GPS accuracy
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Hi, I wanted to ask you Suunto Race 1 owners how you feel about GPS accuracy.
I bought a Race 2 and used it for about ten days, but I returned it because it consistently recorded about 100 meters less every 10km.
There’s a thread about this in the Race 2 section…Therefore, I’m torn between the Race 1 Titanium (currently available for around €400) and a Garmin 965…also around €400.
I’d prefer to stick with Suunto, but I don’t want to run into the same problem as the Race 2.
Thanks to anyone who can clarify my doubts, perhaps with some field testing… have a good day.
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@Ger43 I own FR965 and Race 1 Titanium. They are 99% of the time showing the same distance. Great accuracy!
Prefer the look and feel of the Race to the plastic of the FR (it is lighter though). But my biggest issue is the gorilla glass that already has lot of scratches (gifted the watch recently).
The Race 2 is for me just perfect. It cuts the distance though.
I am investigating still and comparing results but I think it is the accelerometer rather than the GPS that does the cut.
For example when paired to Garmin HRM Pro that provides cadence to the watch the distance is not that dramatically cut as when I run with the Polar H10 that only broadcasts the HR.
Still doing testing though since I am in recovery mode this period. -
Thank you so much…in fact, I also much prefer the Race’s build and overall look…that’s why I’m deeply sorry I left the Race2, which was fantastic aesthetically and in terms of display!
But so be it…
Since you also own the FR965, which one do you prefer in terms of maps and navigation?
Anyway, the most important thing for me is distance accuracy…I can’t accept that a sports watch dedicated 99% to distance measurement can shorten my ride distances, effectively altering my training metrics as well…I understand that we’re still within the acceptable range of error (about 1-1.5%), but at this point I’d prefer to get the older model without this problem.
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@Ger43 I’ve had (still have) lot of watches but find Suunto’s HW non matched by any of them.
That being said though I also prefer the Suunto philosophy and since I am in my 40s I kinda got other priorities than numbers and interruptions and all the noise the technology brings.
So at some point and while thinking about it I had a talk with one of my best buds that rocks F8 Amoled. And asked him how much of these ‘metrics’ do you really use, but really. So he just mentioned 4,5 metrics.
And I was so glad, since I too found myself being tired of the noise and just look at 3,4 things.
I will not say the FR965 is bad watch, on the contrary it’s very nice at least SW wise. As I said the plastic feeling and scratch-able glass are big issues compared to the looks of the Race.
Since you pinpoint the maps though and since I now find myself more and more enjoying trail run rather than road, the maps on the Garmin are almost useless to me. I run and tif the road is blocked or I take wrong turn or I have to unzoom to find where next… I had to stop literally for the maps to appear and be able to scroll. Terribly slow (they have not changed CPU for 4-5 generations and are trying to squeeze every last bit of the profits I guess).
Suuntos although less info on the maps I find them much more enjoyable, fast and responsive for what I need them. Oh and the layout is much cleaner.
I believe the Race2 is not measuring wrong distance per se. Rather the distance is closer to the snap-to-route distance, where different minor zig-zags are flattened and ignored. So it is closer to official measuring rather than unnecessary added distance.
Keep in mind the forest now is still naked so I cannot be certain that the distance will worsen where full of leaves, but so far the tracks have been to the point. -
@EzioAuditore If the 965’s navigation is the same as the incredibly slow Edge 530 I use on my bike, then I wouldn’t even consider it under torture. It’s disarmingly slow.
I agree with you that I don’t care about street names…if I were to use navigation, it would only be in the mountains on trails, and honestly, even the lack of POIs doesn’t seem like a must-have.
I need smooth, fast navigation that won’t let me get lost.
I’m very tempted by the Race 1 Titanium, which I’d ultimately pay the same as the non-Titanium Race 2. -
@Ger43 I am quite happy that Race 2 measures a little less, now my friends with Apple Watch will stop complaining that I always run more while we run together.
I suggest not to overthink 1% difference, who eventually cares about it? If you participate in a race, the race distance will be a bit different from whatever your watch says anyway. -
@Ger43 Yes both the Race 1 and Race 2 are great devices. I prefer the aesthetics of the 1 but find the 2 lighter and smaller.
The 2 is bit faster and feels snappier but the biggest difference in the two watches is the OHR. The Race 1 has okish HR when doing some sports but not good when mountain biking or running (at least for me and the majority or reviewers. of course I always use belt with serious training.) The HR on the 2 is on pair with apples and gamins so no complains at all. Again I am caucasian, no tattoos, etc so it might be different for others.
nevertheless whatever race you get you’ll love it. If you prefer HR accuracy get the 2. If you want less ‘restrictive’ distance measurement get the 1. As always do not forget to enjoy the sports and life.
