The One About the Casio G-Shock Mudman G9000-8V (aka “Stormtrooper”) (Metro Media Complex/a J!-ENT Watch Review)

Note: This photo of the Casio G-Shock Mudman G9000-8V was taken by me and has nothing to do with the Star Wars Hasbro Action Figures or the Star Wars.

The Casio G-Shock Mudman series is a tough, durable watch that is specifically designed for those needing a watch for outdoor use in which you think you will be around mud/sand and harsh elements.  A tough watch designed to withstand mud but also means, tough buttons to press (prevents mud from getting in).  Still a wonderful G-Shock and with various versions and colors out right now, it’s definitely worth having in your collection.

WATCH TITLE: Casio G-Shock Mudman G9000-8V

DIAL TYPE: Mineral

DISPLAY: Digital

BAND: Ivory Resin Strap

CASE MATERIAL: Resin/Stainless Steel

CASE DIAMETER: 46 mm

WATER RESISTANT DEPTH: 200 Meters

MOVEMENT: Quartz

WEBSITE

CASIO G-SHOCK HISTORY

G-Shock is the ultimate tough watch. It was born from a developer’s dream of “creating a watch that never breaks.” Guided by a “Triple 10” development concept, the design teams sought a watch with 10-meter free-fall endurance, 10-bar water resistance and a 10-year battery life.

At a time when it was commonly believed that watches were breakable items, G-Shock’s development represented a challenge to common sense. The number of experimental prototypes built for endurance testing reached over 200. And the structural development and parts improvement took approximately two years. After a long, hard process of trial and error, G-Shock was finally launched. A shock resistant structure that overturned conventional thinking about watches was realized thorough breakthrough thinking, including the ideas of a hollow- structured case, all-directional protective covering and the use of cushioning material to protect critical parts.

These were the fruits of technological development that insisted on “toughness” and a revolution in watch design. Since its launched, G-Shock has continued to evolve for 25 long years, carrying on the toughness of spirit and uncompromising passion that led its developers to persist in their unshakable belief.

Watch Information

From the Master of G series of timepieces designed and engineered designed and built for professionals come a new collection of mud and dirt-resistant MUDMAN models in a choice of three colors. Dual independent stopwatches include a 1/100-second stopwatch capable of measuring continuous elapsed time for up to 1,000 hours for separate timing of two different events simultaneously.These models come in a choice of three different colors that are often used on FMX (freestyle motocross) and MX (motocross) motorcycles. Mud & Dirt Resistant, Dual 1/100 Second Stopwatches, Auto Dual EL Backlight w/Afterglow.

A size comparison of my Mudman with a few of my other G-Shocks.

Having a good collection of Casio G-Shocks, I have debated purchasing a G-Shock Mudman because I tend to like my G-Shocks to be slightly larger in size and color-wise, I wanted a normal red version but unfortunately the US release has the negative display, while the Japanese release received a positive display.

Also, I have read about people’s complaints of how the Casio G-Shock Mudman buttons are hard to press.  Typically, when you are driving or out and about, you want to press a button and get a time or function immediately rather than struggle with pressing a button to achieve a mode change.

But like most wristwatches, I prefer not to get too carried away with other watch reviews and experience the watch for myself because when it comes to G-Shocks, there are so many other consider from functions, comfort and it if generally works for you.  Although I am a watch collector and own several G-shocks, I wear mine and I want to make sure that it also fits with the wardrobe I wear.

And sure enough, I decided to purchase The Casio G-Shock Mudman G9000-8V which many owners have called it the “Mudman Stormtrooper” or “Stormtrooper”.

I’ve debated of which Mudman to own.  Atomic/Solar, one with better display, one with negative display, red, black/orange, classic, etc.  But in the end, the watch that caught my eye was the Stormtrooper.  Also, because I have a lot of black G-shocks and a red g-shock, I never owned an ivory/tan version.

I received the Mudman G9000-8V from a watch company fulfilled on Amazon.  I have to admit that because my Gulfman came with a tin, I was expecting a G-Shock tin case as well.  But instead, it was a standard black G-Shock box (I’m still trying to figure out which watches come with a tin as of the many G-Shocks I have purchased only the Gulfman thus far came with a tin).  And you do get the thick Casio catalog, in this case Module No. 3031 and features instructions in various languages.

But taking it out of the box, I have to say that I am impressed, the G9000-8V is an awesome looking watch.

I never quite realized why fans called it a “Stormtrooper” but I realize that since I have so many Star Wars Stormtrooper action figures I have collected over the years, I wanted to compare the look and colors.  And sure enough, the one that did come close to it was the Sandtrooper from “Star Trek IV: A New Hope”.

As for the back case, it is stainless steel and you get the rodent with the wheels on the back and you see the G-9000.

The battery used for the Mudman is one lithium battery (CR2025) which lasts approximately 3 years.  Accuracy at normal temperature is +/- 15 seconds a month.

Now, the band for the Mudmans are awesome looking!  Where most G-Shocks have a single hole for the buckle, the Mudman straps have two horizontal buckles and unlike other G-Shocks that have ridges right near the casing, this one doesn’t.  I have to say that among all the G-Shocks that I do own, the Mudman is one of the most comfortable watches that I have worn on my wrist.

I.  THE FUNCTIONS

While the watch case and band are ivory, you get black buttons and the display has white, black and dark orange/brown while the display module has orange with black digits.  I like the look of the watch with the white and the triangle with silver on top and it makes the Mudman G9000’s quite distinct. But the reason for this display is for the Flash Alert.  When Flash Alert is on, the illumination flashes for the alarms, hourly time signal, countdown alarm and stopwatch auto-start.  On the right circle, you can see an “on” button if you have Flash Alert on.

Pressing the illumination button gives you an orange light and for me that was pretty cool as most G-Shocks I own are all blue and blue/green illumination.  This Mudman has two EL (electro-luminescent) panels that cause the entire display to glow for easy reading in the dark and also comes with an auto-light switch, if set, by a slight angle movement will make the light turn on.  I have this turned off because I want my batteries to last long!  You can set illumination from 3 to 5 seconds.

The modes that come with the Casio G-Shock Mudman G9000-8V is:

  • Timekeeping Mode
  • Stopwatch Mode (ST1)
  • Stopwatch Mode (ST2)
  • Countdown Timer Mode
  • Alarm Mode
  • World Time Mode

The stopwatch modes have a display range of 999 hours, 59 minutes, 59.99 seconds and there is auto-start.  As for alarm mode, I’ve read some people complaining about the alarm not being loud enough and I can tell you that this is not the case.  I have several Casio watches and the alarm for the Mudman is audible, even when kept in a box, you can hear it. You can also mute the tones as well.

II.  THE BUTTONS

This is the big thing about Casio G-Shock Mudmans that many people love or hate about the watch.  Because the watch is designed to prevent mud from coming in, the buttons require more pressure than any Casio G-Shock watch.  I have no problem with it and I actually came in thinking the worst because some people felt it was too difficult to press.  I didn’t feel that way.  Setting the time and everything else did require pressure but it’s not that bad.  Now, if you are driving in darkness and are use to pressing the illumination button easily or in a quick rush to look at the worldtime or use the stopwatch and need simple buttons, then yeah…you may want to wear a G-Shock that is easier to press.

But the Mudman is tailored for those who are outdoors, get dirty, get in the mud, sand, etc.

For me, this is perfect as I surf, I bodysurf and it’s good to know that the Casio G-Shock Mudman has buttons that prevent elements from getting in.

So, this is important to consider.  The buttons are not as easy to push as regular G-Shocks but they are not that difficult to press, it does require a bit more pressure than other non-Mudman G-Shocks.

III.  WATER RESISTANCE

The Casio G-Shock Mudman G9000-8V is Rank V 200M water resistant and this means you can go scuba diving and snorkeling with it.

IV. OVERALL

I absolutely love this watch!  It scores high on style (looks great if you wear a lot of black or darker clothing), high on comfort (the band is one of the best G-Shock bands in look, design and feel) and the display, is stylishly cool.  The functions are great and you really get a lot for your money with a Mudman (I paid $64.99) and you can often find various versions on sale on Amazon by Amazon or third party fulfilled by Amazon as well.

Of course, the biggest thing that will either hook you or push you away are the buttons.  The Mudmans are created to withstand the elements and thus, preventing as many elements or mud to get inside the watch.  So, the buttons take more pressure when it comes to pushing them than other G-Shocks.  For some people, that’s great and for others…it’s a turnoff.

But in the end, I was looking for a G-Shock different from what I owned already, something that can withstand the elements as I have Gulfman and G-Lide for surfing but I wanted a Mudman that is more durable for the beating and also a watch that looks great but also provides the functions that I use a G-Shock for, this one has it all and more.

The Casio G-Shock Mudman G9000-8V is flat-out awesome and I highly recommend this watch!