Suunto Race S In-Depth Review: All The Differences!

Here's everything you need to know about the new Suunto Race S, from all the new features, to the accuracy, and plenty more!

Here’s what’s new (as compared to the existing/larger Suunto Race):

– Suunto Race S is a 45mm case size with a 1.32” AMOLED touchscreen
– New optical HR sensor design
– Manufactured in Finland (see notes below)
– Added Suunto Climb Guidance (a ClimbPro-like feature)
– Added three new watch faces
– Added ability to customize watch faces, coloring, and complications (from the watch)
– Added colorful emojis (as opposed to black/white stenciled emojis)
– Increased from 300 emojis to ~1,000 emojis
– Increased performance/responsiveness of the user interface (doesn’t suck anymore)
– Added sport-mode-specific display settings (e.g., brightness/etc…)
– Added new paused screen (lets you see workout data screens when paused)
– Increased map zoom level up to 20KM (from 2KM)
– Reduced turn-by-turn notifications to just the bottom of the screen (versus full-screen takeover)
– Added more than half a dozen Suunto Apps as part of the June 2024 update (including Moxy sensor support)
– Adding menstrual cycling tracking in the Suunto App (manual logging/tracking at this point)
– Improved step counter to reduce misdetection (e.g. reducing teeth brushing steps)
– Added Vietnamese language support
– Increased map storage to 32GB (from 16GB for the stainless steel Race)
– 28% lighter weight than the Suunto Race (60g vs 83g)
– 14% thinner than the Suunto Race (11.4mm for S vs 13.3mm)
– Has 50m waterproofing, instead of 100m on Suunto Race
– Maintains 100% carbon offset inclusion
– Maintains dual-frequency/multiband GNSS
– Maintains same 22mm band/strap design
– Glass is Gorilla Glass (versus sapphire crystal on Suunto Race)
– Stainless steel bezel
– Priced at $349/349EUR

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#SuuntoRaceS #suuntorace #suunto

[tomino]

I switched from Garmin Forerunner 245 to the regular Suunto Race and I love it. I'm not a big HR geek nor am I a super competitive runner so no big deal for me. But the hardware is great (no plastic) for the price and I'm extremely happy with it. This one looks great too. Extremely happy with my move so far.

[cisy]

Good to see that Suunto finally improved hr accuracy

[sullfolife]

owner of a suunto 9 baro i'm looking soon into switching to their latest, i love their app, i love their route planner, their watches are durable and well built, just can't wait to see that HR accuracy going up and all these little updates will be very welcom, all i care now is the NGP on the watch not as a climb suunto app

[tomipn]

I bought Suunto Race S for sprint kayaking but immediately realized the problem with it. The AMOLED display is bright enough in the sunlight but the backlight turns off after 18 seconds. And there is no option to keep it on during workout. I asked this from Suunto support and they responded that all Amoled watches have constant backlight option removed because it drains the battery.

The Suunto Race S works well when I use it on my wrist, but the missing backlight is making it unusable when the watch is on a separate holder, like on a kayak deck or bike mount etc.

After 18 seconds I can't see anything, just because I can't use the watch on my wrist when doing a sprint kayaking workout.

I hope they fix this and let me worry about the battery and charge it more often. 😊

[CraigEggleton]

Currently evaluating race s, Fenix 8, and enduro 3. I’d be giving up a few nice to have features by going Suunto but dang the build quality, hr, gps accuracy and PRICE are making it tough to justify Garmin. I’m hoping for a Vertical Titanium Amoled without the crown. Tried original Race last year and the crown drove me nuts especially playing golf. It is no issue with the S. Well done Suunto.

[trailzrock]

My only issue with all these Suunto, Coros and Polar watches is that they keep ommiting ANT+. I spend a lot of time racing indoors and having ANT+ is an absolute must when my Bluetooth power meter is already busy sending it's power info to the tablet. I absolutely need that ANT+ on the watch so it can receive the power data. Oh well! I think Suunto is missing out on a lot of customers, because in addition to other people needing what I need, they also push Garmin on their friends so they can all be in the same ecosystem. As much as I like Suunto, Coros and Polar, my girlfriend and her friends and all my friends I push to Garmin solely because of the ANT+. It's a bigger deal than most people think.

[opusmax]

I might buy this in waiting for Garmin updates ! Love the small package and Suunto finally nailed it ! Thanks 🙏

[Cobbleswl]

Can’t wait for the Race 2 with that HR sensor

[GrimaceCX]

Another review nailed. Thanks for all you do, Ray.

[daylanwagener]

I would love to see a comparison to the Garmin Forerunner 265 and a Beginners guide for the watch!

[cruzinnow]

When can we expect the update to the Suunto Race with these new features and updates?

[anklexpress]

I hope some of these software updates and optimizations come to the vertical too. I have auto pause activated on my runs and I cant stand how Ill stop in a run in the mountains to check the map to see if Im on trail and I cant because it paused and then I have to resume in order to access the map. Many of those little tweaks to the workout apps are super appreciated and I hope they come to the Vertical in addition to the Race.

[vikeshnarielwala]

Yes looks like a good watch. Can you recommend a fitness watch around 400$ max. I run and workout each thrice a week and once a month go hiking. Need something for a long time with good app support. Not so much inclined towards having music as i generally dont listen to music. Your suggestion will be highly appreciated. Thanks!

[WayeOfLife]

omg, .. suunto bringing it! - initial thoughts about the production; does that mean they are looking at the carbon footprint of the watch and making it with 100%renewable energy? - they used to have those stats on the 9 Peak Pro etc
Excited for the Race 2 - old man eyes needs big screen size haha

[yiyoink]

Very happy with the Race S. Mapping is incredible on hikes and has been surprisingly reliable. Sapphire glass isn't a deal breaker since I put a screen protector on anyway.

[erva]

Great review. Would suggest a short comparison of platforms as in case of Polar the Flow platform works great and makes me hesitate to look elsewhere, even when watch is this good as Suunto.

[pritchoutdoors]

Are the software updates here coming to the Vertical as well?

[sportfittech]

First discovered DCR when I was looking for views on the Suunto T6c. Move to the Ambit range and then the Garmin Fenix 3 dropped… great to see Suunto coming back and thanks Ray for covering. Suunto doesn’t get much love with other reviewers these days

Where is the 1050 review DCR 😅

[faizbalweel]

hi Waiting for your review for Suunto Ocean, I know this fall in the Dive Comp Section but it will be beneficial for the Runner/Diver to know whether it has the same features with Suunto Race

[luisrazormax]

Just bought my 1st suunto race s, happy