Suunto Ambit Watch Review
First Impressions
The Ambit represents one of the newest adds to the Finnish compass and watch manufacturer Suunto’s product line. It’s also one of the most ambitious, combining both the features of a GPS-powered training watch with advanced navigation. Think of it as a training watch on steroids or an ABC watch on, well, steroids. And in keeping with that metaphor, the Suunto Ambit is large, nearly ¾ of an inch tall and two inches across. The watch case also extends another ¾ inch into the lower watch band to provide room for the GPS antenna. It’s an unusual design approach, but one that provides some real benefits (more on that later).
Overall, the Suunto Ambit cuts a surprisingly svelte outline despite its bulk.
Features
Earlier this year, we tested GPS training watches and ABC watches. Suunto packs both feature sets into the Ambit with great success. On the training front, the Ambit tracks pace, speed, distance, ascent, lap times/splits, total time, route and more. In ABC features, the Ambit includes altimeter, barometer, temperature and compass, pretty typical stuff. Then the steroids kick in and – especially with their latest software release – Suunto takes navigation to a whole new level. With version 1.8 of the Ambit software, you get the ability to see your routes visually on the watch just like on a specialized handheld GPS unit. Previous versions of navigation interface were counter intuitive. This new approach is absolutely terrific. Version 1.8 also includes a new chronograph.
One of the other standout features of the Ambit is its integration with the Suunto Movescount website. This allows you to plan a route and transfer it directly to the Ambit via the included USB cable. Simply select the Tools menu, name your route, zoom into the map and draw it. Save and then sync it to the Ambit using Moveslink, the small piece of software that ships with the watch. Once on the Ambit, hit the upper right button on watch, select Navigation/Routes. Pick your preferred Route and away you go. The Ambit will automatically search for satellites, connect and then display the Route on the watch face with an arrow showing your current location and direction.
Specs
Materials: Thermoplastic band, aluminum case
Weight: 2.75 oz
Watch Face Dimension: 2 in
Water Resistance: 300 ft
In addition to providing navigation, Movescount presents the training interface and repository for the Ambit. It’s frankly one of the best I’ve seen. There’s a Scoreboard showing a summary of recent training activities, a My Moves section that displays individual workouts, Tools for navigation, and Settings which allows for complete customization of nearly every element of the Ambit’s user interface.
Movescount User Interface
Two other killer features make the Ambit stand out from the crowd. First is the battery life. Other GPS-powered watches can barely operate for 24 hours without recharging. The Ambit can go for 30 days in watch-only mode and 50 hours with the GPS operating. We didn’t really push the envelope here, but never had the Ambit die on us, as was the constant situation with the products in our GPS watch test earlier this year.
The second other killer feature is satellite lock. The Ambit is able to acquire satellites very quickly, sometimes in mere seconds even indoors. This is because of the aforementioned GPS antenna that extends into the watch band. Other watches in comparison can take minutes to acquire satellite lock, an eternity when you’re ready to hit the road for that morning run.
What’s missing on the Ambit? Not much accept for the countdown timer. Suunto, please add this in your next software release.
Fit
For a big watch, the Suunto Ambit fits comfortably and adjusts easily. The band is not nearly as comfortable as that which ships with the Suunto Core Crush reviewed earlier this year, but it’s close.
Final Verdict
The Suunto Ambit is a big watch that’s long on features. Battery life and satellite lock are outstanding. The training interface can be easily customized. Navigation rocks. And the Movescount/Moveslink software and website complete the package. Recommended.
