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Suunto Spartan Ultra

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Suunto Spartan Ultra Review}}[[File:Suunto Spartan.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]

Don't buy the The Suunto Spartan Ultrais an expensive but beautiful running watch. It's sad has an elegant, simplistic physical design, combined with an effective and intuitive user interface. The materials are not only beautiful to be able look at, but like the ambit range before, there pleasing to write such the touch. Unfortunately, this beautiful design is let down by incomplete functionality and a simple review of a complex and expensive watch like rather hefty price tag. If you buy the Spartan Ultra, but the product as it stands in October 2016 is far from acceptableshould be predominantly because of its looks and feel, rather than its functionality. =Will It Be Nice When It's possible that over time the software updates will correct Finished?=The Spartan has improved in many of its deficitsareas since it was first released, but I think it may be a long road with an uncertain outcomestill feels incomplete. This review is based on my initial impressionsThe first firmware versions I tested seemed like they were barely ready for beta testing, and I'll expand it as I gain more experiencelet alone production release. I wouldnThese early versions of the firmware didn't normally write a review this earlyhave even the most basic functionality, but I believe such as the clear issues with ability to customize the Spartan justify displays. It seems like Suunto still have quite some early warning. For a watch distance to be this bad go before the firmware is rather grimrelatively complete, but it and this price it seems more like poses a cruel jokesignificant risk to purchasers. =Spartan Pros=So farIf Suunto were to abandon updates, there are no reports of as happened to the Spartan catching fire[[Garmin Epix]], so ityou's ahead of the Samsung Note 7d be left with a rather inadequate device. Beyond thatSo, itwill the Spartan be a nice watch when they finally finish the updates? Predicting the future is something of a fool's hard to find much I likeerrand, as nicely described in [https://www.amazon. com/dp/0143125087 The watch strap is quite softSignal and the Noise], and but so far there are no indications that the Spartan will have much to justify its price tag. It is an attractive watch is , made of quality from lovely materials but the [[Garmin Fenix 3]] seems nicer to me, and ithas the highest resolution display of any watch I's a lot cheaper (though still expensiveve tested.) As I expand this reviewBut beyond that these anesthetics, Idon'll dig into some of the features t see any functional aspects that have promise, like make the Navigation options, but even there other watches do it better for far lessSpartan a compelling purchase. =Spartan ConsPhysical Characteristics=This The Spartan is far from an exhaustive lista big watch, but though it gives you is dwarfed by earlier devices like the highlights[[Garmin 910XT]] which always felt like wrist mounted computers. * The On my minuscule wrists, the Spartan is clearly incompletefeels large, with only a subset of the features completedbut not cumbersome or awkward. There's no option The design seems to configure epitomize the simplistic elegance that the display, no support Scandinavians and Finns are renowned for the Suunto Apps from the Ambit range, no way of using the display with inverted colors, etc. I realize There is nothing about the idea of "release early, release often" has valueSpartan that indicates it's a sports watch, and I feel that it can be important to release a "minimum viable product"would not look out of place when worn with more formal clothing. However, when It's a $700+ watch like far less fussy design than the Spartan seems bare bones when compared with a $150 [[Garmin VivoactiveFenix 3]] then and like other Suunto watches, the strap is made of wonderfully soft material that feels pleasant next to the release should have been delayedskin. * Another consequence Below you can see the Spartan next to some of its competitors. To the unfinished nature right of the Spartan is there are quite a few bugsthe [[Garmin Fenix 3]], which is probably closest in terms of style and tactile qualities. So far, IIt've not had it crashs a little more rugged with its exposed bolt heads, but lots of things just don't workthis also makes it a little more visually fussy. * The Next is the [[GPS AccuracyGarmin Epix]] that has a little more functionality than the Spartan, adding in preloaded maps which is looking really badgreat for navigation. It's way too early As we continue to release any figures as I only have ~150 data pointsmove right, but I think the [[Polar V800]] has similar design aesthetics to the Spartan stands a reasonable chance , using high-quality materials and an elegant, simplistic layout. The Polar does not have the conventional design of being the worst Spartan but it is a beautiful watch I've tested. Initial testing indicates it's just below the Garmin 10The polar lacks a color display, but the lack of data means its scoring may improve with further testinghas outstanding GPS accuracy. I normally consider 500 data points to be Finally, we have the minimum for [[GPS AccuracySuunto Ambit3]], though I know some authors that will make assumptions based which is here to show an earlier (and much cheaper) offering from Suunto. [[File:Spartan Comparison.jpg|center|thumb|x300px|]]Looking at these watches side on , you can get a few trial runssense of their bulk. It's possible that Suunto will improve the accuracy with software updatesThey are surprisingly similar, and none of them could be considered thin or svelte, but it's hard to imagine they can reach even a mediocre performance from hereare less bulky than some of the earlier devices. I thought the [[Garmin 620File:Spartan Side.jpg|center|thumb|x300px|]] had grim GPS accuracy when it was first released=User Interface=the user interface has 3 buttons and a touchscreen, and it was widely panned in is generally clean and intuitive. The menu system has a simple up/down/enter approach, with one of the menu options being a return to the forums (though not by reviewers)previous level. To their creditYou can use the touchscreen to navigate the menu as an alternative, Garmin listened and managed but in most cases I found it easier to improve just use the 620's performance to buttons. There are a reasonable level. Howeverfew touch-only actions, such as a 2 finger tap to turn on and off the 620's initial performance doesn't look so bad when backlight. The interface is responsive and I compare doubt if anyone will struggle to master it . The display is much higher resolution than other watches I've tested to date, and the Spartanmakes good use of this by putting more data on the screen. * I found There are a few oddities, such as using the Spartan middle button to be surprisingly uncomfortable. It's start a large watch by modern standardsrun, but itthe top button to pause/resume. In the scale of the infuriating user interfaces that some watches have (I's tiny compared with m looking at you Epson) the old Spartan is a delight.{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"|- valign="top"|[[Garmin 310XTFile:Spartan Menu.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|]] which worked for me nicely. The Spartan is lighter than the |[[Garmin Fenix 3File:spartan submenu.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|]] but feels a lot heavier. I think part |}=Configuration=Most of the configuration of the problem is that Spartan has to be done via their website and then synced to the watch strap . There is some configuration built-in, but not articulated where much. I generally prefer having a website for configuration as it's much easier than trying to do it reaches the body of on the watch, so but it doesndoes mean you can't conform change the configuration when you're away from your computer. Most running watches have a few modes to your wristchoose from, such as running indoors or running outside, along with other sports such as cycling or swimming. * The display on the Spartan has great resolution, dozens of modes with the idea that the highest by far of any watch I've testedwould be configured more specifically. There are modes like "interval running", "race running", "track running", etc. This makes is an interesting approach as it sharp allows the watch to be set up for that specific activity, displaying different information in different situations. You can also configure the sensors that are used and allows the GPS accuracy/battery life trade-off for each mode. Unfortunately, in their haste to release the Spartan they did not support the creation of new modes or the customization of the display. This has been partly remedied, but when you add a new custom mode, you have exactly 3 screens to configure; a 4-field display, a 5-field display, and a lot list of data recent laps. [[File:SpartanConfigure.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|]] Based on the screen. Howeverpress releases, I find that believe there will be more customization in the future. The display of recent laps is rather dimcool, as you can compare your split times, with the lightest color or heart rate across each lap. The image below is from a dingy gray recorded run rather than white. In most lighting conditions I find it hard to readlive, and but it's worse than competitors color displaysa reasonable representation of what you see.[[File:Spartan Laps.jpg|center|thumb|x300px|]]=Going For A Run=To start a run, you simply select the exercise mode, wait for the Spartan to acquire a satellite lock and a link to any sensors and then hit start. IIf you've found synced your Spartan in the last few days, then it should acquire a satellite lock quite quickly. For my accuracy tests I always give a watch at least 5 minutes so that color displays are attractiveit can download the real satellite position information (ephemeris) rather than having it rely on the predictions it downloads during the sync. The current firmware will show when a heart rate monitor is connected, but so far no onethere's used color to provide meaningful functionalityno indication of the connection status for a Footpod. I'd much rather have a monochrome The Spartan display is remarkably crisp, and they put more data on the screen than other watches which can sometimes make it a color LCD. The back light makes it quite easy little tricky to read. Like most watch displays, but having you sometimes have to hit tweak the backlight each time you want to check angle so the display is a painlight hits it right for optimum clarity. (The Fenix 3 trick of turning Spartan has a built in the backlight on when you raise monitor, but remember this is measuring the watch temperature quite close to look at your body so it is pretty cool's likely to be a little inaccurate. When you finished your run, and badly needed on the Spartanwill give a nice list of summary statistics, plus a screen of listing some averages for each lap (assuming you recorded some laps of course.) <br/>{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"|- valign="top"|[[File:WatchScreens2Spartan Run (1).jpg|none|thumb|300pxx300px|]]|The [[Garmin Fenix 3File:Spartan Run (5).jpg|none|thumb|x300px|]], the Spartan Ultra, |[[Garmin 920XTFile:Spartan Run (4).jpg|none|thumb|x300px|]], |- valign="top"|[[Garmin VivoactiveFile:Spartan Run (2).jpg|none|thumb|x300px|]], and the |[[Suunto Ambit3]]File:Spartan Summary.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|]]* |}=Sensors=The price starts at $700 and goes up to nearly $1Spartan works with various Bluetooth heart rate monitors I tried, including the Polar H7,000. That seems rather high for an outstanding and groundbreaking watch[[Wahoo TICKR Run]], and even if the Suunto worked perfectly and had more features, there's nothing own heart rate monitor. I found the heart rate monitor that is likely to break new ground other than packaged as an option with the price. Even there you could argue the Apple Watch has gone to even greater extremes of conspicuous consumption. Normally I give a link to each product I review on AmazonSpartan worked fine, and though I get a commission from 've generally used the sales. Wahoo as I buy all can get the gear heart rate data on any Ant+ watches I test 'm also using the same outlets as any other runner, which allows me to write critical reviews free from the concern that the manufacturer won't give me freebies . The Spartan is unique in supporting the future. I don't review the products for the financial benefits[[Stryd]] footpod, but it does provide the money to buy new gear to test. (I do buy gear to test that isn't available on Amazon, like a [[RunScribeRunning Sensors| Running Sensor]]that will transmit "Running Power. There" It's no benefit nice to mesee these new Running Sensors supported as first-class devices, but it fits in with my goal of supporting and the latest firmware seems to support the Stryd reasonably well.=Activity Tracking=Like most modern running communitywatches, the Spartan will act as an activity tracker by counting steps.) However, I can't in good conscience give a link for you This seems to buy be something of an afterthought with the Spartan Ultra. If as the standard display does not show your step of progress unless you really want press the middle button. The Spartan, step counting seems to be reasonably in line with the other devices that I'd recommend holding off for a while to see if they can improve thingsve tested. If youThere've already got a Spartans always some variation in the precise account, as different watches will detect or ignore small steps, I can recommend a [[MilestonePod]] so that especially if you'll have doing something like cooking and moving around the kitchen rather than striding down the path on a better idea of how far you've runwalk. =Syncing The Spartan Ultra in Context=To understand my angst with You can either sink the Suunto Spartanusing a USB cable to a computer, let me compare it or over Bluetooth to another device, the [[TgForce]]. Neither device is ready for prime time as they both have missing features and significant bugssmart phone app. However, the problems I'm seeing with found that syncing to the TgForce are exactly what you'd expect from smart phone app has been a small startuplittle patchy, while and I generally rely on the PC app. Syncing the Spartan comes from a major company. But more importantlywill upload your workouts to their website, download information to speed up satellite lock (SGEE or Server Generated Extended Ephemeris), the TgForce sensor is a new and novel device that has the potential to improve a runnerdownload any configuration changes you's form and reduce injury ratesve made on the website. This means that even though TgForce is not really ready for prime time=Battery Life=Suunto claim 18 hours of battery life, itbut I only got 17 hours in my testing. That's still an exciting device to use. On the other handenough for most runners, even but if Suunto can fix the problems with that the Spartan, all you'll have is a rather overpriced watch that doesnre into Ultramarathons, I't do anything that existing devices dond suggest looking elsewhere. The Spartan can extend its battery life by reducing GPS accuracy, but even then it't already do, often betters only 26 hours.

=GPS Accuracy=

The When the Spartan has was released it had the worst [[GPS Accuracy]] of any watch I've tested. Subsequent firmware upgrades gradually improved the situation, but to back up the numbers and to visualize things in a more qualitative way I've included the images below as of release 1.6.14 the accuracy is pretty good. (The actual GPS tracks from one part of the testing coursefirmware is 5. Below are the tracks from the latest firmware (17.410-P2.6), along with the earlier firmware I tested (1-SNT.2003.4) and from the My [[Suunto Ambit3GPS Accuracy]] which is one page has detailed, objective, statistical analysis of the most accurate Spartan and many other watches . I know that many readers prefer something a little less technical, so I've testedalso included some rather more subjective visual representations below. You can see that Suunto have improved the accuracy improvement in the tracks with the 1.4.6 updated firmware, but as they are now closer together and have far fewer that wandered off on their own. You'll notice that the tracks form 2 distinct paths along the Spartan is still middle portion of the least accurate watch Iimage, and it've testeds not clear to me why this might be. The firmware release says "A fix to GPS signal filtering, reducing My actual running path goes over the number of cases with large location offsets same points in GPS tracking experienced by some users" both direction, and you can see that the new firmware doesn't have split between the problems with offset 2 sets of tracks in the same way that 1does not appear to be directional.2.4 did. However, though If you look at the accuracy has improved it's still appalling. The blue lap markers you'll see that they are scatteredreasonably close together, highlighting which suggests both reasonable positional inaccuracy, though that's improved with this firmware (my analysis focuses on accuracy and fairly good responsiveness of the watch to the pressing of the distance measurementlap button.) Most watches The Spartan seems to have a problem where few problems going under the bridge, which is not surprising, but seems to recover reasonably quickly. If you look at the color coding of the path curves in tracks, you'll see the middle , curved sectionhas relatively good accuracy. I find this rather surprising, and the Spartan does badly here, though there are as this is a few green lines indicating section that occasionally causes most watches the Spartan is closegreatest issues. The Spartan does badly in By comparison, the rightmost section with the sharp right angle turn on the right side of the picturedoes rather worse, an area where and this is a section that most watches do surprisingly wellokay on. The section under If you look at the bridge doesnstatistical analysis, you't show any obvious signs ll notice that the Spartan is failing to reacquire the GPS signal, though there the shape of the tracks to the right of the bridge is a little odd. Overall, it's has relatively good to see trueness but poor precision compared with watches that Suunto have improved similar overall accuracy ratings. This means that compared with the GPS watches of a similar accuracyrating, and it's over a quarter of a statically significant improvement mile distance (p<0.05400 m) the Spartan is less likely to be correct, but they have a very long way over greater distances these errors are more likely to goeven out. The tracks look betterThese results are with GLONASS turned off, so if the problems wonand I't be quite so obvious to a casual user, but the distance measured can be wildly offve seen dramatically worse results with it enabled. {| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"|- valign="top"|[[File:BridgeSuunto Spartan Ultra 1.6.14.jpg| None | Thumb | x300px |This is the 1.6.14 version of the firmware. (This diagram has tracks color coded with green indicating good accuracy through to red indicating poor accuracy, and the lap markers as blue dots.)]]

|- valign="top"

|[[File:BridgeSuunto Spartan Ultra 1.4.6.jpg| None | Thumb | x300px |This is the 1.4.6 version of the firmware. (This diagram has tracks color coded with green indicating good accuracy through to red indicating poor accuracy, and the lap markers as blue dots.)]]

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