Testing
The new compact watch from the Finnish company, with advanced navigation without starting activity, great autonomy and an unbeatable price, designed to take your trail running performance to the next level.
Suunto, the Finnish brand known for its precision and innovation, launches the Suunto Race Sone more version compact and economical of your Suunto Race. Maintaining many of the features that have made the original model popular, the Race S arrives with a design lighter and a focus on accessibility. with a screen 1.32 inch AMOLED and a diameter of 45 mm, the watch is 28% lighter than the Suunto Race and a 14% slimmer. This model is designed specifically for those mountain runners looking for a powerful device without the weight and size of the original model, but who do not want to compromise on functionality.
On an aesthetic level, the Suunto Race S combines a stainless steel case with Gorilla Glasswhich guarantees resistance in demanding conditions. Although it does not have materials such as titanium or sapphire crystal, something that could be expected in higher ranges, it is still a robust and well-built watch. And best of all, it is available for €349a very competitive price within the current market, making this device accessible to a greater number of users without sacrificing key features.
Screen and design
The Suunto Race S has a screen 1.32 inch AMOLED which offers a clear and sharp display in both direct sunlight and low-light environments. The interface has been improved, offering a smooth and fast user experiencesomething that we already saw in models like the Suunto Ocean. Furthermore, the light weight of the watch, which is around 60 grams with silicone strap, makes it extremely comfortable to wear during long workouts or ultra distance competitions.
Navigation without starting activity: a plus in exploration
One of the most innovative features of the Suunto Race S is the possibility of navigating routes without needing to start an activity. This allows the user to explore new trails or run race routes without activating activity tracking. Why is this useful? Whether you’re planning a race, want to explore the terrain before a race, or simply want to view a trail map without recording training data, this feature gives you complete freedom. Navigation is extremely precise, thanks to dual-band GNSS technology, which ensures a stable connection even in areas with difficult coverage, such as leafy forests or narrow valleys.
We have Tested these benefits on the Ultra Pirineu routeand it really is something that we liked, since it allows us to explore a route (scouting) without doing any activity. Something that is really in demand by runners and mountain users.
Furthermore, the speed with which maps and routes load is remarkably fastand the interface for moving around the map is intuitive. This ability to navigation in “explore” mode offers a tactical advantage for trail runners, who can better prepare for future races without compromising battery life.
Autonomy and GPS modes
One of the main concerns for mountain runners is the autonomy of the watch during long distance competitions. The Suunto Race S does not disappoint in this regard, offering up to 31 hours of battery in “Performance” mode with maximum GNSS precision (dual band). For those who need even more duration, the «Endurance” offers 42 hoursand the mode «Tour” extends lifespan up to 126 hoursideal for stage races or long expeditions. In addition, in conventional watch mode, the autonomy reaches 9 days, which means that you will not have to charge the watch frequently if you use it in daily activities.
Suunto claims that this watch has the best autonomy in its class when It compares size/price with other AMOLED screen devices, which is a key fact for those looking for a watch that is not only light, but also durable in terms of battery.
Advanced training features
Suunto Race S also includes a number of advanced training features, such as climb guidance “Suunto Climb Guidance”, which is the equivalent of Garmin’s ClimbPro. This tool provides you with detailed information about the accumulated elevation gain and remaining climbs, which is extremely useful for plan efforts on long climbs. Additionally, the watch allows customize spheres and configure different metrics to adapt them to your needs.
The optical sensor heart rate It has been improved, with three LEDs and four receivers, which ensures more accurate measurement even in high-intensity activities such as cycling or running interval sessions. This advance allows a better effort control and greater accuracy in estimating calorie consumption and heart rate zones.
Conclusion: Is the Suunto Race S the best option?
The Suunto Race S is presented as an excellent alternative for those looking for a compact, powerful watch with an unbeatable quality-price ratio. Although the reduction in size and autonomy could make some users opt for the Original Suunto Race, the reality is that the Race S offers almost the same features for €100 less, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize lightness without sacrificing functionality.
It particularly stands out in advanced navigation without starting activity, its superior autonomy in relation to size and price, and improvements in the optical heart rate sensor. In short, it is a versatile and well-balanced device for trail runners and adventurers looking for a Reliable, intuitive and accessible watch.
