Garmin Fenix 8 vs Suunto Race S | Scientific Review

[@ActiveIdeas]

Those here for the JUICY quantified science skip to 6:36 🥵 💦

[@1111italia1111]

im gonna watch it tonight, i tried the suunto race not s version in a community run, i dont own a watch but i want one now for my trail, i dunno if i go race, or coros vertis 2 s or fenix 8/7. Do u have a video fenix 8 vs new coros vertix 2S? I need to see :) i dont want make an error by choosing my first but well ! in the end i need to decide haha !

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@1111italia1111I’m doing a Coros Vertix 2S vs Suunto Vertical vs Garmin Enduro 3 (basically a Fenix 8 with MIP screen) video and it will be releasing very soon!

[@mauriciolguin]

This is the only way in which we can see if the watch is accurate or not. And clearly, none of them are accurate enough, not for the price.

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@mauriciolguin defo recommend a chest strap if you value accuracy x

[@witoldb6783]

The only KZbinr that honestly says “lots of bugs in new Garmin software”. Thank you for this review :) appreciate you work :) will wait with Fenix 8 51mm titan purchase ;) regards!

[@ActiveIdeas]

Just saying it how it is ❤️ Although.. Garmin don’t answer my e-mails any more so maybe I’ve shot myself in the foot here 🤣 An absolute pleasure mate! LOL, well I woke up today and checked “The5KRunner” and apparently there’s already a new Fenix 8 Pro Mini-LED been publicly leaked by Garmin themselves 🤷🏽‍♂️ so not long to wait until the next one ;)

[@witoldb6783]

Actually after your video I am thinking of suunto…maybe the bigger one :)

[@ActiveIdeas]

They all have the pro’s and cons! But I’m sure whatever you choose you’ll love 👊🏽

[@user-ko4pe9yd4e]

My Fenix 8 works perfectly. I heard there are bugs, but they haven’t impacted my watch.

[@robhunt8378]

Once you receive stuff from Garmin, Suunto, etc to use before embargo, you effectively work for them even if you don't take a cent directly. There's some lines that can't be crossed and all these fancy reviewers know it.

[@appleex1238]

Finally somebody who actually knows how to do a real comparison. Thanks a lot! Lots of great data. Thinking about 965 vs Race S. I believe the comparison would be similar

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hell yeah man 🔥🔥 No messing around here! Yeah, results will be very similar as the HR sensor in 965 & Fenix 8 is the same. Both are great watches, if you like data get the 965! Loads of data to dive into on that watch. If you like something with insane value & just works (plus a great app) try Suunto Race S

[@GravurUnmasked]

@@ActiveIdeasdoesnt the 965 have the elevate 4 and the fenix 8 has the elevate 5 sensor? just as a little geek input, i don’t think it’s making that big of a difference.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I have to agree, the improvements aren't as good as I initially thought

[@ayepibn-bakr8374]

Been into your reviews of Suunto & ordered myself the Race S last week. Thanks bud 💪🏻

[@ActiveIdeas]

Glad I could help mate! ❤️ Welcome to the Suunto community & all the best with your training 👊🏽

[@RXP91]

Damn, you really upped your game! Fantastic data. You identifying how smooth he compass is shows that you really use it! That was the first thing that struck me with the AW Ultra 2 - the compass was so smooth on workoutdoors. Makes finding the route so much easier. Suunto looks interesting when/if they get offline routing.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Heck yeah! Thanks for the support, there’s lots more where this come from! I didn’t know the AW Ultra was that smooth, I’m excited to try it now 😍 Yeah, would be cool to receive some offline routing features, I don’t really use them as they take so long to calculate but it’s cool knowing your watch can do it 🔥

[@pg5470]

Fantastic video, can't wait for your channel to become big, you deserve it! Greetings from Poland!

[@ActiveIdeas]

Means the world to receive comments like this ❤️ Greetings! I hear great things about Poland, looking forward to visiting one day 👊🏽

[@runningwithmarc]

This was a great video to watch! Great insights :)

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thanks for dropping by Marc ❤️ Appreciate it 👊🏽

[@ivangoldberger289]

You are the best youtuber. Its better watch your videos and study than watch tv. I like all your videos. Thank you very much for your work. I have family in London. I was there 1 week in 1998. And my English colleague lives there too. Ivan.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Cheers Ivan! Where are you from now? England is a beautiful country, but it does get really cold and we lose a lot of light during the winter! Thanks for the kind words! More videos to come ❤️

[@jateeta3061]

Thanks. Great video! Love your positivity and detailed insights. Just ordered a Race S and hoping it arrives before my 60k next weekend 🤞🏻

[@ActiveIdeas]

Such a lovely comment, means the world! Glad I could help out and hope you enjoy your Race S! Good luck on you 60km, which one are you doing!? 🙈🔥

[@jateeta3061]

Cheers 👊. It’s the Trail de la Passerelle (in SW France)

[@royo7961]

How do you find your new watch French friend @jateeta3061 ?

[@altbinhax]

Thanks for the comprehensive review; you've covered some points I didn't pick up elsewhere - useful. The Garmin is very expensive and for the first time I'll consider the SUUNTO due to the combo of features and pricing; an excellent value proposition, particularly when you consider the tech/obsolescence factor of sport/smart watches.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thanks for the lovely comment, I agree with every word you’ve said mate 👊🏽

[@marwanfx]

I love your videos, especially this one! I’ve already watched it four times 🙂, and will be happy to meet you once I visit UK, Hi from Dubai

[@ActiveIdeas]

FOUR times! Bloody heck, I was wondering where all those watch hours were coming from 🙈 Lovely to hear I have support from Dubai! Let me know when you’re next in the UK maybe we can sort out a run! 🇬🇧

[@reineroberhaus]

My Dream, a 51 mm Suunto Race S 🥰. Nice Review Bro

[@ActiveIdeas]

That would be siiick actually! Hopefully Suunto leans into the Race series. I also have a lot of love for the Vertical. It’s been my favourite watch to test this past year and continues to impress me. Cheers for the lovely words ❤️

[@reineroberhaus]

I have the Race, the Race A ans the Vertikal . I Love the Vertical also ​@@ActiveIdeas

[@ActiveIdeas]

Dayum, you've gone all in on Suunto 🔥

[@jeffreytillack4709]

Great video mate. Objective and facts based 👍

[@ActiveIdeas]

Cheers Jeff ❤️ Let’s gooo! 🔥

[@adelinefrombelgium]

After many years within the Garmin eco-system, I switched to the Suunto Race S and honestly, it's such a good watch for a great price! I can only recommend it :)

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@adelinefrombelgium Hey Adeline! Thanks for dropping by ❤️Yeah, it’s not half bad is it, for the price it’s bloody fantastic :)

[@adelinefrombelgium]

@@ActiveIdeas Indeed, I'm really happy with the watch. The screen is beautiful and the data/application are very complete!

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@adelinefrombelgium glad you’re loving it! Any upcoming races or adventures you’re training for?

[@adelinefrombelgium]

@@ActiveIdeas I'm mostly using it for indoor cycling at the moment and will switch to running and cycling when the weather will be a bit better!

[@ActiveIdeas]

@ I hear that! Weather has been brutal lately! 🌟

[@constantinvijoli]

I bought a Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch, 47mm. I’m still debating whether to return it and buy a Suunto Race S instead. I’ve encountered a ton of bugs, which I find unacceptable at a price of 1000 euros. I’ve also heard that Suunto doesn’t have a great track record with updates and bugs, but at 1/3 the price of a Fenix 8, my expectations aren’t as high. What would you advise me to do?

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@constantinvijoli which one did you go for?! 😍🔥

[@constantinvijoli]

​@@ActiveIdeasI tried the Coros Pace Pro and I didn’t like it. It’s too simple for the price, even though it has an AMOLED display. The Pace 3 offers better value. I haven’t used Suunto devices until now, but I should probably give them a try. Fenix 8 seems to be too expensive for what offers now.

[@basteqss8859]

If I use Suunto Race S with chest belt and Garmin/Polar with (exactly the same) chest belt will HR be the same? Answer me plese ;)

[@ActiveIdeas]

The data the watch gets from the chest strap will be the same. I’m genuinely not sure if they process this information differently with an algorithm though 🙈

[@patrickmorris8934]

I've just downgraded from the Race to the Race S and couldn't be happier. Such a sweet watch. Fits under ski gloves too, which is handy for mountaineering stuff!

[@ActiveIdeas]

It’s rather nifty isn’t it! A very comfortable but yet capable watch 👏🏽 All the best with your adventures, would love to do some more skiing!!

[@teeramate]

Good Vid !! I'll wait for your Amazfit Trex 3 vdo 😂😂

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hahaha, good man! 😉👊🏽 Not sure when the Amazfit is being delivered by hopefully soon

[@wasknownasthemedriocre]

I went with the Race S and will try it for a few weeks. I've always liked Suunto but found the lack of stair count pretty annoying 😂 That being said, I came from a long lasting relationship with Garmin products and while I was waiting for the Instinct 3 to be released, I said screw that and let's try to fall in love with Suunto. So far, so good. The dimensions are simply perfect. The 48mm lug to lug distance is what makes this watch so comfortable on the wrist. Garmin could never compete against the way Suunto design their cases.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hey mate! Love this, I hope you enjoy your sports watch transition from Garmin to Suunto! Let me know if you need any help with anything 🔥 Yeah, I really thought the Instinct 3 would have been released by now but with all the Black Friday sales I doubt it now because I assume Garmin will try and prioritise these sales instead. Have to agree though.. the cases on Suunto are 🔥

[@wasknownasthemedriocre]

@ActiveIdeas so a week down and already a few pet peeves 🤣 1st: the lack of lower setting for brightness. At the lowest, it's still really bright. A bit too bright when sleeping. 2nd: I'm used to 15-20 days of battery life. That might be a deal breaker whenever the instinct 3 comes out if it has the integrated flashlight. 3rd: the lack of data available on the watch faces, that being said, being AMOLED...that would drain even more battery but even on the 9 Peak and Vertical, they could offer more info at a glance. 4th: mine was made in China. What I like: case shape and size. Weight. The phone application. Heartrate accuracy and GPS, way better than any Garmin I ever owned

[@FabOnABike]

Great Comparison. Very impressive video. Shows how we need to stop supporting companies like Garmin who sell really bad working devices (HR, software etc) for those absurd prices. Selling my FR255 and going for Suunto

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thanks for the support!! Yeah, mind blowing isn’t it. The Race S is such a good deal right now 🔥

[@christianragef1214]

Thanks from Paris i m going for suunto

[@ActiveIdeas]

@christianragef1214 yo Chris! Hope you have a wonderful experience ❤️🔥

[@a.kurtlloyd3325]

This is fantastic! Do you have a comparison like this of the Race vs Race S? I’m stuck picking between the titanium versions of both. 😂

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hahaha, I started making this video but then stopped as I didn’t think anyone would find it useful. Overall though.. from the data.. the Race S is more accurate with HR. Apart from that they are a very similar watch. I prefer the crown and build quality on the bigger race. The comfort of the Race S is great. I have scratched the screen on both my Race S devices, I do beat them about a lot… this hasn’t been an issue on the sappers hire and titanium race. Value for money… Race S is still holding its own.. Hope this helps mate ❤️

[@a.kurtlloyd3325]

Very helpful, thank you! The review and comments about the Race S Ti are spot on….from the weight of the crown (over the respective weights for the Race S SS and Race), the way they feel when wearing them, etc…all spot on mate. Appreciate the work you put in to get this info out. Wish I could keep them all. 😊

[@Stevenwalks]

I am a bit hesitant as last week Suunto announced they move all their support, production and data storage is moved to China. One of the selling points to keep it in Europe is gone now. Not sure if I want all my data transferred to China. Based on that only one left is Garmin with data storage in the US. Coros is China, not sure about Polar tbh.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Yeah it’s a tough decision. In terms of sustainability Suunto is one of the best options available. Most of their products are fully carbon compensated for the lifetime of the device. But for data protection you might be better off with Garmin. Although saying this I’ve experienced Garmin connect servers going offline about 8 times since using Garmin.. one of these was a confirmed data breach. I’ve never had anything like this with Suunto. In the small print we’re probably signing away a lot of our data to this companies despite our choice. Whilst I assume it would be anonymised I’m genuinely concerned about most companies approaches to data harvesting and where this leads in the future with A.I.

[@stedoesstuff]

@@ActiveIdeasyeah I’m also worried about the Chinese govt knowing that I skipped my intervals session last week.

[@alwayslearning9517]

Lol why does that matter

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@stedoesstuff love that 🤣

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@alwayslearning9517 this effects a very niche group of people 🤣 But there are some jobs (eg: military) where you’ll not be able to use their products due to where data is stored/relayed. In a job I had, I couldn’t even where a smartwatch period; so I understand the concerns albeit a niche group of people ❤️

[@WillemOR]

I would like to receive alerts (vibration or sound) when I follow a route on the Garmin fenix 8. At the moment I only see the route and only get visual notifications. Can you help?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Sounds like a software bug.. have you tried updating the device? You can also check in the settings that you have the correct audio prompt settings turned on 🙈 Let me know how you get on

[@WillemOR]

Oké, were van u find the audio promt settings? I didnt have to update the device jet. I’ll try that also.

[@WillemOR]

Update didnt work. I cant find the right settings

[@karotechyt]

strange, my fenix 8 43mm during 5k run loses max 5% of battery, yesterday during about 2h of walking it lost only 12%

[@ActiveIdeas]

Super strange.. I did have both watches (Suunto & Garmin) on their multi-band setting.. this was to compare them both in their best gps setting. In Gps only or SatIQ battery life will be much better 🌟

[@reyhananjing]

how about suunto race s vs coros pace pro

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hey there Reyhan! The Coros is cool but it lacks key features for me :/ It doesn’t have a temperature sensor widget.. and secondly it doesn’t have music controls. But I use these a lot, it’s Suunto every day for me

[@aclsass]

Can you compare the Suunto race s to the new coros race pro?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Of course ❤️ Video soon

[@afiffaizul]

​@@ActiveIdeasdont forget the quantified scientist stuff too

[@ActiveIdeas]

What you mean brother?

[@afiffaizul]

@@ActiveIdeas the graph. I mean comparing both device towards chest strap accuracy like you do in this video. It was very informative and crucial for us when deciding which device to buy or at least to know what aspect we are going to compromise when picking some device

[@jacob6440]

Great video, best reviewer I have ever seen, and comparing it with stats even better puts you well above everyone else. I currently have a Suunto 9 and want to upgrade, but I need to know which one to go for. Training wise, doing multisport like hyrox training, mountain biking, and cycling to work. I want to get a heart rate strap to improve accuracy when I am training and then wear the watch and use that monitor when I am cycling and doing daily activities to get the best of both worlds. What do you think about the Suunto vertical compared to the Garmin Fenix 8? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts. Is there much difference between the Garmin HRM0 Pro Plus and the Suunto Smart Heart Rate Belt. Which do you think has the best for like indoor sport modes etc? I am leaning towards the Garmin, but the price makes it a difficult one.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hey Jacob! Honestly thanks for taking the time to write this comment, it was really nice and put a smile on face today, I appreciate the kind words 🌟 If you plan to wear a chest strap then you can get away with choosing any watch you like. During rest and sleep these watches perform very similar and it's not until you use a chest strap where you see massive accuracy improvements. If you're into multiple sports... I prefer Suunto as the app makes it really easy to track your training load across a plethora of sports. Suunto Vertical is my favourite watch of the past year and a half. I've loved every second of using it and am always blown away by the battery life. Compared to the Fenix 8 amoled you will see extremely better battery life with Suunto, I prefer the compass. On garmin you get a nicer screen and a flashlight which I also love using. Im actually filming a video between the Suunto chest strap and the Garmin chest strap. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus has bluetooth and ANT+ .. as far as I can tell the Suunto only has bluetooth and ive had this be an issue at my local gym which uses concept2 machines with ANT+ connections. For indoor sports modes ive enjoyed both.. you might find more sports on Garmin maybe, with specific data screens specially for that sport. But there's not much on it! I feel you mate, the price difference is WILD. if you can afford it.. why not try it out, you can always return the watch if you change your mind or resell it on eBay. Best of luck finding your watch mate 👊🏼

[@BarisPehlevan-e7z]

I loved the detailed comparison, most videos i watch just talk about the same thing and takes minimum difference in result to make it look like suunto is worthless. I need your input here I am in market for a watch my max budget it 500$. I can buy either Suunto race, Suunto race s or fenix 7 standard (there is deal in best buy) i have never used any of these watches and looking start running and swimming for weightloss. What would you decide? I really love how suunto race looks on the wrist lol. Thanks!

[@ActiveIdeas]

So happy you noticed the fine details and that the video helped 🔥 Suunto is most definitely not worthless, they’re well worth checking out! I would advise you avoid the base model Fenix 7, its chipset is really slow and its gps accuracy is terrible. With $500 I would save some money! I recommend the Suunto Race S Titanium version (link in description). It has the best value & build quality combination ❤️

[@BarisPehlevan-e7z]

@ActiveIdeas thanks for the reply! Good tip about the Fenix base model. I will get Suunto race S then :)

[@ActiveIdeas]

Let me know how you get on Baris! Bring it on 🔥🔥

[@lukapotocnik5017]

Kinda off topic, but still need to ask... Suunto Race/Vertical or Garmin Instinct 2x solar ? Thank you for response!

[@ActiveIdeas]

Out of these three I’ll always choose the Suunto Vertical! It’s maps, battery life and comfort all in one packaged is all just too good! Perfect for what I need.

[@stubestrong]

did you track HR for the watches daily sleep hrv etc?

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@stubestrong I do yes! The good news is no batter what brand you get (Garmin, Suunto, Apple, Coros) they have all reported the same HRV data for me! Because we’re at rest when this HR data is collected it’s usually super accurate.. I’ve only ever seen 1-5ms difference of HRV & that’s in a bad day.. usually the exact same 👍🏽 Hope this helps ❤️

[@stubestrong]

@@ActiveIdeas im past 8days(watch at 57% from full charge) on suunto race ti, sleep data more precise over garmin epix2 and all other daily health tracking correct or inline with epix2. so far so good for me, only positives and the zonesense is a very good feature but not used the aerobic decoupling(bike watts/HR over time fatigue) just yet which again is interesting . only negative is bluetooth connections and listing better on garmin but thats a minor once you set them up. Garmin Fenix8 is now very expensive and bloated, while suunto pricing and using the base of trainingpeaks much more correct fitness fatigue levels. HR i use the Polar H10 during activities.

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@stubestrong thanks for the heads up!

[@babsschloss]

Does the Round-trip Course feature work well for hiking trails on the Fenix 8? In my experience with the Forerunner 955, the Round-trip feature is limited to road running and biking. Every Round-trip course I have attempted only gives me paved roads, ignoring the many great hiking trails around me.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hmm, great question mate! I’ve seen both behaviours in my tests but it definitely seems to like roads more than trails so I guess you’re onto something. I believe on both the 965 and this Fenix 8 you can turn on “avoid roads” maybe that would improve its trail finding. I’ve not had a chance to test this out yet 👊🏽

[@JasonRaneses]

It seems that Garmin hasn’t updated the processor on top end models since the original Fenix 7 and Epix 2, even through the Pro versions of those. And now on the new Fenix 8. With a new UI and more features you can really see the aging internals struggling. To add insult to injury Garmin upped the prices.

[@ActiveIdeas]

You’re not wrong Jason, it seems so! I do hope that lots can be ironed out in software updates as the bugs I’ve been experiencing are pretty unacceptable for the cost of the device.. but in my past few weeks of testing I think it’s clear to see there are massive hardware limitations which are unfortunate, as not much can be done about a struggling processor.

[@JasonRaneses]

@@ActiveIdeasIt’s a bit weird, considering say the Forerunner 965 which also has a decently heavy graphical UI. You see quite less lag on that model - despite the processor discussion, it seems Garmin is going through growing pains as they attempt to merge the differences between operating system implementations across the lineup.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I feel like it’s pretty self inflicted! They have suuuch an aggressive “pay to play” scheme with lots of features being limited by software.. where they actually can’t keep up with it. Another example of this is the devision between Epix Gen 2 Pro and the Fenix 8.. there’s no reason why last years watch with the exact same processor can’t get this year’s updates. But because they want to force customers to spend more through planned obsolescence they’re now going to have to build completely different software models for the Fenix 8 compared to the Epix Gen 2 Pro.. it seems like a doubling of the work for a worsened customer experience. A risky game to play when Apple are at everyone’s heels and Suunto are heavily undercutting their pricing 🌟 It’s only so much longer they’ll get away with this framework in my opinion

[@fridadeivizsla2729]

do you have any info about the titanium version of Race S? I found it on Amazon but with a delivery date of some months 🤣

[@ActiveIdeas]

All I’m aware of are rumours on Suunto’s forums and information on blogs such as the 5Krunner. So at this point, if you’ve found a new Suunto watch on Amazon.. you’re in a position where you currently know more than me ❤️🤣 PS - can you send me the link 🙈

[@jamiebg3952]

Those are inductive buttons - not normal buttons - which is part of what enables its dive capabilities. So should be the exact same for every fenix 8

[@ActiveIdeas]

Yep 🔥 The tactics engine that creates the “click”‘feeling is fantastic too .. very cool design on Fenix 8

[@radekgacek8050]

Which is better to buy: Suunto Vertical Solar, Suunto Race, or Garmin Fenix 8 or maybe fenix 7 pro ?

[@ActiveIdeas]

The best value at the moment would probably be the Fenix 7 Pro.. I’ve seen some crazy discounts on that thing! My personal favourite of that list is the Suunto Vertical

[@radekgacek8050]

@@ActiveIdeas thanks, i thinking about garmin because of flashlight

[@ActiveIdeas]

I don’t blame you, the flashlight is more useful than you might think!

[@radekgacek8050]

@@ActiveIdeas Could you explain why you would choose Suunto? It’s actually a good option for me because I have a Hammerhead Karoo bike navigation system that connects with Suunto. I would mainly use the watch for mountain hiking, climbing, gym, and as a complement to my bike navigation.

[@ActiveIdeas]

The reason I mention Suunto Vertical is because it has the best GPS track of all the watches I had tested. Its reliability and accuracy for performance and gps accuracy was unbelievable. Meanwhile you only have to charge it once a month because the battery life was also really decent! Sucks that it doesn’t have a flashlight or more navigational options but what it did do, I’d did really well 👌🏽

[@LiamStephenson-m5k]

Can you pair the garmin hem pro plus with the race s?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Yes you can🔥🔥🔥 I’ve been using the Garmin HRM-Pro with my Suunto for their new “ZoneSense” feature! It works great!

[@RicardoFerrolho]

I must disagree with your opinion. First of all, I'm not a professional athlete or a fanboy of either brand, I just like to be active and do a number of activities (both indoor and outdoor). That being said, I've have had a few watches from Garmin, Apple and Suunto (3 units of the Vertical Titanium Solar, more on that later), on which I base my opinions upon. It's important to know what you're paying for and why some devices are more expensive than others (yes, the Fenix 8 is a bit overpriced but, being brand new, companies obviously try to milk the cow). Bang for buck, I think the Fenix 7 Pro/Epix Pro are probably the best (sport) watches available now. The following arguments are based on my experience (Garmin Epix, Instinct 2, Fenix 7 Pro and Fenix 8) VS the Suunto Vertical. Regarding the maps, there's much to be said here. Maps on Suunto are image tiles with a layer on top for routes (when you're using one). On Garmin, maps are drawn on device, with multiple layers that allow to have dynamic street names (they change sides to avoid colliding visually with your position indicator), POIs and other info. Also, like you mention, they are routable on the watch itself, which makes it a much more valuable tool. When you mention that maps are more fluid with Suunto due to the compass responsiveness, that only happens to be true if you're not moving, otherwise the orientation is "locked" to the direction you're following (as it should and as it works with Garmin). The compass itself is as smooth or probably even more on Garmin than on Suunto. Some argue that the Suunto app is better and that it lets you easily create routes and transfer them to the watch. Great it does so because, like previously mentioned, the watches do not allow to create routes on device. Even so, for Garmin devices you can use the Garmin Explore app, which lets you do the exact same with the extra advantage of letting you do so OFFLINE for map areas you download in the app for offline usage. Those map + navigation differences alone make the Garmin watches better tools as you don't depend on your phone. On GPS accuracy, I lean towards what you mention here: Garmin has been always more accurate than Suunto for me (and does not map my activity through houses when I go on sidewalks). On the software side (both on previous devices as well as on a Fenix 8) maybe I'm lucky to not have faced the issues you have. One thing I love is that, by connecting to a computer using the Garmin Express app, you can easily update your watch and it's maps, which is way faster than relying on the watch connectivity via Wi-Fi. Map downloads on Suunto must be done on the watch and take forever. Some might say Suunto's software is better because it's simple and Garmin's too packed and has a lot of useless features, I must disagree. You can configure the watch exactly how you want it, hide stuff you don't need and just use whatever suits you best. The new Fenix 8/Enduro 3 have a new (or new major version of the) OS. That does not mean the older models (or at least the most recent) are discontinued or won't receive new updates, maps, etc. It means that the new features built on top of this/that take advantage of the new OS won't be ported to the older one. You can still use very old Garmin watches today and they still work fine and sync properly with the app. I've had 3 Suunto Vertical because they all had software bugs that ranged from annoying to showstoppers: instances where the watch froze or restarted mid-activity, touch stopped working, screen light wouldn't turn off, battery drain... The only way I found to fix the issues: get back to using a Garmin device. Regarding the Suunto (Vertical) software, only recently they added the possibility to pick your own complications, though with very limited options, and to install additional watch faces; you can't pause an activity and resume it later; you can't leave an activity and do something else while it is ongoing. Battery life on the Suunto Vertical is great (when it works properly) but not relevant if you compare it to a bigger Fenix (solar) or, especially, an Enduro. Heart rate accuracy is way more reliable on Garmin (especially on Fenix 7 Pro/Epix Pro/Fenix 8, due to the Elevate v5 sensor). I must say that the Apple Watch (any recent one) is the most reliable of every device I've had though. Same goes for sleep tracking, if that's valuable to you. Much more could be said but here are some other advantages of Garmin worth mentioning: 1. Flashlight (can be a game-changer) 2. Body battery + stress tracking 3. Multitasking (you can't even go out of an activity on Suunto) 4. 5-button layout 5. Garmin Pay 6. "Resume later" feature 7. Smart features (if you care) are way better on Garmin - notifications configurable per app, alerts when the phone disconnects, ability to answer calls (on the Fenix 8) and reply to messages 8. Round-trip routing (and dynamic round-trip routing on the Fenix 8) 9. Live track 10. Safety features + crash detection 11. Ecosystem 12. Garmin Connect web app 13. Brand support 14. Dive features (Fenix 8) 15. Ski maps + golf maps 16. Better weather widget What I liked about the Suunto Vertical: 1. (Hardware) design 2. Battery life (when it wasn't draining due to some memory leak/process running in the background) 3. Screen when facing direct sunlight Only advantage of the Suunto Race S I see: price.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Nice take here! You make some super cool points! Definitely don’t agree with all of them but overall I completely get what you’re saying 🔥❤️ I definitely love and respect both brands but it does seem Suunto don't get as much respect as they deserve sometimes. Overall I have been a Garmin user for longer though ☺️ Course Creation vs Suunto Map App - With regards to the Suunto's appeal being much better for map creation.. I do think this Is important. On the Fenix 8 I tried to get it to navigate to the beach 40 miles away from my location... I left it for nearly 20 minutes and it just stayed on the "calculating route" screen. I do think offline routing is fantastic, and can definitely be a life saver when out of reach from phone signal BUT it's not practical to use in real life. For 5km-15km course creation.. the fenix 8 is great (although I rarely need a map for this distance). For anything above this distance (definitely will be using map) using the app is far superior. Also maybe because I'm not a speedy runner, when im running ultras or in the mountains I might as well be stood still as far as the watch is concerned 🤣 and the Compass movement of the Map on Suunto vs Garmin is definitely night and day 🌟 Discontinuation of products - I guess what I'm referring to here is that I bought a brand new Fenix 7 Pro last year for nearly $1000. As of last week Garmin have confirmed to DCrainmaker + DesFit that this watch along with all the other Pro models from last year will not be receiving the new software UI upgrade. This is highly aggressive planned obsolesce as it's publicly known that the CPU in the Fenix 7 vs the Fenix 8 are the same. AKA.. they could bring most, if not all of these software updates to the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix range but they're choosing not to. I think this is highly worrying for a buyer about to spend over $1000 on a watch especially as there's a recent leak of the Fenix 8 Pro (The5Krunner blog) projecting a Q2 2025 release. That would suck if you bought a Fenix 8 now and then 6 months later get told you're missing out on easily upgradable software feature (of course hardware-limitations are different and understandable). I saw on reddit yesterday (and have confirmed) that Garmin are now starting to charge for their natively built watch faces on connectIQ. Prices of like £4.99 here in the UK too. I just think they need to balance the "profits : customer" scale. Show some more love 🙈 Battery life - The Vertical Solar was the best battery life watch I've tested so far (out of the Fenix 7 pro, the Vertix 2s and the Enduro 2 etc). Although, I have an Enduro 3 being delivering in the next hour haha and I'm sure this will take the crown now 😍 Also, I noticed when filming B-roll for this video outside in bright daylight I had both watches set to high brightness and I think it's evident that the Race S simply is much more clear to see. Hope you enjoyed my reply ❤️ Thanks again for taking the time to write all that! And all the best with your adventures... let's get it! 👊🏼

[@ActiveIdeas]

Cheers Ricardo, I’ve just downloaded the Explore app.. can’t wait to try this out 😍 All the best mate 👊🏽

[@Michael-vf5id]

Garmin are so overpriced its not funny and full of bugs sorry but ill take the suunto no matter what some sales rep for garmin says.

[@Michael-vf5id]

@@RicardoFerrolho The problem is the garmin 8 cpu sucks and is too slow and no tweaking is going to fix that.

[@RicardoFerrolho]

@@Michael-vf5id I totally agree with it being slow and about the price point. Hence my opinion that the Fenix 7 Pro or Epix Pro are the better deals and do the same thing (apart from some extra smart features and some diving qualification, being the flagship model they want it to be a do-it-all device). The speed could be improved with more optimization but nothing that would make it feel as fluid as an Apple Watch, for example. The Suunto (Vertical, which is what I’ve based my opinion upon) isn’t any fast as well though. And, for the same price, I just can’t say it is better than a Fenix 7 Pro in any way, except battery, when it’s not draining due to the bugs they still haven’t fixed (in a 1.5 year old watch). And my opinion was before the recent privacy policy update, which takes it to a whole new level, but that’s a different topic. To each their own and lucky us who have a choice.

[@st3ve268]

10/10 video

[@ActiveIdeas]

10/10 comment ❤️

[@jonasigebjork7641]

Good video! But i have to say it again as i have said before. Why do Garmin need 5 buttons? Its a just so bad, and during winter when using gloves its even worse.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I do really like the 5 button layout tbh. They have a really complicated software UI and I couldn’t imagine trying to navigate around it with 3 buttons 🤮

[@jonasigebjork7641]

@@ActiveIdeas Maybe you are correct, but for me the 5 button build is something that keep me away from Garmin, Even if the Enduro 3 is looking really good

[@ActiveIdeas]

I’ve just had the Enduro 3 been delivered today! 🔥 Illnlet touch is how it is 🙈

[@jonasigebjork7641]

@ActiveIdeas that's good! Looking forward to watch the review:)

[@ActiveIdeas]

🔥❤️

[@Guus367]

You've sold the Suunto Race S to me, bang for buck is unbeatable besides wearing a screen protector is not a big deal. Thx.

[@ActiveIdeas]

A pleasure! I just used the Race S in the mountains today for a Lake District, UK circular route 25km .. (tested against Coros & Garmin) it outshined watches twice and triple its price & really helped out for dangerous mountain scrambling with its precise accuracy 🔥

[@Stephen6492]

Great video. And yes, I am planning on purchasing the Fenix 8. But I am now concerned about your comment about pay to play. Are you saying that all these wonderful features that Garmin offers on their watch require a paid subscription to use? Yes, I do realize that if want to use Garmin satellite tracking it requires a paid subscription, but that's the only subscription I need to have. Correct?

[@Tha-King-Arthur]

@@Stephen6492 you don't have to pay for anything on the watch. Maybe for some 3th party apps you want to download in Connect IQ.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I’m referring to there lack of product updates over time. For example, the Fenix 7 Pro edition is only a year old. Garmin have told Des & Ray that none of these software UI updates will be coming to the Fenix 7 Pro. When they make new features, they rarely update last generations’s product with it so you can quite quickly get keft behind. Hope this helps Stephen ❤️

[@ActiveIdeas]

👏🏽

[@Sinasi08]

Garmin maps are awesome but a bit laggy and not smooth. And the refresh rare is pretty slow. Loading a map is also slow.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I do hope Garmin improves this.. it’s nearly as smooth as butter on Suunto at the moment 🌟

[@gluon8760]

Suunto just knocked out of the park. That’s the actual truth

[@ActiveIdeas]

When you take the price into consideration… yes, it’s crazy!

[@seanvk]

Suunto could improve their OHR by either designing their own or switch to a different vendor. While using a strap is fine, the magic eight ball readings it can give just sitting at a desk or on a walk or hiking without a strap is unacceptable.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Fair observation Sean! Suunto’s Race S is housing brand new heart rate hardware.. generally, I’ve seen this to be better than what Suunto is known for in terms of accuracy 🔥 As always though, there’s room for improvement.. personally, I’d like to see improvements at resting heart rate

[@2too]

How strong is vibrate? Can you feel it strong? Garmin epix 7 was rubbish vibrate, too light to feel it. I return that watch in the shop. I need to feel strong vibrate when in coming call came. because I use ear protectors in my noisy work all day.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I think the vibrate is stronger on Suunto lol! The Fenix 8 does feel kind of weak.. bear in mind I do have the 43mm (smaller) version though, so maybe the bigger Fenix 8s have a stronger vibrate?! I did have a Enduro 3 delivered yesterday (51mm) so I’ll be able to test this out and see if the vibrate is stronger 👊🏽

[@anthonyrampino7734]

Cool video as always! Did you get your Eduro 3 yet? If so, can you please tell me how the display is compared to the Suunto vertical and the Coros vertix 2s? Because I didn’t like how dark the coros is. Thanks.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I’m filming this exact footage right now 🙈

[@anthonyrampino7734]

Something is messed up. It says that you replied but I can’t see it. 🙄

[@anthonyrampino7734]

@@ActiveIdeas sounds great my friend! I’m looking forward to seeing it! That’s going to help me make my decision!

[@ActiveIdeas]

@anthonyrampino7734 but what are you using at the moment?

[@anthonyrampino7734]

@@ActiveIdeas I’m using an Apple Watch 6.

[@RumbleBack-iz3tl]

The garmin is is sluggish. All the way for Suunto. If you are a serious mountain runner: Suunto is the way to go

[@ActiveIdeas]

I have had much more stability and reliability with the Suunto tbh 👌🏽 It’s definitely a strong performer in the mountains too.. never let me down 🔥

[@Running-j5v]

very nice watches suunto in general ok but on the maps it is night and day compared to garmin they have more detail in this area

[@ActiveIdeas]

Definitely more detail on Garmin. That might be why I’m experiencing bugs, freezing and crashes. It’s bloody so cool though that you can create GPX files on Garmin with no phone connection.. definitely my favourite feature of the many that it has ❤️

[@safwathim]

Do you have any HR accuracy experience for non-running workouts? Like rowing, weight training? My Race S seems to struggle in those workouts, showing really low heat rate, unless I move my watch and wipe off sweat from under the watch.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Most watches will struggle in non-running activities! I do have rowing data tbf.. stay tuned! A little spoiler… the Fenix 8 has the the elevate 5 sensor .. it performs fantastically but definitely not as good as a chest strap and we’re still years off being able to use OHR instead of chest straps

[@safwathim]

@@ActiveIdeas awesome. Thanks for replying with your insight.

[@safwathim]

I find chest straps a bit uncomfortable, does arm band type heart rate sensor work well enough?

[@FuckAdds]

​@@safwathim yes it dors, that's because it avoids the problems of heavy watches and pour wrist vascularisation ! That s why thé optical Heart rate of watches is not so important in the end for sport : dedicated band or c'est strap are way better 😊

[@Tha-King-Arthur]

Calendar bug. Nap bug. Weather bug. No KZbin music. Low sound speaker. Low sound Phone assistant. Low light in the dark (unreadable). Bright light in daylight (excessively bright). Swiping watch faces with your fingers is laggy. Garmin Pay shows no sign of payment. Connecting headphones to the watch and hearing sound from the watch and from the headphone at the same time. Appstore looks like a cheap excel sheet from 1985 with useless apps.

[@ActiveIdeas]

🤣🤣 Yep, it honestly blows my mind that more of this isn’t picked up/talked about in other reviews 😬 .. the list goes on 🙈 #Bugs

[@Jb305903]

Don't worry Garmin will fix one or two of those things in the next year then add a few more bugs... I mean features 🤣🤣 I got tired of their buggy firmware and switched brands.

[@Mdogbrown]

Exactly! I wish more reviewers shared the bad with the good. A lot of Garmin Fenix 8’s will be returned this year.

[@ActiveIdeas]

There does seem to be a trend in the time I’ve been testing 🤣🙈 What watch you using now?

[@ActiveIdeas]

I can’t complain tbh, it leaves a massive gap in the market for videos like mine 🙈 Yeah, probably a fair few returns.. especially with the recent leak about the Fenix 8 Pro (5kRunner).. with it sounding like it’s just around the corner.. might be worth holding onto the cash until a potential Q1/Q2 2025 release (hopefully with a faster processor and more stable UI).

[@kieftoker]

Respect

[@ActiveIdeas]

Respect brother 👊🏽

[@wortex36]

yah suunto race s have the win here , its a disaster the garmin 8 have bugs on this price !

[@ActiveIdeas]

Quite surprising isn’t it.. especially with the price difference 🙈

[@hackfischi]

the sleep tracking would be interesting

[@ActiveIdeas]

It’s super hard (some would argue impossible) to validate sleep tracking accuracy without proper laboratory settings unfortunately. In terms of sleep duration, both have been great for sleep and napping.. auto detection is great and results look really good ❤️ Also HRV reported from both is usually exactly the same which is good 🔥 At the moment I don’t have the equipment to accurately measure sleep cycles 🫶🏽 Thanks for the comment

[@hackfischi]

this answer was ultra fast 👀😂 thanks for that and what a about a coparison of the sleep tracking of both watches?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hahaha, you caught me at a good time to respond to comments (when I was snacking in the kitchen)🙈 Genuinely there’s nothing between these two watches with sleep tracking .. both perform fantastically! Personally I do prefer Garmin’s body battery over Suunto’s resources but both have morning reports. I actually prefer how Suunto display your sleep duration and sleep duration over the past 7 days. As someone who struggles with insomnia Suunto make it really clear how and where you you can improve your sleep hygiene. Lastly, Garmin have “sleep coach”’which will tell you to get an extra hour in bed or not.. and the interplay between stress, exercise, sleep & more will feed into this metric! Pretty cool but haven’t really used it much personally yet. Oh and I guess there’s a Jet Lag advisor on Garmin if you’re someone who flys.. ✈️ Hope this helps mate ❤️

[@yujirorasyrush9824]

Garmin software department probably full of old people.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hahaha! For such a successful company, it does surprise me. It’s like no one could be bothered to test the product before release orrr alternatively (and probably more realistically).. maybe their software team are working their butts off trying to meet unrealistic deadlines and just shipping it with the “we’ll fix it later” mindset to please the powers that be above

[@ivangoldberger289]

GARMIN vs SUUNTO the traditional clash of the titans 🫶

[@ActiveIdeas]

This one is big! 🔥