Altimeter

Primary altitude awareness instrument. Analog + audible is the standard pairing.

4
Models listed
4
Manufacturers
€160–600
Price range
Moderate
Used market
01 — Overview

What it is and how it works

Every skydiver flies with at least two altimeters: analog visual (wrist or chest) and audible (in helmet) for altitude warnings. Modern electronic altimeters (Alti-2 Neptune, L&B Viso 3) integrate jump logging, speed, digital graphics. Professional tools for post-jump data analysis.

02 — What to evaluate

Key specs

Type (analog / digital / audible)

Analog = instant read without lag, no electronics. Digital = more data but requires glances. Audible = preprogrammed warnings at target altitudes.

Position (wrist / chest / hand-mount)

Belly → wrist or hand. Freefly → chest (wrist disappears from vision). Tandem → hand-mount on T-shirt.

03 — Manufacturers

Reference brands

Alti-2L&B (Larsen & Brusgaard)VisoAltimaster
04 — Models

4 flagship models

Alti-2
Galaxy / Altimaster IV
160230
New

Reference analog altimeter. Solid, precise, no electronics to break. Perfect read even at -10°C or with thick gloves.

StudentNovice (post-A)Intermediate (B-C)Advanced (C-D)
Manufacturer site →
Alti-2
N3A (Neptune 3)
380450
New

Digital altimeter with jump logger, speed, graphics, integrated multi-profile audible. Top tool for data-oriented flyers.

Intermediate (B-C)Advanced (C-D)Expert / competition
Manufacturer site →
L&B
Optima II
200260
New

World's best-selling audible. 3 pre-programmable profiles (beeps at 3 altitudes), 2-year battery. Default of every Italian helmet.

StudentNovice (post-A)Intermediate (B-C)Advanced (C-D)Expert / competition
Manufacturer site →
L&B
Viso 3
500600
New

Visual digital with live speed/altitude graph, Bluetooth to phone, jump logging. Chart wingsuit glide ratio via integrated GPS.

Advanced (C-D)Expert / competition
Manufacturer site →
05 — Lifecycle

Lifespan and used market

Lifespan and maintenance

Analog altimeters last decades if not shocked. Digital have 7-10 year expected life (battery + electronics). Annual ENAC calibration optional.

Used market
Moderate

Moderate supply, needs active search. Fluctuating pricing. Only buy with certified rigger inspection.

Hub
All gear categories
Open →
Disciplines
FAI sport disciplines
Open →
Safety
Safety framework and procedures
Open →
Sources: official manufacturer product pages, USPA SIM Section 5, PIA bulletins. Indicative pricing from European dealers, April 2026. Quota 4000 does not test gear — no individual reviews. For model-specific evaluation: certified rigger or trusted instructor.