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Suunto Ambit3

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Suunto Ambit3 Run Review}} [[File:Ambit3.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Ambit3.]]
The Suunto Ambit3 Run is an excellent running watch with good GPS accuracy. The "Run" in the name indicates this is the cheapest of the Ambit3 range and the best value for most runners. It lacks some of the features of the more expensive Ambit3 watches, but these are only likely to be valuable if you're an ultrarunner (longer battery life) or a multi-sport athlete. The Ambit3 Run offers great functionality and reasonable GPS accuracy, and it's only significant flaw is the inability to display pace [[Pace from a Footpod]] while getting distance from GPS. For a 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 Ambit3 has great GPS accuracy, so this is one thing it does really 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 distance all other data from GPS, the Ambit3 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 Ambit3 out by more than a minute/mile). * '''Where am I? '''The Ambit3 has some basic navigation functions. There are no maps, but you can download a course, and there's a "back to start" arrow. So the Ambit3 won't tell you where you are, but it can occasionally help you out. * '''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 it's 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 Ambit3 Peak has the battery life for runners that expect to be moving during the [[Second Dawn]], though the GPSaccuracy is a little impaired. See [[Shoes#Watches for Ultrarunning| Watches for Ultrarunning]] for more details.
=Which Version?=
The Ambit3 comes in four versions with different functionality. I think the "Run" 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 "Sport" 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 "Peak" version could be well worth it. (The Sapphire is only worthwhile if you're hard on your gear and want the damage resistance.)

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