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Suunto Elementum Terra
Suunto Elementum Terra Review Facts
In a world where smartphones, tablets, and apps have taken over, most people don’t see the need to use time-honored traditional pieces of technology like the common watch. Twenty years ago, you would have been hard-pressed to walk down the street and not see both men and women sporting some of the nicest timepieces around. In certain areas though, like mountain towns, those timepieces were a bit more sturdy than common watches. In remembrance of those times, and to aid those who take part in activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and even climbing, that don’t have the opportunity to pull out their smartphone every time they need to know the time or their location, Suunto has developed a tough watch that has more to offer than many would expect, the Suunto Elementum Terra.
The Suunto Elementum Terra isn’t a watch you have to be careful with. No, this watch is designed to stand up to the extremes. Whether you are ascending to high altitudes or find yourself exposed to water this watch will take whatever your active lifestyle dishes out while also offering you impressive battery life and design. In this review, we will discuss both the good and the bad associated with the Suunto Elementum Terra. This will give you an idea of whether you are willing to sink the money being asked for this watch into this high-tech piece of gear. In the end, we hope you have a better understanding of the Terra and whether you love or can live without it.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely environment resilient
- Water Resistant
- Great Features
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
- Accuracy issues can occur
- Doesn’t show seconds measurement on display
Comfort
One of the biggest reasons wristwatches have always had such a following is the comfort they allowed wearers to experience. Over the years, a person could easily check the time or date from their watch without much thought due to the fact it almost felt as if it wasn’t there. This comfort comes mostly from the wristband that has always been a staple with these time pieces. Whether you wore a watch that used the stretch type band, leather, or plastic your watch was secured and not a bothersome issue. Suunto kept this tradition in mind when they developed the Terra. The Terra comes with a leather wrist band that can easily be changed out if this isn’t your preferred band choice. If you plan on using your Terra near water often, you may want to go with the rubber option. Suunto also offers a steel option that one can choose but this wouldn’t be the best choice if comfort is something you are searching for.
Design
Considering the functions Suunto offers in the Elementum Terra you would expect this watch to go against the good-looking category. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. In all honesty, most reviewers loved the style this watch offered. A few even compared it to luxury watches that have been sold in the past. If you are a lover of making a fashion statement, this watch can easily do that for you while still offering you smartwatch options. Suunto also offers several choices to allow you to adapt the Terra to your own personal style. Color schemes and bands can be changed upon order this watch to let you decide which look is best for you. Keep in mind, however, not everything about the Terra is perfect. When looking at the face of this watch you may find yourself a bit put off. This is where function comes first and looking good comes in second.
Watch Face
When choosing the right watch for you, the face is always one of the first things you consider. Snatching up one that isn’t the kind of style you want may leave you wearing a watch, whether it’s a smartwatch or simply a timepiece you want for daily use, that you aren’t happy with. The face of the Suunto Elementum Terra isn’t exactly stylish, but it does exactly what you would expect it to do. This sports watch maximizes what it is working with. The time display is settled in the center of the face. In this space, you will find both the hour and minutes but no seconds. Suunto chose not to include that measurement in the Terra. Beneath the time, you will find the section dedicated to the date. With the push of the coordinating side button, this will change into the chronograph. Toward the top of the face, you will find a small arrow that shows wind direction and the altimeter display. Barometric pressure can be demarcated on the outer edge of the face but when pushing the bottom dial, this adjusts into a 3D compass for your use. Every aspect of this watch’s face is used to maximize functionality which is something those who reviewed the Terra absolutely loved.
Band
As mentioned above, there are several options to choose from when deciding which band is best for your Terra. Unfortunately, there is nothing that really stands out about any of these options. Yes, the band is comfortable and does what it is designed to do but that is all the wristband truly has to offer. When discussing the types of bands, you can choose from the leather one is often the favored choice. This is due to the comfort factor that accompanies it. In most cases, leather is the stock option but of course, it can be changed upon request or order. Those who want to use the Terra for water activities will, of course, prefer the rubber band. This option doesn’t provide the comfort of the leather band but can be quite functional if you like to swim or plan on having the watch submerged for long periods at a time. A steel band is also offered. No, most people will not consider this a comfort option but if you want to make your Terra withstand mountain climbing and other dangerous activities this band choice is the sturdiest available.
Basic Features
Like any other timepiece, the Suunto Elementum Terra is designed to tell the time and date. Unfortunately, and to the dismay of some reviewers, this particular watch doesn’t display seconds. The digital display does provide the other desired elements in an easy to read format along with the little-added extra of displaying the current altitude. Many reviewers were unable to hold back their disappointment in the lack of a second reading. This complaint went hand in hand with talk of the hefty price you pay for the watch.
Key Features
When discussing the features on the face of the Terra above, we touched lightly on a few of this watch’s features. Here we will discuss them a bit more, explaining exactly what each is. First up is the chronograph, or the stopwatch function. This function can be accessed easily by pushing the upper dial. This is where you will see both seconds and milliseconds displayed. Those who found themselves upset about the lack of a seconds display can easily opt for using this function. The middle dial handles two features. Here you can log in altitude calculations and access Terra’s backlight. The bottom dial accesses the 3D compass and calibrates time. When the 3D compass is activated it will take place of the barometer to allow you to use it more easily. The barometer can also be used along with the altimeter to predict the weather and determine the current pressure. All these features are easily accessible on the Terra and can make the experience of buying the Terra quite enjoyable.
Accuracy
Unfortunately, many reviewers have mentioned concerns with the accuracy of the Suunto Elementum Terra. Of course, as we’ve discussed, many have had an issue with the fact this watch doesn’t display seconds. On a more serious note, however, there are some issues with the accuracy of the altimeter/barometer. When changes take place in this feature, it has been known to cause the Terra to become confused and display wrong readings such as incorrect altitude. This issue can be fixed by doing certain recalibrations but buyers have suggested with a watch of this price, issues like this shouldn’t occur. If this possible problem is too much of an issue for you, then it may be best for you to avoid the purchase of the Terra or pay strict attention to your setting and recalibrate often.
Connectivity
Another unfortunate aspect of the Terra is the fact that it isn’t connective with any other products. This watch is not designed to coincide with things such as your smart phone. There is no companion app, Bluetooth connection, or USB port. No, the Terra is truly a wristwatch. If you are in the market for the connective options offered by a watch, you will be better suited going in search of a smart watch that suites your tastes.
Durability
When it comes to a high-end sports watch, the Suunto Elementum Terra can easily be considered one of the most durable on the market. This watch is designed to withstand the extreme conditions the elements can throw at you. Whether you plan on being in higher or lower elevations, you’ll find in most cases the Terra will keep on working no matter the change. In hopes of adding to this watch’s durability, Suunto made an even sturdier wristband option: the steel band. Keep in mind, though, this is still a watch. It may be one of the toughest on the market, but the Terra will still show signs of damage if you allow it to be mistreated or banged around too much.
Best Applications
There are many areas where the Terra will come into great use. If you are a lover of lots of activities, you will be able to put your investment to great use. Hikers, bikers, campers, mountain climbers, and even swimmers can put this sports watch to use. With the features, this watch provides you’ll find it easy to find a way to use this watch in almost all walks of your life. Keeping up with the time and date are only the basic things you’ll find yourself doing. If you need a compass, you have one. If you need to know wind direction, just look on your Terra. This watch makes the activity more fun and convenient.
Price
The Suunto Elementum Terra is commonly referred to as the Rolex of sports watches. This nickname alone should tell you it comes with a hefty price tag. This can be considered the normal price range for high-end watches, but still, reviewers and verified purchasers have an issue with the price they are being asked to pay. This is due to the fact that even at the high price asked, the Terra does have accuracy issues that cannot be ignored. If you are in the market for a sports watch that doesn’t come with such an investment involved, you may be better off choosing another timepiece. If you don’t mind dropping a chunk of change for a stylish addition to your wardrobe, then the Terra is waiting for you.
Ease of Use
Most reviewers found the Terra to be quite easy to use. Most of its features and functions are easily accessible thanks to the dials located on the sides. Once you learn the basics of what each dial does, considering most have dual functions, you’ll breeze through the operation of your Suunto Elementum Terra like it is second nature.
Bottom Line
When discussing the Suunto Elementum Terra, one cannot deny the luxury that is associated with this product. The Terra is easily one of the most sought-after high-end watches on the market. With the multiple functions and features, it offers people are easily drawn into its unique style and comfort. The price tag and accuracy issues that can be experienced are often considered to be the most noticeable issues with this timepiece leaving most purchasers happy with the product they’ve invested in.
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