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{{BuyAmazon|AZID=B00IW0O5WO|AZN=Suunto Ambit2 R}}
comment: batch update
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Suunto Ambit2 Review}} [[File:ambit2r.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Ambit2.]]
The Suunto Ambit2 offers good functionality, and with the latest firmware, great GPS accuracy. It's been superseded by the [[Suunto Ambit3]], which has better GPS accuracy, but the older Ambit has dropped in price. For a [[Best Running Watch| simple evaluation of a GPS watch]], I look at how well it can answer some basic questions:* '''How far did I run?''' This is the most basic question, and the Ambit2 has good GPS accuracy, so this is one thing it does well. * '''How fast am I running?''' Knowing how fast you're running can be a nice to know, or it can be vital for your training or race performance. Because of the nature of GPS, watches that rely on GPS signal alone tend to have serious problems with current pace. Without the ability to display current [[Pace From A Footpod]] while getting all other data from GPS, the Ambit2 can't answer this question very well. It does better than most watches that rely purely on GPS as it has good accuracy and the Suunto FuseSpeed may help a tiny bit. (That said, I frequently see the Ambit2 out by more than a minute/mile). * '''Where am I? '''The Ambit2 has some basic navigation functions. ** '''Course Outline'''. This is an outline of a route that can be downloaded. I've found this useful during ultras or in unfamiliar cities where I've needed to know where to go. Note that there's no "Track Outline" which displays where you've been.** '''Back To Start'''. This is a simple arrow point to your starting point, so it won't help you backtrack. ** '''Back To Waypoint'''. You can mark a location and use the arrow to point to it later. Again, this is a simple "as the crow flies" pointer. ** '''Compass'''. A magnetic compass can help you orient yourself or the map. Without a magnetic compass you have to be moving for the GPS to give you a sense of direction. * '''What's my cadence? '''[[Cadence]]''' '''is one of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of running. If you get your Cadence right, many other things naturally fall into place. The Ambit3 supports [[Cadence]] via a [[Footpod]] or it can estimate Cadence from its internal accelerometer, though I've found the internal accelerometer can be out quite a bit. Sadly it has no alerts for when your Cadence is too low. For ultramarathon running the high end Ambit2 has the battery life for shorter ultras, but for runners that expect to be moving during the [[Second Dawn]], you'll have to compromise GPS accuracy for the Ambit2 to go the distance. See [[Best Running Watch#Watches for Ultrarunning| Watches for Ultrarunning]] for more details. {{BuyAmazon|AZID=B00IW0O5WO|AZN=Suunto Ambit2 R}}
=Which Version?=
The Ambit2 comes in four versions with different functionality. I think the "R" has the best value for money, but depending on your usage you may want to pay for a more expensive version. If you're a cyclist, the "S" might be worthwhile, though I won't comment further as I focus purely on running usage. If you're an ultrarunner, then I think the "Ambit2" version could be well worth it. (The Sapphire is only worthwhile if you're hard on your gear and want the damage resistance.)
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
!
! Ambit2 Sapphire
* The Ambit2 does not have a vibration alert, which is something I miss far more than I'd have expected. The vibration is useful for alerts, as you may not hear the beeping in noisy environments or when wearing headphones. The vibration in other watches is also useful as a confirmation you've actually pressed the lap button.
* Like any complex device, the Ambit2 can occasionally need a reboot. Sadly, while you can shut down the Ambit2 from the menu, the only way of waking it up again is to plug it into a USB power source. This should be a very rare issue, but if it happens to you on or just before a race, you're screwed. (To shut down, press the "Back/Lap" and "Start/Stop" buttons pressed to enter the service menu.)
=Visual Comparison=
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Suunto Ambit2-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Suunto Ambit2 top]]
|[[File:Suunto Ambit2-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Suunto Ambit2 side]]
|[[File:Suunto Ambit3-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Suunto Ambit3 top]]
|[[File:Suunto Ambit3-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Suunto Ambit3 side]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Polar V800-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Polar V800 top]]
|[[File:Polar V800-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Polar V800 side]]
|[[File:TomTom Cardio Runner-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|TomTom Cardio Runner top]]
|[[File:TomTom Cardio Runner-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|TomTom Cardio Runner side]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Garmin Epix-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin Epix top]]
|[[File:Garmin Epix-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin Epix side]]
|[[File:Garmin 920XT-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin 920XT top]]
|[[File:Garmin 920XT-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin 920XT side]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Garmin 620-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin 620 top]]
|[[File:Garmin 620-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin 620 side]]
|[[File:Leikr 1-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Leikr 1 top]]
|[[File:Leikr 1-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Leikr 1 side]]
|}
=What's Missing=
While I don't consider these missing features as 'cons', it's worth understanding the features that are missing compared with other watches.
|[[File:ZigZagSuunto Ambit2 R 2.0.7.jpg|none|thumb|x300px| the older firmware shows similar behavior, but to a greater extent. (This image has the tracks color-coded for direction, with green coming from the right, blue from the left.)]]
|}
=Comparison Table=
{{:Best Running Watch-table}}
