For whom?
Outdoor sportsmen and demanding adventurers. Designed for trail runners, mountaineers, long-distance cyclists and multi-day experiences. Less adapted to indoor athletes or occasional users.
See the vertical Suunto and Amazon reviews
Design & Comfort
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Solid : titanium/steel case + 100% shock resistant sapphire glass (MIL-STD-810H standards outdated).
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Ergonomics : Comfortable interchangeable silicone bracelet, touch buttons.
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Downside : Too small screen (1.4 “) vs surface available. Thick Bézel with solar ring (questionable aesthetic).
Features
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Stars sensors : GPS Double-Frequency (4 constellations) of formidable precision, even in canyon/forest.
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Offline cards : Clear navigation with 3D elevation and Heatmaps.
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Disappointment : Cardiac sensor unreliable in intense effort (lag of 5-10 min). Personalization of VS Garmin limited screens.
Autonomy
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Promises : Up to 85 hours in GPS + Solar mode.
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Reality : 60 hours in mixed use (solar without solar). Sometimes capricious fast recharge.
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Major asset : Duration x2 vs suunto 9 peak, x3 vs old models.
Strengths/Weak points
What kills ::
What disappoints ::
Verdict
Top For priority backpackers Autonomy/GPS precision. Flop if necessary cardio metrics advanced or lifestyle connectivity.
Alternative ::
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Garmin Fenix 7 PRO (€ 800): Best sports ecosystem, HRM Pro + sensor
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Coros Vertix 2 (€ 700): slightly higher, less ergonomic autonomy
If tight budget : Garmin Instinct 2 Solar (€ 400) offers 80% of perfs for half price.