SUUNTO AMBIT vs. GARMIN FENIX COMPARISON - GingerRunner.com Review

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After running for the past few years with a Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS watch, the damn thing broke. Once in the market for a new watch to replace the old one, I started researching and realized based on the activities that I was doing - running, trail running, ultra running, hiking, etc - I knew that I needed more watch than what the Forerunner series could provide. I needed a watch with long battery life, fantastic durability and endless customization possibilites geared towards mountain life. Through my research, I figured out there were two watches that fit the bill: The Suunto Ambit and the Garmin Fenix.
After wearing both watches for a few months in various conditions and environments, I can safely say they are both beasts. They are deep with features, customizable data screens, and both do any job I've thrown at them damn well. While I may lean towards one watch over the other only due to how it fits on my wrist, I'm torn to the other watch's ability to be future-proof. There is so much tech in these watches that I highly recommend you take them on a test run yourself to determine which would fit your needs. It's going to come down to personal needs, and you're the only one that knows what those needs are.
For the full review, be sure to visit: GingerRunner.com
For more info on the watches, visit: suunto.com & garmin.com
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Train Hard. Race Harder. Party Hardest.

[@ackthet]

We need a 2019 edition of this!

[@ayelmusiu]

I just graduated to Ambit2 from my old 405garmin...super father's day gift! Thanks GR.

[@Yayo211069]

HI GR, I have owned the Fenix and the Ambit, for my needs the Ambit is the one, you can set everything on the watch and the when you connect it via USB cable it updates the settings on the movescount, The Ambit gives you more info than the Fenix and that is what I like, that way you can monitor the way you breath, your pace, EPOC and so many more little details that make your training get better.

[@jwirthphotography]

I did heavy heavy research for months...mainly loving cycling yet I want to start to do TRI's, the lady got me the garmin fenix 2 and I love it. now for a HR monitor!

[@Peekingduck]

Love how you stay honest in your vids. Helps when buying items that are as expensive as these. Very helpful. Thanks

[@colinbetz8773]

Garmin Rhino HCx and am used to Garmin. About the battery life issue, Garmin for an additional $90 they have a solar recharge kit for 5v electronics which fior me is huge and I already have a solar setup on my kayak to charge gopro, iPhone, Rhino, radio etc, thank you very much for this cause it just sold me on the Fenix because I train hard but I'm not a runner or cyclist anymore so thank you for your time posting this, sorry about messages bandaid in finger kept hitting send

[@thecatch83]

agreed...I'm still rocking the 310 xt that I picked up for $199 as soon as the 910 came out. Love the battery life, and waterproof multi sport of the Garmin 310/910 series. Suunto is a little higher end in terms of price across the board from what I've seen. Can't go wrong with either!

[@chrismiscellaneous]

Both watches have newer versions now I've owned the ambit 2 and fenix 2 and I have to say fenix2 gets my vote simply because it is a more self sufficient watch than the ambit due to the ability to edit all settings from the watch. The ambit UI is smoother and faster but not enough of a difference for me to wanna stick with it. Garmin gets my vote. Anyways great video.

[@MTCCnycMTCCnyc]

Suunto is the Mecedes Benz of sports GPS. Garmins always feel cheap in construction and I have had many crashes with my Garmins (210, 310, 910, 610, 620), something I have yet to experience with my Suunto.

[@xOrion89x]

The altimeter on the ambit is consistently unreliable.

[@chrissavage7945]

I started with the Garmin 110 as well, but then upgraded last year for the heart rate monitor to the 610... reluctantly for the same reasons as you... touch screen. Touch screens don't work well with cold and/or sweaty fingers. But I found with the 610 that once I start my run I don't have to touch the screen again until the end. I've set the 4 elements that I like to monitor on the first screen and I just leave it alone. It took a couple of runs and some playing with and it's now a favorite.

[@erdejo01]

I have the Felix and love it! As of the latest firmware you can now create workouts in the Garmin connect application/website and upload those to the watch. For instance to create a "couch 2 5k" 8 week program and setup all the different intervals. Also using Basecamp you can create routes and tracks and upload them to the watch and follow them. Even uploading of custom maps (there are some simplified ones out there) via Basecamp is possible..... And, as mentioned before- connect to the iPhone. There is an iPhone Basecamp mobile version to which you can upload your tracks from the watch and show them using Google maps/earth......

[@494demigodd]

Nice, however I'm afraid to use Garmin for my next watch, I note know I need to spend more on watch but I don't want to risk the cash on another Garmin. It's a lot of Mooney

[@Shibu11229]

I was all set to purchase the phoenix 5X today but I cannot stand it if a cell phone crashes, let alone my running watch. I’m going to look into the Ambit now. Thanks for the comparison. I haven’t seen any other reviews were the Fenix crashing was even mentioned.

[@prad47]

I went with Ambit 3 Peak. I love it and no issue till now.

[@erikprice1092]

I had a Fenix 3 for 3 weeks before I returned it. Piece of junk. It does a ton of things but none of them well. Took forever to find a satellite, lost them under tree cover, sometimes would just turn off randomly. The ultra-trad feature didn't work at all which was my main selling point! Then, enter my beloved Ambit 2. It does what it does perfectly. Lasted me over 30 hours during a 100 miler. Finds a satellite in seconds and never lets go! Love it! If Garmin doesn't get there act together Suunto will takeover their share of the market!

[@adriandaniel83]

Same bad experience for me with Garmin, just took much longer to realize how bad it is. Did you get your money back? Could I do that as well after 9 months? Thanks for sharing...

[@iBug]

I'm using the (old) Garmin Forerunner 305. It's the first GPS running watch I got, and I'm quite happy with it. I've had it for years, never had any big problems, I'll probably use it until it dies. The integrated battery is still surprisingly good ! But I wish the initial satellite connection would be quicker. Your Garmin Fenix crashed ? Wow, that's a fail. Garmin, fix this issue ! Ethan, I love your videos, they're great ! I watch all of them... from the beginning to THE END. Haha - Marc

[@chrisfurby442]

Been waiting your Suunto review forever, worth the wait! Great info man.

[@jtemails]

I'm enjoying the Garmin 910XT for marathon and triathlon races. The Suunto looks pretty sweet though!

[@jimharaldolsby7679]

I've got the Ambit 3 Sport, and it's the best watch I've ever had! Locks down HR and GPS in a maximum of 5 seconds every time, even when I change location (and country) each time I start it..

[@kostassakellariou9150]

Jim Harald Olsby I saw a review that says that don’t have heart rate monitor. Is that true? Is It works only with that belt? Is it got informations about steps calories and sleep?

[@rpf1965]

Great review. However, Garmin is no option because of poor quality for me anymore. I owned a Forerunner 410, which had an issue with the battery after 9 month. And my 62s got after one year a pixel failure, the fixation of the SD card opend to easily, and each update of the firmware closed one issue, but opened an new issue.

[@LuisRodriguez-oe4mp]

Damn! Thanks Ginger Runner, i was debating on which one to get now i know i shouldn't get either. I guess i'll wait till the technology improves. Great review though! Thanks again

[@BConnelly71]

I've never used watches, I'm a 17 year old cross country and track runner and I don't think watches should cost that much. All I'd want from a watch is distance covered, and time. Nothing complicated. Any affordable and simple recommendations?

[@salehasacar4230]

hi Ginger Runner, Im LOvely also a runner from Philippines. I like your reviews in fact before buying my needs in running, and specially when Im confused what to buy, I simply watch your reviews. Keep it up! its a big big help for all of us.. Thank u for all the reviews.

[@tripleMmagic]

I think it actually has a lot of water resistant watches, but only a few water proof ones. I've run my watch in the rain many many times, and I can't imagine they would have any watches that can't outlast the rain. I also jumped in my pool with the Forerunner 410, and it was fine.

[@nillesnm]

Thanks for the video, after watching it for 2 minutes made my decition, tried the Suunto today and didn't like how it fit in my wrist, so ordered the Garmin Fenix, can't understand how Garmin doesn't have any more gps watch that are water resistant, only the FR10 and this one

[@stefanstrang9362]

i swam with the garmin once and only went about 2-4m down and it let water in the screen and broke the watch going to return and get a suunto bit more $$ but sounds better

[@KaisKites]

Strava now is integrated with Movescount - the program pushes your activity directly to Strava. I like that!

[@mandrei99]

Dr. House ?

[@DrMichaelMoroney]

I have been using the same Ambit 1 since June 2012. It is very good. Thought I would mention two things - there is a USB cable for connecting the watch to a laptop - no issue and no wifi requirement. The MovesCount website options and apps are great! The main issue that I have had is that the straps seem to break easily and quite frequently (and they are expensive to replace) - I have just ordered a 4th strap. It appears that this problem persists in the Ambit 2 & 3 too?

[@skywatcher7]

My Forerunner 305 just kicked the bucket after many loyal years. Looking for replacement. I'm used to the Garmin Connect, which I like. But willing to go to Suunto if watch is superior, and I can move data over.

[@darla8243]

I got the Suunto Ambit2 S white one for a steal at my local bicycle shop on sale for $320. I originally bought the watch because I started training for triathlon and couldn't keep count of laps in the pool. I love it for swimming and also use it while biking to track distance and mph. You can buy accessories to track more details on the biking. I started out with a Forerunner 305 and had it for many years until it fell off my wrist and got ran over by a car. I got the Forerunner 220 as a replacement for running because I liked that I could easily load data to my computer. Somehow I lost or have misplaced my 220 (Arrg!) so now using the Ambit2 S for my runs. I do programing so going to see if I can possibly write a program to read the data to my computer without having to export it from website. I keep the Ambit2 in a safe place while not using it, to expensive to lose this one. But since training for multisport, I use it almost daily. I have done a few Ultras and so I needed a watch with longer battery life. You can plug the watch into wall socket for charging. It didn't come with a wall plug but my other wall plugs that have USB work with it.

[@vencer16]

Hi Darlene!! Do you have the app that Ethan was mentioning.. the one that measures how much longer you still have to run depending on your pace on a certain distance? It would be really helpful as I am going to join my first ever trail running competition... thanks a lot in advance!!

[@walkerstalker4494]

i just figured out,that you didn't review fenix 2 or 3,why Garmin didn't like your review of fenix ???Btw I like actually I love your reviews and they helped me to choose right equipment,thnx....Salutes from Slovenia Europe 🏃🏔🤘🏞

[@1Makan2]

You should really try Powerbeats by Dre, they sit in your ear and have amazing sound! They never fall out, even if your ear gets sweat and slippery from running!

[@yourdrive7325]

great comparison, thanks! the ambit is a great watch. I am really curious about the forerunner 620 and the new adidas watch really looks nice.

[@TriMeX1987]

I gotta say there has been another update on garmin probly also ambit. Im guessing for a runner get the ambit. As for a hiker/marine should probly get the fenix / tactix from garmin. Also cause it has gps for parachuting and diving. I also think both units now use google earth

[@COOKS375]

I had and used the Garmin 220 and Fenix for Leadville 100.....both died. I would love to see a manufacturer make something that can last a 100m race and still function. So now I use 3 watches, lol.

[@Foggypaws]

The fart at the end made the ENTIRE video!

[@alfonsoreno]

I am using Suunto Ambit 3 Peak, and satified for this product, and I can make movie complete with photograph using app Movecount by Suunto

[@petershen6236]

When I heard you hate Bing Maps, I burst into laugh!

[@wpdkjnvwfjknvwfkjnvw]

You cannot blame these watches for altimeter precision. If atmospheric pressure varies (and it will), during your run, it will affect the displayed altitude. Nothing can be done about that...

[@hvarcz]

I test both, then I take Ambit2, but some problem in indoor swimming, i think they must upgrade software, somtimes fenix block, i must restart device, suunto comunity is awesome

[@TroySchuler]

Can we get an updated review of the newer watches?

[@thecatch83]

also ginger, there might be a firmware issue with the Garmin...strange it kept crashing!

[@cdyow]

Any plans on an Ambit2 review in the near future? I just got on, leaving my Garmin FR610 behind, because I've started swimming also. Day #1 and I discover SUUNTO is having technical difficulties with swim data on Ambit models. Support forums show questions as far back as 3 months. Ughhhhh.

[@kungfulkoder]

You don't need to download and re-upload data from the Ambit for Strava. You can link your Strava account on movescount and when you upload it auto-sync's.

[@TheGingerRunner]

This review was posted over 3 years ago, before that feature existed.

[@kungfulkoder]

Oops! That's what I get for not paying attention. Keep up the good work with the reviews.

[@494demigodd]

Hi, I'm demi, I'm fed up with Garmin. I use the forerunner 10. I feel as though the most important feature of a GPS watch is the GPS! I'm tired of my Garmin losing connection with satellite. When this happens it really spoils my workout. I find myself running some times for miles hoping that the Garmin picks up again, most times it doesn't. And if it does Pick up it doesn't calculate the miles in between that I ran. Sometimes the Garmin tells me that my battery is at 75% and after I connect to the satellite it drops to 1%! Sales people always tell me that I need to buy a more expensive Garmin to get better performance. please, I wasn't born yesterday! If Garmin can't get the most basic part of the watch correct why would I spend hundreds of dollars on another product? The GPS part should be the most simple part. I want to try the Suunto, but I like features such as speed to track mph. If I slow down below 5 mph I want to hear a beep! I want to know when I complete a mile and how fast I completed it. I didn't see those two features mentioned in your video.

[@mosestewelde8163]

494demigodd You probably had a defective unit because my experience with Garmin has been nothing short of phenomenal. My brother own the forerunner 10 and he loves it.

[@TehTKMGhost]

I admit it I'm a Garmin fan. But seeing as I'm using Strava to log all sporting activities I'm starting to be open on other brands due to The crappy build quality of Garmin. Any of the products I've bought all start to fall apart after about a year. Garmin 405 light stopped working and strap perished, Garmin Edge 500 start/stop button stopped working.

[@jasterixstrange]

On Garmin Connect if you click your mouse where it says Bing you can change it to Google Maps.

[@AWDsome08]

The biggest drawback for me is u have to hook this up to your computer to charge.. im in the field for weeks at a time without a computer. Has all the features I need but I prefer batteries you csn change.. too bad the Core doesnt have gps..

[@kurtonestarhsu3986]

Looking forward to kinvara 4 review !

[@railzip]

Garmin!!!!!! All the way, I have the Fenix 3 and its hands down the best watch ever made

[@someharleyguy]

Great video, but would have been better with some real world comparison. For instance, you could have climbed Mt. Everest with one on the left wrist and the other on the right. Then you could have compared altitude readings of each watch to known altitudes on the mountain. Just a little suggestion for next time, my friend.

[@321Worlds]

+someharleyguy Yes I agree, the review needs a "live" comparison. In place of Mt. Everst I suggest that he travels to outer space (with Virgin Galactic or similar) Preform a space-walk, and subsequently float in space at a predetermined distance to the GPS satellites. This will be a valid test to see how fast the watches will lock on the the satellites, when the signal moves at maximum light-speed, through the vacuum of space. And a bonus would be, that we could see the watches preform under the less than ideal conditions of space - and it would make for some niiiice vistas as well !

[@siampho5197]

+Tatvavihara hahaha

[@adriandaniel83]

I have had the Fenix 3 for 9 months. I now need to replace it because it will not find GPS signal anymore. I was already dissapointed by how slow it moved lately, now I am just pissed at Garmin for not making their top watch more reliable. It is my fault really, I went with the prettier device instead of the better alternative options.

[@omribenben]

I have the garmin fenix and I love it!!

[@nikolafin1985]

You did a great job here. Thx for the video.

[@teychyyy]

Again, ambit 1 is not getting any new fw upgrades only minor bug fixed, check Suunto FB and twiter.

[@vlain16]

Hey Ethan, I hope you can help me. I'm torn between getting a garmin forerunner 10 or 220. I'm new to this gps watches so it would be a great deal for me if you can shed a light on my dilemma. Thanks!

[@erioc974]

Hi , I had the fenix 1 for a year, and only problem, garmin changed me the wath 3 times and finish by to give to me the fenix 2, the fenix 1 is just a draft and a very bad draft, I ll see with the fenix 2

[@temujinadonijah6365]

Don't know why it would be hardest video you've made I've possessed both the highest suunto ambit and the highest fenix 5, suunto doesn't even compare I have it away in under 1 month and my fenix 5x is still class up till today years later. Simple as that,!

[@vencer16]

Hi Ethan.. Good day!! can you share which app was used in the Suunto Ambit to determine how much time until you finish your running distance? thanks a million!!

[@mafiobond007]

Excellent work!..Do you by any chance have reviewed the new ambit2 against the fenix? i just run into a kinda offer where the ambit2 S is way less expensive than fenix, and i need to order it in a couple of days :s Again great review!

[@CristianAleitte]

I go with the Ambit there are new versions of it.And the apps are great. Garmin is for cars only ;)

[@IZIDROMARTINS]

Ginger, do you test the Garmin Tactix GPS?

[@jasve1552]

was it fart at the end?

[@nicolegibeau1914]

Used Fenix 2 for 2 years. Always crashed or froze up. Constant issues. It finally crashed for good the other day. Going to go with Suunto this time. Sounds like the software is alot better. I've lost faith in Garmin. Not going to take a chance with the Fenix 3.

[@mkj22mkj]

Thanks for the great review! I'm in the market for a watch with a more serious battery life than my Garmin 610 as am getting into ultras. The 610 reliably dies at bang on 8 hours which is no use when out on a 50 miler. I'm thinking the Ambit 2....love the idea of an app to predict your race finish time! Has anyone tested Suunto's claim of a 50 hour battery life? btw GR, you probably get this all the time but you look a lot like Ewan McGregor! This is not a bad thing ;-)

[@colinbetz8773]

New watch as soon as I'm done typing this. But bring an avid back country kayak fisherman in the Everglades I already rely on my Garmin Rhink

[@brenton141]

Thanks for the awesome vid! Pretty sure I'm sold on the Ambit after that. Just a question on the Ambit, does it have speed (pace) in mins/km format as well as km/h? Thanks!!

[@letshearyourside9115]

Great review . Music drove me up the wall sorry

[@krincolorado]

Have you reviewed the Fenix 2, I am about to make a choice between the Ambit 2 and the Fenix 2

[@USA4thewin]

Garmin 410 just died on me battery says 100% charged Igo out for a run 300meters in and dies.. Need another watch

[@goranvidicek4539]

Hi Please if you know how to delite logbook in Suunto ambit2 ? Thanks Goran

[@Bkolean]

Good review. I need a watch that can also display coordinates quickly/accurately. With the ability to change the coordinate format. Compass is also important. How are these watches in this department? Thanks!

[@wpdkjnvwfjknvwfkjnvw]

I don't know about garmin, the Ambit2 will meet these needs very well.

[@23chow]

suunto watch…i have a small wrist, 5,1ft.. but wanna jog …i think suunto is way better..however, problem is sizing?? anyone out there who knows or more familiar about the right size for me?? i wonder of buying unisex suunto, but is there such thing that exist?

[@K3bab90]

Dude... Your soundtrack is very annoying. It's just loops.

[@walkerstalker4494]

Aidin Esmaeli you come to watch a review or to listen to loops and beats....

[@K3bab90]

The soundtrack is a part of the review :) And I'm trying to give him some feedback. No one wants to watch 12 min. review when the soundtrack is a annoying loop.

[@K3bab90]

Cam Vistain yes an* thx :)

[@colinbetz8773]

Quick mention because I'm about to order my e

[@gabimardones]

Hola Ginger :) I am an ultra runner with a max distance of 100 miles to cover next year. I want BATERY LIFE! And dont care much about computer staff, i just want distance pace time calories (preferible altitude too) and heart rate (not mandatory). What do u recommend?

[@hrdknox55]

Hey Ginger question, what type of shoe do you recommend for street or concrete running. I run about 10-12 miles a day as my daily work out. I am interested in a type of shoe that is both very light, offers good foot support and fits very comfortably on the feet, and also wont wear and tear on my feet too fast, thanks. Oliver H.

[@Mrrlamb1]

Great review... Thx for the intel!

[@jontykilpatrick]

great review thank you.

[@mulegandmele7289]

what do you thinks about the apple watch compared to these 2 :)

[@Young_Travels]

Suunto Ambit3 S buddy!

[@CoolInOlympia]

Which one did you use for the Squammish 50/50????

[@nicholasvanias4837]

Ambit for me!!

[@raw-viking]

+TheGingerRunner Hey, thanks for the video! How about an update? I have the Fenix 3 and I'm surprised to hear you say it only supports 3 fields of data in one screen?? It has up to 10 configurable screens with up to 4 fields in different configurations.. plus the Advanced Running Dynamics screens. With the programmable ConnectIQ I actually have screens supporting 6, 7 and more data fields in on screen.

[@koldkilla777]

+Robert Rehnmark I have the 3 as well. He is comparing to the Fenix 2!

[@oriolgarriga]

Its possible to upgrade your Sunto 1 to Sunto 2 functionalities for Triathlon ? how ?

[@joaobastos8251]

Hi I have a garmin 210. I'm in doubt about the 910XT and suunto ambit2. going to change because I'm swimming. What you indicate?

[@brenton141]

Also, does it show altitude even whilst not in GPS mode?

[@larsblochkirkegaard]

I have question/point about trekking and route. I have the Ambit2 and love it, but i came from Garmin Forerunner 205, and a thing that i miss very much is that I cannot while running, biking etc. see the track that I am doing - a breadcrumbs map. Is there a way to do it, to me it think that is a really downside. Hope you understand me, my point or view.

[@TheGingerRunner]

you can "track back" on both watches and it shoes you a path that you have travelled. You can follow it as close as possible and it will show you when you've veered off. Very helpful.

[@alexjag5778]

great review

[@DAODUYDONGmini]

there's a weird sound at the end ? haha

[@curranatkinson8604]

I'm a runner and i was wondering if i should get the garmin forerunner 610 or the suunto ambit? any suugestions.i do alot of trail running and xc.

[@giff74]

My general experience with Garmin stuff is that it's junk. However, I don't have $500 to drop on a GPS watch right now. : (

[@rastAsia]

Bonus fart at the end. Priceless.

[@peang122]

Can we get MGRS ( military grid reference system) from Ambit ?

[@GXPedition460]

Suunto is wayyyyy better watch. Garmin not so good. Had both of them, returned the garmin (a lot of crash) and kept the AMBIT. Great watch.

[@nathansterckx6631]

garmin is more a outdoor watch and the ambit is more for trailrunning and i think the fenix is much better than the ambit

[@bryceboyd4286]

GR...what are you using today? ambit or fenix?

[@walkerstalker4494]

Bryce Boyd ambit..I still use my Fenix 2 and it suck big time..So if you are looking for good running watch,then go for suunto,cause it's much better than fenix ....Have a great runs...

[@Mrcaen]

i just ordered Suunto M5 i just liked the design anybody tried it ?

[@ceruaphadion]

hi sir.. any recommended headphones for running?

[@Psysso]

nowadays garmin owns suunto hard for the same price, i would never switch my 3hr for any suunto watch...