I didn’t even know that the HighGear Summit watch existed until I discovered this review over on WetDawg. If you’re in the market for an outdoor sports watch with an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and compass, this looks like it might be a viable and affordable option.
The HighGear Summit
The HighGear Summit sells for about $149, and appears to be available at most stores specializing in outdoor and hiking equipment. The author makes the following observations about his new toy:
- The Summit is a big sucker. As sure as if you’re walking a five legged dog, someone is going to remark on it. Seven out of ten people you meet will point out the big watch on your wrist. The conversation value is high.
- The Summit is the largest faced of HighGear’s models, but I like the way it feels on my wrist (and I have a small wrist). In fact it’s the most comfortable watch I’ve ever worn.
- Another feature tied in with the barometer is the weather predictor. In both the time and barometric modes it shows a little icon of sun, cloud or rain, suggesting what you might expect in the half dozen hours ahead.
- The thermometer was used little, but worked fine when you took it off. Or left it on and subtracted ten degrees.
- The chronometer [he means chronograph] is fine and I use it when training. The alarm is handy, of course. I would have liked a count down alarm as well.
Check out the full article for more details. The review caught my eye because I am a big fan of the Tissot T-Touch which offers a great deal of the same functionality (check out my Tissot T-Touch review for details), but in a much smaller and more attractive package, and with a scratch-proof sapphire crystal. I wore a T-Touch when I first moved to San Francisco about two months ago to help me get my bearing when walking the city, but that’s about as outdoorsy as I get these days. I also recently received a similar new stainless steel and titanium Casio Protrek which I will be reviewing shortly. I still need to put it through its paces, but at first glance, it appears to be a nice combination of functionality, affordably, and visual appeal (compared to the old Protreks and Pathfinders). Stay tuned.
