WatchUSeek Watch Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Need a new Protrek: prg240 or prw-2500 or maybe paw-1500?

Jump to Latest
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
J

John Bowring

· Registered
Joined
·
54 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
A few years ago I discovered ABC watches. After careful research, I decided on the Casio PRG-240. I loved it! I actually use nearly all of the features. Once per year I go on a week-to-ten day solo hike. I am outdoors in all kinds of weather and at various altitude. I have also taken it snorkeling. Most of the time, I just wear it as my everyday watch. The 240 does, or did, nearly everything I want. It is a fantastic watch, imo.

Most unfortunately, I lost it last month.

I want to replace it, but I am thinking of going to a PRW-2500, specifically this version:

prw-2500-1b

I would be happy to return to the 240, but I would also like the moon phases feature (I have my reasons, trust me!). I also like the look of this watch.

I am a little worried that the prw-2500-1b may be a little too large for me. Not sure. Does anyone who has both a prg-240 and a prw-2500 think the 2500 is too bulky in comparision?

I am also looking at the paw-1500 (also has the moon phase feature).

Would love to hear your opinions or other suggestions!
Thank you!

JB

P.S. first post on the forum.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Welcome John,

Your old 240 is actually bigger than the 2500 series. The 2500 does have a lot of features including what you want, tide and moon. It does however have a couple of faults in my opinion. It has an aluminum bezel that after some time becomes banged up pretty bad. But if you do not mind that, some here in fact like it, then it is a good choice. And its CDT is only 60 minutes compared to the others with a 24hr timer.

Your 240 measures (lug to lug, case diameter, height of case) 57.3 X 50.9 X 15.3. The 2500 is 56.3 X 50.6 X 15. There is the PRG-260 which is essentially an updated 240 with a Stainless Steel bezel and 20bar water resistance (standard G-Shock depth). It measures the same as the 2500 in lug to lug and case diameter. But the bezel height is a tad higher, 56.3 X 50.6 X 15.6.

The 1500 can be found from time to time on the bay. They range in price from around the $99 mark for used ones up to $160ish and up for new. It has a tinted lcd (blueish green). The tide feature being at the bottom of the lcd is the best use of space. The alarm tones are a little weak compared to a 270 or a 260. And it also only ha a 60 minute timer.

Take a look at the PRG-270. It has the V3 sensors, it's the cheapest at the moment and the resin bezel in my opinion is best at shrugging off blows against it compared to SS. No dual lcd, so no loss of clarity when reading the watch. If you can keep living without the tide/ moon feature and not go atomic sync then, IMO the 270 is the best bet.

I did not mention the PRW3000 (slim profile, but aluminum bezel) or the PRW-3500 (the baddest Pro Trek yet) since you did not mention Atomic sync specifically. I have the 260, 270, 1500, 3500, and an old PAG-80. I like the 1500 for its smaller size and the 270 was the one I wore most until some others arrived.

Watch links
PAW-1500
PAW1500-1V - PRO TREK, Mens, Digital, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Watch | CASIO America, Inc.

The 2500
PRW2500R-1 - PRO TREK, Mens, Digital, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Watch | CASIO America, Inc.

The 260, an updated 240 which is updated from a PAW-2000/PRG200
PRG260-1 - PRO TREK, Mens, Digital, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Watch | CASIO America, Inc.

The 270, essentially a 3000 or 3500 without atomic sync
PRG270-1 - PRO TREK, Mens, Digital, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Watch | CASIO America, Inc.

The 3000
PRW3000-1A - PRW3000 - Pro Trek Watches

The 3500
PRW3500-1 - PRO TREK, Mens, Digital, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Watch | CASIO America, Inc.

Do not bother with the 280 is is a twin sensor ana-digi. Kind of useless for Pro Trek.

Have fun reading.

Please feel free to check out the links and ask more questions.

****Edit****

If you wanted, you could jump into a G-Shock Rangeman. It is the first G-Shock triple sensor. It's essentially a PRW-3500.
http://www.casio.com/products/Watches/G-Shock/GW9400-1/
 
#3 · (Edited)
Pictures....

My PAW-1500 on adapters and a fabric strap



The PRG-260 on a strap. No adapters needed with this or the 2500 case due to big beefy lug bars.



My "Beast" the PAG-80 on a factory ballistic nylon strap.



The PRW-3500



PRG-270 uses spring bars which allows the use of a fast wrap strap



GW-9400 Rangeman is the first Triple sensor ABC G-Shock.
 
Discussion starter · #4 · (Edited)
Thank you so much, Rocat. That's exactly the kind of analysis I needed. I especially like you photos. Very cool stuff.

I did know, or have read at least, about the unfortunate bezel choice Casio has used on the PRW-2500. I think I will still go with that one, however, since it has all the features I need. I didn't know about the CDT limitation, but it is not a feature I have used much. The PAW-1500 is cheap right now on Amazon-- $162, so I am tempted. I'd actually prefer to spend an extra few $10 to get the watch I really want. (Or I could get both ;) ). It may seem trivial, but I don't care for the two-tone color scheme on the PAW-1500.

Of those you have shown here, I especially like the look of the 270 and 3000. I wish they had all the features I want (so maybe I should get one of these watches as a "spare" :D ).

One last question: does the fabric strap make the PAW-1500 feel less bulky on your wrist. I loved the PRG-240, and used the original factory resin strap. It was okay, and didn't feel too large, but maybe a custom would feel even better.

OK, so now I need to buy:

a PAW-1500-1V for its perfect functionality and durability
PAW1500-1V - PRO TREK, Mens, Digital, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Watch | CASIO America, Inc.

a new PRW-3000-1A because, well, I think it is beautiful
PRW3000-1A - PRW3000 - Pro Trek Watches

a new PRW-2500-1b because it meets all my needs and I like the look (see video in this link):
Casio Men's PRW2500-1B ProTrek Tough Solar Atomic Digital Watch

plus new straps.

Fun!
 
#5 ·
The strap on my PAW1500 definitely is less bulky. It is a Zulu strap. As far as I know all the PAW-1500 are black and green unless you get PAW-1500T-7 which has a Titanium band.

For a "spare" ABC the 270 can not be beat.

The 2500 is a good choice. The nice thing is you can keep the resin band, which will conform to your wrist after a short while. Or go with several different 22mm fabric straps. The choice of material and color is endless and they are cheap.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
I know I can google or search the forum, but since you know and we are here: is it easy to swap the 1500 band? I can take it to a jeweler friend, but how easy is it to do yourself? What size zulu band do I use on a 1500?

I will take another look at the 270.
 
#8 ·
John Bowring said:
I know I can google or search the forum, but since you know and we are here: is it easy to swap the 1500 band? I can take it to a jeweler friend, but how easy is it to do yourself? What size zulu band do I use on a 1500?

I will take another look at the 270.
Click to expand...
Well I had a whole page typed out for you and then my thumb went across the touch pad and it all went away. So here it goes, again....

The 1500 can be converted to adapters and a fabric band easily. Order from PacParts.com the two Cover End Pieces (12H and 6H-the top adapter and the bottom adapter). You will also need the band screws 2 each of the female and male. The adapters use a smaller headed screw. The ones from the resin strap will be to big. The screw band bars can be a little tricky. You must use two small flat head screwdrivers simultaneously one to hold the female bar and the other to back out(when removing) and thread into the female bar when reattaching the male screw.

Be warned you can end up jabbing yourself with both screwdrivers. Some here have used small knives. I personally use small dull paring knives. I just used them tonight to re-attach my resin band back onto the PRG-260.

Here is the link:
Casio PAW1500GB-3 Parts and Accessories

Ordering from PacParts can be frustrating. Do not let it be. If a part says not in stock; they order it from Casio. At the moment, the band screws (male ones) are not in stock. Go ahead and place your order for (1) 12H cover end piece, (1) 6H cover end piece, (2) screw band female, and (2) screw band male parts.
*******************************************************************************************************************************
When you go to check out, make sure in the special instructions you make a note in there to HOLD SHIPMENT OF ORDER UNTIL ALL ITEMS ARE IN INVENTORY. THEN PLEASE SHIP ALL ITEMS TOGETHER.
********************************************************************************************************************************
There should also be a box that asks you if you want items shipped to you as they are received in inventory. CHECK NO. Again, you want all items to be held ans shipped as one package. If you do not do this; they will ship out items individually and charge you the $4.95 for each shipment. All of us WUS members have made that mistake ONCE.

The band size officially I believe is 23mm. a 22mm may have some wiggle and a 24 could be a super tight fit. I believe mine is a 22mm.
 
#9 ·
Rocat you really write some good quality informative posts in this thread! The type of ProTrek posts that good old Queen6 used to write around here! b-) In his absence we have you instead! :-!

I used to own several ProTreks but sold most of them. I was frustrated with Casio falling behind in the ABC market so became a Suunto guy instead (love my Core's and Ambit2).

But I have recently bought a couple of ProTreks again as well as G-Shock Rangeman's. I have a bright yellow PRW-3000, one of the most comfortable watches I ever owned and it looks great! Also bought a purple PRG-270 because it was so cheap also a great model that I like a lot but I still prefer my PRW-3000 as my fave! Recently Casio came out with this great looking PRW-3000B-5JF:


Awesome looking and I am tempted to get it in the future...
 
Discussion starter · #10 · (Edited)
Rocat, I want to "like" your post but don't know how. Thank you so much for the detailed advice! I am sure I am all set up now.

btw, the 3500 is on sale today (Amazon) for $164. So many choices, so little money :)

Edit: found the (tiny!) like button.

cheers,
jb
 
#11 ·
Joakim Agren said:
Rocat you really write some good quality informative posts in this thread! The type of ProTrek posts that good old Queen6 used to write around here! b-) In his absence we have you instead!
Click to expand...
Thank you very much. To be compared to Queen6 is High Praise indeed. The last time I went hiking, this is what I climbed 20+ years ago.
Table Rock Mountain
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Hey Rocat! My new paw-1500 just came today. I love it! I don't know if others have this experience, but the Casio ABC watches always look better in person than they do in even high-quality digi pics. Not only that, this one also feels better than I had expected. I will change the strap when my zulu band arrives, but the resin strap is more supple and comfy on my wrist than I had anticipated.

Best of all -- well, best of all is the display, but second best of all -- the buttons, which had slightly put me off from the photos, have nice give to them. I like them better than those on my (still weeping -- sniff, sniff) long-lost pag-240.

I am still crazy about the two-tone green/black case. I would prefer an all-black look. But this way, I also have something to nitpick about!

Thanks again for the recommendation.

Happy Camper.
 
#14 ·
Glad you like it. It is one of the best looking Casio watches out there IMO. Mine, however is getting ready to make long trip to Australia. Soulbridgemedia will be the new owner.

John Bowring said:
Hey Rocat! My new paw-1500 just came today. I love it! I don't know if others have this experience, but the Casio ABC watches always look better in person than they do in even high-quality digi pics. Not only that, this one also feels better than I had expected. I will change the strap when my zulu band arrives, but the resin strap is more supple and comfy on my wrist than I had anticipated.

Best of all -- well, best of all is the display, but second best of all -- the buttons, which had slightly put me off from the photos, have nice give to them. I like them better than those on my (still weeping -- sniff, sniff) long-lost pag-240.

I am still crazy about the two-tone green/black case. I would prefer an all-black look. But this way, I also have something to nitpick about!

Thanks again for the recommendation.

Happy Camper.
Click to expand...
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Discussion starter · #16 ·
Rocat said:
Glad you like it. It is one of the best looking Casio watches out there IMO. Mine, however is getting ready to make long trip to Australia. Soulbridgemedia will be the new owner.
Click to expand...
I think Soulbridge will not be disappointed.

One more nitpick. I do not think the bezel on this watch is up to the quality of the rest of it. It's okay, but not as smooth (not easy, but smooth movement) as I would like. This really is a fussy point, however.

Finally, a plus to counter the nitpicks. The atomic sensor is excellent. I wasn't sure that this would function in my part of the world since I am at the outer edge of on the nearest radio beacon.

I tried to sync it this afternoon, but it didn't work. Oh well, I thought, I didn't buy it for this (in my opinion) less-than-crucial feature.
But I tried it again this evening and not only did it pick up a signal -- it read it at the strongest level, L3, which means that it will always work for me sometimes, thought not perhaps every day.

Atomic timing is nice, but after the novelty, I don't think it is a biggy, one way or the other. These watches keep nearly perfect time over an extended period. My old 240 was not atomic and I don't recall ever having to adjust it (I may have, but don't recall) over 2 1/2 years -- after it was set correctly the first time, of course.
 
Discussion starter · #17 · (Edited)
Hello friends. I have an update and a question.

Update: I am very pleased with the PAW1500. I wear it all the time, and am sure I will make good use of it. I know there are type 3 sensors and updated design features on later models, but this is plenty watch for me. I have had use for nearly all the functions already. There are a lot of complaints (usually be peeps who don't read manuals, I must say) that the altitude readings are flawed or unreliable on these watches, but if you calibrate them before you start out, or mentally adjust the readings to a known site (the altitude at one's house, for example, which is very easy to find on google maps), I have found the readings quite reliable within the manufacturer's specs. I went from 140 to 2460 meters last week and my PAW-1500 performed perfectly.

Another nice surprise is how much I have come to enjoy the layout of the very readable digital dial. As Rocat noted, the tide reading curving along the base of the dial is pure genius. I don't really pay attention to tides (but now I do), so I was initially indifferent to this feature. I'm completely sold on it now, however. Sometimes companies keep designing and re-designing, when really all they need to do is stop with perfection. This is the case here.

As I noted when the watch first came, I am able to get radio updates regularly -- well, irregularly -- on the watch every night even though I am at the far fringe of the beacon's reach. Again, I wasn't sure about the importance of this bit of extra tech, but I love it. I used it yesterday as a basis to time a recently purchased mechanical watch (more on that in the Russian forum :) ).

So here is my question. I need advice. I also ordered and paid for the PRG-2500-1b. I haven't seen this one yet because it is with relatives in the US. I will be in there at the end of this month, but I haven't already decided to return or sell the 2500. I could keep both, but I have gone watch-crazy this month and I think I overdid it. ;-) It's isn't really buyer's regret either, since I know I will like the watch when I see it.

If I sell it here I WUS I'd probably have to take a discount, which is silly, but oh well. However, if I return it to Amazon, it will be past 30 days (as of July 13, but I won't been united with my watch till about the 24th.

What would you do?
 
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
About this Discussion
17 Replies
4 Participants
Last post:
John Bowring
WatchUSeek Watch Forums
posts
24M
members
618K
Since
2005
A forum community dedicated to watch owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about watch collections, displays, watch winders, accessories, classifieds, and more! We welcome all manufacturers including Casio G-Shock, OMEGA, Rolex, Breitling, Rolex and Tudor, Seiko, Grand Seiko and others.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Public Forum Watches - Private Sellers and Sponsors Affordable watches Dive watches Casio G-Shock