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    Open water GPS drifting

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Suunto Vertical
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    • Ze StuartZ Offline
      Ze Stuart Gold Members @Pavlas
      last edited by

      @Pavlas yes, I think as long as the firmware rollback also rolls back the firmware of the GNSS receiver I think we could have decent OWS again.

      https://zulusierra.co

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
      • A Offline
        Artus Diver @Ars Vitae
        last edited by

        @Ars-Vitae said in Open water GPS drifting:

        I agree, same for me, since December 2024 GPS goes crazy as hell. Previously, I had not noted any problem. Let’s hope Suunto is aware of this and is working on a fix. I have let go the accuracy of this watch in the pool, but if this negative trend continues for open water swimming it will mean that the brand is moving away from supporting disciplines such as triathlon and swimming marathons.

        Can you share your pool swimming experience?
        What do you think about the “new” algorithm?
        What are your thoughts on swimming style recognition?

        Suunto Viper
        Suunto HelO2
        Suunto Ambit 3 PEAK
        Suunto 9 Baro Titanium
        Suunto Vertical

        Ars VitaeA 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • gerasimosG Offline
          gerasimos Bronze Member
          last edited by

          or if anyone try to use the support chat in the Suunto app to find a sotution for this issue.

          Suunto Vertical Ti
          Suunto S9 gen1
          Suunto Ambit3 peak

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          • Ars VitaeA Offline
            Ars Vitae Bronze Member @Artus Diver
            last edited by

            @Artus-Diver said in Open water GPS drifting:

            Can you share your pool swimming experience?
            What do you think about the “new” algorithm?
            What are your thoughts on swimming style recognition?

            @Artus-Diver Swimming in the pool is the most poorly designed activity in SV in my opinion (I also do other sports, so I have some reference as to how SV performs in other fields), nothing here works well. I don’t know if there is a new algorithm, but style recognition is worse than it used to be (about a year ago). I’m not developing the thread here, because it would be off topic, but through my profile you’ll hit the posts where I write a bit more. Generally, they boil down to the fact that I don’t have a good opinion about the SV measurements quality in the pool, and I’ve stopped hoping that it will get better. Although swimming is one of my preferred activities. I feel even more disappointed when, in addition, recent updates have broken SV functionality in open water swimming. I also reported the similar issue with snorkeling in December, it’s all about the GPS signal, I guess. After all, it all worked well, certainly a year ago.

            gerasimosG A 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 4
            • Ars VitaeA Ars Vitae referenced this topic on
            • gerasimosG Offline
              gerasimos Bronze Member @Ars Vitae
              last edited by gerasimos

              @Ars-Vitae check this reviews for openwater

              before and after uptdate

              1. https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/05/suunto-vertical-review.html

              very good gnss
              2)https://www.correrunamaraton.com/suunto-vertical-opinion-review/

              now its like before 2023 and sometimes worst… lets hope for a fix

              Suunto Vertical Ti
              Suunto S9 gen1
              Suunto Ambit3 peak

              Ze StuartZ Ars VitaeA 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 1
              • Ze StuartZ Offline
                Ze Stuart Gold Members @gerasimos
                last edited by

                @gerasimos said in Open water GPS drifting:

                before and after uptdate

                1. https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/05/suunto-vertical-review.html

                To save others a trip down memory lane:

                Now, we move on to openwater swimming. I’ve done a lot of openwater swimming with the Suunto Vertical – and frankly, none of it is good. In fact, it’s all horrifically bad. On present firmware, the unit has yet to complete a single one of nearly half a dozen openwater swims without failing halfway through. Essentially, if I tread water for even a very short timeframe (such as waiting for my swim buddy), then it’ll lose GPS permanently for the rest of the swim.

                Bold is my addition.

                https://zulusierra.co

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                • Theo LakerveldT Offline
                  Theo Lakerveld Bronze Member
                  last edited by

                  I’ve just downgraded to FW 2.40.44 as the GPS drifting during OW swimming is quite annoying in 2.43.12. The previous FW was better, according to my experience.

                  Previously used: Cyclosport HAC4, Polar S710, Ambit 2S, Ambit 3S, SSU, S5P, S9P Ti. Currently using: Race Ti.

                  gerasimosG 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                  • Ars VitaeA Offline
                    Ars Vitae Bronze Member @gerasimos
                    last edited by

                    @gerasimos Look, I’ve been using this watch regularly since November 2023, so I can’t comment on those tests in this review (by the way , great thorough review):
                    https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/05/suunto-vertical-review.html
                    There may indeed have been some improvement in measurement accuracy for open water swimming, as I was able to note a good gps signal especially in the summer of 2024 in particular (something in between updates 2.33.16 and 2.35.34) . But the reviewer’s tests summary is significant:

                    But it’s awesome to see Suunto matching Garmin on dry land. Hopefully they can do the same in the openwater swim realm.

                    So let’s hope Suunto is up to the task.

                    gerasimosG 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                    • gerasimosG Offline
                      gerasimos Bronze Member @Ars Vitae
                      last edited by

                      @Ars-Vitae yup! very good GPS results before surely one or two updates.
                      In the land i think there’s no opponent against SV (in my opinion) is the best and more precise adventure watch,out there.

                      Suunto Vertical Ti
                      Suunto S9 gen1
                      Suunto Ambit3 peak

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                      • A Offline
                        Artus Diver @Ars Vitae
                        last edited by

                        @Ars-Vitae
                        Thank you for your feedback.
                        I completely agree with you! I feel the same way.
                        I constantly try to report bugs, but this topic isn’t a priority for Suunto (…)
                        The algorithm is supposedly “new,” but only in name.
                        I think something has been broken, and not even that has been fixed, only partially adapted for “use.”
                        I’ll read your posts when I have a moment.

                        Suunto Viper
                        Suunto HelO2
                        Suunto Ambit 3 PEAK
                        Suunto 9 Baro Titanium
                        Suunto Vertical

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                        • gerasimosG Offline
                          gerasimos Bronze Member @Theo Lakerveld
                          last edited by

                          @Theo-Lakerveld did you tested ? or spotted any difference in OW?
                          me i made hard reset reinstall automatically last firmware and i will tested again in default openwater profile …lets see

                          Suunto Vertical Ti
                          Suunto S9 gen1
                          Suunto Ambit3 peak

                          Theo LakerveldT 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • Theo LakerveldT Offline
                            Theo Lakerveld Bronze Member @gerasimos
                            last edited by

                            @gerasimos, I did a few swims with 2.40.44. The track is bouncing sideways a few times which results in high speed and distance. I’ll be swimming in the weekend with the previous FW. I’ll let you know if the tracks are good again after downgrading.

                            Previously used: Cyclosport HAC4, Polar S710, Ambit 2S, Ambit 3S, SSU, S5P, S9P Ti. Currently using: Race Ti.

                            gerasimosG 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                            • gerasimosG Offline
                              gerasimos Bronze Member @Theo Lakerveld
                              last edited by gerasimos

                              @Theo-Lakerveld
                              After a Factory reset, I followed the entire protocol for optimal GPS signal acquisition, just like I always do.
                              There was absolutely no improvement — the same drift and many signal reflections over a distance that is exactly 500 meters in a straight line, marked with buoys.

                              I was pressing lap time as a reference to record the distance, and the discrepancies were 200 to 300 meters every time I completed this route.

                              Weather conditions were perfect — clear skies, and my hand stayed out of the water for 30 seconds of rest before starting the next set.

                              -Hard reset didn’t help-
                              I’m starting to believe this is a serious firmware issue and unfortunately can only be fixed with a new update.
                              Otherwise, the watch has a severe limitation in this specific function, which is unfortunately very important for my training.
                              Also I’ve achieved again 591km/h I think it’s a very solid performance for my swim freestyle technique 🙃

                              However, the watch continues to function perfectly in all other activities, with highly accurate GPS and absolutely no issues.

                              Screenshot_2025-07-19-20-01-39-109_com.stt.android.suunto.jpg Screenshot_2025-07-19-20-01-29-558_com.stt.android.suunto.jpg
                              Screenshot_2025-07-19-20-04-07-544_com.stt.android.suunto.jpg

                              Suunto Vertical Ti
                              Suunto S9 gen1
                              Suunto Ambit3 peak

                              Ze StuartZ Theo LakerveldT 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • Ze StuartZ Offline
                                Ze Stuart Gold Members @gerasimos
                                last edited by

                                @gerasimos excellent work. @Dimitrios-Kanellopoulos @isazi would you mind highlighting this to the PMs, please? Summer is slipping through our fingers…

                                https://zulusierra.co

                                thanasisT 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                • Theo LakerveldT Offline
                                  Theo Lakerveld Bronze Member @gerasimos
                                  last edited by Theo Lakerveld

                                  @gerasimos downgrading to 2.40.44 worked. Swimming is on track. Have a look at the activity below. The circular movement were actually circular movements exploring some underwater marine life. And the break was when I paused the watch to climb on a rock and jump in the water.

                                  https://maps.suunto.com/move/lakerveldt/687cb19440105778ecad9791

                                  Previously used: Cyclosport HAC4, Polar S710, Ambit 2S, Ambit 3S, SSU, S5P, S9P Ti. Currently using: Race Ti.

                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                  • thanasisT Offline
                                    thanasis Bronze Member @Ze Stuart
                                    last edited by

                                    @Ze-Stuart said in Open water GPS drifting:

                                    @gerasimos excellent work. @Dimitrios-Kanellopoulos @isazi would you mind highlighting this to the PMs, please? Summer is slipping through our fingers…

                                    I am quite afraid there may be a bit longer to delivery such an update during to summer holiday period … (I hope i am wrong here) but quite many people in Northern Europe are starting their holidays next week

                                    let’s see

                                    gerasimosG 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                    • gerasimosG Offline
                                      gerasimos Bronze Member
                                      last edited by gerasimos

                                      I also did a test today with significantly better performance and minimal reflections using the open water mode.
                                      I was swimming side by side with a SUP that recorded exactly 1.1 km using a Garmin Fenix 7 while I recorded exactly 1.2 km with open water swimming, which is a perfectly acceptable discrepancy.
                                      At the same time, I did a hike to the top of the island and then returned to the shore with the SUP, completing the activities.
                                      The GPS in all cases was excellent compared to yesterday.
                                      However, I’m not sure if the GPS gets confused or causes reflections when there are many speedboats, boats,jetski etc., in the area here in Greece have a lot of—maybe that’s what throws off the watch.

                                      1. https://maps.suunto.com/move/gerasimosmitropoulos/687d05325bb5463b5908f20c

                                      https://maps.suunto.com/move/gerasimosmitropoulos/687d055e40105778ecb0b066
                                      The part where the GPS looks tangled is because I was inside a cave.

                                      Suunto Vertical Ti
                                      Suunto S9 gen1
                                      Suunto Ambit3 peak

                                      Piotr MichalskiP 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                      • Piotr MichalskiP Offline
                                        Piotr Michalski @gerasimos
                                        last edited by

                                        @gerasimos Hey! Did you also downgrade the update to have better gps results?

                                        gerasimosG 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                        • gerasimosG Offline
                                          gerasimos Bronze Member @Piotr Michalski
                                          last edited by

                                          @Piotr-Michalski no downgrade hard reset and 2.43.12!

                                          Suunto Vertical Ti
                                          Suunto S9 gen1
                                          Suunto Ambit3 peak

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                                          • gerasimosG Offline
                                            gerasimos Bronze Member
                                            last edited by gerasimos

                                            I did another test with a multisport activity — open water swim and trail run — but unfortunately, the results for the open water tracking were disappointing.
                                            I swam a distance of approximately 2,850 meters, but it recorded over 4,700!! meters due to excessive GPS drifting. (…a significant discrepancy compared to the actual distance.)
                                            Of course, before starting the activity, I followed the entire protocol to ensure the best possible GPS accuracy.
                                            However, once I started the trail run, the watch functioned perfectly in every aspect, as it always does!
                                            IMG_20250803_231916.jpg

                                            https://maps.suunto.com/move/gerasimosmitropoulos/688f88605795363bd3c89552

                                            Suunto Vertical Ti
                                            Suunto S9 gen1
                                            Suunto Ambit3 peak

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