VERTICAL SUUNTO OPINION: Will it seduce athletes?

Suunto Vertical Watch: Is It Captivating Athletes?


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

  • Solid : titanium/steel case + 100% shock resistant sapphire glass (MIL-STD-810H standards outdated).

  • Ergonomics : Comfortable interchangeable silicone bracelet, touch buttons.

  • Downside : Too small screen (1.4 “) vs surface available. Thick Bézel with solar ring (questionable aesthetic).

Features

  • Stars sensors : GPS Double-Frequency (4 constellations) of formidable precision, even in canyon/forest.

  • Offline cards : Clear navigation with 3D elevation and Heatmaps.

  • Disappointment : Cardiac sensor unreliable in intense effort (lag of 5-10 min). Personalization of VS Garmin limited screens.

Autonomy

  • Promises : Up to 85 hours in GPS + Solar mode.

  • Reality : 60 hours in mixed use (solar without solar). Sometimes capricious fast recharge.

  • 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 ::

  • Garmin Fenix ​​7 PRO (€ 800): Best sports ecosystem, HRM Pro + sensor

  • Coros Vertix 2 (€ 700): slightly higher, less ergonomic autonomy

If tight budget : Garmin Instinct 2 Solar (€ 400) offers 80% of perfs for half price.

The vertical Suunto is distinguished on certain technical aspects, but has weaknesses in software reliability in the face of competition.

Reliability strengths

  • Physical robustness : Titanium/steel case + sapphire glass, validated via tests exceeding the MIL-STD-810H standard. Resist with shocks, extreme temperatures and immersion.

  • Ultra-precise GPS : Better precision on the market thanks to the doubling of frequencies (4 constellations), even in canyon or dense forest. Deviation less than 0.1 mile vs Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro.

  • Unequaled autonomy : Up to 60 hours in double frequency GPS (VS 41h for Fenix ​​7X) and fast recharging (10h use for 10 min load). Confirmed performance in real conditions.

Notable weaknesses

  • Perfectible software : Recurring bugs on the battery estimate, capricious recharge, and planting during updates.

  • Unreliable heart sensor : 5-10 min offsets in intense effort, lower than the Garmin Elevate V5 sensors or Polar Precision Prime.

  • Limited technical support : Burmin bugs corrections than Garmin, according to user feedback.

Comparison with competition

Criteria SUUNTO Vertical Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro Coros Vertix 2
GPS reliability ✅ Better precision ⚠️ slightly less precise ✅ Equivalent to Garmin
Software stability ⚠️ Occasional bugs ✅ Very stable (core features) ✅ Stable but basic interface
Real autonomy ✅ 60h (double frequency) ✅ 41h (double frequency) ✅ 50h (double frequency)
Physiological sensors ❌ Weak (HR) ✅ Excellent (HRM Pro + SPO2) ✅ Corrects (Dual sensor)

Verdict

There SUUNTO Vertical outstands Garmin on robustness and autonomybut software reliability and health metrics.

  • For outdoor purists : Optimal choice if priority for GPS precision and physical resistance.

  • For connected athletes : Prefer Garmin Fenix ​​7 Pro (€ 800) for its mature ecosystem and reliable physiological monitoring.

  • Economic alternative : Coros Vertix 2 (€ 700) Combines autonomy and reliability, despite less worked ergonomics.

In summary : Vertical excels in a hostile environment, but requires tolerance for software imperfections. Garmin remains king for versatile use without compromise.

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