Smart watch SUUNTO 9 Baro - advantages and disadvantages

In Finland, in the city of Vantaa, in 2018, the presentation of the SUUNTO 9 Baro watch, which has a high performance, took place. The popular SUUNTO watch models are presented for climbers, racers, triathletes, as well as travelers and just amateurs.

What a watch can and cannot

Main technical characteristics

The watch weighs 2.86 ounces, which is 81 grams. Watch screen Ø 50 mm, has a resolution of 320 X 300 pl, color. There is LED backlighting. Applied sapphire crystal, touch screen. There is a touch screen lock during exercise. The case is 16.8 mm thick, made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide, available in 2 colors: white and black. Grade 5 titanium pushers and bezel frame. The 24mm wide strap is made of good quality silicone, with a grip width of 130-230mm. Water resistant up to 100 meters. Operating temperature range from –20 от to + 60⁰ С.

Digital compass with 1⁰ resolution and 5⁰ accuracy. Barometric altimeter with 1 meter resolution and 1 second recording interval, consistent with GPS altitude data. It has a measuring range from –500 to 9999 meters above sea level. The internal thermometer has a range from –20⁰ to + 60⁰C and 1⁰C resolution. Barometer with 1 hPa resolution.

There is a step counter, it is also possible to track and calculate how many calories are burned. Tracking sleep and wake time. Availability of logs describing the Move and details of the workout stages. There is also a training log with tables and graphs of training stages. An analysis of distances and durations is carried out at various stages, depending on the sport. Possibility of posting on social networks with tracking of ratings and comments. View the activity stream. There are 17 languages, including Russian. There is no possibility to edit messages, but it can be done from a smartphone.

There are 80 training modes. Supports Bluetooth Smart, GPS, Compatible with Android and iPhone smartphones. There is support for programs with sports Internet communities. There is also automatic scaling for GPS navigation depending on the route. Automatic construction of a return route with an elevation profile and in real time. There are topographic as well as satellite maps of the area. Build physical maps and align with heatmaps and maps from online libraries.

After training, the watch itself may ask about the sensations; there is such a function that monitors the state of health. Track data changes and performance in real time. Weather conditions, data on atmospheric pressure, position of the sun, phases of the moon are taken into account. You can set up smartphone notifications and receive weather forecast messages, storm alerts, weather news.

Clock reminders

• Alarm clock with 1st signal setting;
• Before a training reminder, when the system calculates about possible training, so as not to forget to recharge the device;
• Reminder of 10% battery discharge and transition to economy mode. It can be during training;
• When the battery is even more discharged, a reminder to switch to Chrono mode with all functions turned off, except for time counting.

Do not disturb mode mutes sound and vibration.

Speaking about the capabilities of this watch brand, it should be noted that they even measure the pulse, although this mode is the most uneconomical and it is better to turn it off forever. And if necessary, use a special chest strap. In this case, the watch will use this sensor by default, if it is present and enabled.

All about the battery

The watch is supplied with a lithium-ion battery. The technical characteristics of which lead the rating of quality batteries of this type.

How has the consumption economy improved in the new version?

More detailed study of modes with the ability to save battery power. When training or traveling for a long time, when there is no possibility of recharging the battery. With a discharge of more than 10%, the watch itself goes into power saving mode.

There are 3 fixed modes and one customizable mode:

You can select the desired mode with the upper right button of the clock. Alternatively, move down to the Workout Settings mode on the touchscreen. In manual mode, settings can be made. In addition to the training modes, there are even more economical modes without recharging:

• with notifications via Android and 24/7 tracking - 7 days;
• in normal time mode - 14 days.

Of course, during training, you can change the regime. Switch to "battery mode" by pressing the right button. Here you can switch from performance to endurance without stopping in your workout.

Disadvantages regarding battery consumption

Optical sensors Valencell have a large consumption, and the error of heart rate measurements on the wrist is about 5%. With such an error, the meaning of the measurement is lost. In Endurance and Performance modes, the sensor is enabled by default. But you can turn it off before starting your workout. The watch comes with a chest strap that consumes less. And when it is turned on, the watch automatically takes measurements from it.

Optimization GPS—momuzzle

The SUUNTO 9 Baro achieves battery savings thanks to a special algorithm for the GPS module. The FusedTrack ™ algorithm is based not only on the GPS transmitter, which updates its readings every 1, 2 hours, but also on motion sensors. The route information is supplemented by a gyroscope, compass and accelerometer. The accuracy of the route with this operating mode is greater than even with more frequent GPS updates. But the efficiency increases significantly.

Now the watch with the enabled GPS-module can work up to 120 hours. But if necessary, for example, when racing a car or a motorcycle, you can turn on GPS detection every second, the "Best" accuracy mode. Then the battery will last for 25 hours in this mode. This is important when traveling by transport, cycling, or in the mountains with frequent halts, ascents and descents. Economical GPS modes with FusedTrack ™ algorithm are almost unparalleled and extremely convenient for hunters, sailors, tourists, climbers and travelers.

SUUNTO app

This application is designed for a variety of training process and keeps a log of activities. Here, data on the heart rate, loads, routes are recorded, there are training schedules. It makes it easy to plan tasks using various online applications with consultation and communication with other athletes or coaches.

There are regular updates of the application, taking into account the wishes of users. The latest application features and capabilities are being developed. Errors are corrected, recommendations are taken into account.

The downside to the new app of the same name is that it doesn't transfer workouts to Strava. This forces some users of the device to use the old Movescount software. Hopefully, this flaw will soon be fixed by some extension or update.

You can add an app to Suunto Traverse Alpha for additional personalization. To view existing applications, go to the Planning and Build section in Movescount and select APP ZONE. There you can find a suitable ready-made Suunto app. And in order to create an application, you need to go to the "Planning and creation" section and select APP DESIGNER. There you can plan tasks. To do this, you need to add the app to sport mode and connect your Movescount account to Suunto Traverse Alpha in order to sync Suunto app with your device.

Testing SUUNTO 9 Baro

When creating the new version of SUUNTO 9 Baro, the emphasis was placed not only on creating more economical and convenient battery modes, but also on the requests and recommendations of professional athletes. The designers tried to take into account and correct all the shortcomings and shortcomings. Based on their recommendations, testing was carried out around the world. The watch brand SUUNTO 9 Baro has successfully passed tests carried out in the most severe weather conditions for a long period of time. The design has also focused on precision, which professional athletes love. The innovative work of the GPS module with the FusedTrack ™ algorithm has made even skeptics trust in the tests.

The SUUNTO 9 Baro was first tested in test laboratories. They were thrown from a height, subjected to blows, shaking. We lowered it to a depth, checked the readings of the height sensor at depth. They also made deep freezing, and then thawed and checked the operating modes and operation of the sensors. Natural tests were carried out by natural elements. The gadget passed the tests, having received positive results.

After approval by the laboratory specialists, the watch was sent for testing to experienced athletes and experts. The testers and athletes have been testing and using the gadget for several months. Convenience and reliability were tested in normal conditions and during critical training. The world champions who participated in the testing of the device declared the reliability of the device. They noted the importance of the fact that SUUNTO 9 Baro does not distract during training, but is a convenient assistant with many necessary functions.

The disadvantage is that in the GPS alert mode, the battery power is not enough for a full run or route. GPS with FusedTrack ™ algorithm comes to the rescue, using the readings of other sensors.

The problem of poor brightness of the display screen was also stated. Poorly readable text on the screen, especially in bright sunlight, titles are poorly visible. This problem is partially offset by the presence of LED backlighting.

The presence of only 3 buttons and only on one, the right side, maximally protects against accidental pressing. A well thought-out switching algorithm allows you to easily return to the desired mode. Intelligent software itself controls the operation of the main modes.

For novice gadget users, the watch seems too big and heavy. The main mass of them is the battery. But if you consider that they can replace a much-needed smartphone, which can be easily damaged during intensive training and competition, then this is justified. It is also easy to smudge the sensor with grease during cooking or eating, as well as when repairing equipment with lubricants. But the high chemical resistance of the apparatus leaves it intact. And the high moisture resistance will allow you to simply wash them with shampoo or soap.

• A large number of complex and necessary functions;
• Improved control of three buttons on one side;
• Economical battery modes;
• Economical operation of GPS-module with FusedTrack ™ algorithm;
• Possibility to connect with online communities;
• High water resistance;
• High quality material.

• High consumption of Valencell sensor;
• Weak display brightness.

Warranty capabilities of the trademark:

• the ability to exchange watches if the presentation is intact and if the original packaging is intact;
• international guarantee with the possibility of free repair and exchange of products;
• professional advice is provided, the ability to choose and familiarize yourself with the product;
• there is a quality certificate.

In order to avoid buying a fake product, you must check the presence of a certificate and an official guarantee.