In a market dominated by prominent names like Garmin and Polar, Suunto makes a dynamic entrance with its latest offering – the Suunto Race.
This article will delve deep into everything this watch has to offer and why it could potentially be a game-changer in the sports watch industry.
Overview
The Suunto Race has been announced as a fierce competitor to renowned models like the Garmin Forerunner 965 and the Polar Vantage V3.
Despite coming in at a fraction of their price, it doesn’t skimp on features. This device builds upon the Suunto Vertical endurance sports watch, enhancing it with an AMOLED display, revamped user interface, and additional software perks.
The most startling revelation, perhaps, is its competitive pricing, with the base unit being just $449. This includes a sapphire crystal display with a stainless steel case.
Suunto Race: Impressive Features at a Glance
1. Display and Battery:
- Comes with a 1.43” AMOLED touchscreen.
- Offers up to 40 hours of battery life with GPS enabled. Additionally, the battery can last up to 120 hours in the ‘Tour’ mode.
- On standby, the watch can run for 12 days in gesture-based display mode or 7 days in always-on mode.
2. Sport and Tracking:
- Suunto Race offers over 95 sports modes.
- Features like nightly HRV tracking, workout planner, and a suite of widgets to aid training and recovery.
- Introduces a quirky new sports mode – Rope Skipping!
3. User Interface and Usability:
- The digital crown makes navigation a breeze.
- Introduces functionalities like multiple alarms, ‘Find my Phone’, and ‘Stand-up’ reminders.
- Do-not-disturb mode ensures you’re not bothered during crucial times.
- Improved music control touch controls for a seamless experience.
4. Aesthetics and Build:
- Available in two finishes: titanium and stainless steel.
- Comes with a sapphire crystal display.
- Weighs 69g for the titanium variant and 84g for stainless steel.
Suunto Race: What’s New
Suunto’s Transition to AMOLED
One of the noticeable trends this year is the shift of almost all sports watches towards AMOLED displays. Thanks to their brilliance and clarity, coupled with battery life improvements, it was high time Suunto boarded this train.
If you recall, Suunto had a stint with AMOLED through their WearOS-based Suunto 7. However, the Suunto Race promises to surpass its predecessor in display quality, battery performance, and accuracy.
What Sets Suunto Race Apart
The Suunto Race isn’t just a copy of its peers. Its display is bright enough for sunny conditions, making it apt for outdoor sports.
The introduction of ‘Mini-Widgets’ offers snippets of essential data, enhancing user experience.
Moreover, the HRV tracking widget is a valuable addition, providing insights into the user’s health and guiding training routines.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Keeping in mind environmental concerns, Suunto has been a frontrunner in sustainable watch production.
From outlining the environmental footprint of their products to carbon offsetting, Suunto takes eco-consciousness seriously.
Their new packaging design, however, might appear a bit oversized, but it’s a small hiccup in their broader green initiatives.
How Does It Fare Against Competitors?
When placed side by side with competitors like the Polar Vantage V3 and the Garmin Epix Pro, the Suunto Race holds its ground in terms of design and features. The more detailed review, expected shortly, will provide a comprehensive comparison.
A Bonus From Suunto
In an unexpected move, Suunto has also unveiled sport-focused headphones – the Suunto Wing. These headphones promise good sound quality, LED visibility, and “shower resistance” levels of waterproofing.
Suunto Race: Full Specifications
| Glass fiber-reinforced polyamide | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 49 x 49 x 13.3 mm |
| Weight | 69 g |
| Bezel material | Titanium |
| Glass material | Sapphire crystal |
| Case material | Glass fibre reinforced polyamide |
| Strap material | Silicone |
| Wrist sizes | 125-175 mm (accessory strap -215 mm) |
| Strap width | 22 mm |
| Display size | 1,43” |
| Display type | AMOLED |
| Display resolution | 466 x 466 |
| Connectivity (between devices) | Bluetooth |
| Compatible with online sports communities | Strava, TrainingPeaks and more |
| Sensors | SLEEP TRACKING STRESS AND RECOVERY OUTDOOR FUNCTIONS GPS TRACKING & NAVIGATION ALTIMETER WEATHER TRAINING FUNCTIONS INTERVAL TRAINING HEART RATE SPEED AND DISTANCE TRAINING RECOVERY TRAINING LOAD |
| In time mode | 26 days |
| With 24/7 tracking and mobile notifications | 12 days |
| Training mode with GPS | 40h / 50h / 70h / 120h |
Final Thoughts
The Suunto Race seems poised to redefine the sports watch market, especially for those seeking top-tier features without the hefty price tag. Its array of features, combined with its pricing, make it a watch to watch out for.
Whether you’re an athlete or someone who likes to keep track of their health metrics, the Suunto Race might just be the perfect fit for you.
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