tech4o.com ) shows two models – the Traileader 1 and the Traileader 2. Both apparently have the same functions, but the TL2 appears to have a cloth band that might mitigate some of Roger's concern. As for bulky and heavy, the diameter does not bother me (I actually prefer larger diameter), but thickness is a big concern for me (I prefer as thin and low profile as possible).

I too would like to see a face-to-face with the Suunto Core. Possibly a BPL article? I have the Core, and I am a big big fan. And while I am perhaps a 'machismo young male' I do not wear mine in town very often, so it's really a function thing and not a fashion issue.

Sorry, I don't know the Suunto Core.
The TrailLeader is over 50 mm diameter and 16 mm thick. The wrist band is extra.

Looks and sounds like the Silva Tech4o Traileader is very similar to the Suunto Core in design.

The Suunto Core case is 49 mm in diameter and 15 mm thick. Weight varies by model, but most are pretty light – perhaps 2 onces. On some Core models, the band is semi-rigidly attached to the case, such that it can't be folded.

The lack of a folding band is inconvenient for packing the watch, but if I have my Core along, it is always on my wrist, so not a big concern for me.

The diameter is handy for reading all the information avialable on the screen without squinting, but the thickness still leaves something to be desired. I think 10 mm or less would be ideal. However, the user replaceable battery on the Core contributes around 5 mm, so that may be why it's so thick.

Jason is the Core worth the money ($250-$500) you paid- which model did you get? Other then the bands and cases the inner workings are the same- any comment as to why you bought the one you did.
Sorry if I'm hi-jacking this thread, I've been looking to get this kind of watch for awhile now.

I have the Light Green Core. I used an REI member coupon for 20% off the $250 retail. Definitely worth the money to me. However, if Silva can duplicate the functionality (yet to be seen) and durability for $140, well that would be a much better value, no?

Suunto Core does not disappoint – it performs exactly as Suunto claims. Far and away the best altimeter/barometer watch on the market.

I am most impressed by the Automatic Altimeter/Barometer Mode. This feature solves the biggest problem with previous generation alti/baro watches (including the Suunto Vector and similar) by sensing whether changes in absolute pressure should be attributed to elevation change or weather.

Suunto says that the Core accomplishes the automatic alti/baro switch by sensing movement, or lack thereof. What it actually seems to be doing is sensing the rate of change in absolute pressure. If the observed pressure changes faster than could be attributable to ordinary weather, it apparently judges that you are moving and enters altimeter mode. The programmed threshold has worked flawlessly for me thus far. Plus, you can easily override this feature and force the watch into altimeter or barometer mode exclusively.

The digital compass performs as well as any I have seen. I am not a particularly big fan of digital compasses in general, so I always carry a traditional sighting compass as my primary navigation tool, but the Core provides a handy backup.

The alarm and other audible indicators on the Core seem to be louder than previous generation Suunto products, and the audible indicators can be turned off.

The crystal face is also improved over previous generations, and seems highly scratch resistant.

Overall, it seems that Suunto has addressed every critism of previous generation altimeter/barometer watches, and provided a very eligent solution. This watch has very quickly become one of my most trusted gear items. The Core is a worthwhile upgrade to your older altimeter watches – the improvements are that notable.

Jason- I read your review on REI- I didn't know that was you. It was very helpful and that is what made me look at the core as the watch to buy. I'm waiting for the next 20% off to get it. I just wish they where all about the same price. I would rather have the black ring, but at $349 that outrageous for a little vanity.

Mountain Gear (www.mountaingear.com) is having a sale of the Core right now and you can get it for $199.20.

I too have the Core, but I have mixed feelings about it. First, it's a big watch and isn't something a normal person would take around town unless you're the type who enjoys getting looked at or fielding comments about whether you have bad eyesight.

Second, the Core had a HUGE problem when they were first introduced roughly a year ago. I had one of the original watches, and it wouldn't surprise me if they are still being sold, but there is a bug in the watch which throws off the compass, altimeter and barometer. Basically, it gives you garbage readings. I figured this out the hard way when I smartly decided to use my Core as my only orientation instrument during a week-long hike in March. After watching the compass change repeatedly, and not having a back-up, I had a couple Bear Grylls/Les Stoud moments as I looked for moss, watched which way tree branches were pointed, checked the mountain for green, and used the ole “stick” method after verifying it with the ole “watch” method. I wasn’t happy and honestly it left me with a very unsafe feeling regarding 100% reliance on technology. I now carry a small bubble compass backup. You can return it to Suunto (which is a pain) and they will replace it (not repair it) for free. If anyone got a Core within the last 18 months or so, I'd suggest getting it replaced.

Since getting the replacement watch, it has worked fine and does everything it says. I just have a hard time trusting it 100% after my initial experiences though.

Do you know if the trailleader 2 is just as big and bulky as the trailleader 1?

> Do you know if the trailleader 2 is just as big and bulky as the trailleader 1?
Afaik, yep. I have one of them.

I've been looking for this type of watch for a while. Casio makes one called Pathfinder. There a several variations, some including tidal info for fishermen.

One advantage is that Casio's can be found on sale, or eBay quite readily.

However, I don't know anyone that has one so nor have I found any reviews. Just another option to consider.