SUUNTO VERTICAL insiders thoughts review - best sports watch of 2023?

[@runningwithmarc]

Some Suunto Vertical specs (Full specs here: ) Steel version: 86g (69g case), Sapphire crystal, Diameter 49mm, Thickness 13.6mm Titanium version: , Titanium 74g (56g case), Sapphire crystal, Diameter 49mm, Thickness 13.6mm -20° C to +55° C, Water resistant to 100m GPS battery: 60h / 90h /140h / 500h (Solar 85h / 140h /280h / 30d) Key points (my opinion): Dual band (L1 + L5), Barometer, Maps, Battery life, Looks, Solar, Latest hardware

[@danreif82]

Hi Marc! Do you personally look on HRV values during the day and in the morning? I was ill during my marathon training and my HRV on Apple Watch showed that pretty nicely. So I started to modify my trainings based on my Training readiness (based on Apple Watch) to prevent overachieving, as my illness was pretty long (1 whole month without training because of shingles, activated by overtraining and probably sleep stress). I don't want to repeat this experience so I kept Apple Watch. Will there be any possibility to monitor HRV on the Suunto Vertical or do you have any advice how buy Vertical and stay in control of my training readiness and health monitoring using Suunto or other products? Or any other solution to this without checking HRV? Thank You!

[@quintusdias207]

Is this Suunto Vertical comes with multiple alarms feature?

[@tsdtom81]

Very nice video Marc, again it was a pleasure to be part of the fieldtester team for this awesome device!

[@runningwithmarc]

Always a pleasure Tom :)

[@BenNotley]

You and your colleagues have knocked it out of the park with this one Marc! 👏 Great to see those mapping features appear and also the smoothness of that compass orientation 10/10 👌 Once again it's a very sophisticated design! Great stuff team Suunto! 👏 Brilliant video as always Marc! 😎🤘

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Ben, you'll have to test it out some time, good luck on your 50mile coming up :)

[@BenNotley]

@@runningwithmarc I would love to mate! The nerd in me is really excited by all the features! Cheers bud I really appreciate that! 😎🤘

[@heidiklepsch2074]

What I truly need is a comparison between the Garmin forerunner 965 and the Suunto Vertical. It's hard, right now, to figure out which one would best suit my needs. thank you for this video! I hope I can make a decision and not stress over the choice too much.

[@runningwithmarc]

😁, if you have any questions feel free to ask. I'm not sure what sports you are doing and the distances. Also depends on what is a priority for you, we all have different needs. Happy to hear you enjoyed the video :)

[@ActiveIdeas]

I've just uploaded this exact comparison to my KZbin channel. Hopefully this helps Heidi 🌟

[@heidiklepsch2074]

@@ActiveIdeas wow, thank you so much for letting me know!! I appreciate it, mate. I decided on a fenix 7s, the other day, because of the more reasonable size and awesome on-the-fly navigation features.

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@heidiklepsch2074 oh awesome! You’re gunna love it!

[@runningwithmarc]

@@heidiklepsch2074 Yes I'm sure also you will enjoy it, it is a good watch also. Happy adventures Heidi :)

[@christoskravvaritis2603]

Very nice and solid watch, high quality no doubt. As it's my 9PP too, which i love it. Still missing 1 feature, i'm hopping to see in suunto-watches so much: HRV-measurements!

[@borislavbozhankov7425]

This is only thing suunto is lacking currently for recovery estimation.

[@runningwithmarc]

HRV is or has been a hot topic for quite a while now. I'd like to think it is something you could see in the future sw updates, but I can't say, one thing for sure, I think we would want to release a solution that provides real value and insight, not just one that has it for the sake of having it.

[@christoskravvaritis2603]

@@runningwithmarc thanks kaveri! I really hope to see it at some point through software update, then my 9PP is everything i want! :)

[@robturner724]

Finally! Long term Suunto user but switched to the Vertix 3.5 years ago, but these maps look like butter, so smooth. I'm definitely considering this now, well done guys.

[@runningwithmarc]

Cheers Rob, to be honest I was also impressed at how well they perform after using maps in other devices, I just thought that's how they will act in such a small device :D.

[@robturner724]

Are you able to give an estimated battery life, if I run an ultra, with that watch always on the map screen?

[@runningwithmarc]

@@robturner724 Hey Rob, there are many variables, as we all have and use different settings with the watch. Also which watch it is, solar/steel variant. But using the 60hrs normal settings with the steel version, and then navigating with the map, you should see around 50hrs. Could be more and could be less depending on how you use it (clicking buttons all the time, having autolaps very frequently, notifications from connected mobile....) Hope that helps. I was surprised at you can have 50hrs with best GPS settings, quite good in my opinion. Of course, you can then also put it to Endurance mode and you can still get really good GPS tracks (still gps every 1 second) and have the battery last up to 90hrs without maps and roughly 74hrs with maps!!!!! :) hope that helps

[@runningwithmarc]

We have people who have been running ultra's in the Colorado area and other places that have done the above :) I'll personally be doing Ultra Pirineu 100km in September, so I have that to look forward to :) I hope I won't need the 50hrs battery life :D

[@robturner724]

@@runningwithmarc That's incredible - well done Suunto. I thought if you had GPS set to less than best, looking at or using maps would switch the GPS back to best? is this no longer the case? I've ordered one FWIW

[@Ivesy85]

This watch is incredible the build quality and engineering is second to none bravo suunto make sure these watches continue to be made in Finland.

[@runningwithmarc]

Great to hear, thanks for sharing :)

[@yakiweiss546]

Congratulations on the launch of this new watch. Looks impressive. In the DC RAINMAKER review it turns out that there is an accuracy problem in Open swimming? What can you tell us about it?

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Yaki, thanks for that. This is me writing and not Suunto, I liked DCR's review, one of the issues I have with it though is that it is not extensive testing, it is maybe 2-4 swims at most and only doing his one method (which is a great test). We have testers in the south of Spain, Australia, and more that have been using it, and have seen good results when swimming. I'm not saying the case with DCR is not a topic on the table, and as this is the latest device we have it is obviously a more focused on development topic. I know the feedback was taken in with DCR and we are seeing how we could improve. I hope this answers..... so hard to write and not share all the secrets :D

[@yakiweiss546]

@@runningwithmarc I appreciate your comment! I'm volunteer to be a Suunto tester in Israel 😜

[@ianteague2672]

I'm looking at getting the Vertical and coming from the Fenix 6x as a trail runner I'm really concerned about the poor reviews of HR accuracy. Is Suunto able to improve it without replacing the sensor? It's a stunning watch but I know I can trust the 7x...

[@fabricioluna2621]

Dear Marc: Nice video and interesting points of view from a Suunto insider. I have my 2nd Suunto watch - Ambit 3 Peak and now suunto 9 Baro-. Suunto Vertical really looks very nice and in paper looks like has the latest and greatest to become a technology standard. As you state in your video, mu Suunto 9 Baro fits my needs for a sport watch. Would like to see how the unit compares to different brands and see the results. At the end of the day, what we want is not necesarly what we need. Looks is always welcomed but if it performs, then it is a winner. Cheers from Mexico.

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for the comment Fabricio and great to hear you're enjoying the s9b, I have many family members still using it with pride. There is a whole can of worms of comparing devices, of which is better than which at various different things. I think in accuracy, battery and ease of use Suunto Vertical is maybe one of the best out there. Feature wise Garmin wins, they are a huge company and can bring such a wide plethora of features. That's ok for me, I don't need or want many features, I even turn many things off in my Suunto, as I just want it to track so I can analyse later at home. Anyway, I could go on forever here :D Thanks again :)

[@mikehall6433]

Was thinking of getting the Vertical or the Race. My Ambit 3 peak has been fantastic for the last 10 years. But I’m getting put off my all the lack custom support I keep seeing on social media. Are they getting better at replying to people. Would you go race or vertical. It’s for long ultras. 🤙🏼

[@bev9708]

Hi Marc, I just LOVE it when people love their jobs, bravo!!! I've been running with just my phone and the Runkeeper app for many years now but sometimes regret not having a watch ... could I ask you the best Suunto for a budget conscious non-techy person, something very simple and light??? Thanks

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Bev :) from Suunto, the Suunto 5 Peak is small and very light.... of course the battery is smaller, as it is lighter. Also it doesn't have dual band GPS, but neither to most sports watches out there, so I don't think that is an issue for you. Otherwise the Suunto 9 Peak Pro is a really nice size and very capable on all fronts (I have a video for that also), I would assume with a new device like this one coming that you might find some good deals on Suunto 9 Peak Pro. Hope that helps, and just ask if any questions :)

[@bev9708]

@@runningwithmarc MANY thanks Marc, that is indeed extremely helpful!!! The 5 Peak seems absolutely perfect at exactly my price!!! Great!!🙋🏻‍♀🙋🏻‍♀

[@jamesm8538]

Great video again Marc! Need to get my hands on one of them 😍

[@runningwithmarc]

Cheers James, I'm sure you'll like it

[@thiegoac]

Very big Watch ! Should have somes other sizes of this model

[@Ivesy85]

Yep incredible preordering tommorow

[@runningwithmarc]

Now you just have tough decision on which colour :D

[@UsernameUsername666]

What about lags when switching between widgets ? Were there any updates to fix this ?

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Denis, I assume you watched DCR's video, although it is a great review from him, I found that when he was showing the lag (which yes it is not as optimised as would like), the way he tested it was (in my opinion) not a good way. If you press a button really fast on most devices it will be troublesome, and he pressed it really quick. So in reality it's not as severe as that I would say. Although I do wish it would be faster and smoother, I know the team have taken in the feedback on this and are investigating it, as it is the new product, I'm sure it gets some priority. Hope that helps :)

[@sandrah1498]

LOVE IT 🎉❤

[@kristian9409]

I already ordered it today😍

[@runningwithmarc]

Woo woo

[@maori185gc]

How do the suunto maps on the Vertical compare to Topo maps on Garmin?

[@runningwithmarc]

Hard to fully say and answer as we all use the maps differently (some run on trails and some more urban) and have our own subjective feeling. I feel like the the Garmin maps are more rich on details currently, but I know as maps are new in, that it won't be one and done, so fully expect to see more coming in to the Suunto solution. That being said, I have really liked the Suunto ones, as the contrast in the maps is easy to see and somehow just look really nice and a fair reflection of the environments I have been in. If you pause the screen on the intro, you will see many different maps from testers around the world. I think the feeling within is that the maps are really nice, and especially the compass reactiveness helps a lot. I hope that somewhat answered your question :D

[@maori185gc]

@@runningwithmarc Thanks Marc you’ve been really helpful. It’s certainly made me want to consider it as a 1st or 2nd option

[@anthonyrampino7734]

How do you think the Suunto race compares to the vertical? They both look like great watches. I’m trying to decide between a refurbished vertical and a race.

[@runningwithmarc]

It depends on how you want things, or what is a priority for you. For me and my use, Vertical is still my favourite watch. I am not a fan of amoled devices in general. I like the MIP display of the Vertical as you can see it 24/7 without having to wake it up. And the battery life is superior. Also the fact it has the solar is also cool. But I know many who prefer the Race model.

[@anthonyrampino7734]

@@runningwithmarc thanks I appreciate the help. I kinda feel that way too. I have a Apple Watch 6 and sometimes it’s a pain to wake it up especially during a workout. And if I have it always on I have to charge it everyday.

[@anthonyrampino7734]

@@runningwithmarc also I like that the vertical is made in Finland . I’m tired of everything being made in China. Why did they make the Race in China?

[@runningwithmarc]

@@anthonyrampino7734 I can't talk on behalf of Suunto or any official statement. But the way I see it, Suunto is a small company compared to some competitors like Garmin. So one of the reasons Suunto has been slow previous is due to its size. Year or two ago when we got new owners, they want to bring Suunto back to its status, and as a result to act fast there is some trade off. However they of course respect and want to keep the Suunto we all know an love. So even though I do not like it neither, I do understand it and agree with it. Anyway, that's the way I see it :). Even though Race is made in China, it still went through all the usual processes that we did for Vertical..... like me testing it etc also :)

[@runningwithmarc]

@@anthonyrampino7734 so if the screen is not an issue for you, then I'd prefer the Vertical :) Where abouts are you from, out of interest :)

[@sladkru]

is the display always on or is it gesture activated like 9 Peak?

[@runningwithmarc]

You can change some of them settings to how you prefer to use the device. If it is on the desk and zero movement/interaction, display will timeout.

[@teddyagp7864]

What if u go to uncharted place, could u navigate back to start?

[@runningwithmarc]

There is 'Find back' and 'Breadcrumbs' that will help in that situation, and the map shows of course. You can also make a route in Suunto app and sync during the activity also.

[@seanvk]

Nicely done. And pre-ordered

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Sean

[@missioncontrolhq]

Just pre-ordered - do you know when it will likely ship??

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Eddie, depending on where you are, it could be different, but I believe it's next week sometime. :)

[@runningwithmarc]

16th May, they just updated the website :) Thanks Eddie

[@gregorynantermoz9220]

Can you mesure hrv with suunto vertical?

[@runningwithmarc]

Oops, was meant to reply… yes you can

[@martinstromberg9952]

Please offer the "Vertical" and "Race"in an all white color (not Birch but white, Please) and also offer the Vertical with the Amoeled display!!

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for the share :)

[@mitchcm]

Suunto is lacking many areas. There's a reason why Garmin is at the top. Garmin continues to innovate, while Suunto is pretty stagnant. Is the Vertical the best sports watch of 2023? No, not by a long shot.

[@runningwithmarc]

Garmin devices are great also, I guess it depends, everyone has a different definitions of where or what the top is. I believe out of the devices that have been released in this category in 2023 it is extremely good. Appreciate you taking the time to have shared your thoughts. Marc :)

[@1slovenia]

😍🫵🏼

[@tonyg7143]

Very nice looking watch, but still not functional for competitive pool swimmers, hardware or software.

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Tony :)

[@ramoncavazos6864]

on what aspect?

[@tonyg7143]

@@ramoncavazos6864 Suunto watches (ambit excluded) have difficulty in recognising swim strokes accurately, there is no ability to create a workout session for pool swimming, and you cant register drill lengths. Its generally ok if you want register swam lengths only and so long as you don't move your arms in any rest periods, in my experience (and I have had every Sunnto released since Ambit 2 - stopped purchasing after S9Peak ) and all since the Spartan Watch was released register any arm movements as breaststroke at rest. I guess the dev teams have not got to grips with using accelerometer readings and this is the same issue with Step counting - in that any arm movement counts towards steps, through sleep if you move you wake up to find you have sleep walked 1/2 km :D. I have regrettably moved to Garmin which does interpret accelerometer movements much more accurately both for swimming strokes and Steps etc., provides amazing swim workout creation tool and is able to register drill lengths, and have a web portal to look at your data / information and provide analyse tools, Its such a shame as Suunto in my opinion make the nicest looking watches and I had been using Suunto products for 30 years :(

[@luvjean7124]

wow wow wowwww

[@sandstromj]

Congrats to the team for delivering this new watch. (From a Polar user 🫣)

[@runningwithmarc]

thanks Joakim 💪

[@beverlycole4836]

I'm stuck between, "I need to save money " and "YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE" TAKE MY MONEY !! Well done, Marc👍

[@runningwithmarc]

Lol that was funny :D Thanks Beverly

[@yuachang1]

Awesome comment!!!

[@hannuliljemark3119]

Take my money!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Very cool! Can I take a peak around that factory at some point? 😬

[@runningwithmarc]

If you come to Finland, you'd be more than welcome :)

[@familyshare3724]

​@@runningwithmarc I'm in Finland today, first time in my life. Would like to pick up the Vertical here. Where should I visit the product?

[@runningwithmarc]

@@familyshare3724 It's not in shops physically yet, 16th May it will be. But we have some on show in the Suunto reception area, so you can come to look if you want. Great to hear you're in Finland :)

[@familyshare3724]

@@runningwithmarc Will the Vertical immediately vanish from shelves before Norway's National Day (17 May)? .. when I must depart Finland.

[@IRunThings]

Great review!!! This looks like a fantastic watch. Once I'm in the market for a new one I'll strongly consider this. My Garmin is not ready to die just yet.

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Suzie :)

[@anthonyrampino7734]

Do you think that Suunto will add street/trail names etc to the map with updates to the watch?

[@Kemenyan73]

I have Suunto Ambit 2 , Suunto Spartan Sports , Suunto Baro 9 , Suunto 9 Peak - all are still running well over 10 yrs collection . That's quality . Hope someday Suunto will have Routable Maps . Im thinking of getting the Vertical as well

[@runningwithmarc]

Great to hear MoChong

[@familyshare3724]

Long term support keeps me loyal. My Ambit 1 refused to die .. but was stolen! The Vertical looks to my new watch for the next ten years.

[@runningwithmarc]

Oh no! that's a shame to hear it got stolen! But nice to hear it never gave up on you during all your adventures.

[@SeeChadRun]

Love the new watch! Seems like a great upgrade from my 9 Baro (which is still working like new after 3.75 years). Appreciate the honest review Marc!!!

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Chad, great to hear the s9b is still a workhorse and following you along on the trails :)))))

[@ActiveIdeas]

Bloody hell Marc, I've been moaning about running with 2-3 watches a day.⌚⌚⌚🌂... But EIGHT haha. Awesome video and thank you for letting us into some behind-the-scenes at Suunto 🌟The Compass is definitely 🔥What's your favourite colour?

[@runningwithmarc]

hahaha 😂, Eight is not normal for me, but I thought this may be a nice to show my thoughts. Maybe 3-4 is usual, which is still excessive! I like the black steel body and the lime green strap. I wish we would have an all black titanium one also, as the black and lime go well. But I'm using as my own watch the titanium one as it is a bit lighter and solar panel will be nice for them holidays and adventures in the mountains. How about you?

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@runningwithmarc 3-4 average!! 🤣Yeah, it was really cool to see the consistency and within-model variation. Ahh I didn't even notice the slight change in tone with steel and titanium! I'm still on the fence but I think I've really fallen for the Titanium Sand.. I think, cosmetically, it has a real "climbers" feel to it! Bring on the mountains 👊🏼

[@juanmanueltoledoschad682]

Great video Marc !!, I have a question: Why does Suunto not have a web page, where we can I see the activities? regards from Mexico !!!

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Juan, I have not been behind the whole reasoning, I personally like to do all my planning/analysis on a computer also. Now on a M1 Mac you can run Suunto app, which is really nice, and same with a tablet. It's not the exact same as Movescount in that sense, but that at least helps me for route planning. But would like to see a web platform back again!

[@pritchoutdoors]

Thanks for this, great video. As a longtime Ambit 3 Peak (Nepal Edition) user, this has finally made me jump, pre ordered today. Couple of questions if that's OK? - Any plans to allow other maps through the Suunto App store (if I've got the terminology right?) like there used to be? Would be NEXT LEVEL if UK OS Maps would go on! - Any plans to support custom button configuration? (like a double tap of a button to go straight to turning the flashlight on) - Any plans to allow music on the device itself, rather than just phone control? - Only slight gripes I've seen in other reviews is the slight lag in the menu navigation - any plans to try and solve this please? Thanks again!

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Pritch, great to read! I can't reveal what is coming up just yet. So it's hard for me to fully answer. - Different map layers could be possible I assume - custom button function is a nice idea, and one that has been shared, especially now with this flashlight, I'll be sure to pass forward another vote from you on that. - music, I don't think it's a priority in such a device. - UI speed, to be honest the way DCR was showing it in his video was a little over the top, if I bash the buttons on my Mac book extremely fast, it acts the same. I do agree that it can be improved, and it's already on the table. Hope that helps :)

[@pritchoutdoors]

@@runningwithmarc fully understand, thanks for answering where you can. Happy to give any feedback once it arrives if you need some more. 👍

[@santoscarrillo2996]

My wife and I have the fenix 7s sapphire solar love it truly a game changer came from the fitbit versa so yeah 😊. Wish the screen was more visible but I also have tiny wrist as a hobbit man of 5'4 lol

[@runningwithmarc]

Nice to hear Santos, I bet it was a bit of a jump in device from the versa :D

[@santoscarrillo2996]

@runningwithmarc oh yeah trying to get the hang out how it all works where all the menus are etc.

[@marektarkos2905]

The Umbrella will rule the world 💪🏼. Well done Marc and thanks for being a part of Suunto family 😍.

[@runningwithmarc]

Cheers Marky ❤️

[@runningwithstelvio]

Great video and watch quality. What a nice job you have, working while running, so actually using your passion to support development of such great gear...in case you guys need support for testing, you know to who contact :-)

[@runningwithmarc]

Yes I am lucky to be in this position. :) will keep that in mind

[@CraigEggleton]

Alright I’m giving this a go. Still holding on to my Garmins but have always wanted to test suunto. This one gives me confidence.

[@runningwithmarc]

Great to hear this Craig.

[@CraigEggleton]

It came a day earlier than expected Setting everything up for first run tomorrow.

[@cindaseasworld]

Can you please explain why offline maps for Panama are not available. I've written to Suunto and they provided no explanation. There is Costa Rica and Colombia, but not Panama which is highly disappointing because I live and work in Panama. Suunto's response was to return the watch 😢. Super disappointed, but I do enjoy the other features. I can only seem to see my navigation with use of the vertical app on my phone.

[@runningwithmarc]

I just spoke with the team, I hope you did not return the watch, as it is possible to get the Panama maps, they were just not enabled in Suunto app for some reason, so the team are working on getting them available. So keep checking over the today/weekend and you will probably find them.

[@runningwithmarc]

Its already there now :)

[@cindaseasworld]

You are a STAR!!! Thank you very much!! And thanks for your reviews!

[@carlwahlstrom]

I have just ordered a SUUNTO Vertical and will be returning my Garmin Epix Pro that I’m not happy with. Garmin has made their watch unnecessarily complicated with trillions of settings that you don’t need. Would it be possible to include street names on the maps to make the watch even more perfect? I’m really looking forward to receiving my SUUNTO Vertical 👍🏻

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for sharing that :) I know that maps/navigation will get further development so keep your eyes peeled for them updates when they come.

[@swissflyingfish9469]

Hello, Thank you very much for the review! The looks are really great and functions are very attractive! My other Finnish brand sports watch just died after 4,5 years and I am looking for a replacement. I am mostly using it for swimming and outdoor activities. How does vertical cope with monitoring swimming in and outdoors and the heart rate while swimming? I am also wearing it at night, does an automatic don't disturb mode exist which can be set between to hours? Thanks a lot!

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Cédric, Thanks for watching :) Yes it has Auto-DND for hours that you chose. For swimming. you can use a heart rate belt with it our OHR... just keep in mind that with OHR, you need to have the watch tight, as water particles between the sensor and skin will disturb the OHR readings, this is true for any OHR device, not just this one. Oh OHR = Optical heart rate. Otherwise in pool swimming it has worked good for me, I'm yet personally to use it in open water swimming as all the lakes here in Finland have been frozen and too cold right now. But from the testers we have in Canary Islands and such they have been happy with the performance. One thing is that if you submerge the watch under the water whilst swimming and keep it under for a long period, the water blocks GPS signal, and re-aquisition can be hard, again this is with quite many GPS devices. I hope this helps :)

[@csaba711]

Hi! Is it possible to recharge the battery when it's fully drained via sunlight / solar only? And another question! Possible to switch off all the sensors permanently and use only the tracking sensors as gps .... Is there any track me function ? Does this watch handles multiply downloaded maps from memory or every time wipes out the last downloaded map and update it with the newest I need? The downloaded maps are stays in the watch memory? Cheers

[@runningwithmarc]

Hello, you can recharge it like so, but solar in watches like this is mainly going to help drain the battery slower over charging it. But technically it is possible to charge the watch yes. You can turn off the Heart rate yes. Track me, as in sending a live location, no, not yet at least as of the time of writing this message. Yes it handles multiple downloads, and does not wipe memory every time. Hope this helps :)

[@yianpap6093]

I'm the kind of person you want to convince, I just switched from a Suunto 5 (the original) to a Garmin Forerunner 965. I have always avoided Garmins and since a kid I was a Suunto fan. But, I got to say, the 965 is just a different level, I was not expecting that much of a difference in accuracy. OK I know, I am comparing a 4 yr old mid-level Suunto to a new top-level Garmin which is arguably the best sportswatch currently. But when I bought the Suunto, tests showed that it was among the very best in terms of GPS (rumors had it that only the Ambit 3 was better in that respect, looking at all brands) and the HR sensor was supposed to be top quality too (unfortunately it was not). Anyway, the 965's GPS accuracy so far (4 runs) has been "the right side of the trail" level most of the time, it is just so fun seeing how accurate it is. My S5 is OK, better than most cheap current models, but still a level below the 965. And HR accuracy, night and day, the S5 was unusable, the 965 has so far been spot-on in running compared to chest strap. As for battery, it lasts a week with 4-5 days training and that's with the battery-hungry super bright AMOLED always on. I am assuming that a version of it with a less demanding screen would last two weeks. So there you have it, I hope this new Vertical matches the 965. Then for my next watch I may go back to Suunto as I like your design and the fact it is from Europe. Keep doing a good job!

[@runningwithmarc]

Great to have read all this Yian, thanks for sharing. You are right they are not right to compare the devices, 965 is dual band and 5 is not even all satellite systems, so it's natural there is improvement in the 965....and that looks like a nice watch, we have been testing it also. Dual-Band has been a game changer in GNSS performance. 965 vs Vertical, I would not want to compare apples with oranges, they are both great devices, one will perform better in some scenarios and the other situations. But you pretty much said all of that in your comment :D

[@yianpap6093]

@@runningwithmarc Cheers Marc. Just read the review on the5krunner, whose tests support your convicion that the Vertical has indeed the most accurate GPS tracking in the world, congratulations! And I just saw it better in pics, I hadn't realized it's so good-looking, great design. Definitely cooler than the 965!. I guess for your next iteration you need to focus on the HR accuracy and then that's it. I am guessing it may be tricky to balance the premium materials and design of the Vertical with low weight/inertia (965 is 52gr), which I assume helps avoid artefacts in HR measurement caused by movement. But you can do it!

[@KC-UT4rmAZ]

Love your videos and excited for the new watch. Keep the videos coming I always enjoy seeing you.

[@runningwithmarc]

thanks, and always a pleasure to read your comments :)

[@tyresejackson9665]

I thought at the beginning of the video you going to do some kind of prize giveaway. 😂

[@runningwithmarc]

😅 you never know :D

[@Gokushan]

Wow what amazing she scenes! Nice video!

[@runningwithmarc]

❤️

[@knutsfordsteve]

I'll have one thanks 👌

[@runningwithmarc]

Just the one? you don't need 6 for your umbrella like me?

[@midnightalchemist2]

Great update - especially like that the screen is brighter. I have a Suunto 9 Peak and whilst I really like it there are some issues. Sleep tracking is very inaccurate (for example, yesterday night I worked till 2am and went to bed soon after, probably fell asleep around 230…and woke at 8am. The watch reckoned I got 12 hours sleep!) . Has the sleep software algorithm changed at all in the Vertical? Else I dont see a need to upgrade for my use case (except for the much needed brighter screen)

[@robertocoslovich3143]

hi Marc, congrats on the great job done with this new Vertical, I'm saving up the money to buy one. If I may, I would like to ask you a couple of things, I saw that Suunto has already released two updates and I like this a lot because it means great attention to customers, do you think that the algorithm for the steps counter will also be improved in the future? My 9PP counts as steps also arm movements when I'm sitting at a desk. I would also like to know if it will be possible to have new watch faces, the ones that are there are a bit few and also a bit old. Thanks a lot

[@sanjinsavic]

I can't wait to get it on my wrist 🎉🥳😃

[@runningwithmarc]

💪

[@miccojarvinen]

The bestest Suunto this far!!

[@runningwithmarc]

Agreed :)

[@Loco-gm8te]

Can we expect model like traverse...I ve owned it for years and love it... something looking rugged, expedition like, military... manny of us would love it and for that reason unfortunately we have to go for garmin ...tnx

[@jurajdrotovan5218]

Great video Marc! 🔺👏✌️

[@runningwithmarc]

❤️

[@Fionn-Greyship]

I like the direction with new products like Suunto Vertical and Suunto Race, but Indo hope Suunto also comsider customers with smaller wirst. Please please release smaller versions of these watches. Also please update the Peak series

[@sethdean1384]

Does anyone have issues with the underside of the Vertical Watch Strap Lugs digging into their arm? If yes, has anyone found a positive solution to this situation?

[@martowl]

Awesome video Marc!

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Brad :)))))

[@sanjinsavic]

Great video 🎉😊And now I have tried it for some days !! I can't figure out how to enable Strava live segments, how did you do that?

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Sanjib :) You need strava premium and if you havent reconnected strava after last august you need to do that.

[@sanjinsavic]

@@runningwithmarc it sounds like I'm missing a reconnection, thanks Marc. I will try that

[@sanjinsavic]

@@runningwithmarc that did the trick, thank you so much ☺️👌

[@runningwithmarc]

@@sanjinsavic Great :)

[@ac4486]

Will Suunto ever add more map types to the mobile app or to their watches, such as the Cycling Open Street maps? I use Sports Tracker and it has better mapping options

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for stopping in, I can share this comment internally :)

[@ac4486]

@runningwithmarc hugely appreciated! Been a long time Sports Tracker user and have just ordered a Vertical so would be great to have everything in the same app/product offering

[@jpalipio3453]

Do you think Suunto will bring to the vertical a 'Climb pro' feature down the line so it can project and breakdown climbs like on Garmin? That can also be ported down software to the peak pro i feel.

[@runningwithmarc]

I hope so too.

[@RoninXV7]

Hey Marc great stuff love the new watch :). One question. Can you have a Suunto guide going along with a Suunto sport APP ? For example when I'm doing a longer training run I can't have my training peaks workout, (sunnto Guide) and lets say a drink timer, or fat/carb burn (Sunnto Sport APP) going at the same time. Forgive me if i got the terminalogy wrong. I love Sunnto watches and this issue it a minor concern, but would be a great nice to have :)

[@runningwithmarc]

Hi John, thanks for taking the time to share that feedback, and it's good. I'll share it forwards with the team. I'd like to think that it would be possible in the future. Cheers, Marc :)

[@gregoryshaw6275]

Hi Marc - I’ve enjoyed a3p, s9b and now vertical. I have loved all three. The only issue I have with the vertical is not being able to zoom out on a route beyond 500m. As far as I can see, if you want to see your position on a longer route you can’t - means having to do that on another device which is a real pity. On the previous watches you could. I’ve tried with maps off just using breadcrumb, but seems the same. Have I missed something? - would love the issue to be a user error 😅

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Gregory, I share your same problem that zooming being restricted to 500m being limiting sometimes in terms of helping to navigate. I would like to hope that this will change in coming updates. So unfortunately it is not user error this time. Hope to be back with some good news though :)

[@skl.sara8602]

Hello Marc, can I ask you what is a lifespan of this Suunto model? That will be my first smartwatch - I've been planning to buy suunto for a few years, and only Vertical model with maps and many new features convinced me to purchase it. I hope it can last for more than 2 years, hopefully 5. Some other suunto users say that it is a sturdy device. Thank you

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Sara, I am sure that it will last the time periods you mentioned and even beyond. There is also warranty period included when you buy. So in short, I don't think you need to worry in that sense :) hope that helps

[@sebastienjullian8204]

Suunto is a watch brand that advertises rock-solid performance and sturdiness, but that's not true. I bought a Spartan Ultra for €600, it was repaired twice and now Suunto is telling me that it won't is no longer repairable (8 years later) for a brand like Suunto this is unacceptable, given all the misleading advertising they do on the after-sales service and the solidity of their watches. what they were able to offer me was to buy a watch again

[@runningwithmarc]

Sorry to hear, I can sense some unhappiness, I know you said you have contacted support, but they are the ones who will be able to help if any issues, I am not involved in that area so not able to assist further, so please reach out to them again with your query.

[@victormarian7889]

O.K.- specs I get, it's missing... the f. ... price man, how about giving the price/version for all of us outthere who are less fortunate and less payed in our less performing countries and economies !

[@runningwithmarc]

You can find the price on suunto.com according to your local currency!

[@gabrirossi743]

New suunto vertical and race needs trackback function!

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for the feedback :)

[@sebastienjullian8204]

the arrival of a new watch at Suunto means that the others will soon no longer be repaired

[@runningwithmarc]

If they need repair, service centres can still help, so nothing changes :)

[@ArjenvanBlokland]

Great video! Can you wear the Suunto on your right wrist?

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Arjen, I wear mine on my right wrist.

Thanks for this awesome video! How noticeable is the hr wirst sensor improvement compare to the spartan baro hr?

[@runningwithmarc]

Hi Florian, I will answer as Marc and not Suunto :D I see improvement from spartan baro HR, there are many different things to do with wrist HR since then. But I am not using wrist HR very much on my personal level as it is never very reliable, from any device (Suunto, Garmin, Polar, Coros) and I am for all my main sports using a heart rate belt. Hope that helps :)

@@runningwithmarc Thank you.

[@stevemurray710]

Was there an explanation of why it's called vertical? Always looking to see if a new watch has extra training tech / apps for runners over 70. A niche market but perhaps growing and a wealthy $$ consumer maybe.

[@runningwithmarc]

I don't have an official answer, but my thinking I think it's to do with the heritage of Suunto and what it's meant for, in vertical environments (accuracy (gps, Baro) and maps help). I would like to see some more vertical orientated features coming in.

[@stevemurray710]

@@runningwithmarc first impression/hope was it might have a special barometer as I do notice if I start and finish a run at the same spot the altitude number differs by a bunch on my Fenix 5s. So there is room for improvement.

[@runningwithmarc]

@@stevemurray710 I mean barometric/altitude has actually been one of the strong points of the Suunto 9 Peak Pro and its former, and it carries across. We have many altitude crazy testers in the mountains in Spain that focus only on vertical :D On flatter runs, it can be harder for these devices (all brands) to get the start and end the same because of the minimal increases/decreases throughout the run... although in saying that I have found Suunto Vertical to be a good reflection.

[@tomazstopar1226]

the music used??

[@runningwithmarc]

If you talking about the intro part - Conquer the Dancefloor by Evgeny Bardyuzha

[@vasconunes5757]

Kiitos from Sintra Lisboa Portugal 👌

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Vasco :)

[@DanRuns]

That looks like one hell of a piece of kit! Well done Marc 🎉

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Dan :D

[@hotellucija4148]

GPS yes, how about open water swimming, I've read it has severe difficulties?

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey, well I won't agree or disagree with your comment. What do I mean by this..... we have been testing OWS and have some testers that are around the world. The swimming track has been good if you are swimming, but if you hold the watch under the water for 2minutes like DC rainmaker likes to test. Then it has shown some difficulties sometimes, but this is also hard for any GPS watch as the water blocks the signal. Every time I am going swimming outdoors, I am not keeping my wrist for 2minutes under the water. We are looking at how to improve these challenges I would say also. Hope that helps :)

[@hotellucija4148]

⁠@@runningwithmarc yes, it was the DC rainmaker review where I’ve picked this information :) The battery life on the Titanium Solar looks to be its high point, also the maps, love the high contrast option. What I don’t like is that only Titanium has the Solar option, would much rather see an all black with Solar option. I’m sure the GPS on open water would be solved by attaching the watch to the swim buoy, facing the sun it would also charge excellently..

[@runningwithmarc]

@@hotellucija4148 Yes having a watch on a buoy is going to give the. best results But actually, we have released a sw update that has some software fixes/tweaks for open water swimming and it is has performed very well. I just went open water swimming this morning (you can see on my strava) really well draw track.

[@runningwithmarc]

And thanks for checking back in with that info :)

[@hotellucija]

@@runningwithmarc got the Black steel version 😉 Tried the open water swimming and it was ok, perhaps the update solved it. I'm very happy with the pool swimming tracking, the one minute swim hour is a superb touch.

[@maori185gc]

Is that 60hrs with wrist heart rate running?

[@runningwithmarc]

Indeed that is correct Geoff. 60hrs with best GPS performance and OHR on (standard out of the box settings) :)

[@maori185gc]

@@runningwithmarc That's extraordinary. The Vertical has certainly got me tempted on build quality but maps for ultrarunning need to be as good as Garmin's Topo. I'd also wish it had music for this price point

[@runningwithmarc]

What is it that you like in the Garmin maps? out of interest

[@maori185gc]

@@runningwithmarc coming from a generation of breadcrumb trail routes on stuff like the Fenix 3 probably made me a convert to the coloured Topo maps when I got my Fenix 6. However, when occasionally running ultras and races through urban areas i really appreciate the road names and place names that come with that level of detail.

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for sharing Geoff :)

[@rsgt2023]

Thank you for making a great watch! Could your software developement team (pleasepleaseplease 😅) consider of adding small things like: multiple alarms, quick button option (for example for the use of flashlight) and an option to flashlight to be on as long as you want?! And of course in the future maybe: hrv tracking and race time presictions. Then it would be a perfect watch! Love the style, built quality, how it feels on your wrist, the fact it's made in Finland with sustainability also in mind, the app (especially the overall calendar view of your sports and the fact you can really track allmost any sport there is, competitors say this also but they are not even close ex. soccer, floorball etc.). Thanks also making these videos and sharing these little insights of the "Suunto world" 😊

[@runningwithmarc]

I really enjoyed reading this comment. A lot of them requests of what you would like to see, I have seen and heard our testers and people saying, I can't promise anything here on KZbin, but I've heard them before which is a good sign ;) I'll be sure to share your thoughts and congrats internally with the teams :))))))) Marc

[@rsgt2023]

@@runningwithmarc Thank you for your response! It's nice to hear your testers and others have also pointed these and maybe some day... 😅 I think listening feedback and conversation with customers is crucial winning this game and I think you are getting there! Also greetings to your teams (forgot to mention before): the maps and route planning, especially heatmaps. Uuhlalaa how easy it is to plan a route and find the right trails with the help of your heatmaps. 😍 and the list of great features would go on and on. Not gonna bore you with those in this post, but for anyone considering of buying this watch, give it a go, even if you are hardcore Garmin etc. user! Keep up the good work Suunto and Marc!