Hands-On With The Imposing G-Shock Rangeman GPR-H1000
G-Shock is slowly introducing new versions of its classics within the Master of G line. This series of professionally specced watches contains some of the brand’s most famous models. Among them are the Mudman, Mudmaster, Gravitymaster, Frogman, and Rangeman, the last of which is the subject of today’s review. At first glance, the new G-Shock Rangeman GPR-H1000 is overwhelming, mostly because it is an intimidatingly big watch. However, the new Rangeman also offers various features that could make this the ultimate adventurer’s watch. How does it hold up the concrete jungle? It’s time to find out.
Last year, I reviewed the latest-generation G-Shock Mudman, which was completely redesigned and got a new case construction. I concluded my review by saying I knew what G-Shock watch I would buy for my potential future adventures. Six months later, it’s now time to take the new Rangeman for a spin and see if it can change my answer. It features similar updates to the Mudman in terms of design but comes with an even more impressive set of features. Will I have to revise my opinion, and could this be the ultimate adventurer’s watch? The big question is whether more is also better. That’s why I was happy to take the new Rangeman for a spin.
The G-Shock Master of G collection
Most of you will be familiar with G-Shock’s Master of G collection, but let’s remind ourselves of it quickly. The series consists of several ultra-functional G-Shocks created to stand firm against the most extreme conditions on land, in the air, or at sea. The different models in this collection stand out with impressive features and specs, and they are designed for professional use. As a result, they will also perfectly serve you on any adventure you might have planned.
The Mudman and Rangeman are part of the “On The Land” series within the Master of G collection. As such, they come equipped with a series of functions that focus on helping you out in the toughest conditions you might encounter on land. So, how does the Rangeman compare to the Mudman that I reviewed last year? The easiest way to describe it is that the Rangeman is a more advanced Mudman. The watch has the same extensive functions as the Mudman but adds GPS tracking, fitness, and health features to make it even more impressive.
The G-Shock Rangeman GPR-H1000 at first glance
We had two new Rangeman models in for review. The first was the GPR-H1000-1 in black with yellow details, and the second was the GPR-H1000-9 in yellow with black accents. Both watches feature a huge case that measures 53.2mm across, 60.6mm long, and 20.3mm thick. As you’d expect, they are also water resistant to 20 bar. The case of the Rangeman is substantially bigger and thicker than the 52.7 × 56.7 × 14.8mm case of the Mudman. The obvious reason for this is the additional functions, which require extra sensors. The case is resistant to mud and dirt, and gaskets protect the pushers, just like on the Mudman.
As you have read, these two watches are huge. But a glance at the dimensions of the previous Rangeman GPR-B1000 shows that the new models are a bit smaller than their predecessors. The cases are made from bio-based resins and feature metal side guards to protect the internal components and the buttons. An interesting change is that the new models are equipped with mineral glass, while the previous models had a sapphire crystal protecting the MIP (Memory in Pixel) LCD. Weighing in at 92 grams, both new models are quite light for such big watches. Additionally, each one features a nice and soft urethane strap with a metal keeper that makes wearing the watch a lot easier than its size would have you think.
Jumping into the many functions of the Rangeman
Let’s look at the different functions that the G-Shock Rangeman offers. The watch is powered by the Casio module 3554, which offers impressive functions and features. Just look at the operation manual accompanying the module, and you will understand that it takes time to discover this watch’s many ins and outs. Let’s go over the highlights. The Rangeman comes with trekking and survival features, such as a compass (with auto level correction), a thermometer, and a pressure sensor with an altimeter and a barometer.
Additionally, the watch is equipped with a GPS tracker. Connecting the watch with the Casio smartphone app also allows you to track route movement. However, unlike the previous generation, the new Rangeman does not have navigational functions to plan routes. Making this the ultimate adventurer’s watch would have been even better. But the GPS functionalities also include current time adjustments based on your position. Further trekking and survival functions include a tide graph, moon data, and sunrise and sunset times.
Fitness and health functions are a first for the Rangeman
The Rangeman also comes equipped with extensive fitness and health features for the first time. They include a heart rate monitor, an accelerometer for step tracking, and a gyroscope. Polar, a brand known for its fitness watches and sensors, is responsible for the Rangeman’s fitness functions. These include blood oxygen level status, cardio load status, VO2 max (under “running index”), types of energy used (ratio of fat, carbohydrate, and protein), sleep monitoring, and lifelog data for step tracking.
Scrolling through the menus, you will also find a breathing exercise feature, smart alarms for sleeping, and an activity log that is capable of tracking nine types of activities (trekking, running, biking, gym workout, interval timer, pool swimming, open-water swimming, trail running, and walking). The information the activity log keeps track of is distance, direction, altitude, climbing speed, time, pace, heart rate, and burned calories. Thanks to the Bluetooth link with the Casio Watches smartphone app, you can personalize the number of activities that the watch tracks and change the order in which it puts them.
A nearly endless list of features
Are you still here? Because that is still not all. The Rangeman also allows both wired USB charging and solar-assisted charging. If you want to use the watch to its full potential with all the different sensors, you’ll need to charge it with a USB cable. However, solar charging will allow you to keep using the watch’s basic functions, such as the solar-powered time display. So even if the battery charge is low, the watch will always display the time.
Lastly, the Rangeman also has the basic set of G-Shock features, including a stopwatch, a 60-minute countdown timer, world times, four different alarms, power saving, and a full auto backlight that illuminates for either 1.5 or five seconds, depending on your preference. The connection to your phone and Casio’s app also offers auto time adjustment, world times of 300 cities, 3,300 points for the tide graph, phone notifications, and a phone finder.
Operating the new Rangeman GPR-H1000
You might be wondering how to access all these different features. Casio has made it easy to scroll through and access them on the negative display. If you have ever had a G-Shock, you will understand the interface quickly. The watch works the same as any other G-Shock. Sure, it is much more extensive, and you sometimes have to figure out what all the different functions can offer you as a wearer, but operating them is not hard at all.
Your main menu buttons are on the left side of the case. Pushing either the upper or lower pusher will let you access the central menu of the watch. You can scroll up or down to find the function you want to access and enter it with the middle button. Once on the specific function, you often have multiple options to scroll through again and activate by pushing the central “enter” button. With the lower pushers on the case’s right side, you go back one step. The upper right pusher activates the backlight. While it takes quite a bit of time to understand everything this watch can do, it is easy to operate, making it a lot less overwhelming than it initially seems.
Wearing the huge Rangeman GPR-H1000
It comes as no surprise that these two watches make their presence known on the wrist. There is no hiding these watches under a cuff. But that is also not what they are for, so let’s not pretend that they are. In particular, the yellow model jumps off the wrist thanks to its vibrant color. But I have to give credit to Casio’s designers because they know how to make big watches wear nicely. Granted, I am a big guy, so I can pull off an oversized watch quite easily. Still, thanks to the lightweight case and ultra-comfortable strap, the Rangeman is super easy to wear.
Both watches look almost ridiculously big, but we have come to know and love that from G-Shock. Also, you can’t judge this new Rangeman like a normal watch. It is a survival tool designed to help you out in the wilderness. I’m not planning any trips to remote destinations, but this new Rangeman GPR-H1000 would be the perfect watch for such an occasion. With its wide variety of functions, it will help you get a better idea of your fitness and health while also giving you a lot of useful information about your surroundings. What more could you want?
Final thoughts on the new GPR-H1000 Rangeman models
Let’s answer that last question with a question. Is the Mudman a better option? Objectively, it is not. The new Rangeman offers a lot more functions than the Mudman. But the Mudman offers all you need to know about your surroundings on outdoor adventures, so it could be your perfect pick if that is solely what you want
On top of that, the Mudman is easier to wear thanks to its case being 5.5mm thinner (14.8mm total). Lastly, it’s also more affordable at €379 versus the €499 that this new Rangeman costs. However, what you get for the €120 extra is impressive and makes the Rangeman a more complete offering.
The health and fitness trackers can help you prepare for a trip during training sessions and monitor your physical condition during your trip. But the added value of this new Rangeman GPR-H1000 is not just in its functions. The watch feels like a proper smartwatch in how you operate it. Easy-to-use menus and equally simple-to-operate functions make this watch a joy to wear and use.
The new Rangeman is a step up from the Mudman in many ways, so I understand why it is more expensive. It truly does feel like the Mudmna’s bigger brother. And seeing the price difference after trying both watches, it makes perfect sense. So yes, this would be my pick for whenever I go on an extensive adventure in the wilderness. Until then, I have to give big praise to G-Shock for pushing the boundaries every time! This new Rangeman is nothing short of impressive in every way possible.
For more information, visit the official G-Shock website. Feel free to also share your thoughts on the new Rangeman GPR-H1000 models in the comments section.
