trying to decide.

[van]

i am to decide on a watch by next week. from shopping around i found my ideal watch would have the following:

scratch-proof glass (like sapphire crystal, Moh scale 9)
10-year lithium battery
heavy duty velcro band

the metron comes pretty close but does it have the above? the glass is really big and all the features probably use a lot of power.

also i saw a comment about the x6hr having a dot matrix display which is better than the metron and x-lancer displays. is the x6hr as durable as the metron?

finally, i like a velcro band for it. is there a commando-style one with a fold-over flap to protect the face? will the band made by us calvary (http://www.uscav.com/shop/uscitemdet...tk_code=WA2815) fit these watches?

thanks so much.

	Suunto X6 HR - Click for more info Just when you thought a sports watch couldn't get any better, Suunto introduces the X6 HR, X6 HRM and X6-HRT. These are truly the next generation in sports watches, packed with all of the technology that Suunto enthusiasts have been craving. Designed for Cross Sports applications, the X6 writstops are functionally very similar to the Suunto X6 - but with the added benefits of a heart rate monitor.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[Kris]

First off, the average life span of a lithium battery in a Suunto watch is alittle over a year. (yes they all come with lithium batteries)
As far as the Metron using more power than the x6 or x6-hr. I don’t think so but I don’t know Cause the x6 and x6hr have not been out for a year yet. But mine have yet to show any sign of power loss. All Suunto watches are built to be durable. The 6 series has Crystal Mineral glass, which is nice. However the built in level for the compass can not be placed in the Mineral glass. So the 6 series has a slope meter built in as one of the functions instead.
I wouldn’t really say that one display is better than another. Either is easy to read. Suunto makes a fabric strap, we sell it. However I am not familiar with any off brand straps, I have heard that some will fit, which ones I cant say. Let us know if you find any!

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto X6 HR - Click for more info Just when you thought a sports watch couldn't get any better, Suunto introduces the X6 HR, X6 HRM and X6-HRT. These are truly the next generation in sports watches, packed with all of the technology that Suunto enthusiasts have been craving. Designed for Cross Sports applications, the X6 writstops are functionally very similar to the Suunto X6 - but with the added benefits of a heart rate monitor.

	Suunto X6 - Click for more info Just when you thought a sports watch couldn't get any better, Suunto introduces the X6 HR, X6 HRM and X6-HRT. These are truly the next generation in sports watches, packed with all of the technology that Suunto enthusiasts have been craving. Designed for Cross Sports applications, the X6 writstops are functionally very similar to the Suunto X6 - but with the added benefits of a heart rate monitor.

	Compass Compasses are sensitive, absolutely crucial instruments to precision navigation. The earth's magnetic field, inclination, and your longitude and latitude all influence the horizontal plane of a compass needle. As a result, compasses are balanced for different geographical zones. Suunto Compasses overcome this limitation to traditional compasses by using a simple 'Two Zone System'. With a Suunto Compass, the only 'balancing zones' are the northern and southern hemispheres. In addition to this innovation, certain Suunto Compasses come equipped with useful features like luminous needles and marks, centimeter/inch scales, magnifying glasses, clinometers, sighting notches, and more.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.