Ask Our Rigger Shauna - Altimeters

HI Shauna,

I am new to the game and wanted to know how you felt about altimeters. I have friends telling me i should have an analog and some saying i should go digital. also do you think I would be ok with one or should I have two.

Thank You

Chris

________________________________________________________________

Hi Chris,

Thanks so much for writing in with your question.  As an Instructor, I want my students to have a solid foundation in their routine when it comes to being altitude aware.  That being said, I also remember how frustrating it was as a student trying to read my analog altimeter in the pattern because of the extremely small lines and near nonexistent number on the dial.  When I purchased my first digital altimeter and was making the transition to it, I was nervous!  The screen was smaller and obviously digital and it was just different. 

 Large face on Analog 

Here’s what I suggest: Get the digital altimeter but also wear the analog with it until you’re comfortable using just one of them.  I did this a few times until I was comfortable reading the digital and weaned myself off the double altimeters to just the one.  Worked like a charm!  Some DZ’s are evening doing this throughout their student programs with positive results.

Please keep this in mind though; digital altimeters operate solely on batteries. Batteries can die at the most inconvenient times.  Always make sure that your batteries are fresh and/or fully charged should choose an altimeter with a charging option.  Analog altimeters don’t need batteries therefore that’s not a concern.  While there are pros and cons for each type, you need to make the best decision for you as a jumper. Also, make sure you check out all the features the digital altimeters offer! Logbooks, odometers for jumps, freefall speeds and more! I’m sure there won’t be a shortage of skydivers willing to show you how to use it.

Blue Skies!

Shauna