Suunto Race S Review: A Bold Contender for Serious Athletes
The Suunto Race S has entered the market as a formidable competitor to Garmin’s popular running watches, offering powerful tracking capabilities, a stunning AMOLED display, and exceptional battery life.
Designed with endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers in mind, it combines the rugged durability Suunto is known for with modern smartwatch functionality like notifications and music control.
But does it truly stack up against the competition? Let’s break it down.
Suunto Race S Models: Stainless Steel vs. Titanium
The Suunto Race S is available in two premium variants:
Stainless Steel and Titanium, each catering to different needs and preferences.
The Stainless Steel model boasts a robust and stylish design, offering excellent durability and a slightly heavier feel, giving it a premium and solid wrist presence. In contrast, the Titanium version is crafted from lightweight titanium, making it noticeably lighter and more comfortable for all-day wear without compromising on strength.
Additionally, the Titanium model features enhanced scratch resistance, perfect for those who engage in rugged outdoor activities.
Both models share the same powerful features and AMOLED display, but the choice ultimately comes down to whether you prefer the solid feel of stainless steel or the lightweight comfort of titanium.
Bold and Beautiful: Design & Display
The first thing you’ll notice about the Suunto Race S is its bold, rugged design. It’s a 45mm diameter watch with a thickness of nearly 12mm, making it one of the chunkiest smartwatches in its class. This isn’t a watch that quietly sits on your wrist—it demands attention.
However, the size isn’t just for show. It houses a high-definition AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 pixel resolution, offering vibrant colours and sharp graphics. Whether you’re checking your heart rate mid-run or navigating your route, the screen is crystal clear—even in direct sunlight.
Design Highlights:
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45mm stainless steel case that’s both tough and stylish
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AMOLED display with sharp resolution and vibrant colours
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Seven different strap options, including the eye-catching Powder Orange
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Rugged build quality that withstands all types of exercise, including contact sports
Pros:
✅ Stunning AMOLED display with sharp resolution
✅ Rugged and durable design, perfect for outdoor adventures
✅ Comfortable and secure strap options
Power-Packed Features: Built for Athletes
The Suunto Race S is a feature-rich smartwatch designed specifically for athletes, offering accurate tracking for a variety of activities. It includes:
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Onboard GPS that locks on quickly and stays accurate even in remote locations
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Heart rate zones and power zones for performance-focused training
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Pace alerts to help you hit your running goals
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Altimeter and gyroscope for precise movement tracking
One of its standout features is the ability to plan routes in advance and receive real-time updates on your location. Whether you’re running in the city or hiking in the wilderness, this ensures you’ll never get lost.
Key Features:
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Music control: Manage your playlist without touching your phone
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Notifications: Receive calls, texts, and app alerts directly on your wrist
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Sleep tracking: Monitor your sleep quality and recovery
However, the sleep tracking is a mixed bag. The chunky design makes it uncomfortable to wear overnight, limiting its usefulness as a sleep monitor. Additionally, it lacks the ability to reply to texts, which is a minor drawback for those who want full smartwatch functionality.
Pros:
✅ Accurate GPS with no dropouts
✅ Extensive athletic tracking with heart rate and pace alerts
✅ Music control and notification support
Cons:
❌ Sleep tracking is uncomfortable due to bulky design
❌ No text reply functionality
Performance That Doesn’t Quit: Fast, Accurate, and Long-Lasting
When it comes to performance, the Suunto Race S truly shines. It’s fast and responsive, with a smooth touchscreen interface that remains accurate even when sweaty or wet. The GPS locks on quickly and delivers precise tracking, whether you’re cycling through the city or running a remote trail.
The watch syncs seamlessly with the Suunto app, which offers a wealth of data including route maps, performance insights, and health metrics. It’s perfect for athletes who want to analyse their progress and optimise their training.
Performance Highlights:
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Fast and responsive touchscreen navigation
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Accurate GPS for reliable route tracking
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Intuitive Suunto app with detailed metrics and performance insights
But the real showstopper is the battery life. In smartwatch mode, it lasts around 10 days, and in training mode, you can get up to 30-35 hours. With light use, the battery can stretch to an astonishing 2-3 weeks—a huge plus for endurance athletes and adventurers.
Battery Life Breakdown:
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Smartwatch Mode: Up to 10 days
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Training Mode: Up to 30-35 hours
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Light Use: 2-3 weeks
Pros:
✅ Fast and smooth performance, even during intense workouts
✅ Accurate GPS tracking with no dropouts
✅ Exceptional battery life—one of the best in its class
Value: A Premium Watch at a Competitive Price
The Suunto Race S is priced competitively compared to similar Garmin models, offering an extensive set of features, high build quality, and exceptional battery life at a lower cost. It’s an ideal choice for serious athletes who want reliable performance tracking without breaking the bank.
However, it’s worth noting that the watch lacks some advanced smartwatch features found on other models, such as text reply functionality and third-party app support. But if you’re primarily focused on fitness and performance, this won’t be a dealbreaker.
Value for Money:
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Great for athletes needing accurate tracking and long battery life
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Competitive pricing compared to Garmin alternatives
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Lacks some advanced smartwatch features, but excels in athletic performance
Should You Buy the Suunto Race S?
Buy it if…
- You want an accurate and reliable running watch with advanced tracking features
- You need a high-resolution AMOLED display that looks great in any light
- You value exceptional battery life for long training sessions and adventures
- You appreciate rugged durability for intense outdoor activities
Don’t buy it if…
- You prefer a sleeker, lightweight design—this one is bold and chunky
- You need full smartwatch functionality, including the ability to reply to texts
- You’re looking for a watch with advanced third-party app support
Final Verdict: The Athlete’s Choice
The Suunto Race S is a powerhouse running watch that excels in performance tracking, durability, and battery life. Its vibrant AMOLED display and rugged design make it an ideal choice for athletes who demand accurate metrics and a watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
t’s a serious contender for anyone looking to push their limits—whether you’re training for a marathon, tackling ultra-distance runs, or exploring the great outdoors.
Overall Rating: 9/10 – A powerful and stylish choice for serious athletes.
👉 Available now at the Outdoor GPS Shop.
- Suunto Race S - Stainless Steel
- Suunto Race S - Titanium
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