It’s no surprise that Suunto watches have become so popular as the Suunto Training range has been designed specifically for athletes and sports people, both professional and amateur, who want to reach peak fitness and stay there.

So if you are thinking of joining the ever-growing band of Suunto users, here is a guide to all four models in the Suunto Training range. Bear in mind that all come complete with a heart rate monitor chest belt and are packed with various useful features, from coaching aids to computer compatibility.

Suunto T1
Features heart rate monitor with training zone information. Allows you to train in the correct heart rate zones for optimal training. Great value and simple to use.
Key reasons to buy: Great value, reliable HRM information.

Suunto T3
Heart rate zones as with the T1, but also gives training effect measurements. This provides a deeper analysis of the benefits of each session. Also compatible with various Suunto ‘PODs’. These PODs allow details of speed, distance and other information to be displayed on the watch.
Key reasons to buy: HRM and training effect measurements. POD functionality.

Suunto T4
Same as the T3 but has the Suunto Coach feature – this gives the user a training schedule tailored to previous performance, showing the optimum route to fitness. Also compatible with various PODs.
Key reasons to buy: HRM, training effect and coach functions. Pod functionality.

Suunto T6
The T6 is the athlete’s choice. Full HRM information, and post training analysis. The Suunto T6 connects to your PC and downloads all your training data. It also has an altimeter, so is popular with hill runners and mountain bikers. Also compatible with various PODs.
Key reasons to buy: HRM, training effect and full PC and POD functionality.

So whatever kind of training you do, you’ll find something to aid your quest for fitness. Or if you enjoy outdoor pursuits and adventure sports, there’s the Suunto Outdoor range to consider (see below).

Suunto Watches has the Suunto Outdoor range, offering an excellent choice of watches for those who enjoy the great outdoors. But which is the watch for you? Read on…

The Outdoor Range has all the suitable features for the adventurous outdoor person and is designed for sports like trekking, mountain biking, skiing, mountainerring, hill walking and a myriad of other outdoor sports.

Key models in Suunto Outdoor range have the main features of altimeter, barometer and compass (Suunto ABC). They allow improved safety through navigation and better performance through analysis. Some examples and their features are below:

Suunto Vector
The original Suunto ABC watch. Very robust and reliable. Choice of seven colours.
Key reasons to buy: Great features, great value for money. A classic.

Suunto X-Lander
Exactly the same features as the Vector but with an aluminium body. Choice of leather or synthetic straps.
Key reasons to buy: Great features, nice looking steel body.

Suunto Observer
This is an evolution from the X-Lander. Same functions but with a slimmer metal body. A more discreet watch for those who don’t like the chunky look of the Vector and X-Lander.
Key reasons to buy: Great features, nice looking slim steel body.

Suunto Core and Suunto Lumi
Released in 2007, an evolution of the Suunto Vector. The Suunto Core has improved ABC functionality. The software has been improved so the altimeter can adjust for changes in background air pressure. The barometer has a unique storm warning alarm which can warn of rapid drops in air pressure. The display has a clearer, bigger LCD display which gives improved visibility and clearer information. Choice of colours and straps.

The Suunto Lumi is the Women’s version of the Core – Same features but in a smaller body with a different range of straps.

Key reasons to buy: Top functionality, a modern watch with all the latest features.

Suunto X9i and Suunto X9mi
The only wrist-mounted GPS. This watch has a built in GPS. It can display waypoints, tracks and grid references. Comes with PC software to allow the planning of complex routes. A fantastic piece of kit. Built in rechargeable battery.

There is also a military version, the X9mi which has, which records your position over time so you can later analyse your tracks.
Key reasons to buy: GPS functionality.

Other models include:

Suunto Altimax
Same as the Suunto Vector but without the compass. Popular with skiers who don’t need a compass, but like to know their altitude.
Key reasons to buy: Great value.

Suunto S-Lander
Same as the Suunto X-Lander but without the compass. Again, popular with skiers who don’t need a compass, but like to know their altitude.
Key reasons to buy: Great value for a metal bodied watch.

Suunto Advisor
This has the same features as the Suunto Vector, but with the added benefit of a heart rate monitor. Comes with a remote chest belt. Same look and design as the Suunto Vector.
Key reasons to buy: ABC functionality with HRM features.

Suunto X3HR
A straightforward HRM watch, with an altimeter.
Key reasons to buy: Great value.
More details are here.

Suunto 6 Series
This range of Suunto watches combines the functionality of the Suunto Vector, but add to it much more sophisticated analysis of the data. The 6 Series has a much greater log memory, and is PC compatible. Therefore you can download track logs onto the PC and compare with previous data. Also has an inclinometer, so you can measure slope angles. A choice of body styles and optional HRM features.

Also available is the Suunto S6 which is a skier’s version of this watch.
Key reasons to buy: PC analysis of data, great looking watches.

Suunto G6
A golf specific watch. Measures your stroke and performance.
Key reasons to buy: Great golf features.