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Casio Equipment Report |  |
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| Casio Pro-trek PRT600 watches Equipment report from Tim Stocks 7th July 2000 |
The Pro-trek PRT600 watches we have been testing possess a full range of
functions, the most invaluable of which so far has been the altimeter.
Our climb of 4,400m (approximately half the height of Everest) in 100
miles from Kathmandu up and onto the Tibetan Plateau along the
Friendship Highway was the most challenging part of the expedition to
date, with the ever present and serious threat of altitude sickness
requiring a controlled acclimatisation period and ascent. Due to the
conflicting information we had at our disposal in the form of maps,
guide books and information from companies and fellow travelers that
related to distances, place names and locations, the projected altitudes
and relative altitudes calculated by our watches were often the easiest
and safest way to co-ordinate our ascent. After accurate calibration we
were pleased to find consistently reliable height readings which gave us
the confidence to gauge our exertions for the rest of the Himalayan
stage in so far as when to stop, camp or continue over a pass which, at
times, came with alarming regularity! The few cyclists we encountered in
the Himalayas all had some form of altimeter and for anyone considering
traveling in similarly mountainous and / or remote areas we would
suggest this as an essential piece of kit.
Having now left the mighty Himalayas and the last of its foothills that reverberate into Laos, we have entered the sub-tropical plains of Thailand and Malaysia where the temperature and barometric functions will now come to the fore. Not only to avoid cycling in the peak heat of the day but in helping to gauge the best weather in which to attempt sea crossings in kayaks as we island hop through Indonesia to Australia. So far the watches have proved indestructible, in spite of a high speed crash and the buffeting of a monsoonal river in full flow, as well as the constant dust, dirt, sweat, rain and sun that the elements throw against a cyclist. Our only consideration would not be for the watch itself, but if it were possible to have a fully velcroed version of the strap as opposed to the leather and metal bands we have been trying. It would be of benefit to have a strap fully adjustable and secure as we have had minor problems with the watches either loosening themselves during the course of a days cycling or pins and needles in one of the hands due to the strap being too tight. In every other aspect, the watches performance has been excellent and we look forward to continue flicking through the time zones all the way to Sydney! |
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