After owning the G-Shock Rangeman GPR-H1000 for one year, here’s my review of this flagship timepiece for the Master-of-G series of tough G-Shock watches. I’m sending it back to get fixed. Again. The screws that hold the band on the body keep coming out.
So as I explain in the above video, the metal screws aren’t grabbing the soft plastic of the watch case well. As a result they are stripped and won’t secure the watch band. That’s too bad because I had high hopes for the Rangeman when it came out.
Previous to when it was released last year, I wore the G-Shock Mudman GW-9500 to work in the oilfield. When I was off duty or at the gym I put on the GBD-H2000, which it G-Shock’s fitness watch. Since the Rangeman GPR-H1000 had the same fitness features of the GBD-H2000 and the Mud Resist of the Mudman, I expected it to be my one and done watch for work and play.
But when the physical body of the watch failed me I couldn’t wear it anymore. And I’m sorry to say that.
Lot’s of commenters on YouTube say it’s my fault the watch failed and that I abused it. Some even alleged that I purposefully sabotaged the watch. Look, I’m just reporting what happened to me so you can make an informed decision when you go to buy a watch.
It may be true that the use and abuse I subjected my Rangeman to was beyond what a normal man may expect from his watch. But if you’re looking for a tough watch, the toughest watch I’ve tested is still the Mudman GW-9500, not the Rangeman GPR-H1000.
I don’t want to discourage you from buying the Rangeman if you have your heart set on it. In fact, go over to G-Shock’s website by clicking this affiliate link if you want to buy the G-Shock Rangeman for yourself. It’s feature packed and looks really cool.
I just cannot recommend it for toughness based on my personal experience with it. And again, it might just be me. As that saying goes which has been uttered on internet forums since the dawn of the World Wide Web, “Your Mileage May Vary.”
AI Summary
So I have to plug my video into Google’s Gemini AI to see how it summarizes my video. Here are the results:
Jim Kinkade’s One-Year Review of the G-Shock Rangeman Gen 3
In this video, Jim Kinkade shares his experiences with the G-Shock Rangeman Gen 3 after owning it for a year. While initially excited about the watch’s combination of durability and fitness tracking features, he encountered significant issues with the watch’s construction.
Durability Concerns:
- Loose Screws: The primary issue is with the screws holding the band to the watch case. These screws repeatedly came loose, posing a risk of losing the watch. Kinkade attributes this to a design flaw where the case design interferes with the band’s movement, putting undue stress on the screws.
- Warranty Repairs: Kinkade had to send the watch in for warranty repair once, but the issue reoccurred. He expresses frustration with the recurring problem and the potential need for further repairs.
Functionality and Features:
- Fitness Tracking: Kinkade acknowledges the value of the Rangeman Gen 3’s fitness tracking features, including step counting, heart rate monitoring, and GPS tracking. He highlights how these features helped him improve his fitness and lose weight.
- Sensor Capabilities: He appreciates the watch’s built-in sensors, such as the altimeter, barometer, and compass, which are useful for outdoor activities.
- Software Limitations: Kinkade mentions some limitations with the watch’s software, such as the difficulty in quickly accessing heart rate and time data. He also notes that the watch’s fitness tracking features are not as advanced as those found in dedicated fitness trackers.
Comparisons:
- Comparison to Other G-Shocks: Kinkade compares the Rangeman Gen 3 to other G-Shock models, including the Mudman GW-9500 and the GBD-H2000. He highlights the Mudman’s superior durability and the GBD-H2000’s more comfortable fit.
- Comparison to Other Fitness Trackers: Kinkade acknowledges that dedicated fitness trackers may offer more advanced features and more accurate data than the Rangeman Gen 3.
Overall:
Despite its impressive features and rugged design, Kinkade’s experience with the Rangeman Gen 3 has been marred by the recurring screw issue. He emphasizes the importance of durability in a G-Shock and expresses disappointment that this fundamental aspect of the watch has proven problematic. While he acknowledges the watch’s strengths, he cannot wholeheartedly recommend it due to the persistent design flaw.
Alright, well the AI did a fairly good job here for once. And I do like the Rangeman except for its failure. Maybe I can get a new one and try again.