Hang on to your butts. It’s gonna be quite a ride when this banana yellow G-Shock Rangeman hits the market.
UPDATE: The G-Shock Rangeman has since been released. Buy it with this affiliate link.
AI Summary
This AI generated summary may be a wild ride to. So don’t stop hanging onto your butts. Here it is, provided by Gemini AI:
First Look at the G-Shock Rangeman GPR H1000: Jim Kinkade’s Initial Impressions and Concerns
In this video, Jim Kinkade provides an early look at the new G-Shock Rangeman GPR H1000, confirming its upcoming release in January, based on information from G Central.com. The watch is slated to be available in black and yellow color options. However, Jim immediately raises a point of concern regarding the color choices, particularly the absence of a “coyote” or tan color option, which is a common and practical choice for tactical gear. He draws a comparison to the Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical watch, which offers more tactically oriented colors. Jim argues that black can be too conspicuous in desert environments, and yellow is generally unsuitable for tactical applications.
Jim notes that many commenters share the sentiment that the new Rangeman appears to utilize a module similar to the GBD 2000, raising questions about its distinctiveness. He contrasts this new model with the original Rangeman (GW9400) and the GPR B1000, which he considers true “survivalist” watches due to their robust, standalone features. Commenters, he observes, have expressed disappointment that the GPR H1000 seems to lean more towards being a sports watch with added fitness functionalities rather than a dedicated rugged outdoor or survival tool. Concerns have also been voiced about the necessity of a heart rate sensor on a watch historically known for its extreme durability and navigation features.
A recurring theme among viewers, which Jim highlights, is the strong desire for watches with rugged, standalone capabilities that do not require constant reliance on a phone app. Many express a wish for a “kill switch” for Bluetooth, similar to the feature found in the Garmin Instinct 2X, allowing users to disconnect the watch from their smartphone when not needed. Jim also discusses the new Rangeman’s trekking feature, noting that it is also available on the GBD H2000. He speculates that this feature could potentially be added to the GBD 2000 through a software update but might be deliberately withheld by Casio to differentiate their models. Overall, Jim’s video provides an insightful initial reaction to the GPR H1000, touching upon color options, perceived functionality shifts, and user expectations for the Rangeman line.