Suunto 9 Peak In-Depth Review // GPS, Heart Rate, & Altimeter Accuracy Tested

[@fabricioluna2621]

Hi Des !!! thanks for your review. To the point and no shortcuts. Running has been my main activity for more than 10 years now. My first GPS unit was a TIMEX Iron Man and after that Garmin forerunner 620, Garmin Vivo Active (1st square version), Suunto Ambit 3 peak and now Suunto 9 baro Titanium. All of them had been great for tracking activities and reporting data on their app ( either pc or phone ). Based on my experience, very few people really take advantage of all the technology involved on this devices and focus mainly in comparissions that surely challenges the units and leads to a certain winner among all the diferent choices, but for me, that is the fundamental issue. Unfair to compare units that are build diferently and targeted for specific users. For me the right choice is based on your needs. If you know what you need, then options are just merely that, a way to find the right unit for you. But we like to believe we are buying "the best"...the best for what? - Cheers.

[@JadenFeddock]

I like that case size / shape sooo much better than some of the other behemoth Suunto watches 😂 Great video Des!

[@DesFit]

It’s a welcome departure from their past, for sure! Much more enjoyable to wear. Thanks Jaden! 🤙

[@waliwong9745]

some people may think those other behemoth watches were the hallmark and what the real Suunto is, for military and huge people from Finland. but, whatever let's see.

[@tomasz5274]

@@waliwong9745 there is still Suunto 9 Baro in the offer :)

[@fitgearhunter]

Great review! I was just researching this today for future testing and didn’t find that many quality reviews other than rays initial one. Thank you!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing Hunter! Glad to provide the info! 💪

[@Klunker1]

Great review as always from Des. I only want about 5% of the features of a GPS watch, overall time, current and average speed and altitude gained. Appearance and comfort are important to me and that’s about it. This watch looks like a winner to me.

[@bradmeadows8146]

Great video, Des! When you compared the Suunto 9 to the 945LTE, it just blew my mind thinking of how many watches you own. I would love to see a video of you sharing what your favorite watch currently is!

[@tube2211ification]

I’m so disappointed in Suunto I loved my Ambit 2 When it died I brought a Suunto Spartan it had poor battery life and you can’t set it up how you could like the Ambit2 and features on Suunto watchs aren’t there compared to Fenix 6.So I jumped ship to Garmin Fenix 6 . I’m so happy I did.Suunto will have to make really great watch to get me back. This video convinced me that I made the right decision.

[@mosquitophoenix]

I’m waiting for your review since the watch just released in May. Great job!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@ΝΙΚΟΣΜΙΧΑΛΙΝΑΚΟΣ]

Keep going - be strong stay healthy, thanks for all 💯 💯 💯

[@DesFit]

You too

[@trailzrock2]

Well, here we go again Suunto!! As much as I want to buy the Peak 9, it’s a non starter without ANT+ maps. Love me some Zwift, but without ANT+ the power data goes to the tablet via Bluetooth, leaving the Suunto just hanging on my wrist useless! Freaking Suunto needs to get the memo

[@johnmanley4528]

Great job as always Des! I like the smaller form factor of this watch.

[@DesFit]

It’s truly a great looking watch, just wish it came with more features for the money.

[@expressmail1642]

The best sports watch on the market...overall.

[@mlegrand]

Loved learning about this one Des! I haven’t tested any Suunto watches and it was great learning about what this one has to offer. The heart rate looks questionable but maybe the snap to GPS route is the unique selling point on this one 🤷🏻‍♂️ Great review as always. 👏

[@DesFit]

It's been a while for me as well. Cool to see the new design but I hope to see some more new features and innovation from them with future devices. Thanks Matt! 🙌

[@DiegoJamaica]

In desfit we trust!!! Amazing job! Thanks 4 this review. Cheers from Brazil!!!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing. Thanks!!

[@MrEmptyone77]

Hey Dez, the Suunto 5 also has Snap to Route & Ghost Runner, it filtered down to that kinda mid-range offering too.

[@DesFit]

Thanks for mentioning that!

[@brotaque]

As always, a very good job reviewing the watch.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!!

[@cyani32]

I can already tell it's going to be a good video! :p

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@garrymunro6881]

Love the look, still have a soft spot for Suunto after living the Ambit3, and would even ignore the ridiculous price if I could import structured workouts from training peaks. Without that it’s a no go.

[@DesFit]

Hopefully Suunto can build in some features that are available from other options in the marketplace to catch up with the industry.

[@jswong8200]

I've always had so-so GPS accuracy and wonky HRM accuracy with my Suunto that uses the older Valancell sensor. Looks like having a new GPS chip and a new HRM module doesn't help much at all. Suunto really needs to get their firmware development sorted out.

[@tomasz5274]

Please note that watch optical HR sensor here is compared to dedicated HR straps which are usually better than the ones in watches (I think series 6 apple watch is exception here with really good optical HR sensor comparable to straps based on other YT comparison). eg. Fenix 6 is also having some quirks compared to straps. At the end is worth to mention that HR results were ok in DCRainmaker written review so it may need some more tests and/or reviews to asses S9 Peak GPS and HR sensor capabilities.

[@Sth3no]

This watch is mind blowing. The price is also mind blowing 😅

[@5five6x45]

GREAT REVIEW LOVE YOUR STUFF BROTHER!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@anthonyrampino7734]

Great review! Since the prices have come down on this watch and the Garmin 245, which one would you choose?

[@saltydog6241]

I like the smaller form factor but it doesn’t sound like it competes very well with similarly priced options from competitors.

[@jabu111]

Thanks for your review! I'm looking for new watch after using for around 3 years Suunto Spartan Trainer and now know new Suunto isn't worth that money compare to Garmin [...] Really a pity!

[@seanvk]

Hey Des, Have you thought of doing a follow up review after the various firmware updates? They’ve had quite a few including TP integration.

[@nimagholipour]

Thanks for reviewing. May I ask you about recovery time. Is it like traditional way to measure or like Garmin has new algorithm base your day activity and rest?

[@yakiweiss546]

Very nice review! But why almost nobody.. does not make an open water swimming GPS accuracy test ? :-( I am considering opening such a channel :-)

[@Chris_Odom]

Hey Des, came across your channel yesterday and enjoying the reviews! Are you thinking about reviewing the 9 peak pro and/or 5 Peak?

[@DesFit]

Yup, already in the works for the 9 Peak Pro! Welcome!

[@Chris_Odom]

@@DesFit I figured you'd be on it! And, again, thanks for your reviews. As an outdoor enthusiast myself, I enjoy your perspective.

[@heavilymeditated2263]

Great review, thanks for hitting all the major points.. One question though, what can you tell me about the music portion of the Suunto 9 peak?

[@woutergeuens8812]

Hey desfit, Would u recommend it now? Thanks for answer!

[@DesFit]

Not really. It's still a bit behind in terms of features.

[@soydelga2744]

If you could pick the Suunto 9 peak or the Venu 2, which one would you choose and why? Thanks!!!

[@jorgegrealty]

What watch is the most recommended sport watch? A watch with the best heart rate, blood oxygen, gps, all around best features for the money. Most accurate as well.

[@BGRecon]

Now that's a hard one, I've used Garmin for awhile but it's been older models like the vivoactive 3. So I miss a lot of the new features

[@tomasz5274]

Since you didn't mention battery life and that it have to be rugged, you may look into Apple Watch series 6 (iPhone user? good GPS, I think the best optical HR sensor built-in the watch, short battery life). If you need high battery life and rugged watch then you may browse Garmin offer and great reviews from DesFit and his colleague DCRainmaker?

[@andymm4175]

Thanks for an insightful review! Have you made any further tests after the September software update where they apparently made some fixes? Thanks.

[@joshhoffman1975]

I am really looking to you reviewing the new Suunto 9 Peak Pro and comparing it to Garmin Fenix! 👍👋😀

[@DesFit]

Already in the works! Stay tuned! 👍

[@joshhoffman1975]

@@DesFit Legend, your reviews are always the best, I look forward to them heaps! 🤩👋👍

[@savioalvares6476]

Thank you for the review. I have the Ambit 3 Peak, and I'm planning on getting this one. I'm hoping the GPS is as accurate as the Ambit 3. BTW, that is a very, very cool tshirt. Where's it from?

[@disteljc]

Hi DesFit, I wonder why Suunto hasn't incorporated the full color navigation maps like on the Suunto 7.... that's why im doubting towards the FR945, although I really prefer a touchscreen. Any thoughts on this? Thanks for the great review!

[@arekpawlowski]

hi Des! when will be a review of the pro version?

[@sekainiheiwa3650]

Heart rate works perfect, my wife said im better. Confused is because i started running or Suunto sensor.

[@syamilsatri3332]

Cool video! would you consider reviewing Ticwatch E3?

[@Jay_2phones]

Please let us know how bright the screen is compared to those that are very dimmed versus oled, thanks for all you do.

[@adrianhristo8040]

Hi,do they have motorsport in options,thanks 🙂

[@robertnaus88]

so Suunto finally upgraded to 2018...

[@MarioLancellotta]

Good video! I've the 9 Baro Ti and I'm wondering if I should upgrade to this one. You think it's worth?

[@DesFit]

Feature wise it's nearly the same as yours but it's much lighter and smaller. Thanks!

[@MarioLancellotta]

@@DesFit What about GPS accuracy? Is it really so better than the 9BaroTi?

[@dalejayne2461]

how accurate do you feel the training load is vs garmin?? I have been trying that feature out on the suunto 9. Garmin makes you run multipe times a week or use a power meter to get training load so I don't always (don't have a power meter on my mtb or my road bike just my indoor trainer) have enough sessions to get a load calculated.

[@Jaskiniowiec]

Thanks for the review. What smartwatch should be your choose for outdoor mountain hiking: Garmin Fenix 6 or Suunto 9 baro (or Peak)? Thanks.

[@DesFit]

The fenix 6 and even better the 6 Pro or Sapphire that have maps 👍

[@nineteenfifties7700]

You mentioned in this video that the interface is a little bit slow, but is this a big problem when using it?

[@DesFit]

For the most part it’s not a big deal, but can be noticeable at times. What’s nice is that browsing the map is very responsible. Just a few areas of the interface that seem to have some lag.

[@TrekRidley]

Hey Des, was the firmware updated on that watch you reviewed? The interface seemed like loading forever.. The reviewed was awesome though..

[@DesFit]

Yup, always keep the firmware fresh’

[@kzahrte]

So I really wanted to like this watch but... it seems to fall short. Great design, solid looks but it seems like the UI, hardware and processing power fall short. Bummer. I was hoping to replace the Fenix 6 but I think I'll keep looking. Thanks for another great video.

[@svj1992]

Hey man-- trying to decide on investing in the Suunto 9 Peak and the new Garmin Fenix 7 Solar Saphire-- I currently own the Suunto 9 Baro Titanium but it is having some issues going black during activity and going to need an upgrade soon. Just trying to decide if I want to stay within the Suunto ecosystem or go to Garmin-- main activities are trail running (ultra distance), mountain biking, backcountry skiing, gravel cycling, mountain biking, and rock climbing--- any thoughts or opinions would be helpful! Thanks!

[@DesFit]

The Fenix 7 will offer substantially more than the 9 Peak for your types of activities. Thanks!

[@mc_scott]

Loving the videos. Is there any devices that have accurate enough gps to track distances and running in a short space? Specifically a football/soccer pitch? I know there are football specific vests you can wear but I was looking for a wrist/arm wearable that was accurate enough. My fitbit often thinks I have taken 60 minutes to run 0.5km when I use it.

[@DesFit]

Ya, those vests that you speak of use a much higher precision GPS. Fitbit GPS accuracy isn't all that great so you would very likely get higher precision with a device like a Garmin, Polar, or possibly a Suunto. Thanks!

[@mc_scott]

@@DesFit thanks for the reply. Any specific models you have review videos for that I can watch regarding the higher precision? Or any that stand out to you at all?

[@threedeafears]

Suunto 9 Peak actually has a specific football/soccer exercise option!

[@mc_scott]

@@threedeafears thank you!

[@Bessunger]

Thanks for the vid and the accuracy of your testing. Although I linke the looks of the suuntu, maybe I should wait for a Garmin with better looks. You'll tell me when it's time to change ;-)

[@rmarinheira]

Great review. Extremely detailed. Just one doubt: can you tell me what material Suunto used in the sensors area, on the back of the watch? It seems a kind of plastic, and I wonder, in a watch made to be durable, how durable could that part be.... Thanks in advance for your clarificatoin.

[@DesFit]

I've never had a problem with the back of any watch whether it's metal or plastic so I'm not sure if that's a huge concern (especially if you're wearing it all the time). Do you just have really rugged wrists or something that necessitates something durable? ;)

[@rmarinheira]

@@DesFit You're totally right. My concer has to do simply with the fact that sensor part will be in close contact with the charging puck, and how that may end up scratching or creating rub marks on that area over time. Reagrding the material used, are you able to tell what kind of material might be that one around the sensor area? Is it a hard material, or is it a rubbery, soft material? Other than that, and since I'll be using it constanty, I see no issues with the contact with my wrist ;)

[@littlesheep7]

0:17 its not stainless steel bezel but it's titanium bezel isn't it?

[@DesFit]

This is the stainless steel version but there is also a titanium version.

[@misterkgomes]

Do you know if you can connect two Suunto watches to the same account on the Suunto app?

[@michealjachelski8260]

Hey Des, could you shed some light on your thoughts on which watch has the best sleekness and design? Like a watch that has gps and cool features BUT also would turn heads in a night out. Been looking at venu2/forerunner/vantagev2/Suunto7 titanium, etc.

[@DesFit]

Design will probably be a personal preference so choose whichever one looks great for you! 👍

[@michaelgallegos2114]

I have a daughter with a shunt that is effected by magnets. Can you please let me know if the Suunto 9 watch, itself, has magnets? I am aware that the charger has magnets. I appreciate your help.

[@DesFit]

I would check with Suunto directly to get the most accurate information about this. I wouldn't want to make a mistake considering your situation.

[@priyanshagarwal8490]

Can you make a video on which watch irrespective of the brand has best sleep tracker, I am trying to figure out consistent sleep pattern or if you can recommend a watch that would be great as well, that would be great help. Thank You

[@DesFit]

Fitbit tends to have the best sleep tracking. Polar also does a good job.

[@drmrpepper]

But how is it with the Heartrate smart sensor?

[@DesFit]

Do you mean an external HR sensor?

[@dalejayne2461]

can you pair multiple sensors to the watch? I have the suunto 9 baro and it seems like you can only pair one hr strap to it. It doesn't appear to remember multiple ones. I have like 4 of them so i don't always grab the same one.

[@DesFit]

Looks to be the same thing with the 9 Peak unfortunately. Pairing a new sensor just deletes the previous one. :\

[@dalejayne2461]

@@DesFit thanks. As someone who mostly uses garmin devices I found it weird. I run ride etc and have multiple straps. Did not notice it until running the other day and my hr was way off and I realized it did not pair to my strap only the previous one that was saved.

[@irunovermountains]

I do like my 9 Baro, but it's a bit dated now. This is just a new shell with most of what's new now on my 9 via firmware. As an ultra-distance mountain runner, Suunto are behind the times compared to Coros (battery life) & Garmin (topo maps). Any ideas when a new model will release to better the 9? I really want topo maps, but investing in a Fenix is not the way to go for me. It's big & clunky-looking, plus I was a Garmin (Fenix 3HR) user prior to the Suunto 9 Baro.

[@tomasz5274]

Bad experience with Garmin F3HR? I'd also love to see topo maps on Suunto watches (the ones with Suunto OS not wearOS or other generic stuff). But... Suunto doesn't seem to be quick with adding new features and seems to be more and more dated with time. Saddly as I like they design and UI (minimalistic look not the minimalistic performance ;D ). Let's keep finger crossed that at some point they wake up and catch up with competition. Nice to see some innovations in this watch.

[@ChrisDrysdale16]

Very slick looking device. Pity about the sensor fluctuations...

[@DesFit]

Wish it was better, for sure!

[@CoronIslandFreediver]

I want this watch for freediving

[@newchenyufengchenyufeng5535]

GPS tracking is bad as it’s heart rate data so what you can expect from it?

[@jsteelize]

It looks like a very slow watch when maneuvering. Is it slow compared to other WearOs watches on 2021?

[@DesFit]

This watch doesn’t run WearOS but regardless, the interface is generally slower than most other watches.

[@jsteelize]

@@DesFit thanks. This helps. I might pass on this one. Slow & leggy serves me the wrong way

[@TheAilmam]

Vs Apple watch which is better?

[@DesFit]

Battery life on the Suunto is much better but Apple Watches have a more accurate HR sensor plus a ton of smartwatch functionality. The Suunto 9 Peak doesn't have much for smartwatch features but realistically they are both very different devices for different needs.

[@sascha9320]

945 lte or 9 Peak. unfortunately, the price for the Suunto is too high, I think! Therefore, I prefer to 945 lte and know that many functions are more available. For 450 Euro I would have given Suunto a chance.

[@szymonjarzabek8128]

Hi, s9p or polar vantage v2, which better?

[@DesFit]

I’d lean towards the Vantage V2 as I think it provides a lot more meaningful training feedback.

[@szymonjarzabek8128]

@@DesFit thx one more qustion , gps acuraccy , s9p or v2?

[@DesFit]

VV2 👍

[@joshuaclavel9666]

Best sport watch right now??

[@DesFit]

What features are you looking for in a sportswatch?

[@joshuaclavel9666]

@@DesFit overall to be honest I do CrossFit but sometimes I want a casual/sport watch

[@joshuaclavel9666]

@@DesFit thanks for replying

[@McStoolio]

Other than snap to route and Oxygen level monitor, what does this watch have that's new? (especially given that existing 9's got an upgrade for snap to route anyway). Other than a new case, what have they done? I really struggle to understand this watch. No music controls, no contactless payment, no movescount...all obvious enhancements but all missing.

[@DesFit]

It's pretty much the original Suunto 9 Baro with an SPO2 sensor in a smaller case.

[@McStoolio]

@@DesFit so a 3 year old watch with a new case. They must think people are stupid 👀

[@McStoolio]

@@jpark8549 like other firms have been doing for years.....

[@tomasz5274]

@@McStoolio Fenix 6S is still taller then this watch... There is a customer group which like to have sport watch they don't have to change, which looks ok also in the office/work and they don't have fight it when wearing shirt (due to size).

[@pruteanu6]

Great review... but suunto is so behind competition...

[@robertastbury6364]

My watch is crap running 3 mins slow all the time. This is my 3rd Suunto and last stay clear

[@taklayagelensermest]

O totally agree with all your suggesstions with new watch no innovations not so ever yet still so expensive like garmin fenix 6 series but not with its outstanding features so shame suunto dudes😊

[@DesFit]

This very well could have just been a case of Suunto needing to come out with something "new", although not necessarily completely new. I hope they have something completely new in the works.

[@briancuthbertson28]

I bought the Suunto 9 last year and lost the power lead. I was promised a replacement by Suunto and then after 15 communications with them (most of which were not replied to) I had to give up and buy it new. Los of apologies and no action- really poor for a $900 watch. Really poor service has coloured my judgement on Suunto

[@DesFit]

Dang, that's definitely not a good experience. Hopefully Suunto can pick back up with their recent acquisition.

[@Snowhite808]

Looks: nice battery life: about good features: meeh price: Dayyyumnnn. one wonders, if the name tag was not on it, would it be half that?

[@tompetkus9385]

Good review! Not going to buy ! I will go for Garmin or Apple

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@ze3bar]

I've been using it for a week. The GPS isn't as good as I thought and the O2 sensor is flat out wrong...

[@threedeafears]

are you going to return it?

[@ze3bar]

@@threedeafears no, I still like it

[@ze3bar]

@@threedeafears the GPS is still more accurate than a Fitbit or an Apple watch

[@threedeafears]

@@ze3bar what about the fitness level?

[@ze3bar]

@@threedeafears that's accurate, what actually impressed me the most is how accurate the resource availability is. When I'm exhausted it tells me I have no resources and when I'm full of energy it actually tells me that I have lots of resources available. I don't know how it works but it's incredible

[@ImpalerVlad]

Love the innovation, but the only thing that keeps me away from buying it is that hideous design. Hard to believe that someone actually signed that off into the final production.

[@McStoolio]

What innovation. Its the same as previous watches - just a new case.

[@tomasz5274]

Well, design is personal thing? I like this design. More rugged design for (almost?) the same features you can find in Suunto 9 Baro.

[@SergeyCoder]

It’s so laggy ☹️

[@theodorerhodes1276]

Suunto is total junk, save your money. Their customer service is a joke and a big flag on why not to buy their junk. You shouldn't have to be contacting them on a watch that's only a year old.

[@bgates275]

Some are Made in China? How do we know the biometric data isn't being sent TO China, or umm, controlling those anomalies at 8:00 FROM China?

[@mehmetkimp]

Mine doesn’t have the option to answer the call, can someone help me please @desfit

[@DesFit]

Only thing I could suggest is to check to make sure your firmware is up to date.