X6-HR vs. Metron

[venk]

Hello all -

I am deciding between the X6-HR and the Metron. I need a heart rate monitor. I also want the altimeter and an easy-to-read compass for hiking.

My questions:
Which casing is better, lighter, etc.?
Does the leather strap make a huge difference?
Is the HR monitor on the X6-HR better / worse?
The compass on the Metron seems easier?
Is the function navigation on the X6-HR better than the Metron?

General thoughts and opinions are welcome too. Thanks.

	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.

	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.

[Brad]

Well, the X6HR is new technology, much easier to use, smaller, lighter (but not significant). They now both use the same strap, so no difference there.
I was never a fan of the leather strap for an athletic watch, doesn't make sense to me, and Suunto still does not offer an alternative.
The X6HR is a bit more $$ but much better as far as I'm concearned, but if you like a real big watch, the Metron is 1/3 bigger.

Hope that helps,

	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 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.

[venk]

Thanks for the help, Brad. A couple more questions if you have the time.

I was playing with the two this weekend, and I found the HR monitor especially to be terribly difficult to get to on the X6-HR. Was that just due to my lack of knowledge of how to work it?

Is there any data you can't get to on the watch with the X6-HR (due to the computer download thing) that you can on the Metron? I had heard something about that.

Any word on the battery life comparison between the two?

For someone looking for an HR watch with the niceties of an Altimeter, etc., is the extra $$ worth it? My guess is that your answer will be yes, but I'm curious because of my problems with the HR monitor.

Thanks.

-- V

	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.

[Brad]

humm, sorry to hear of the problems. What kind of problems? I've been using my for a while with no problems. I will say, and this may be possible for you, if you aren't working out, you may not be able to get a reading. the reason being, there has to be some moisture on it. Odd as it sounds, try wetting the band first a little, doesn't take much.

If that's NOT the issue, let me know, as I have not heard of any problems, and love to get feedback.

as far as battery life, they are both using the same HR kits, so....
But I haven't heard any complaints, if anything it's a bonus to have a user replacable battery.

Yes, I personally like the X6-HR better, as I find it much easier to use. We do sell more of them vs. the Metron/Advizor, but still sell a fair bit of them too, so it's all personal. some people like the size and/or the price.

	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 Advizor - Click for more info The Suunto Advizor - featuring a Heart Rate Monitor using Suunto's proprietary HR technology - simultaneously shows your heart rate, altitude, and vertical ascent/descent data. The Advizor memory stores your total training time and your maximum, minimum and average heart rate during training - plus your time spent in / above / below your pre-set target heart rate. There's even an audible alarm to alert the user when your upper or lower heart rate limits have been exceeded.

	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.