G-Shock Rangeman 9400 Review

Glocks and G-Shocks.  I have a thing for tools that are reliable.  I have had numerous Casio G-Shock watches over the years.  Understand that there are many models of G-Shock watches; they are all robust in build, but the feature set and overall quality corresponds with the price.  You can buy a basic model of G-Shock for around 100 dollars, or buy a G-Shock Mudmaster for about 800 dollars, and anything in between.  There are also stupidly expensive special editions available.

I think a solid, ultra-reliable watch is a sound investment for the prepared individual.  My preference in this regard is the mid-level G-Shock models that are powered by Casio Tough Solar and never need a battery change, and that have the Tripple Sensor technology, which puts a compass, barometer, and altimeter in the watch.  These three capabilities, particularly the compass feature, is exceedingly useful. 

If you want all the outdoor-oriented bells and whistles in an indestructible watch that is not on the higher end of the price spectrum the G-Shock Rangeman 9400 models are where it is at.  I have had the “blacked out” version of this watch for almost six years now, have used it extensively, in all kinds of conditions, and the watch still operates perfectly.  There are three variations in this series, the all black model that I have, a green model, and a red and black colored model with a traditional LC screen.  Some people don’t like the blacked-out backlit display as on this model, but I love it. 

Of note, there is a newer G-Shock Rangeman model that is more modern, has more features, and is more expensive, so this review is on the still-in-production 9400 model.  The newer Rangeman has GPS as well as heart monitoring and other athletic related items, but it does need to be charged in addition to the solar power, so it is more complex than the 9400 series. 

You will find the Rangeman 9400 usually hovering around 300$, but if you shop around you can find them closer to 200$, which is an excellent price for a watch as good as this one.  The “Tough Solar” power means the watch never needs a battery.  It will stay charged for months even in complete darkness, and will recharge after just a few hours in sunlight.   It has the G-Shock build quality of high level models, with the Mudmaster-style metal, mud resistant, buttons.  And, you get the triple-sensor technology at this great price point.

Compared to the more modernized G-Shock Mudman that I also have, the Rangeman offers most of the same features (all of the important ones) for half the price, and both watches are, essentially, indestructible in build quality.  The Mudman does offer a clearer display for the compass option due to the larger display and the very cool digital overlay view that it makes for that tool, but the Rangeman compass is perfectly useable as well.  Even the rather over-priced Mudmaster, which offers an analog hand display, does not do the compass feature as well as the digital-display Mudman, so in that regard the Mudman is unrivaled, but for the money I think the Rangeman is, absolutely, the most bang for the buck. 

If you want a bomb-proof watch with triple-sensor technology that is comfortable to wear, never needs batteries, and won’t break the bank, pick up a G-Shock Rangeman 9400.  If you are the kind of guy that carries a 4,000$ 1911, you probably also own a Rolex, but if you carry a Glock or M&P, trust me, the Rangeman is your watch.  And, like the Glock or M&P, the Rangeman is a tool that will keep ticking when the fancy, expensive, stuff stops doing so.