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Suunto

Suunto vs Garmin

Choosing a watch - garmin/suunto

Which Brand of SmartWatch is Right for You?

Whether you’re in the market for an upgrade or have decided now is the time for your first GPS watch, the market can be daunting. There are some great brands with a variety of features and significant price differences. We’re going to look at two of the best names; Suunto and Garmin.

If you already have a watch, there’s a chance you already know some of the features that you require. If, however, this is your first purchase, don’t be tempted to buy the one someone suggests to you. Because it may not have all the features you are looking for.

Two of the more popular brands of GPS watch that are available to buy now are Suunto and Garmin. The truth is both make great running watches, Garmin devices are usaully slightly more expensive but it also depends on the model you choose. So let’s take a look.

So Who is Garmin?

Based in Olathe, Kansas and founded in 1989, Garmin Ltd is an American company who originally began life as Pronav. They have a background in specialising in GPS technology for a variety of applications from aviation to marine, automobile to outdoor activities. More recently, they moved into activity trackers following the development of wearable technology.

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Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS, Features Glonass and Galileo, Heart Rate...
Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS, Features Glonass and Galileo, Heart Rate...
  • Rugged GPS watch built to withstand the toughest environments
  • Constructed to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100...
  • Built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, plus multiple global navigation satellite systems...
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Over the years, Garmin has grown from the small company – whose first customer was the US Army – to where they are today.  Now, they sell their products on a global scale and hold a variety of patents. 

Garmin sells a range of incredibly popular vehicle trackers as well as walking and diving GPS. They also count the Vivo series of fitness trackers in their range with popular models including Vivofit, Vivosmart and the Vivoactive.

Who is Suunto?

F ounded in 1936, Suunto Oy is a Finnish company with its headquarters in Vantaa, Finland. The company name is derived from the Finnish word “Suunto” which means ‘direction’.

The company has expanded over the years and now employs over 300 people all over the world with its products selling in over 100 countries.

In addition to compasses, the company produce diving watches, computers and instruments, sports watches and other lifestyle watches.

Review a list of the most popular Suunto watches on Amazon.

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Suunto 3 Fitness Tracker Sports Watch, Slate Grey
Suunto 3 Fitness Tracker Sports Watch, Slate Grey
  • Suunto 3: This fitness tracker sports watch accurately tracks steps, exercise, stress, and recovery;...
  • A Life In Balance: This fitness watch delivers a holistic view of your daily activity, including...
  • Get Connected: Connect to your favorite sports apps and services from the Suunto app to get more...
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How to choose a GPS watch for running

It’s essential to remember both Suunto and Garmin are well known for very high-quality tracker watches.  So, whichever brand you pick, you can’t go wrong. Of course, both brands offer different features. Ultimately, what you should be looking at when choosing a GPS watch for running are the features. Look at things like display, tracking modes and activities, and the app you need to use it. There are models to suit different needs and budgets from each brand. 

Ask yourself, do you want:

  • A basic watch that just tracks races and training?
  • A multi-sport watch that will manage a varied selection of sport?
  • A watch that constantly tracks everything you do?

These questions start your search for the right tracker. If you already have a watch and there are features you don’t particularly like, maybe you might want to change brands. If you love what you have and want an upgrade, it might be better to stick with what you know.

Feature comparison

Most basic GPS watches include the same data-tracking features. For example, pace, distance, calorie tracking and likely heart rate. However,  some cheaper GPS watches do not have a HRM. They will, however, differ in terms of the hardware, alerts, training tools and data management.

To compare Suunto and Garmin, we will break the features down and look at them individually. 

Tracking and display

Both brands offer watches that display customisable real-time data. For example, pace, distance, time, calories burnt and heart rate. Also, at the touch of a button, they both offer summary information; average pace, elevation gain and stride count. This can be valuable information for any runner in training.

In terms of tracking and display, there is little difference between the brands. However, in terms of digital customisation, there is one big one. The Fenix 5X Plus from Garmin allows the user to change the data screen during a workout. All the models available from Suunto require any custom changes to be made through the Movescount app.

The GPS tracking from both models is superb.

  • The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus with its handy mid-workout data changing is slightly more workout friendly.

Battery Life

The Suunto 9 is rather clever when it comes to battery life. This model features three battery modes and tells you how much battery is left. If the watch notices your battery is running out, it will suggest you switch to a different mode to prolong battery life. Depending on the mode, users get between 25 to 120 hours from the battery.

Both the Forerunner 935/945 and the Fenix 5 from Garmin have various battery mode settings and a battery life ranging from 24 hours in GPS mode to 60 hours in the UltraTrac battery saver mode. This mode shuts off GPS periodically and relies on an accelerometer to calculate distance and speed.

  • Suunto 9 offers the better battery life

Mapping and navigation

When it comes to new routes, whether you know the area or not, both brands provide superb navigational features. The Fenix series from Garmin offers colour topographic mapping capabilities. However, due to the size of the screen, this may not be ideal for many users.

All watches from Suunto offer GPS downloads that display a “breadcrumb” map and the direction you need to follow.

Of course, Suunto is also known for barometric and altimeter functions, which are great for off-trail running.

  • While both brands offer very similar features, the Suunto watches have the edge with their added altimeter and barometric functions and, of course, map size. 
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Garmin vívoactive 3, GPS Smartwatch Contactless Payments Built-In Sports Apps, Black/Slate
Garmin vívoactive 3, GPS Smartwatch Contactless Payments Built-In Sports Apps, Black/Slate
  • Garmin Pay contact less payment solution lets you pay for purchases with your watch (available for...
  • Personalize your watch with thousands of free watch faces, apps and widgets from our Connect IQ...
  • More than 15 pre loaded GPS and indoor sports apps, including yoga, running, swimming and more; Lens...
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Heart rate monitoring

The higher-end watches from both brands include optical heart rate or wrist-based monitoring.

Models like the Ambit 3 Peak from Suunto have an optional heart rate belt instead. The type of monitor you prefer is very much down to personal choice. 

In addition to monitoring heart rate, the Garmin Fenix 5 also tracks wellness on a 24/7 basis. This includes your sleep metrics, which some users might find handy.

  • If a heart rate belt is for you, then you will probably prefer the Ambit 3 Peak
  • If you want to track everything, then the Fenix 5 from Garmin is the watch for you.

Suunto and Garmin Apps and Data Management

If you are changing brands, this is where you will notice the most difference.

Suunto did use Movescount until very recently. However, the Suunto app is now live. You can transfer your data, though. All of the watches have the ability to analyse your data and synchronise, upload photos and workout descriptions and send notifications from your phone to your watch. The Spartan collection, Suunto 3 Fitness and Suunto 9 also allow for 24/7 synchronisation of data. This includes things like calories burnt, steps and route planning.

All Garmin models use Connect – this offers similar features to Movescount and the ability to build courses, create workouts and even challenge your friends to competitions.

  • There is very little to choose between both brands. Although, it is worth remembering that with the move from Movescount to the Suunto app coming up, there may be new ways of doing things that you will need to learn.
Preview
SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch - SS014279010
Suunto 7 GPS Sports Smart Watch, Black
Garmin Forerunner 235, GPS Running Watch, Black/Gray
Garmin Instinct Solar (Tidal Blue) Power Bundle | +PlayBetter 2200mAh Portable Charger & HD Screen Protectors...
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SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch - SS014279010
Suunto 7 GPS Sports Smart Watch, Black
Garmin Forerunner 235, GPS Running Watch, Black/Gray
Garmin Instinct Solar (Tidal Blue) Power Bundle | +PlayBetter 2200mAh Portable Charger & HD Screen Protectors...
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SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch - SS014279010
Title
SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch - SS014279010
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Suunto 7 GPS Sports Smart Watch, Black
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Suunto 7 GPS Sports Smart Watch, Black
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Garmin Forerunner 235, GPS Running Watch, Black/Gray
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Garmin Forerunner 235, GPS Running Watch, Black/Gray
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Garmin Instinct Solar (Tidal Blue) Power Bundle | +PlayBetter 2200mAh Portable Charger & HD Screen Protectors...
Title
Garmin Instinct Solar (Tidal Blue) Power Bundle | +PlayBetter 2200mAh Portable Charger & HD Screen Protectors...
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Price Details
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Which Tracker? Suunto or Garmin?

Ultimately the choice in tracker between the 2 makes really will come down to personal choice and the features that they both offer. They are both excellent brands that offer real value for money in the field of tracking devices.

Here we have put together a small comparison of a few models from each brand in different price brackets:

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Garmin fenix 6 Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace Guidance...
Garmin fenix 6 Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace Guidance...
  • Fit for performance with rugged, sophisticated design that features an always-on 1.3 inches (18%...
  • Enhanced estimated wrist heart rate and Pulse Ox to support advanced sleep monitoring and altitude...
  • Advanced training features include PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout your activity...
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SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch - SS014279010
SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch - SS014279010
  • An altimeter tracks your vertical movement, a barometer tells the Trend in air pressure, and a...
  • Suunto core tracks both the weather and the sun for you; Operating temperature: 20° C to +60° C /...
  • A weather Trend graph and storm alarm along with preset sunrise/sunset times for over 400 locations...
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If you’re interested in reading more, we compared Suunto to the more cost-accessible Fitbit, here.

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Joanne Jeffries

A highly motivated all-round writing professional with experience in writing about modern technology.

February 22, 2021 By Joanne Jeffries Leave a Comment Filed Under: Buying Guides, Featured Posts, Reviews Tagged With: diving watches, Garmin, Garmin Fenix 5, running watches, Suunto, trail running watches

Garmin Fenix 6 vs Suunto 9

Man running in the desert

What Smartwatch is Best for Outdoor Activities?

So, Garmin vs Suunto. Which to pick? Firstly, if you’re keen to get hold of a smartwatch to track your outdoor adventures, you need one with GPS, heart rate monitor, altitude detector and a range of data collection. This can be used to improve your performance over time. Getting a watch that can do all of this, that can be comfortable to wear, and that looks the part can certainly be difficult in the saturated smartwatch market. However, we have compared the Garmin Fenix 6 with the Suunto 9 as we believe that these two watches are great choices for people who love the outdoors.

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Garmin fenix 6 Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace Guidance...
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch with Included Wearable4U Ultimate Black Earbuds...
SUUNTO 9 GPS Sports Watch
Suunto 9 Multisport GPS Watch with BARO and Wrist-Based Heart Rate (Black)
Title
Garmin fenix 6 Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace Guidance...
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch with Included Wearable4U Ultimate Black Earbuds...
SUUNTO 9 GPS Sports Watch
Suunto 9 Multisport GPS Watch with BARO and Wrist-Based Heart Rate (Black)
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Garmin fenix 6 Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace Guidance...
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Garmin fenix 6 Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace Guidance...
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Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch with Included Wearable4U Ultimate Black Earbuds...
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Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch with Included Wearable4U Ultimate Black Earbuds...
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SUUNTO 9 GPS Sports Watch
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SUUNTO 9 GPS Sports Watch
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Suunto 9 Multisport GPS Watch with BARO and Wrist-Based Heart Rate (Black)
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Suunto 9 Multisport GPS Watch with BARO and Wrist-Based Heart Rate (Black)
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What Do the Fenix 6 and Suunto 9 Models Look Like?

The Suunto 9 is not just a good watch. It’s made from good quality materials and is easy to read with a large, clear screen. Furthermore, the buttons are simple to use and will navigate you through the watch functions with ease.

The Fenix 6 is much smaller. The screen is easy to read with important information on view at all times. The buttons aren’t as user-friendly as the Suunto. But this could be personal preference.

Comparing Suunto 9 and Garmin Fenix 6

How Comfy Are the Fenix 6 and Suunto 9 Models?

With any big watch comes the issue of comfort, and the Suunto 9 has this issue; it’s huge and is prone to get caught on things. Although, the strap is comfy, you will need to position it further up your arm than you would expect in order to use the heart rate monitor, and this means it will catch on sleeves constantly. It may look great, but it is not a comfortable wear.

The Fenix 6 is a normal size, and this certainly helps the watch to provide a great fit on your wrist. It is a snug fit that allows you to monitor your heart rate without having to move the watch and the strap is hinged so that it can fit a range of wrist sizes.

What is the Screen Like On the Fenix 6 and Suunto 9 Models?

Both watches have LCD screens that claim to be good in the outdoors. However, the screen on the Fenix 6 is far superior. It has a clear view, and this is only enhanced by the backlight function. The screen resolution is great, and you will be able to use it wherever you find yourself.

The Suunto 9 has a touch screen, but it’s not easy to use, and the slow response from the screen makes it very frustrating to use! When outside the screen is difficult to read, and if it gets wet, it is hard to use.

How Long Does the Battery Last on the Fenix 6 and Suunto 9 Models?

The battery on the Suunto is great with around a 30-hour max when using all the features it offers. Suunto claims that there is up to 120 hours of use, but this is without the GPS feature turned on. The Fenix 6 battery also offers around 30 hours of battery life with GPS on.

This means that you can look forward to a weekend trip to the outdoors without worrying about charging as long as you remember to switch the GPS off when you don’t need it!

How Good Is the User Interface On the Fenix 6 and Suunto 9 Models?

The Suunto 9 doesn’t offer much when it comes to the interface of their watch. You have very limited selections when it comes to personalising the watch face and menu. The menu itself lacks intuition and can be very clunky to use, and this is then compounded by the slow touch screen.

The Fenix 6 is fully customisable with many watch faces to choose from, and it allows you to choose the widgets that are best suited to the way you want to use the watch. The menu is easy to access, and because it is button led, it is better than the Suunto 9’s slow touch screen.

How Easy Is It to Connect the Fenix 6 and Suunto 9 Models To Phones and Computers?

Interestingly, Suunto has two different phone apps, but it is advised that you use the new Suunto app over the older Movescount app. The Suunto app looks good but doesn’t offer the data you’d want to access; for example, the watch will tell you much more about your sleep habits than the app can. It is also difficult to connect the watch to the phone and can take a lot of fiddling around to get it connected when you want to use it.

The Garmin app makes up for in information for what it lacks in design. It is not pretty like the Suunto app, but you can access a wide range of data directly from your phone whenever you want to. The watch and phone are easily connected, and it syncs without any hassle at all so that you can see your progress in real-time. You can even link the app to other third-party apps, making it easier to share your data in one go.

The Verdict

It’s clear that the Fenix 6 is the winner by a large distance! It is clear and easy to use, has many useful functions and is comfy on your wrist. It may not look as good as the Suunto 9, but what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for with substance.

The Suunto 9 is a good looking watch with lots of promise, but the low-grade touchscreen and poor software mean that it will not track what you need when you need it. However, with a few small tweaks, this could be a smartwatch that rivals the competition.

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Scott Anfield
Scott Anfield

A top of the line copywriter with more than a decade of writing experience with many high-end clients. Lots of experience and interest in writing about technology.

Currently living a rural life in South Yorkshire, and devoted to work.

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February 22, 2021 By Scott Anfield Leave a Comment Filed Under: Comparisons, Fitness & Sports Watches, Reviews Tagged With: fitness tracker reviews, Garmin, Garmin Fenix 6, superwatches, Suunto, suunto 9

The best Suunto Comparison you need for 2021

Here we’re going to dive into a Suunto comparison. Suunto us a multisport smartwatch brand from Finland, known best for the Suunto 9 watch. Furthermore, Suunto watches are well-known for their durability and high-quality build, enduring battery life and custom battery modes. So if you’re into ultramarathons, a Suunto will be the first brand you want to research. 

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SUUNTO 9 GPS Sports Watch SUUNTO 9 GPS Sports Watch No ratings yet Check Amazon Price
Suunto 7 GPS Sports Smart Watch, Black Lime Suunto 7 GPS Sports Smart Watch, Black Lime No ratings yet Check Amazon Price
Suunto 5 Lightweight GPS Sports Watch, All Black Suunto 5 Lightweight GPS Sports Watch, All Black No ratings yet Check Amazon Price
SUUNTO Spartan Sport (Wrist - Hr), Black SUUNTO Spartan Sport (Wrist - Hr), Black Check Amazon Price
Suunto Traverse Alpha - Foliage Suunto Traverse Alpha - Foliage No ratings yet Check Amazon Price

Introduction to the Suunto Comparison

You know you can rely on a Suunto watch for being accurate thanks to the brand’s history. To explain, the founder of Suunto, Tuomas Vohlan, patented his liquid-filled compass 80 years ago. Now, this was a revolution because it provided a new level of accuracy in readings compared to dry compasses. And the company has only done more and better things in the 80 years since. Somehow, they’re still not as well-recognised as Fitbit or Garmin, but athletes in the know respect their wearables.

So, before investing in a Suunto watch, there are some things to think about. Firstly it’s going to be the price. As we said, the Suunto 9 is the most popular, but it’s the most pricey and you might not require all the functions it has to offer. 

Therefore, the Suunto 3 or 5 might strike a better balance between functionality and price (the former being cheaper) with standard fitness tracking features.

At SuperWatches we like to recommend models with built-in GPS, as indeed you get with the Suunto 9 and Suunto 5. Meaning, you can be free of your smartphone whilst you’re out running, say. Of course, if you enjoy listening to music as you go, none of these will suit you as they don’t offer onboard music storage.

Instead, you get a decent multisport feature. For example, your Suunto would track your activities in minute detail. Like laps, lap pace (in real-time), and your max and averages, including for sports like cycling and swimming. 

Suunto 9 Baro

Suunto 9

First in our Suunto Comparison is the Suunto 9 Baro is all but the same watch as the Suunto 9 but with 2 differences. Firstly, the obvious one, being the addition of a barometer. Secondly, it has sapphire crystal glass protecting the display, meaning it’s scratch-proof. And for these two additions, you’ll have to pay 20% on top of the Suunto 9 price, but we think it’s well worth it.

Additionally, the Suunto 9 Baro’s features will be loved by mountaineers and trail runners who like to know the altitude differences during their sessions. More, the Suunto 9 Baro has a storm alarm which will let you know when you might want to skip that particular day or seek shelter if you’re already out. However, the good news is that these additional features don’t negatively affect the battery life, which is key for anyone who likes outdoor adventures. 

Essentially, the Suunto 9 Baro contains all the features the brand could throw at it. Without them, the Suunto 9 is a lighter watch by 9g and is rightly a cheaper option.

Considering what you pay, you certainly get a lot of watch! And a big one at that. Compared to even Garmins, known for their bulk, the Suunto 9 and 9 Baro are sturdy pieces. 

Although the Suunto 9 doesn’t have the barometer, it does have some redeeming features. Namely, the wrist-based heart rate monitor, touch screen, water-resistance up to 100m, vibration motor and battery modes enabling up to 120 hours of use.

Finally, the onboard compass is precise, too with a combination of  GPS, GLONASS, QZSS and GALILEO.

Suunto 7

Suunto 7

Next in our Suunto Comparison, we’re going to discuss the Suunto 7. And it’s niche because it fits into a strange corner of the market; somewhere between expensive fitness tracker and casual running watch. In fact, it’s more expensive than the Apple Watch 6 and Garmin Venu.

Now, that’s not to say it’s not a good watch! Indeed, the Suunto 7 has a lot to offer; a bright display, smart features, accurate HRM and on-board GPS. Plus, it has offline maps and heatmaps for running and cycling.

As for controls, it has a touchscreen and push buttons, which some runners find really useful. Inside is Wear OS software, providing navigational shortcuts for further ease of use.

If we were to create a spectrum from the Fitbit Versa 3 to the Garmin Forerunner 945, the Suunto 7 sits marginally closer to the latter. However, the Versa does beat the Suunto when it comes to battery life. Specifically, you can expect about two days between charges, which isn’t fantastic compared to dedicated running watches and even its siblings.

Finally, the biggest drawback with the Suunto 7 is the price because despite being a competitor to Apple, we can’t see anyone opting for a Suunto 7 over the Apple Watch.

Read our full review, here.

Suunto 5

Suunto 5

So, the next model in our Suunto Comparison is the Suunto 5. What’s good about the Suunto 5? Firstly, it’s lightweight and compact compared to the others. So if you’re not looking for a bulky device, this is a great choice.

Despite being lighter, it has all the features the Suunto 9 has to offer you, including the two-week battery life and battery modes, global positioning and a wrist-based HRM.

Although you can’t have everything for a lower price, naturally, you compromise on the screen quality, 218 x 218px resolution. Now, that might not actually be an issue for you unless you get a lot of notifications, as some have said the small font is hard to read during exercising. But, really, you should be focussed on your session anyway!

All in all, it’s a wonderful everyday tracker, which is what it was designed to be. After you finish running, the Suunto 5 will tell you some handy post-run data, which is far more in-depth than any Fitbit or Apple Watch can currently give you.

Read our full review, here.

Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR

Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist

Second to last of our Suunto Comparison, the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR is what the Apple SE is to the Series 6; a slightly leaner version in terms of features. Namely, it has the same screen and build, but it doesn’t have the fancy GPS or battery modes. However, some think it looks better.

For what you pay, you get a capable multisport smartwatch that is sturdy and water-resistant to 100m, offering two weeks battery in ‘Time’ mode. And as you’re not getting the battery modes, you’ll get 40 hours of battery life in activity mode.

Suunto Traverse Alpha

Suunto Traverse Alpha

The final model of our Suunto Comparison, the Suunto Traverse Alpha. Although it offers less resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, it can track hunting and fishing!

This mode is useful for providing information like moon phase, sunrise alert, shot detection, weather and can be used during nighttime. Specifically, Suunto thinks they’re catering to a neglected market.

Additional to these features, you get sapphire crystal glass, scratch-proof, a water-resistant stainless steel case, 100 hours battery life and a backlight that doubles up as a flashlight.

That’s it for now, we hope you enjoyed our Suunto comparison article! If you’re interested to see how the Suunto 9 stacks up against another market-leader, check out our review against the Garmin Fenix 6, here.


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Maygen
Maygen

Maygen is a multifaceted writer, proofreader and an experienced smartwatch industry writing and editing professional.

January 12, 2021 By Maygen Leave a Comment Filed Under: Brands, Comparisons, Fitness & Sports Watches Tagged With: comparison, fitness tracker reviews, smartwatch reviews, sports watches, Suunto, suunto reviews

Is the Suunto Ambit 3 Peak an Adventurers Best Friend?

Suunto Ambit3 Peak

Although the Suunto Ambit 3 Peak is no longer in production it is still an awesome outdoor GPS watch with a hardcore battery life.

Design

The Suunto Ambit 3 Peak is not a subtle watch. Because of this, the size is something you should think about, depending on the sports you participate in. For example, a classic rock climbers’ issue is often being unable to use a GPS device whilst climbing. But thanks to the smoothness of the case and external button for ease of use, the Suunto Ambit 3 takes away this trouble. There are no worries about losing the watch with the rigidity of the band, keeping the case secure to your wrist.

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Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR Monitor Running GPS Unit, Black
Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR Monitor Running GPS Unit, Black
  • Suunto Ambit3 peak delivers stable and accurate altitude and weather information with full...
  • Includes built in altimeter, barometer, compass and GPS with 100 meter water resistance
  • One of the most competitive battery hours in the market, 200 hours with 1 minute accuracy. Case...
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Performance 

The Ambit 3 is different from Garmin watches because of heart rate sensors. In fact, the Ambit 3 doesn’t have one. But you can get the Ambit 3 Peak HR version) or a separate heart rate strap. However, what you do get is a temperature sensor and altitude sensor instead – the former of which cannot currently be found on an Apple or Garmin.

Features

OK, this isn’t jam-packed with features, granted. Notably, you’ll find the Forerunner 945 will offer you more. Depending on how you look at it, the Ambit 3’s compromising nature might hold some appeal. Because it deliberately lacks things that you don’t necessarily need.  

The Suunto Ambit 3 is for those who like outdoor sports and caters to those requirements only. For example, it has GPS, barometer, accelerometer and will tell you your speed, time, distance, laps and performance. Additionally, your smartphone notifications are also delivered on your wrist. So, yes, the Ambit can be seen as basic, or it can be seen as free from frills.

So if you’re looking for bells and whistles, head over to our review of the Suunto Core.

As the name suggests, the Ambit 3 Peak is particularly useful to people into mountaineering.

Use

Suunto is the king of rugged, wrist-mounted devices. Plus, their meticulous attention to detail means users have a very easy ride. Namely because of the inclusion of buttons on the side. And the Suunto Ambit 3 holds this feature, too. Another thing Suunto does well is triaging tasks. So your data will seamlessly sync from your watch, to app to desktop (when you sync it). 

Again, only the necessities are on board the Suunto Ambit 3; start, stop, record, adjust the time, toggle between sports and navigate preloaded routes. Apart from that, everything will require setting up or customising, which you can do through the Suunto MovesCount site and app. Both are user-friendly and reliable. 

You are able to configure the SuuntoAmbit 3 so it shows as much detail as you desire. Anything after that, you’ll have to create a dedicated sports mode for yourself. For example, you can set up a running mode which will show you distance per mile. Or, your cycling mode can show you speed in mph, distance and elapsed time. Similarly, swimming mode shows strokes per minute, elapsed time and distance.

Essentially, the customisation is unlimited with Suunto’s app as you have access to thousands of other users’ custom developments.

To reiterate again, the simplicity is the beautiful thing about this device. The Ambit is a remarkable watch, because it’s basic and you can truly make it your own.

Battery Life

The battery life of a GPS watch is always hard to test. Namely because users have different uses and the battery life of a device is open to many variables. For example, how long it’s in GPS mode, how the data is synchronized, to what device and reliance on smart notifications. So, what we can go on is anecdotal from user experience and the what the brand promises. Suunto claims the Ambit 3 will give you an astonishing 200 hours with GPS turned on. If not turned on, you’ll easily get over a week in smartwatch mode.

Accuracy

When it comes to accuracy, the Suunto Ambit 3 is sensational. Largely down to the fact Suunto incorporates a motion sensor which monitors the GPS data. How does that improve accuracy? Your wrist-mounted accelerometer will catch small errors in your running or walking rhythm. Then, when it senses these tiny irregularities, it will ignore the GPS location of that specific point and will instead, measure the distance and rate and come up with a calculation that makes more sense. 

Silhouette of man mountaining

Ease of Set-Up

The Suunto Ambit 3 isn’t perfect but it does belong in the list of top-rated GPS watches. It’s easy to set up but it’ll take you some time. And once you do, you’ll find your device is tailored to your exact requirements and will be a faithful companion in your outdoor adventures. So, if you want something that is good to go straight out the box, this isn’t it. But if you’re a serious athlete with a keen interest in your own data, this is going to be great for you.

Value for money

Because the Suunto Ambit 3 is so highly customisable, it’s really great value for money. Suunto is a reputable brand, committed to continual software updates. So whilst it’s not cheap, it’s still not as expensive as others in the Suunto catalogue. 

Conclusion

Suunto knows that athletes have a tolerance for bulky and rugged devices. However, with bulk comes a big screen and this is necessary for anyone on the go who only gets a split second to check their information. If you’re a swimmer, runner, hiker, or even a skier, you’ll never actively choose to have a heavy watch on your wrist. Luckily, Suunto (and granted, most Garmin) watches offer you a suitable solution that will last for years.

In conclusion, it seems that despite the growing desire of brands to stuff as much technology into sports watches as they possibly can, Suunto has found a perfect balance. The Suunto Ambit 3 is a demonstration of knowing when enough is enough.


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Maygen
Maygen

Maygen is a multifaceted writer, proofreader and an experienced smartwatch industry writing and editing professional.

December 22, 2020 By Maygen Leave a Comment Filed Under: Brands, Fitness & Sports Watches, Reviews Tagged With: fitness tracker reviews, sports watches, Suunto, suunto ambit 3 peak, suunto reviews, watches for adventurers

SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch

Sports and fitness

SUUNTO is a Finnish watchmaking company based in Vantaa. The company are specialists in watches for people who love to be outdoors and active. The brand has garnered a great reputation. Their offerings differ from mainstream smartwatches. They focus on providing features that will help you whether you are up a mountain or skiing down one.

When Was the SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch Released?

The SUUNTO Core range has been on the market for some time. It has enjoyed many version releases and a loyal fan base. The Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch is a stylish accessory with a range of useful features.

Who is the watch for?

This is the perfect watch for the adventurous man in your life! It’s a great outdoor watch that is incredibly popular with people who love to get outside, enjoy being in nature and want to track their exercise and share key information to ensure they are safe.

It is smart to look at. Yet has the sporty features that we have all come to expect from a smartwatch. One serious issue is that there is no GPS capability. Even so, this is a fantastic choice for anyone that wants to get on the slopes, trek across the forest or even hike up a mountain. In fact, when you have a timepiece like this on your wrist, we think you’d probably spend more time outside to use it to its full potential. Mind you there are other Suunto watches worth considering depending on your needs.

What is Great About the SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch?

This slightly overpriced watch packs a lot in and looks great when on the wrist. The display is good. With a compass ring around the face you will be able to find your way wherever you take it. The screen is easy to read, and the watch battery lasts for an entire year before you need to think about replacing it.

Rather than using a GPS, the watch has an altimeter that will help you traverse your location with the help of a map. The good news about this is that the altimeter can work up to an altitude of 9000m so that you can explore virtually anywhere and not get lost. The watch works wherever you are, even if you find yourself off the beaten track in a sheltered area.
One of the key selling points for this watch is the barometer. It comes as standard and can let you know when a storm is brewing so that you can take precautions before it hits. The barometer works by reading pressure and can forecast what is to come through the pressure status in your location. It’s easy to use and navigate all from the watch face.

The watch will log all your altitude gains and the losses on a graph. You can check out what you have achieved each time you go out. The great thing about this is that the graph can cover up to seven full days, so it’s a fantastic way of checking out a week in the outdoors skiing or hiking.

The watch screen is split. You can tell the time as well as access the barometer, altimeter, and alarms that you can personalise to help you navigate your adventures. You can use the alarms to let you know when you have hit certain altitudes. If you remember to set your location, then the watch will even let you know when to expect the next sunrise or sunset. So you can get to the perfect location in time to enjoy them to the fullest.

  • The watch has three alarms that you can set to track what you are up to.
  • It’s simple to use, and you can just strap it on and get outside.
  • There are both a stopwatch and timer which will help when using it to exercise.
  • A built-in thermometer makes it easy to check the temperature wherever you are.
  • The battery life is excellent at a year-long, and it is cheap to replace when it wears out.
  • It’s easy to lock with the one-touch function.
  • It’s waterproof, so you are safe to take it wherever you are going.

Positives and Negatives of the SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch

There are so many positives with owning this watch, and we’ve listed our top pros for you to consider:

  • The watch has three alarms that you can set to track what you are up to.
  • It’s simple to use, and you can just strap it on and get outside.
  • There are both a stopwatch and timer which will help when using it to exercise.
  • A built-in thermometer makes it easy to check the temperature wherever you are.
  • The battery life is excellent at a year-long, and it is cheap to replace when it wears out.
  • It’s easy to lock with the one-touch function.
  • It’s waterproof, so you are safe to take it wherever you are going.

As with all devices, there are negative aspects, but even we have to admit that they are few and far between on this SUUNTO device:

  • The screen is easy to read but is too dim and could do with brightening up.
  • There is no GPS, although this would, of course, drain the battery if there was.
  • It’s pricey for a non-GPS watch, and although it looks great, there are cheaper alternatives on the market.

Should I Buy the SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch?

When it comes down to deciding if this is the watch for you, then it is worth considering if you are happy to forego the GPS. We think the altimeter is a great way of tracking where you are going, and with the phenomenal battery life, it is well worth consideration.

It’s an attractive and comfortable watch that won’t let you down. With all the great features it makes it worth serious consideration the next time you decide to get a new watch.

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Jacquelyn Ellis
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April 23, 2020 By Jacquelyn Ellis Leave a Comment Filed Under: Fitness & Sports Watches, Reviews Tagged With: fitness monitoring, Fitness Trackers for men, military watches, sports watches, Suunto

SUUNTO Zoop Novo Scuba Diving Wrist Computer

Diver entering the water

Looking for a scuba diving computer but find yourself confused over which one to get? Our review of the Zoop Novo will help you to make an informed choice.

What’s the Fuss About the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer?

SUUNTO are world leaders in wrist diving computers. The Finnish company has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to making equipment that will last.

The SUUNTO Zoop Novo is a budget-friendly diving computer. It is the perfect choice for novice or learner divers. There is a wealth of features that help you track everything you want and measure how deep you are. So you can be certain you are where you want to be. We like the clean design and ease of use with this computer. Furthermore, we are happy with the performance levels it offers. You may also want to view alternatives from Suunto such as the Suunto D5.

What Has SUUNTO Included in the Zoop Novo Scuba Diving Wrist Computer?

The Zoop Novo is packed with features. These will make it easy to track your dive and keep you safe when you are in the water. There is a button-operated menu that will take you through the diving modes you can choose from:

  • Air Mode – this is used when undertaking your dives on air. Select this option. You will be able to monitor your dive time, depth and no-deco time. And be able to see what the time is.
  • Nitrox Mode – choose this more if you want your computer to be set for 21 to 50% oxygen content.
  • Gauge Mode – Select this mode and your computer will work as a bottom timer. It will show you the time, depth and temp of your dive. This mode is ideal for when you plan dives via computer software or by calculating your own decompression time.
  • Free Dive Mode – this mode will help you to see your depth, dive time, max depth and the surface time of each of your free dives.
  • Off Mode – this mode is when the computer is turned off and not activated when you are in the water.

In reality, you can typically expect to use the Air and Nitrox modes the most. It is simple to let the computer calculate everything for you.

Other features include three personal adjustment abilities as well as three altitude adjustments. When you have it the way you want it all you need to do it strap it to your wrist and start your dive; it really is that simple.

What Does the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Scuba Diving Wrist Computer Look Like?

The Zoop Novo has an attractive and functional design that is similar to the original Zoop. However, there are key changes that have made it easier to read and use when you are in the water. There are three colour options and the protection glass is more raised on this model. The display is squared, and the digits are all clearly displayed for ease of use.

This is a computer that is made with ease of use in mind. You can remove the battery and replace it quickly without much fuss. This is a diving computer that is focused on offering the practical features. Rather than focusing on style over substance.

The Zoop Novo automatically starts as soon as you jump in, then starts up dive mode when you start to descend. You can turn on the backlight so that your screen is always clear to read. Whatever your depth, there is a feature that will let you log a bookmark whenever you want to measure the time, depth and temp. You can then check the analysis when you come back up.

When you start your ascent, you will be guided by bars on the display that will check you do not go over the 10m/min rate. The computer will give you a countdown before you can hit the surface in a bid to stop a nitrogen build-up.

If you are planning multiple dives over a short space of time, then the Zoop Novo will allow you to record up to 140 hours of dives ready to be uploaded to your computer via a USB when you are ready. This information can then be tracked and analysed to give you clear feedback on each dive.

What Concerns Are There With the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Scuba Diving Wrist Computer?

If you are looking for a diving computer that is the height of style over functionality, then this is not the one for you. There has been negative feedback on the basic nature of the Zoop Novo, but it is made with the novice diver in mind. Make sure that you are looking for a simple to use and basic model before spending your money as you may end up disappointed. However, if you want something that is easy to use and tracks the must-have info, then you are bound to love the Zoop Novo.

dving watch

Why Should I Buy a SUUNTO Zoop Novo Scuba Diving Wrist Computer?

If you have been considering getting a diving computer to track your dives, then the Zoop Novo is a great choice. It is a basic model that is the perfect choice for any new diver who wants to track and analyse their dives. However, this is not the model for any hardcore diver or free diver as it is not efficient enough for this type of diving.

Zoop Novo will help you to know what is going on when you are in the water. It will give you the chance to see how you are progressing over time from the downloadable data from each dive. SUUNTO has made a great diving computer with the Zoop Novo, and we are happy to highly recommend it.

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December 22, 2020 By Jacquelyn Ellis Leave a Comment Filed Under: Fitness & Sports Watches, Reviews Tagged With: diving watches, Fitness tracker, sports watch, Suunto

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