SUUNTO 9 Peak GPS Watch Review (formerly Ambit3 Peak)

Editor’s note: this review first covered the Suunto Ambit3 Peak, which is discontinued; the 9 Peak replaced it. Battery life now depends on the mode, GPS uses four satellite systems, syncing moved from Movescount to the Suunto app, and a heart rate belt is no longer in the box.

SUUNTO 9 Peak GPS Watch

The SUUNTO 9 Peak HR Running GPS watch is a top-of-the-line fitness technology that aims to provide accurate heart rate monitoring and measurements. For those who are SO over the “FitBit” technology and are looking for something better, that’s not overhyped, the SUUNTO 9 Peak is a great option for you.

• 40-hour battery life in best GPS accuracy mode (up to 300 hours in tour mode, up to 30 days in time mode)
• Accurate altitude and weather information
• Smartphone synchronization

With any measuring device, especially those who hike to top altitudes, accuracy is imperative to the function of the watch. Without accuracy, you’re pretty much sporting deadweight on your wrist. However, with the SUUNTO 9 Peak, that’s nothing you have to worry about. With accurate weather and altitude information, the Suunto presents itself as one of the top heart rate monitors on the market. While it’s great for professionals, it’s also simplistic enough for amateurs in the world of running.

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Benefits of the 9 Peak Running Watch

One of the primary benefits of having such a quick updating wrist mechanism is that you can worry less about checking your watch for accurate measures and more about your breathing, your body and your journey. In doing so, you save time and energy, while being able to clear your mind and know that your wrist is recording the proper altitude and measurements. Along with an altimeter, there’s also a barometer, compass, and a GPS that features 100-meter water resistance capabilities.

The 9 Peak’s battery life — 40 hours in best GPS accuracy mode, 70 hours in endurance mode, 300 hours in tour mode, and up to 30 days in time mode — allows you to get in a daily workout for weeks without needing a recharge. In having this, you’re able to focus on other tasks rather than having to stop a workout because you need to charge your heart rate monitoring device. There’s nothing worse than getting outside, making it to your desired location and being unable to properly track your stats because of a dead battery.

Accurate altitude measurement is key and so is weather because of how it impacts the reading on your stats. As we mentioned, not being accurate is pretty much dead weight to a fitness buff. While it’s not the last feature, this next one is a great one: smartphone synchronization. Instead of just uploading your stats, when you sync your smartphone, you can see incoming calls and notifications, while being able to customize at your discretion. In having this, you won’t have to reach in your pocket to see who’s calling, and you can continue your workout seamlessly.

The use of heatmaps on this device allows you to discover fresh new routes while you’re out on a jog or a walk. Having this as a feature is extremely helpful as you can explore new terrain and challenge your body during every workout. It’s also worth mentioning that this device would need a fantastic GPS to have this sort-of feature, and it does!

The heatmap feature allows the SUUNTO 9 Peak to speak for itself in terms of quality. Trace a new map or your normal route with high-quality, detailed topographical mapping provided by Suunto’s reliable GPS and software.

I love that I’m able to plan my own workout when I sync this to my smartphone. I can customize and craft entirely new workout plans during usage, allowing me to maintain a routine and stay on track. You won’t have to do it alone either, as Strava and TrainingPeaks allow you to compete with your friends to push yourself to the limit and towards your personal bests. You can do this while running or cycling, so it does give some versatility in how you can be the best.

Summary of 9 Peak Review

Overall, for the price and what you receive, this watch is incredible and packs a punch. While being a digital powerhouse, you can receive what you want and more as the 9 Peak provides exactly what you need with a bit extra. Whether you’re a professional or someone who’s just starting out, this minimalistic yet detailed heart rate monitor watch goes beyond taking vitals and dives deeper into long-term goals. I do have review other running gps watches here if you are looking for something different.