SUUNTO t6 - first impressions

[lobi]

Got a t6 for testing yesterday.

First impressions:

Suunto t6 watch

- same excellent design as the former X6HR (2003 model), face readability +strap even better
- very light (59 g) especially compard to competitors like the Polar AXN 700
- comes with nearly all the functions of the X6HR 2004 -model (except compass, inclinometer, some parts of logbook functionality)
- plus whole range of useful training possibilities (that were missing in the X6HR)
- coded and hasslefree HR transmission (no "ghost" HR-signals anymore)
- USB-connectivity
- upcoming innovations (footpod, bike connectivity)
- cool new backlight mode (glowing green numbers on darker background
- "only" around 10 hours of HR-storage on the watch (enough for use at home, but difficult on vacations, training weeks abroad,..)

Suunto Training Manager STM

- easy and hasslefree installation on windows XP
- easy transfer of logs working instantly.
- no real problem with WSXGA-Resolution and customized fonts size (impossible with SAM)
- much better than SAM concerning training information and "look and feel"
- extended help section, but no manual for the STM
- lots of functions which need some time to dig into
- Epoc-idea interesting, but potential of R-R-data (HRV) not fully used (as e.g in the Polar Overtraining test)
- proprietary data format .sdf (suunto data format), unfortunately not .hrm
- no graphical representation of e.g wheight over time
- room for improvement (it´s version 1.0 - so there will be improvements...)

First impression Summary:

A superbly designed watch (probably the best looking HRM) with everday value and the latest technology. Lots of training functions that have been missing in the X6HR. Same user-friendly menue as the other 6-series watches.
If you want the functions of the POLAR S810i, the innovations of the POLAR S625X (footpod, bike connectivity) and the good looks of the new POLAR AXN-series Outdoor watches, then the Suunto t6 is the right choice.

The SuuntoTraining Manager is a huge improvement compared to the SAM, but there is still some room for improvements.

I have to dig into it for at least a week to tell more.

greetings

lobi

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto t6 - Click for more info The Suunto t6 is one of the most exciting new personal training devices to hit the health and fitness market this year. The "t" in t6 (if you don't want to get too technical) stands for "training". It actually refers to the time interval between two heartbeats, or EPOC. Measured to the millisecond, this interval allows you (using the included PC software) to assess your current fitness, set a proper training load, measure your actual fitness gain over time, and achieve your overall fitness goals.

	Suunto X6 HR - Click for more info Just when you thought a sports watch couldn't get any better, Suunto introduces the X6 HR, X6 HRM and X6-HRT. These are truly the next generation in sports watches, packed with all of the technology that Suunto enthusiasts have been craving. Designed for Cross Sports applications, the X6 writstops are functionally very similar to the Suunto X6 - but with the added benefits of a heart rate monitor.

	Compass Compasses are sensitive, absolutely crucial instruments to precision navigation. The earth's magnetic field, inclination, and your longitude and latitude all influence the horizontal plane of a compass needle. As a result, compasses are balanced for different geographical zones. Suunto Compasses overcome this limitation to traditional compasses by using a simple 'Two Zone System'. With a Suunto Compass, the only 'balancing zones' are the northern and southern hemispheres. In addition to this innovation, certain Suunto Compasses come equipped with useful features like luminous needles and marks, centimeter/inch scales, magnifying glasses, clinometers, sighting notches, and more.

	Suunto Training Effect watches - Click for more info More than a heart rate monitor, Suunto's exclusive Training Effect feature tells you whether you're training too little, too hard or staying within the zones for optimal improvement.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[Tyler]

Thanks for the excellent post!