Suunto Spartan Ultra
Suunto has taken a big step in releasing the Spartan series of watches, which come two versions: The Suunto Spartan Ultra and Spartan Sport
Why is that?
Well, they both include a number of new features that are pretty legitimate when it comes to wearable GPS watches.
- Colour touch screen
- 80 pre-installed sports modes
- 24hr activity monitoring
- New design and fit with a weigh-in of 73g
As per the Suunto Traverse and Ambit3 Vertical, the Spartan has the GPS antenna integrated into the body, rather than the protruding style on the Ambit series. This is a much more comfortable design, especially for women.
There are a few things that make the navigation components of the new Spartan, really helpful including a real-tim breadcrumb trail, as you move (similar to the ‘Track Back’ option). And a digital compass to guide you through the terrain ahead. The screen display is really clear and it easy to read on the run.
The touch screen is a new addition to the party and it performs well under most conditions you will face on the trails. Anything from a light drizzle to thin gloves, is not an issue, however in a heavy shower it isn’t as responsive. But there are always the side buttons, which will allow you to navigate through your options. You can also lock the screen during any session to stop any unintended touch screen mishaps.
The every day wearability of the watch is great. The fit, weight, look and style can go good with any outfit. Which allows someone to make the most of the new daily activity monitoring. With a screen dedicated to a 24/7 step counter and calorie monitoring, the Spartan can help track nearly anything you need, especially when it can be used in one of the 80 different sports modes.
Along side the attributes of the actual watch. Suunto offers access to its Suunto Movescount platform. which, when used to it full capacity, can provide peer group comparisons, identifying people who are training towards the same goals and how they compare to you. Peer-to-peer Coaching for online guidance and the option of loading your training plan directly to your watch. And finally access to Heatmaps, allowing you to find popular places to run in your area and new routes to follow which can be downloaded directly to your watch.
At this point in time, the software backing up this new additions to the Spartan range, isn’t quite up to the Sunnto fans desires, nor that of Sunnto.
But with regular updates available, the watch keep getting better and better. Which is pretty cool when you consider, the opposite is usually the case, with any brand new product.
Keeping an eye on the Suunto Spartan Home page (below). Suunto are certainly working on new software for the Spartan range, allowing more and more features and customisations. Keeping transparent about this has been key, and Suunto has done a good job of making sure customers are updates on progress.
Also, for customers there are plenty of options to leave feedback and comments.
http://www.suunto.com/en-AU/sports-watch-collections/Suunto-Spartan-Collection/
This new addition to the Suunto offering is most likely going to stand the test of time, much like the Ambit range has done. It certainly has a few additional software updates to come to come, but for now, the watch looks, feel and performs very well.