Gear category

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
€160–€230
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)
€380–€450
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
€200–€260
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
€500–€600
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.

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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.

Analog Altimeter + Audible for Skydiving: How to Choose

For skydivers with 50 to 200 jumps, the optimal combination is a wrist-mounted analog altimeter with a dial that's readable in freefall, paired with an audible inside the helmet. The analog gives you an immediate visual read; the audible adds an audio cue at critical altitudes without requiring you to glance at your wrist. You don't need to spend a fortune: products like the Altimaster Galaxy or the L&B Solo II cover everything you need at this stage.

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Full Face vs Open Face Helmet: Which to Choose for Skydiving

In skydiving, a full face helmet protects your chin and face but reduces auditory perception and the visor can fog up; an open face offers greater sensory freedom and is preferred by many instructors and advanced freefly jumpers. For a newer jumper with 50–200 jumps, an open face with solid lateral protection is often the most versatile and learning-friendly choice.

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Canopy Malfunctions: Types, Frequency, and Emergency Procedures

Canopy malfunctions fall into two categories: partial (the canopy opens but is compromised) and total (the canopy fails to open at all). The standard procedure always follows the same sequence: assess altitude, attempt a correction if the malfunction type allows it, and when in doubt, cut away and deploy the reserve. Training with an ENAC-certified school is the only way to practice these procedures safely.

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Skydiving Jumpsuits: How to Choose Between Materials, Sizing, and Used Gear

To choose a skydiving jumpsuit, you need to consider your discipline, your freefall weight relative to the group, and whether you need a slick or draggy fabric. For skydivers with 50–200 jumps, a mid-weight cordura suit with mesh grippers is a versatile and durable starting point.

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Your First Canopy: How to Choose Without Getting Hurt

For their first personal canopy, a novice with 50-200 jumps should choose a 9-cell intermediate category canopy (like a Sabre2, Pilot, or Spectre) with a wing loading not exceeding 1.1-1.2 lb/ft². Size should be calculated based on exit weight (body + gear) and never chosen 'small to grow into': you choose a canopy for today, not for the future.

9 min read