Suunto 9 Baro
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Overview
The Suunto 9 Baro is a high-end running watch designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. This watch is part of the Suunto family, known for its robust and feature-rich designs.
Key Features:
- Touchscreen: Enhances ease of use and navigation.
- FusedAlti Technology: Combines GPS and barometric data for accurate altitude readings.
- Extensive Battery Life: Offers up to 336 hours in time mode and 25 hours in GPS mode.
The Suunto 9 Baro is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize advanced tracking features and durability for long-distance and high-altitude activities. Its touchscreen offers convenience, making it suitable for those who need quick access to data during intense workouts.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 77%. This puts it in the lowest rated 30% of comparable running watches. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 40% of running watches.
Verdict
The consensus on the Suunto 9 Baro
The Suunto 9 Baro is a solid choice for runners who need a reliable and feature-packed watch. Its touchscreen and intuitive button navigation make it user-friendly, although the interface can be slow at times. The altimeter (device that measures altitude) and barometer (instrument measuring atmospheric pressure) are generally accurate, but occasional discrepancies can occur. The battery life is a mixed bag; while it offers extensive life in time mode, it drains quickly with GPS use. The watch is comfortable to wear, thanks to its flexible silicone strap, but its bulkiness may not suit everyone. Overall, the Suunto 9 Baro is a good option for those who need a durable and feature-rich watch, but there are better alternatives at this price point. Its extensive features and rugged design make it a reliable choice for serious runners and outdoor enthusiasts.
Updates to Suunto 9 Baro
The Suunto 9 Baro has seen several updates from previous models in the Suunto line. Notable additions include a touchscreen for easier navigation and FusedAlti technology for more accurate altitude readings. The battery life has also been extended, offering up to 336 hours in time mode. Software updates have introduced new features like gravel cycling sport mode and Strava live segments, enhancing its functionality for various activities.
Suunto 9 Baro: Base model
The Suunto 9 Baro is a special version of the Suunto 9. The primary differences include the addition of a barometer for more accurate altitude readings and a touchscreen for easier navigation. The 9 Baro also offers extended battery life and additional sport modes, making it a more versatile option for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Comparable Watches
The Garmin Fenix 5x Plus Sapphire is a good alternative for those who need a more vibrant display and additional features like music storage and wireless payments. While the Suunto 9 Baro offers a touchscreen and accurate GPS, the Garmin model excels in user interface and battery life. However, the Suunto 9 Baro is lighter and more comfortable for long runs.
The Garmin Forerunner 955 offers a more user-friendly interface and better battery life compared to the Suunto 9 Baro. It also includes features like music storage and wireless payments, which the Suunto model lacks. However, the Suunto 9 Baro excels in GPS accuracy and altitude tracking, making it a better choice for trail runners and high-altitude activities.
The Coros Vertix is another strong competitor, offering excellent battery life and a more intuitive user interface. While the Suunto 9 Baro has a touchscreen and accurate GPS, the Coros Vertix is more user-friendly and offers better battery performance. However, the Suunto model is lighter and more comfortable for extended wear.
6 Suunto 9 Baro Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Battery life
The Suunto 9 Baro offers extensive battery life, making it suitable for long-distance runners and endurance athletes. In time mode, it can last up to 336 hours, while in GPS mode, it offers around 25 hours. However, the battery life can be a drawback when using multiple features simultaneously, as it drains faster. The watch also has various power-saving options, but these can be confusing to navigate. Overall, the battery life is sufficient for most users, but those needing longer GPS usage might find it lacking.
Screen quality and brightness
The Suunto 9 Baro features a large touchscreen that enhances ease of use. The screen has a resolution of 300 x 320 pixels and a pixel density of 313 ppi (pixels per inch), making it clear and easy to read. However, the brightness can be an issue in direct sunlight, affecting readability. The touchscreen is responsive, but it can lag, especially in wet conditions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the screen quality is generally good and offers a user-friendly experience.
Strap comfort
The Suunto 9 Baro comes with a flexible silicone strap that is comfortable to wear for extended periods. The strap is adjustable and can be swapped out for different colors and styles, offering customization options. The watch is lighter than some competitors, making it more comfortable for long runs. However, its bulkiness might not suit everyone, especially those with smaller wrists. Overall, the strap comfort is a strong point for this model.
Heart-rate monitor accuracy
The heart-rate monitor on the Suunto 9 Baro is generally accurate but can have occasional discrepancies. During resting periods, the readings are consistent, but during intense activities, there can be breaks in data. This is likely due to the fit of the watch, which can affect the sensor's accuracy. While not perfect, the heart-rate monitor provides useful data for most users, but those needing precise measurements might find it lacking.
GPS accuracy
The GPS functionality of the Suunto 9 Baro is highly accurate, making it ideal for runners who need precise tracking. The watch uses FusedAlti technology, combining GPS and barometric data for accurate altitude readings. During tests, the GPS tracks were rarely more than 10 feet off the course, even around corners. This level of accuracy is beneficial for trail runners and those navigating complex routes. Overall, the GPS accuracy is one of the strong points of this model.
Who should buy the Suunto 9 Baro?
The Suunto 9 Baro is best suited for serious runners and outdoor enthusiasts who need a durable and feature-rich watch. Its extensive battery life and accurate GPS make it ideal for long-distance and high-altitude activities. The touchscreen and intuitive navigation are beneficial for those who need quick access to data during intense workouts. Runners who prioritize advanced tracking features like heart-rate monitoring and altitude measurement will find this watch valuable.
Who should not buy the Suunto 9 Baro?
The Suunto 9 Baro may not be the best choice for casual runners or those who prefer a lighter, less bulky watch. Its extensive features and higher price point might be overkill for those who don't need advanced tracking capabilities. The interface can be slow, and the battery life drains quickly with multiple features in use, which might be frustrating for some users. Those looking for a more streamlined and user-friendly experience might prefer alternatives like the Garmin Forerunner 955.
Suunto 9 Baro: What's it good for?
The Suunto 9 Baro is excellent for long-distance running and trail running due to its accurate GPS and extensive battery life. It's also suitable for multi-sport activities like hiking and cycling, thanks to its robust tracking features. The watch is ideal for high-altitude training with its accurate altimeter and barometer. Additionally, its heart-rate monitoring and fitness tracking features make it a good choice for those focused on cardio fitness.
5 Suunto 9 Baro FAQs
How accurate is the GPS on the Suunto 9 Baro?
The GPS on the Suunto 9 Baro is highly accurate, often within 10 feet of the actual course. This makes it ideal for trail running and other activities requiring precise tracking.
What is the battery life of the Suunto 9 Baro?
The Suunto 9 Baro offers up to 336 hours in time mode and around 25 hours in GPS mode. However, using multiple features simultaneously can drain the battery faster.
Is the Suunto 9 Baro comfortable to wear?
Yes, the Suunto 9 Baro is comfortable to wear, thanks to its flexible silicone strap. However, its bulkiness might not suit everyone, especially those with smaller wrists.
Does the Suunto 9 Baro have a touchscreen?
Yes, the Suunto 9 Baro features a touchscreen, which enhances ease of use and navigation. However, the screen can lag, especially in wet conditions.
Can I use the Suunto 9 Baro for multi-sport activities?
Yes, the Suunto 9 Baro is suitable for multi-sport activities like hiking, cycling, and swimming. It offers various sport modes and accurate tracking features.
