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I like this watch a lot. From my point of view the best watch for trail running so far. Huge battery life. Build like a tank. Very good design. No stupid non functional garmin features. I also like the health features of the watch. The Suunto app is the best out there so far. The price is not cheap. That’s right. But I enjoy it a lot. 😊
on my 3rd go around with the suunto 9 baro since 2018... I have done garmin and apple, but keep coming back to suunto. Really looking forward to getting the new vertical titanium solar soon hopefully. Great video
The vertical is a superb watch Chad. I tested one of the prototypes out just before they launched. I had it for about a month and I absolutely loved it. It pained me to have to send it back 🤣 I have been using the race for the last 2 months and I have been loving that too. The screen is pretty fancy and the digital crown is a handy way of navigating especially when moving around the map screens. However, out of the two I did prefer the Vertical. If the put the digital crown onto the vertical 2 I think that will be the best sports watch hands down. Great review bud! 😎🤘
Thanks for the awesome video! I have the Garmin forerunner 55 which got me through a 50k with still a lot of battery left, but I'm gearing up for a 100 mile race next October (and maybe a longer one in 2026). I'm debating getting the Garmin Enduro 3 or the Suunto Vertical (hence why I'm here haha)! Both look highly competitve, so I'm sure I can't really go wrong with either.
You really can't go wrong with either. You could stick with Garmin to stay in the ecosystem but I can tell you that I've really been pleased with my Suunto Vertical. I did a 100 mile race with it a couple months back which took me 35 hours and it still had battery life left (although I don't remember exactly how much, but I want to say about 25%). Thanks for checking out the video!
Currently have the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro and it is great. The fact that I’m in the Garmin ecosystem means that my next watch will likely be another Garmin and probably the 965. The amoled display, smaller profile, and lighter weight means it’ll slide under a shirt cuff more easily than the Fenix. The battery life suffers but I’m pretty sure I’ll die during an event before the battery does. 😂😂 Appreciate your thoughts on the Suunto. A Suunto was my first sports watch and I loved it (Suunto Ambit and Ambit 3 iirc). Those old Suuntos had fantastic accuracy but also had the antennae off the side (seriously, they were gigantic) and weren’t terribly practice except for outdoor situations. Have a wonderful day, Chad. Thanks for the vid!
Unrelated: the top corner of that vest kept poking over your shoulder. I’m guessing it’s the BD vest you helped develop (unless I have that wrong…), looking forward to seeing more of it.
I tested a prototype and provided feedback on a different vest by Adaptive Endurance. In this video, I'm wearing the Black Diamond Distance 8 pack (as you noticed) and I really like it. I've taken it out on two different 20 mile runs so far. It's got some great features and an awesome build, but I do wish the front pockets were just a little bigger. Still, I'm glad I bought the pack. I might have my review out and about a week (fingers crossed!).
I’ve been using Garmin since the Fenix 3 (all the way to the 7X) and have found the quality steadily deteriorating. Recently got the Suunto Vertical and I absolutely love the craftsmanship - it’s beautiful. Oozes quality. I’m definitely a Garmin to Suunto convert.
How have you found the navigation functions? I’m on a 6x and I have read the Suunto did not have the route back function Garmin does. That’s a huge feature for me.
@extravagantwalks It doesn't have a "route back" function but honestly, it's pretty easy to navigate back on your tracks that are documented and shown on the watch.
@extravagantwalks Great feedback! That's kind of a neat feature, particularly if running on various concrete paths and streets in an area that you're less familiar with.
Great video! So how to you think about the HR accuracy ? Do you think all the functions are accurate? I was never Happy with the step counter it would add 3000 step aday compared to garmin and coros? Do you think it really doesn't matter about the steps?
For me, the HR seems to be accurate enough. I've been pleased with all the other functions and features and it's been a great watch! Step count does seem generous as it'll count general arm movements (not a big deal to me) but it also seems accurate while in an activity. Thanks for watching the video!
i have the old Huawei watch GT2, since 2019 Xmas. while overall working good, i feel it is time to upgrade, and currently in search for what the next will be. the same ecosystem reason the Huawei GT4 is an option, at around 180$ price wont kill me financially. but as i get back to trails, i am toying with the idea to get something with a nicer mapping. Suunto Race, or Garmin FR came to mind, but price is a stretch. without a first hand tryout, i am hesitant to jump to higher priced models, not knowing if in the end worth the 2-3x price.
This watch ticks a lot of boxes indeed. One notable miss for me is the lack of music via bluetooth. Also I would prefer a less bulky model. The suunto 9 peak pro hits the sweet spot in that regard.
Another great video! I currently have an Apple Watch Series 6. I’ve been looking at the Vertical, Race and Garmin watches that have maps. Do you link the way the maps look on the Vertical vs the Race? And do you like the way they track your heart rate? Some of the videos I watched say that the heart rate isn’t real accurate.
For me, the heart rate monitoring seems to be accurate enough and no less accurate than my previous Suunto 9 Baro watch. I like the way the Vertical screen looks including for maps but the Race screen will be much more vivid. As always, I really appreciate you watching my videos and commenting!
This is September 2024: I have a few Suunto compasses and have been thinking about buying a Suunto watch for a long time now and this is the one that I have eyes on. I do not know if solar charging is really useful or not; I have a Garmin Fenix 7x solar and sincerely that is just a gimmick. Anyway, I like it a lot and my only interest is having a good backup watch, that is why I think the stainless steel version would be sufficient for what I need.
I have the base Suunto 9 right now and was looking at the Suunto 9 Peak Pro for that battery life with that one. Didn't know about the Vertical and that battery life and solar charging. So now I'm looking at this one.
Hi Chad, What’s your experience with the most recent firmware update (July 2024)? Did battery life and OHR precision improve, as advertised? Anything else? Keep up the good work! Gus
Thank you so much! I didn't notice a change in the heart rate after the firmware update. For me, the heart rate data is at least consistent enough that I can take it for when it's worth. Now, many months later, I'm still very happy with my purchase.
I’ve been rocking the Garmin Fenix 5 since 2017 and it is holding up like a champ! I do want to upgrade at some point for longer battery life for when the running events get over that 12-15hr time limit!
When I ran Never Summer 100k, that 18 hr race used the entire battery of my previous Suunto 9 Baro. I'm looking to do my first 100 miler in August and knew I would need to watch but could last much longer. The Garmin Fenix series has always been a great!
I couldn't say exactly... I can tell you that the battery is good enough that I don't pay much attention to it. I use the map feature for many runs but usually not more than 20 miles.
@@SeeChadRun thanks Chad, looking for a watch that will last a hundred mile race for my wife. The sunnto race, seemed to only last 16hours in the map screen, maybe the vertical will be better for her
@robturner724 I bought the vertical specifically to last through 100 plus mile races. I'll be using it for an up-and-coming 50 mile and 100 mile race myself.
Good video, thanks for taking the time to share. I'm currently rockin' a Timex Ironman G-Shock and Strava on my phone for maps. The Sunnto Vertical's battery life and build quality are impressive, particularly the Titanium Solar model. The prices for both models are steep. As a potential first time smartwatch buyer, what's the value-add over a basic watch with a phone app?
I think that's a fair question. I use to use my phone to track my runs vs using a GPS watch. One time, I went for a long run in the mountains and my phone died and as a result I wasn't able to use it to inform my wife that I was safe and on my way home. This ceated quite the issue. Having a good GPS watch has two benefits in my mind. It can track your run/activity with greater accuracy (and provide you with a bunch of statistics during and between activities) and two, some GPS watches will provide map features and turn by turn directions when using a preloaded course which helps keep you safe and on track. That's particularly nice when running new trails or races. Just a few thoughts but let me know if you have additional questions. I'm happy to share my experiences with you!
The Suunto Race might be worth checking out since it's a little bit cheaper, but Garmin definitely makes some awesome products! Appreciate you watching the video!
My Apple watch series 5 died after four years. Apple quoted €441.39 for repair. Wishing I didn't sell my Suunto Observer that was still going strong after eighteen years!
The Suunto vertical is sooo much better than my garmin. I‘ve sold my garmin fenix 7 for the Suunto vertical. It’s such a great watch. Not only the battery
It is, isn't it? Sitting on the couch, using the remote - 1000 steps. Doing nothing and your pulse is 180, according to the watch. Awesome! Running or hiking, pulse is a stable 110. Fantastic! No NFC pay coz who needs that, right? No routable maps because routing a course is stupid, right? No onboard music because that's last century, who cares?! Stop kidding yourself and accept the fact that you chose a worse product.
I have both Suunto Vertical and Garmin Epix 2. Both Titanium flagship version. From my humble first hand experience, Epix 2 definitely has better GPS experience with more details in the maps. It shows the names of the streets, key areas and even hiking track names if you are in national park. It simply has heaps more info on the screen. However, I have to say the Suunto Vertical feels way more solid & durable and will outlast Epix 2 or probably any Garmin watches in terms of life span. Epix 2 is excellent quality and durable as well, but Vertical is just on another level, I believe Race is the same case. If you need a more rugged outdoor watch with reliable essential GPS and key functions, Vertical/Race is probably the way to go. If you need more added functions and more detailed info in GPS, go with Garmin Epix/Fenix.
The heart rate sensor seems to be accurate enough. I think if you're truly concerned, then using a chest or arm strap would be better. It doesn't seem to be any less accurate than my prior Suunto 9 Baro. In short, it seems to be consistent even if it's not exactly accurate, so I'm happy with it.
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I like this watch a lot. From my point of view the best watch for trail running so far. Huge battery life. Build like a tank. Very good design. No stupid non functional garmin features. I also like the health features of the watch. The Suunto app is the best out there so far. The price is not cheap. That’s right. But I enjoy it a lot. 😊
you worked hard through that review...Im not a runner anymore but love the watch thank you!
It's a great watch and I don't regret the purchase one bit! Thanks for checking out the video.
on my 3rd go around with the suunto 9 baro since 2018... I have done garmin and apple, but keep coming back to suunto. Really looking forward to getting the new vertical titanium solar soon hopefully. Great video
Thanks for watching the video! I've really been happy with the watch!
The vertical is a superb watch Chad. I tested one of the prototypes out just before they launched. I had it for about a month and I absolutely loved it. It pained me to have to send it back 🤣 I have been using the race for the last 2 months and I have been loving that too. The screen is pretty fancy and the digital crown is a handy way of navigating especially when moving around the map screens. However, out of the two I did prefer the Vertical. If the put the digital crown onto the vertical 2 I think that will be the best sports watch hands down. Great review bud! 😎🤘
Thank you Ben and that's great feedback. Glad you're enjoying the! Suunto Race. I was really close to buying that watch myself.
Thanks for the awesome video!
I have the Garmin forerunner 55 which got me through a 50k with still a lot of battery left, but I'm gearing up for a 100 mile race next October (and maybe a longer one in 2026).
I'm debating getting the Garmin Enduro 3 or the Suunto Vertical (hence why I'm here haha)! Both look highly competitve, so I'm sure I can't really go wrong with either.
You really can't go wrong with either. You could stick with Garmin to stay in the ecosystem but I can tell you that I've really been pleased with my Suunto Vertical. I did a 100 mile race with it a couple months back which took me 35 hours and it still had battery life left (although I don't remember exactly how much, but I want to say about 25%). Thanks for checking out the video!
I also like the design over the Fenix series. Its good there is some competition to keep Garmin Sharp.
Awesome video Chad and awesome channel, I’ve subscribed 👊🏽🔥
Thank you so much! That means a lot.
An absolute pleasure mate!@@SeeChadRun
Currently have the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro and it is great. The fact that I’m in the Garmin ecosystem means that my next watch will likely be another Garmin and probably the 965. The amoled display, smaller profile, and lighter weight means it’ll slide under a shirt cuff more easily than the Fenix. The battery life suffers but I’m pretty sure I’ll die during an event before the battery does. 😂😂
Appreciate your thoughts on the Suunto. A Suunto was my first sports watch and I loved it (Suunto Ambit and Ambit 3 iirc). Those old Suuntos had fantastic accuracy but also had the antennae off the side (seriously, they were gigantic) and weren’t terribly practice except for outdoor situations.
Have a wonderful day, Chad. Thanks for the vid!
Unrelated: the top corner of that vest kept poking over your shoulder. I’m guessing it’s the BD vest you helped develop (unless I have that wrong…), looking forward to seeing more of it.
The Garmin 965 seems like a great watch. Your comment about you dying before the battery made me laugh pretty good 😆
I tested a prototype and provided feedback on a different vest by Adaptive Endurance. In this video, I'm wearing the Black Diamond Distance 8 pack (as you noticed) and I really like it. I've taken it out on two different 20 mile runs so far. It's got some great features and an awesome build, but I do wish the front pockets were just a little bigger. Still, I'm glad I bought the pack. I might have my review out and about a week (fingers crossed!).
I’ve been using Garmin since the Fenix 3 (all the way to the 7X) and have found the quality steadily deteriorating. Recently got the Suunto Vertical and I absolutely love the craftsmanship - it’s beautiful. Oozes quality. I’m definitely a Garmin to Suunto convert.
How have you found the navigation functions? I’m on a 6x and I have read the Suunto did not have the route back function Garmin does. That’s a huge feature for me.
@extravagantwalks It doesn't have a "route back" function but honestly, it's pretty easy to navigate back on your tracks that are documented and shown on the watch.
@@SeeChadRun that is true. The nice thing on Garmin is it doesn’t just do backtracking though. It will give you the fastest route back to start.
@extravagantwalks Great feedback! That's kind of a neat feature, particularly if running on various concrete paths and streets in an area that you're less familiar with.
Great video! So how to you think about the HR accuracy ? Do you think all the functions are accurate? I was never Happy with the step counter it would add 3000 step aday compared to garmin and coros? Do you think it really doesn't matter about the steps?
For me, the HR seems to be accurate enough. I've been pleased with all the other functions and features and it's been a great watch! Step count does seem generous as it'll count general arm movements (not a big deal to me) but it also seems accurate while in an activity. Thanks for watching the video!
i have the old Huawei watch GT2, since 2019 Xmas. while overall working good, i feel it is time to upgrade, and currently in search for what the next will be. the same ecosystem reason the Huawei GT4 is an option, at around 180$ price wont kill me financially. but as i get back to trails, i am toying with the idea to get something with a nicer mapping. Suunto Race, or Garmin FR came to mind, but price is a stretch. without a first hand tryout, i am hesitant to jump to higher priced models, not knowing if in the end worth the 2-3x price.
This watch ticks a lot of boxes indeed. One notable miss for me is the lack of music via bluetooth. Also I would prefer a less bulky model. The suunto 9 peak pro hits the sweet spot in that regard.
Another great video! I currently have an Apple Watch Series 6. I’ve been looking at the Vertical, Race and Garmin watches that have maps. Do you link the way the maps look on the Vertical vs the Race? And do you like the way they track your heart rate? Some of the videos I watched say that the heart rate isn’t real accurate.
For me, the heart rate monitoring seems to be accurate enough and no less accurate than my previous Suunto 9 Baro watch. I like the way the Vertical screen looks including for maps but the Race screen will be much more vivid. As always, I really appreciate you watching my videos and commenting!
@@SeeChadRun you’re welcome and thank you for your input.
This is September 2024:
I have a few Suunto compasses and have been thinking about buying a Suunto watch for a long time now and this is the one that I have eyes on. I do not know if solar charging is really useful or not; I have a Garmin Fenix 7x solar and sincerely that is just a gimmick. Anyway, I like it a lot and my only interest is having a good backup watch, that is why I think the stainless steel version would be sufficient for what I need.
I have the base Suunto 9 right now and was looking at the Suunto 9 Peak Pro for that battery life with that one. Didn't know about the Vertical and that battery life and solar charging. So now I'm looking at this one.
Definitely check out the Suunto Vertical as well as the Suunto Race. Thanks for watching!
Hi Chad,
What’s your experience with the most recent firmware update (July 2024)? Did battery life and OHR precision improve, as advertised?
Anything else?
Keep up the good work!
Gus
Thank you so much! I didn't notice a change in the heart rate after the firmware update. For me, the heart rate data is at least consistent enough that I can take it for when it's worth. Now, many months later, I'm still very happy with my purchase.
I think there are too much choices these days. I always carry my phone and I don’t feel the urge anymore to carry a watch really … Watch-overload
I’ve been rocking the Garmin Fenix 5 since 2017 and it is holding up like a champ! I do want to upgrade at some point for longer battery life for when the running events get over that 12-15hr time limit!
When I ran Never Summer 100k, that 18 hr race used the entire battery of my previous Suunto 9 Baro. I'm looking to do my first 100 miler in August and knew I would need to watch but could last much longer. The Garmin Fenix series has always been a great!
kind of a late comment, but what's your wrist size? My wrist is 16.5 and would like to use it as a daily but wondering if it's too big
You get two band sizes so you should be set.
I’ve currently got the Sunnto 9peak and wanting to upgrade to either the vertical or the race but really unsure which to go for😢
The Race is a great value and you can't really go wrong. The Vertical as a phenomenal battery which is why I went that route.
Does it come with the S/M. strap or the M/L strap? Thanks
It comes with both. If you buy extra straps directly from Suunto, you will also get both sizes.
Hi Chad, from your use, could you guess how long the battery would last if I did the whole race on map view?
I couldn't say exactly... I can tell you that the battery is good enough that I don't pay much attention to it. I use the map feature for many runs but usually not more than 20 miles.
@@SeeChadRun thanks Chad, looking for a watch that will last a hundred mile race for my wife. The sunnto race, seemed to only last 16hours in the map screen, maybe the vertical will be better for her
@robturner724 I bought the vertical specifically to last through 100 plus mile races. I'll be using it for an up-and-coming 50 mile and 100 mile race myself.
@@SeeChadRun oh best off luck with them both
Good video, thanks for taking the time to share. I'm currently rockin' a Timex Ironman G-Shock and Strava on my phone for maps. The Sunnto Vertical's battery life and build quality are impressive, particularly the Titanium Solar model. The prices for both models are steep. As a potential first time smartwatch buyer, what's the value-add over a basic watch with a phone app?
I think that's a fair question. I use to use my phone to track my runs vs using a GPS watch. One time, I went for a long run in the mountains and my phone died and as a result I wasn't able to use it to inform my wife that I was safe and on my way home. This ceated quite the issue. Having a good GPS watch has two benefits in my mind. It can track your run/activity with greater accuracy (and provide you with a bunch of statistics during and between activities) and two, some GPS watches will provide map features and turn by turn directions when using a preloaded course which helps keep you safe and on track. That's particularly nice when running new trails or races. Just a few thoughts but let me know if you have additional questions. I'm happy to share my experiences with you!
Garmin Forerunner 965, but definitely can’t afford it anytime soon 😬
The Suunto Race might be worth checking out since it's a little bit cheaper, but Garmin definitely makes some awesome products! Appreciate you watching the video!
Hi ! Does Suunto have surf sport mode ?
They do indeed along with other water sports like open water swimming and canoeing.
My Apple watch series 5 died after four years. Apple quoted €441.39 for repair. Wishing I didn't sell my Suunto Observer that was still going strong after eighteen years!
The Suunto vertical is sooo much better than my garmin. I‘ve sold my garmin fenix 7 for the Suunto vertical. It’s such a great watch. Not only the battery
Great feedback! Thanks for watching the video as well.
What so you Like more?
It is, isn't it? Sitting on the couch, using the remote - 1000 steps. Doing nothing and your pulse is 180, according to the watch. Awesome! Running or hiking, pulse is a stable 110. Fantastic! No NFC pay coz who needs that, right? No routable maps because routing a course is stupid, right? No onboard music because that's last century, who cares?! Stop kidding yourself and accept the fact that you chose a worse product.
I have both Suunto Vertical and Garmin Epix 2. Both Titanium flagship version. From my humble first hand experience, Epix 2 definitely has better GPS experience with more details in the maps. It shows the names of the streets, key areas and even hiking track names if you are in national park. It simply has heaps more info on the screen. However, I have to say the Suunto Vertical feels way more solid & durable and will outlast Epix 2 or probably any Garmin watches in terms of life span. Epix 2 is excellent quality and durable as well, but Vertical is just on another level, I believe Race is the same case. If you need a more rugged outdoor watch with reliable essential GPS and key functions, Vertical/Race is probably the way to go. If you need more added functions and more detailed info in GPS, go with Garmin Epix/Fenix.
This is great feedback! Appreciate the comment.
kicked my apple squatch out the door and bought myself the Titanium Vertical. So happy i did it
Only Negative: I should have done it sooner.
Haha! Glad you like it. I'm still loving mine and looking forward to using it for my up and coming 100 miler. Thanks for checking out the video!
@@SeeChadRun good luck with all 100 of those miles !!
How's the Heart rate accuracy? Dcrainmaker and Desfit weren't very positive about it. I have a FR965 but thinking of switching teams in 2024.
The heart rate sensor seems to be accurate enough. I think if you're truly concerned, then using a chest or arm strap would be better. It doesn't seem to be any less accurate than my prior Suunto 9 Baro. In short, it seems to be consistent even if it's not exactly accurate, so I'm happy with it.
This watch has a lag that should not exist!
Definitely I’ll wait a new version