Suunto Race S: A Small Watch That Packs a Serious Punch

TL;DR

• Lightweight 45mm case, only 60g
• Bright AMOLED touchscreen with easy navigation
• 9-day battery in smartwatch mode, 30 hours in full GPS mode
• Over 95 sport modes, HRV tracking, advanced climbing metrics
• Offline maps with 32GB storage
• Priced around $349, great value for serious athletes

Why the Suunto Race S Stands Out

Let’s face it: finding a GPS watch that nails the balance between size, power, and price is rare. The Suunto Race S hits that sweet spot with its sleek 45mm case and featherlight build. Whether you’re logging trail miles or running errands, it looks and feels good on your wrist.

Suunto has wrapped this compact package with premium touches: a stainless steel bezel, Gorilla Glass, and a punchy AMOLED display. Everything just works here—from the responsive touchscreen to the intuitive digital crown, switching screens mid-sprint is effortless.

Battery That Doesn’t Hold You Back

Battery anxiety? Not with the Race S. It lasts up to 9 days in smartwatch mode, and delivers 30 hours of full GPS tracking when you really put it to the test. That means more adventure, less charging cable hunting.

Need to stretch that battery life even more? Suunto’s power-saving modes extend your time out on the trail. For endurance athletes, ultrarunners, or weekend warriors, this watch keeps pace with your toughest sessions.

A Training Partner That Gets You

This watch is made for multi-sport athletes. With 95+ sport modes, the Race S goes way beyond tracking your jogs around the block. HRV tracking helps monitor recovery, so you know when to push and when to rest.

Mountain lovers, take note: Climb Guidance is built-in to keep tabs on your elevation data in real time. For trail runners and hikers, it’s a game-changer, letting you focus on the journey, not fiddling with your phone.

Stay on Track, Literally

Navigation is where the Race S quietly flexes its muscle. With dual-band GPS, it locks onto satellites fast and stays connected even in tricky spots like dense forest or urban canyons. The 32GB storage lets you load offline maps so you’re never lost—even if your phone dies.

While it doesn’t have ANT+ support, Bluetooth connectivity with chest straps, power meters, and other sensors ensures you can build out your training toolkit however you want.

Photo: Suunto

Built for Life, Not Just Sport

Yes, it’s a training beast. But the Race S also shines in everyday life. Smartphone notifications? Check. Music controls? Yep. Always-on display with customizable faces? Absolutely.

Its understated design pairs nicely with casual or athletic fits. It’s a watch you’ll actually want to wear all day, every day—not just when you’re logging miles.

The Bottom Line

The Suunto Race S combines sleek design, high-end features, and real-world battery life into a compact package. For athletes who want serious training tools without the chunky wrist brick, this watch delivers in spades.

Are you ready to upgrade your training game with a watch that doesn’t compromise on style or performance? Let’s hear your thoughts!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Suunto Race S waterproof?
A: Yes, it has a 50-meter water resistance rating.

Q: Can I store music on the watch?
A: No, it only offers smartphone music controls.

Q: Is it good for triathlon training?
A: Definitely. With multiple sport modes including swimming, cycling, and running, it’s built for multisport athletes.

Q: How does the Race S compare to the regular Suunto Race?
A: The Race S is smaller, lighter, and has slightly reduced battery and water resistance specs.

Q: Does it work with third-party apps?
A: Yes, you can add functionality through the SuuntoPlus™ store.