The Suunto AMBIT is what every backcountry skier, hiker, trail runner and mountain climber has been eagerly waiting for — a watch that combines a GPS navigation system, altimeter, 3D compass with advanced heart rate monitoring into a robust instrument for mountain and everyday use. BHIP Ltd have not yet had a PROPER test of the new Suunto Ambit GPS sports watch - but we believe it offers a unique combination of TRAINING / NAVIGATION / OUTDOOR functionality not yet offered by any other GPS sports watch manufacturer. Please take time to review all the videos, pictures and specification of this great new Suunto product.
For more pictures and a Suunto Ambit technical spec, please click here
From the testing done to date, we can say the following. The Suunto Ambit has some very impressive features. Some of the key functions/features that impressed us most are :
- Speed to locate satellites.... only 5 seconds outside. Our Suunto Ambit located satellites in 30 seconds.. INSIDE the office - it is that sensitive
- Smoothness of the running pace / cycling speed due to the combination of GPS and internal accelerometers (the Suunto Ambit uses : Suunto FuseSpeed).
- Ease of use - simple - no manual required. All testing we have done so far has been without reference to the manual (OK, we do have some knowlege of Suunto products, but operating the Ambit is very logical)
- Navigational process when navigating back to a waypoint - very precise utilising both the internal digital compass and the GPS.
- The unit will support bike speed pod and pedal cadence pod.
- Toggle the display - we like this.... you can toggle between black background with grey digits, or grey digits on black background.
- Exercise sessions are selected by a user defined "sport type" - ie "mountain biking". Movescount allows the user to set the screen views for each sport type. For example, in "mountain biking" we might want distance on top, Heart Rate in middle, with altimeter, speed and time of day as toggle options for the third line. This is simply defined online via Movescount, then uploaded to the Ambit.
- In summary - so far, so good. A very good GPS sports watch for runners, orienteers, mountain bikers. It's biggest PLUS point over the competition... BATTERY life is a very good, and dependent on your sample rate (selected by you, by sport type)
- 1. Outdoor mode 50h - with longer GPS tracking interval, suitable for e.g hiking
2. Training mode 15h - with shorter GPS tracking interval, suitable for e.g running
3. Watch mode 30 days - watch mode including ABC functions
Suunto Ambit GPS with FusedSpeed™ ~ for highly accurate speed monitoring
The Suunto Ambit GPS introduces a new, patent-pending technology for speed readings called FusedSpeed™. The speed indication is a unique combination of GPS and acceleration sensor readings. The GPS signal is adaptively filtered based on acceleration, giving a more accurate reading at steady speeds and a quicker response to changes in speed.
Monitor ~ Peak Training Effect with your Suunto AMBIT GPS
To better reflect the meaning of the Training Effect measurement, Suunto has renamed the measurement to Peak Training Effect (PTE). PTE indicates the impact of a training session on your maximum aerobic performance and is most accurate with medium and high intensity training. The measurement is relative to your current fitness level. The fitter you are, the harder you have to work to reach a higher PTE. Your Suunto Ambit will help you make sure you are not OVER or UNDER training.
Check ~ Recovery Time with your Suunto Ambit
Recovery Time is an estimate of how long your body needs to recuperate after training. The Suunto AMBIT will give you the time is based on the duration and intensity of the session, as well as the overall fatigue, accumulating even at lower intensities. Recovery Time accumulates from one session to the next if you train again before the time has expired.
3D Compass
With a conventional compass, you need to hold the compass level to the horizon to get an accurate reading. Suunto’s 3D compasses compensate for tilt, allowing you to get a reading regardless of the angle of your wrist.
Altimeter
Your Suunto Ambit will determine your current elevation, track your ascent or descent, and gauge your overall progress on a climb – ideal for mountaineers, skiers, and wilderness travelers.
Barometer ~ Suunto Ambit will watch the weather
Forecast sudden alterations in the weather by keeping a close eye on the air pressure – and take the necessary precautions to help make your journey safe and successful. The Suunto Ambit has been designed by outdoor people for outdoor people, genuine and useful functions - no GIMMICKS.
BuiltToLast casing
Suunto products with BuiltToLast casing have a robust, one-piece composite case with stiff top bezel. The anodized aluminum case and mineral glass display are designed to withstand mechanical shocks and scratching.
Upload from Suunto Ambit ~ Computer connectivity / Movescount.com
The Suunto Ambit will add a new dimension to your next adventure with the online sports community Movescount.com. Make your moves and share them online with like minded friends. Great to showcase your experiences in the wilderness. Upload your moves directly from your Suunto Ambit with a cable. Suunto Ambit software can be upgraded through Movescount.com.
- Movescount.com offers Suunto Ambit users:
- An example of a Movescount Ambit MOVE - please click here (new window)
- Upgradeability
- In depth training analysis
- Summaries to follow your progress
- Planning tool to create new waypoints
- Versatile sharing options
- Customizeable settings
- Training diary
Please click to see this move on MOVESCOUNT website from a Suunto Ambit
Heart Rate
Use the altimeter and heart rate* functions together to know how your heart rate reacts to different altitudes, and easily find your ideal hiking pace. (*Requires a Suunto ANT Comfort Belt)
Integrated GPS
The integrated GPS used in watches such as Suunto Ambit is based on the SiRFstarIV technology. The receiver has a very high sensitivity. This helps Ambit to find GPS satellites much quicker and get steadier readings.
For more pictures and a Suunto Ambit technical spec, please click here |