Suunto Race: Premium AMOLED Sports Watch for Serious Athletes

Overview

The Suunto Race marks a significant evolution in Suunto’s sports watch lineup, introducing a vibrant AMOLED display while maintaining the brand’s renowned durability and accuracy. Launched in October 2023, this flagship model targets serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who demand precision GPS tracking, comprehensive training metrics, and exceptional battery life in a premium package.

At $449 for the stainless steel version and $549 for titanium, the Race positions itself as a direct competitor to the Garmin Forerunner 965 and COROS VERTIX 2, offering comparable features at a more competitive price point.

Key Selling Points

1. Brilliant AMOLED Display with Crown Control

The 1.43-inch AMOLED screen delivers 1,000 nits brightness and crystal-clear visibility even in direct sunlight. The addition of a digital crown alongside the touchscreen provides reliable control in wet conditions or while wearing gloves.

2. Industry-Leading GPS Accuracy

Dual-band GPS technology connects to all five major satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU, QZSS) using both L1 and L5 frequencies, delivering accuracy that rivals the best GPS watches on the market.

3. Exceptional Battery Life for AMOLED

Despite the power-hungry AMOLED display, the Race achieves 40 hours of GPS tracking in Performance mode and up to 5 days in Tour mode. Daily use extends to 12 days with gesture activation or 7 days with always-on display.

4. Comprehensive Offline Maps

Free downloadable offline maps with multiple styles (Outdoor, Dark, High Contrast) provide detailed navigation without phone connectivity. The titanium model’s 32GB storage can hold maps for nearly all of Europe.

5. Advanced Training Intelligence

Suunto Coach AI provides personalized training guidance based on HRV (heart rate variability) measurements, offering real-time feedback on training load, recovery needs, and workout recommendations.

Design & Build Quality

The Suunto Race showcases Finnish craftsmanship with military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H certified). The 49mm case might seem large on paper, but Suunto has optimized the design to wear comfortably on most wrists. The rotating bezel provides tactile feedback for menu navigation, while five physical buttons ensure full functionality without relying solely on the touchscreen.

Materials vary by model, with stainless steel variants weighing 83g and titanium models reducing that to 69g. All versions feature sapphire glass protection and 100m water resistance, suitable for swimming and water sports.

Performance & Accuracy

GPS Performance

Independent testing confirms the dual-band GPS accuracy matches industry leaders like the Garmin Epix Gen 2. The multi-band reception excels in challenging environments—urban canyons, dense forests, and mountainous terrain—where single-band GPS typically struggles.

Heart Rate Accuracy

The optical heart rate sensor delivers reliable readings during steady-state activities but, like most wrist-based sensors, can lag during high-intensity intervals. For critical training, chest strap compatibility ensures laboratory-grade accuracy.

Battery Management

Real-world testing validates Suunto’s claims:

• Performance Mode: 38-40 hours with GPS and heart rate
• Endurance Mode: 65-70 hours with reduced GPS frequency
• Tour Mode: 4-5 days for multi-day adventures
• Daily Use: 10-12 days with notifications and 24/7 tracking

Sports & Training Features

With 95+ sport modes, the Race covers virtually every activity imaginable. Standout features include:

• Running: Running power, hill splitter, interval detection, track mode
• Cycling: Power meter support, structured workouts, Strava segments
• Swimming: Pool and open water modes, stroke detection, SWOLF scoring
• Triathlon: Multisport mode with seamless transitions
• Mountain Sports: Ski touring, backcountry skiing, ice climbing profiles

The training analysis suite includes:

• Training Stress Score (TSS)
• Recovery time recommendations
• Training load balance (aerobic/anaerobic)
• VO2 max estimation
• Performance condition alerts
• Adaptive training guidance via Suunto Coach

Navigation & Maps

The Race’s navigation capabilities rival dedicated GPS devices:

• Offline Maps: Three map styles optimized for different conditions
• Route Planning: Create routes in Suunto app or import GPX files
• Turn-by-Turn: Voice-free navigation with vibration alerts
• POI Navigation: Navigate to saved points of interest
• Heatmaps: Popular routes based on Suunto community data
• Storm Alarm: Barometric pressure alerts for weather changes

Smart Features & Connectivity

While not as app-rich as Apple or Samsung watches, the Race covers essentials:

• Notifications: Calls, texts, app alerts (no reply capability)
• Music Storage: 4GB (steel) or 32GB (titanium) for offline playback
• Suunto App: Comprehensive companion for analysis and planning
• Third-party Integration: Strava, TrainingPeaks, Komoot compatibility
• Weather: 7-day forecast with hourly breakdowns

Notable omissions include contactless payments, voice assistants, and cellular connectivity.

User Experience

The interface strikes a balance between simplicity and depth. The home screen carousel provides quick access to key metrics, while the menu system logically organizes features. The crown control proves invaluable during activities, allowing easy scrolling without obscuring the display.

Setup through the Suunto app is straightforward, with guided calibration for compass and altimeter. Firmware updates arrive regularly, adding features and refining performance—a testament to Suunto’s ongoing support.

Strengths

• Exceptional Value: Premium features at mid-range pricing
• GPS Accuracy: Dual-band performance matches $900+ competitors
• Battery Life: Class-leading for AMOLED watches
• Build Quality: Military-grade durability with sapphire glass
• Offline Maps: Free, detailed, no subscription required
• Training Insights: HRV-based guidance rivals premium platforms

Limitations

• Limited Smart Features: No payments, voice control, or LTE
• Smaller App Ecosystem: Fewer third-party apps than Garmin
• Music Control: Storage only, no streaming services
• Size: 49mm case may overwhelm smaller wrists
• Recovery Metrics: Less comprehensive than Garmin’s Body Battery
• Interface Speed: Occasional lag in menu navigation

Ideal For

• Endurance Athletes: Ultrarunners, cyclists, triathletes needing long battery life
• Mountain Enthusiasts: Hikers, climbers, skiers requiring accurate altitude data
• Data-Driven Trainers: Athletes who value HRV-based training guidance
• Navigation Users: Adventurers needing reliable offline maps
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those wanting premium features without premium pricing

Not Ideal For

• Smart Watch Prioritizers: Users wanting extensive apps and connectivity
• Small Wrists: The 49mm case lacks a smaller option (consider Race S)
• Casual Fitness Users: Overkill for basic activity tracking
• Music Streamers: No Spotify or other streaming services
• Payment Users: Those relying on contactless payments

Versus the Competition

vs. Garmin Forerunner 965 ($600)

The Race offers similar GPS accuracy and battery life at $150 less. Garmin wins on training metrics, music streaming, and ecosystem. Suunto provides better value and free maps.

vs. COROS APEX 2 Pro ($500)

Comparable pricing and features. COROS offers longer battery life; Suunto provides AMOLED display and better maps. Both excel at GPS accuracy.

vs. Polar Vantage V3 ($600)

Polar leads in recovery metrics and sleep tracking. Suunto offers better navigation and more sport modes. Both target serious athletes.

Recent Updates

Firmware 2.30.34 (December 2024) added:

• Improved GPS acquisition speed
• Enhanced interval detection for track running
• Weather widget customization
• Bug fixes for altitude calibration
• Battery optimization for music playback

Buying Advice

The Suunto Race represents excellent value for serious athletes prioritizing GPS accuracy, battery life, and navigation over smart features. The $449 steel version suffices for most users; the $549 titanium upgrade justifies itself for weight savings and extra storage.

Consider the smaller Race S ($349) if you have sub-7” wrists or prefer a lighter watch. Wait for sales—the Race regularly drops to $399 during promotional periods.

Verdict

The Suunto Race successfully modernizes Suunto’s sports watch line without sacrificing the durability and accuracy that built their reputation. While it won’t satisfy smartwatch enthusiasts, it delivers everything endurance athletes need at a price that undercuts similarly equipped competitors.

For athletes who measure success in miles, elevation, and personal records rather than app counts and emoji responses, the Suunto Race stands as one of 2024’s best sports watch values.

Rating: 4.5/5

The missing half-star reflects limited smart features and occasional interface lag—minor compromises for an otherwise exceptional sports watch that punches well above its price class.