Suunto Ambit3 Review: More Than Just A GPS Watch

The Ambit3 was released in September and we’ve spent the past few months putting it through its paces. Would we add this to our list of outdoor must-haves? You bet!

01.01.2015

The Ambit3 was released in September and we’ve spent the past few months putting it through its paces. Would we add this to our list of outdoor must-haves? You bet!

We were super keen to get our hands on this GPS watch: Suunto is a household name in wearable tech, and we were so impressed with the Ambit2 that we couldn’t wait to check out its successor.

(It’s important to note that the Ambit3 comes in two models – the “Peak” and the “Sport”. The “Sport” is a slightly less expensive model with the absence of a barometric altimeter and a little less battery life.)

What’s In The Box?

Inside the Ambit3 box you get:

• The watch
• A Bluetooth® smart sensor heart rate strap (only available with the HR models, also sold separately)
• A USB charging and syncing cable
• Manuals

New Features:

So what makes the Ambit3 different from the Ambit2?

• Heart rate recording underwater (we love this feature – all you triathletes out there can now get better insights as you move)
• Bluetooth®smart sensor support – this means that the watch has the ability to sync with your mobile phone
• Mobile phone integration to the Suunto Movescount app and web interface (Suunto currently doesn’t have an Android app, this is coming in March 2015)

Main Perks:

Like most GPS watches, the Ambit3 aids in recording swimming, cycling and running data as well as hiking, navigation and other outdoor activities. The difference is, the Ambit range is generally regarded as one of the best hiking/trekking units on the market. This is due to the fact that - unlike some other GPS watches - this model includes many of the functionalities of an outdoor watch. It provides accurate barometric and sunrise/sunset information as well as an altimeter and storm alarm. Some of our favourite details include:

• The ability to customise your watch online, meaning you can have up to 8 data pages per sport profile, and up to 10 sport profiles stored on your device
• The heart rate strap that syncs and stores historical heart rate data to both the watch and the app
• Recovery chart functionality that helps you keep track of your energy levels
• Multisport mode that lets you log a triathlon or similar event
• The daily activity monitor that tracks movement and adjusts recovery time accordingly
• The ability to receive notifications on the watch from your iPhone (these include call, text message and other alerts)

This host of features means that this product is more than just a GPS watch. We can just see the Ambit3 becoming an essential accessory for those who enjoy a wide range of outdoor sports, including trail running, hiking, climbing and mountain biking. There’s already thousands of #movescount hashtags floating around the internet - have a browse of the pictures and video below and start planning your next adventure!

Feeling inspired? All of our Suunto watches attract free Australia wide shipping, so why not head to our store and check them out for yourself?

Want a chance WIN a Suunto Ambit 3 Peak HR? We're giving one away > Enter Here (Comp closes 31/12/14)