Suunto X10

The Suunto X10 impresses reviewers with a comprehensive list of features and reliable performance. It's not easy on the wallet, but if price is no object, experts say the Suunto X10 is a top-notch adventure watch. It boasts an altimeter, barometer, chronograph (for lap timing), compass and GPS navigation, and it can record up to 500 waypoints and 50 routes. Reviewers say it has a reliable satellite connection, easy-to-use interface and long battery life. Most experts seem to be captivated by the Suunto X10, finding few faults for this adventure watch. Still, most reviewers do acknowledge that you'll have to spend some serious time with the 95-page user manual to get the sport watch up and running, because the setup process can be somewhat complicated. The buttons are also small, and some reviewers say that they can be difficult to push, especially with large fingers. If spending more than $500 on a watch isn't in your budget, take a look at the Tech4O Traileader Jet (*Est. $160). It doesn't offer GPS functionality, but it includes an altimeter, barometer and more features.

The best reviews of the Suunto X10 come from Men's Journal, National Geographic Adventure and Snowshoe magazines. Men's Journal, in particular, tests and rates each watch it reviews, making it a good source for comparative, albeit brief, reviews of adventure watches. Online gear and gadget sites, like Navigadget.com and CNET, also offer useful reviews. The Suunto X10 does not attract many owner-written reviews.