Skydiving in remote dropzones presents unique challenges, particularly for solo jumpers. While the thrill of jumping in secluded locations with expansive views is unmatched, staying safe requires reliable equipment. One of the most critical tools for any skydiver is an altimeter, and when you're in a remote dropzone, it's even more important to have a compact, accurate altimeter or digital tracker to ensure you're on the right trajectory.
Here's a guide to some of the best compact altimeters and digital trackers, specifically designed for solo jumpers on remote dropzones.
AeroTech Digital Altimeter
AeroTech's Digital Altimeter is a trusted choice among solo jumpers due to its durability, compact design, and ease of use. It's known for its accuracy and is ideal for skydivers looking to minimize bulk while still keeping a high standard of safety.
Key Features:
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighs just 2 ounces, perfect for solo jumpers who want minimal equipment.
- Clear Digital Display: The easy-to-read display shows altitude in both feet and meters, with adjustable settings for warning alarms at preset altitudes.
- Audible and Visual Alerts: Ensures you're aware of critical altitudes, especially when jumping in remote locations.
- Durability: Resistant to impact and water, making it ideal for harsher conditions.
Why It Works:
For jumpers on remote dropzones, the AeroTech Digital Altimeter offers precision without sacrificing portability. The alarm system is particularly helpful in areas where ground reference is minimal, giving solo jumpers more confidence in maintaining situational awareness during freefall.
Cypres 2 Automatic Activation Device (AAD) and Altimeter Combo
While typically recognized for its automatic activation device, the Cypres 2 also comes with integrated altimeter functionality, making it an excellent choice for solo jumpers in remote dropzones who value both safety and performance.
Key Features:
- Automatic Activation: If you're unable to deploy your parachute manually, the Cypres 2 will automatically deploy at a preset altitude, adding a critical layer of safety.
- Compact Size: Small enough to be worn on the chest strap or clipped onto the rig, ensuring it doesn't interfere with freefall maneuvers.
- Highly Reliable: Known for its consistent accuracy and quick response time.
- Easy Setup: Configurable to specific jump profiles, ensuring it meets the needs of remote jumps.
Why It Works:
The Cypres 2's combination of an altimeter and AAD offers unmatched security, especially for solo jumpers. The automatic deployment feature is especially useful when jumping in unfamiliar or remote locations where rescue or assistance might be delayed.
Alti-2 N3 Digital Altimeter
The Alti-2 N3 is a high-performance digital altimeter designed specifically for those who want a more detailed readout. It's compact, rugged, and offers excellent visibility, which is essential for solo jumpers in remote or unfamiliar dropzones.
Key Features:
- Multiple Display Options: The N3 allows you to choose between a digital or analog display for altitude, with an option for a combined readout.
- Customizable Audible Alerts: Set the altitude thresholds to suit your jump profile. The audible and visual alerts are loud and clear.
- High-Resolution Screen: The screen is visible under a wide range of light conditions, so you'll never miss a crucial reading.
- Logbook Functionality: Tracks your jumps, giving you data on freefall time and other critical metrics.
Why It Works:
The Alti-2 N3 is perfect for solo jumpers who need versatility and more precise tracking. Its customization options allow jumpers to tailor the device to their specific needs, which is invaluable when jumping in remote dropzones where environmental factors vary.
L&B Viso II+ Digital Altimeter
The Viso II+ from L&B is a sleek, compact altimeter that's packed with advanced features while maintaining a simple user interface. It's particularly popular among solo jumpers who need reliable, real-time altitude monitoring, especially in areas with limited landmarks.
Key Features:
- Ultra-Compact and Lightweight: Weighs only 2.5 ounces and fits snugly on the wrist or mounted to the rig.
- High-Resolution Display: The bright LED display shows both the altitude and your vertical speed in a format that's easy to read at high speeds.
- Audible and Visual Alarms: It provides a clear, loud audible alarm and visual alerts for key altitudes, ensuring you are aware of your descent profile.
- User-Friendly Interface: The Viso II+ is easy to set up, making it an excellent choice for solo jumpers who want functionality without complexity.
Why It Works:
The Viso II+ is ideal for solo jumpers who need straightforward, reliable performance. Its compact size and ease of use make it an excellent choice for remote dropzones, where you might need a fast, effective readout with minimal distraction.
ProDytter Digital Altimeter
For solo jumpers who require real-time altitude and speed information, the ProDytter is an excellent option. Known for its accuracy and easy-to-read display, it's a versatile tool for those jumping in remote areas with little to no visual reference points.
Key Features:
- Digital Display with Real-Time Speed Monitoring: Tracks both altitude and vertical speed during freefall.
- Multiple Alert Options: Customize altitude alarms based on your jump profile, with both audible and visual cues.
- Rugged Build: Built to withstand harsh conditions, including rain and extreme temperatures.
- Logbook Features: Tracks and stores detailed jump data, making it a good option for jumpers who want to review their jumps after the fact.
Why It Works:
The ProDytter is well-suited for solo jumpers on remote dropzones due to its combination of real-time tracking, durability, and ease of use. The vertical speed indicator is especially useful in remote areas where altitude alone may not provide enough information for proper decision-making.
FreeFly Systems Altitrack
The FreeFly Systems Altitrack is a top-of-the-line digital altimeter designed for advanced jumpers, including solo freefallers. With its precision and performance, it is an ideal choice for those who need a reliable system for jumps in remote dropzones.
Key Features:
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighs only 3 ounces, perfect for freefall without excess weight.
- Tracking Data: Tracks freefall time, vertical speed, and altitude with pinpoint accuracy.
- Audible and Visual Alerts: Ensures you can track altitude and react to alarms during a jump.
- Resilient Build: Resistant to harsh conditions, including high-speed winds, rain, and extreme temperatures.
Why It Works:
The Altitrack offers advanced features typically reserved for high-level freefallers but in a compact, easy-to-use form. It's designed for those looking for precise control during freefall, especially on remote dropzones with few landmarks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right altimeter or digital tracker is crucial for solo jumpers, particularly those jumping in remote dropzones. Whether you're looking for a simple, compact device like the AeroTech Digital Altimeter or a more advanced system like the Cypres 2 with automatic activation, there's a range of options to suit your needs.
A good altimeter or tracker ensures that you maintain situational awareness during your jump, even when you're far from any visible landmarks or assistance. With the right equipment, your solo jump in a remote dropzone can be not only thrilling but safe, allowing you to enjoy the adventure to the fullest.