Suunto - February 26, 2025

Summary of Suunto Watch range - Overview by GPS Training

In this video and review we look at the Suunto range of watches that we stock here at GPS Training: Suunto Race S, Suunto Race, and Suunto Vertical.

Here's a breakdown of the main features and differences of the watches:

1. Display Types:

Suunto Race S & Race:
- AMOLED Screen: Bright, vibrant colours, great indoors, but slightly washed out in bright sunlight.
- Battery Trade-off: Shorter battery life due to the power demand of the AMOLED display.
Suunto Vertical:
- MIP (Memory in Pixel) Screen: Superior visibility in bright sunlight, but requires backlighting in dim conditions.
- Battery Advantage: Better battery life with solar charging capability around the edge of the watch.

2. Battery Life:

In Standby Mode (Smartwatch Use):
- Race S: 9 days
- Race: 16 days
- Vertical: 30 days (up to 60 days with solar charging)
Recording Activities (GPS Mode):
- Race S: 40 hours
- Race: 65 hours
- Vertical:
  - 90 hours (regular)
  - Up to 140 hours with solar charging in bright sunlight
Comparison to Competitors:
- Better battery performance than Garmin Fenix 8, especially in activity tracking mode, at a lower price point.

3. Size and Navigation:

Race S: Smallest, suitable for both men and women.
Race: Medium size, with a scroll wheel for easy navigation (similar to Coros watches).
Vertical: Largest size, with three side buttons and a touchscreen for navigation.

4. Build Materials:

Titanium: Lighter, premium feel (e.g., Race in Titanium: 53g)
Stainless Steel: Slightly heavier and cheaper (e.g., Race in Stainless Steel: 60g)

5. Key Differentiators:

Battery Life: Superior to competitors, especially during GPS activity tracking.
Navigation: Scroll wheel on Race models for intuitive use; buttons and touchscreen on Vertical.
Build Quality: Premium feel with options in titanium and stainless steel.

6. User Experience and Real-World Performance:

Spine Challenger North Winner's Experience
- Ran with Race on one wrist and Vertical on the other.
- Appreciated the vibrant AMOLED screen of Race in dull conditions.
- Managed to complete 160 miles with minimal charging, highlighting excellent battery performance.

7. Overall Impression and Recommendation:

GPS Training staff are highly impressed with the performance, display quality, and battery life of Suunto watches.
Recommended for users needing reliable GPS tracking, long battery life, and vibrant display options.
Please do reach out to GPS Training for any questions or purchases.

The range of Suunto watches cater to different needs:

Race S: Compact, vibrant AMOLED, moderate battery life.
Race: Balanced size, excellent navigation with scroll wheel, good battery life.
Vertical: Best for long-duration activities with superior battery and solar charging.

Overall, Suunto provides excellent battery life and vibrant displays at competitive prices, making them a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes.

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