Have you used an Avocet Vertech?

[InspectorGadget]

I was given an Avocet Vertech - not the Vertech II - that appears to be in good condition, though I think it needs a battery.

Do you have any experience with the Vertech or Vertech II? Is it worth spending a few bucks for a new battery?

Any input is appreciated.

[cj001f]

I have and still use a Vertech 2. I like it, except for the lack of a backlight.

[roorfan]

i hated mine.

[H-man]

I have been using mine for the last four seasons and am very happy with it. I had to change my battery last winter and I will say that it was kind of a chore. When I put it back together some of the buttons were not hitting the contacts and would not work. I was on my wat to Yurp and already through the security check out when I figured it out. I basically had to Magiver the shit out of the thing with eyeglass scissors and a toothpick at the counter of a Burger King to get it back working. Other than that, I think it is worth the cost of the battery.

[Arno]

/\/\/\ Reports I heard bear this out. A good tool but people I know have always had to send it to the mfr to get the battery changed. Not sure that they're all that efficient about doing it either (this is in the UK - they may be better organised in the US).

[El Chupacabra]

/\/\/\ Reports I heard bear this out. A good tool but people I know have always had to send it to the mfr to get the battery changed. Not sure that they're all that efficient about doing it either (this is in the UK - they may be better organised in the US).

I have the original Vertech still (ooh... teal and purple buttons...). Functions, but it eats a battery every year, and Avocet insists on being sent the watch for battery replacement ($40-50 last time). I replaced the battery myself last time, but I don't think I calibrated the altimeter correctly. Avocet claims there's some super-secret way they do the calibration, and they won't tell me how.

Anyone have the Suunto or other altimeter watch that is user-serviceable?

-Karl

[Shredhead]

Avocet insists on being sent the watch for battery replacement.

Anyone have the Suunto or other altimeter watch that is user-serviceable?

-Karl

That was always Avocets biggest drawback.

I have had several Suunto's and they are good watches, great customer service and its very easy to change the battery. But next time I'll just get a GPS.

[Steezus Christ]

I had the same Vertech as Chupacabra and I remember sitting in school watching my elevation go up as high as 800 feet while still in the same spot. I never even used it for anything but time despite my big plan to track all my vertical each season.

[SkiingBear]

I've got one of the original Vertechs, have had it since '94, I think. I can't even count how many times I've sent it in to Avocet for a new battery. I always loved that thing, and still used it up until last season when I got a heartrate monitor that has an altimeter function. I always liked the feature of tracking your runs...kinda fun to see just how many you can do on a big day.

[sanjuaner]

Used to work for those guys. They wanted the unit back to hermetically seal it after battery change and to re-calibrate. If you want to do it yourself, there is a re-set under the battey location. It's almost too small for a paper clip end, use a pin. These things seem to go forever, the newer battery technology usually means 2 -3 years per battery.

[InspectorGadget]

Thanks for the feedback.

I have the original Vertech still (ooh... teal and purple buttons...).

Same one I was given, very sexy.

If you want to do it yourself, there is a re-set under the battey location. It's almost too small for a paper clip end, use a pin. These things seem to go forever, the newer battery technology usually means 2 -3 years per battery.

It sounds like I can do this myself and save a few bucks. Regarding recalibration of the elevation, what is required? Or does pressing the reset button button do all that?

Thanks again.

[chaka]

I have an original Vertech, worked great until the battery died. Anybody have the ship-to address in Advocet for the bettery replacement service?

I also have a HighGear, which I have been using for a year now. I like it, seems pretty accurate, not as many bells and whistles as Suunto, but for the price a solid tool.

[El Chupacabra]

Thanks for the feedback.

Same one I was given, very sexy.

It sounds like I can do this myself and save a few bucks. Regarding recalibration of the elevation, what is required? Or does pressing the reset button button do all that?

Thanks again.

You can replace the battery yourself, and reset it yourself (paperclip). You can also recalibrate it by doing the user recalibration, but Avocet claims there's some special secret factory recalibration that cannot be done without their special tools... and they won't tell me what those tools are.

Here's the contact info for Avocet:
http://avocet.com/custserv/battvert.html

-Karl

[Nobody Famous]

Garmin has some similar products, I think they are now named the Forerunner 201 and 301.