Understanding the Suunto Vertical 2: A Comprehensive Review
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The Suunto Vertical 2 smartwatch builds on the success of its predecessor, the Race 2, which earned an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars in late 2022. This rugged adventure watch has been designed for those who venture into the wild, boasting various enhancements over its predecessor to meet all outdoor challenges.
Design and Build Quality
The Vertical 2 offers two distinct finishes: a sturdy Stainless Steel and a lighter Titanium. It’s equipped with a built-in flashlight and improved battery efficiency modes, making it perfect for extended adventures away from civilization. The watch has moved away from the rotating digital crown featured on the Race 2 and now includes three physical buttons, ensuring easier operation with gloved hands—a characteristic many outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate.
With a thickness of 13.6mm and weighing 86g for the stainless steel variant, the Vertical 2 is not designed for subtlety. However, its robust appearance conveys durability, crafted with a fiberglass reinforced polyamide case and protective sapphire crystal glass. Users seeking a rugged yet stylish timepiece will find the Suunto Vertical 2 appealing.
(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)
Battery Life and Performance
The Vertical 2 stands out with its impressive battery life. In its most efficient GPS mode, it promises up to 250 hours of usage, catering to those who enjoy long outdoor excursions without the constant worry of recharging. Whether you’re running, cycling, or hiking, the Vertical 2 can keep up with demanding activity levels, combining a multitude of built-in workout profiles with navigational capabilities like offline mapping and dual-band GNSS support.
While evaluating the watch, I discovered that it not only excels in performance but also offers a visual treat via its AMOLED display, which vividly displays essential metrics while remaining actionable, even in adverse conditions. The watch’s responsiveness proved beneficial in tracking sports, keeping a careful eye on heart rates and other critical stats.
(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)
Features and Usability
The Suunto Vertical 2 is indeed a feature-rich smartwatch, with over 115 available sport modes, offline navigation, a digital compass, and even a built-in flashlight. Interacting with the watch is made convenient with its three physical buttons and responsive touchscreen. Compared to the Race 2, the interaction design here appears more robust in outdoor scenarios, where wet conditions might hinder touchscreen responsiveness.
However, while you can track a myriad of activities with precision, some typical smartwatch functionalities are conspicuously absent, such as offline music playback and payment services. This could be a bottleneck for users more interested in daily smartwatch features over rugged performance.
(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Suunto Vertical 2 proves itself as a capable companion for outdoor enthusiasts, merging ruggedness with modern technology seamlessly. Its excellent design, superior battery life, and extensive feature set make it a must-consider option for anyone serious about outdoor sports.
For those who prioritize adventure over everyday smartwatch functionalities, the Vertical 2 stands out with its unique offerings. However, for readers in search of a versatile smartwatch that encompasses a broader range of functionalities, there might be other options on the market better suited to your needs.
For more detailed insights, check the full review Here.
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