Beginning skydivers may want to invest in a reasonably priced altimeter watch to start with, gradually moving up the price scale with skydiving experience.
While most beginning skydivers will take extra care to get a good parachute and jump suit, along with a good helmet and goggles, many don't give quite as much thought to other equipment and accessories. For example, if you look on the wrist of an experienced skydiver, you will probably see an altimeter watch. This instrument measures altitude above sea level using air pressure (changes in air pressure in the atmosphere).
All altimeters, whether they are used for skydiving or on the aircraft itself, are calibrated based on the International Standard Atmosphere. The scale then allows pilots, parachutists and skydivers to closely estimate elevation. There are variations around the globe that must be taken into account by pilots traveling long distances, but the skydiver can be very accurate with an altimeter watch from one of many reliable companies in the industry.
Setting The Altimeter Watch
The altimeter used for skydiving must, of course, be set according to local atmospheric pressure figures. Once this is done, the skydiver and the jump master can be sure that all actions taken during the jump happen at the correct altitude. For skydivers, free fall time is crucial. This is the true minute of enjoyment that skydivers get. A well-made, accurate altimeter watch will ensure that the timing is as close to perfect as possible. Some new, more advanced altimeters emit an audible sound at certain intervals to let the diver know the correct altitude.
What's Available?
Among the manufacturers of the altimeter watch are well-known companies such as Timex, Casio and Nike, but skydivers may want to look at the excellent products from Highgear, Graf Zeppelin and Nixon as well. The first time purchaser of an altimeter watch may want to talk with an experienced skydiver at the jump center or skydiving school to get some recommendations on good altimeters for the sport. These pros and expert amateurs will be able to discuss the crucial element of altitude based on personal experience.
Prices vary widely, depending on the features included in the altimeter watch, the face size, and several other factors. For example, a Timex product that will work very well starts at about $70. Highgear's Terra Tech Summit altimeter watch with a 2" face diameter costs about $90. At the other end of the spectrum is the Graf Zeppelin altimeter chronograph watch (stainless steel and titanium) with a price tag of $400. One of Nixon's products falls somewhere in the middle, at about $200 to $250.
No matter which altimeter watch the first-time buyer chooses, the purchase should be made with as much information on hand as possible.
Read more articles about and skydiving accessories available here.