Suunto X-Lander Watch

Just received the xlander military edition as an early Christmas gift. The service from Backcountry was great and I primarily purchased from them because in researching this watch found out that they will take returns without any issue. Loved the watch as soon as I pulled it out of the box. Has a large instruction manual but the button use is rather intuitive and I really like the way the controls are set up. A few notes to pass along: for such a big honkin watch this thing is incredibly lightweight; I thought the numbers were illuminated all the time but not so - the numbers are yellow/green and reflect almost any ambient light but does not show up in the dark, however the backlight is more than adequate when used; probably the most comfortable watch I've ever put on my wrist; once on, it will definitely stay on, the bandkeeper is somewhat of a nuisance when trying to remove but while wearing the watch, the extra part of the band will not move around on you; the band is very comfortable and stylish and functional but rather thin as I was expecting it to be a bit thicker. Overall, I LOVE THIS WATCH!! It's everything I thought and more and I hope to get many many years of use.

The watch is versatile. It looks good on the town and also on the mountain. I have been very impressed by the ease and functionality of the product. I use it on Search and Rescue and I have had a very positive experience form it. BEWARE!!! The altimeter is based of atmospheric pressure. Weather changes can make the altimeter be off a few hundred feet. Also, if you have gnarly weather as Utah does (i.e. Lake Effect rain/snow), the barometer may show "sun" but it may be raining. The thermometer is also picking up body heat so you have to adjust 10-20 degress. I know that these "BEWARES" sound bad; however, keep in mind that the technology doesn't exist yet to counteract these anomolies and it is rare when you have to deal with them. Overall it is very accurate and dependable. ALWAYS REMEBER TO BRING AN OLD SCHOOL COMPASS!!!! BATTERIES DO FAIL! 5 stars definetly and I would definetly recommend this to you or my family.

I have several Suunto's, and the X-Lander has been my first one. I have it since 10 years now, and believe me or not, despite brutal treatments such as several adventure races, swimming in salted water, biking under the burning sun, the heavy rain, or skiing with negative temp, I never had a single issue with it, excepting the battery that I have to change a little bit too often. The glass is virgin from any scratch and I still have the original leather wristband, 10 years after! It has lost it's softness, doesn't really look like brand new, but it tells the story of intense use. Nothing to complain about this watch excepting the temperature which is screwed by your own body temp.

Got this beauty as a wedding gift for a buddy. It was pretty easy to get setup during the plane ride to Vail; of course I landed before calibrating the altimeter. This sucker is pretty sizable no doubt to squeeze in the temp and pressure sensors, but it looks sharp enough to pull off with a suit...especially in the rockies. He was stoked to go from sea level to near 10k feet in Maui.
Call me foolish, but replacing the band once every year or two for a watch you can wear for outdoor or daily use doesn't seem that bad. Can't give it that fifth star since I don't own it, but I wish I did...

I have owned the positive face Suunto X-Lander for two years without any problems except to replace the battery and watch band. The X-Lander is basically a Vector with an aluminum case and mineral glass face. The X-Lander is a dependable and accurate watch with a strong rotating bezel that works and does not get loose over time. The buttons have also remained strong and firm. It is a large watch but is easy to read. The watch is great looking and very accurate.

It is a great watch, rugged look, military look as well, and great looking watch. Features all work great, except for the temperature since it reads your body temp basically, because it has the sensor at the bottom which it causes it to read your temp. If you want accurate temp reading, you have to take off the watch for about 15 mts. and you should have an accurate temp. (maybe they can re-design and place the sensor in a different place.)

I absolutely love this watch. It does everything you expect from Suunto....BUT, the watchbands by this company are horrible. I've had the X-lander Mil edition for about 18 months now, and the rubber band has already broken. The only replacement band now available is the just as crappy leather version (smells when it gets wet) For a company that makes such great watches, I don't see how they put such crappy bands on them. The other problem is that you can't just put any strap on it. The pins are curved so you pretty much have to go with a Suunto strap.