Picking the right sports watch is a big deal for anyone who runs, hikes, or does triathlons. The Suunto Race 2 promises to be lighter, faster, and packed with more features than the first model.
I’ve put the Race 2 through real-world tests—urban runs, trail hikes, and GPS-heavy adventures—and in this review, I’ll break down everything you need to know: design, comfort, GPS, heart rate accuracy, battery life, and whether it’s worth the price.
If you’re an ultrarunner, triathlete, or outdoor enthusiast looking for a watch that just works when you need it most, this is for you.
Pricing and Model Options
The Race 2 comes in two main versions:
- Stainless Steel Model – like the one with the orange band in photos.
- Titanium Model – a premium option for those wanting a more durable, lightweight feel.
Prices have increased slightly from the original Race 1. In the U.S., the stainless steel model retails at $499, while the titanium upgrade adds another $100, bringing it to $599.
It’s no longer a bargain option, edging closer to high-end watches from Garmin, but it still delivers Suunto’s signature performance-focused experience.
Why the Race 2 Could Be Your Next Sports Watch
The Race 2 isn’t just a refresh—it’s a rethink of the Race series. Suunto focused on performance, usability, and comfort:
- Brighter, high-res AMOLED display
- More accurate heart rate and GPS sensors
- Slimmer, lighter design that disappears on your wrist
If you’ve ever struggled with a watch that digs into your wrist during long runs or one that drifts on GPS, the Race 2 is designed to fix those headaches.
Suunto Race 2 Review- Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | Race 1 | Race 2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 49 mm | 49 mm | Same wrist presence |
| Thickness | 13.3 mm | 12.5 mm | Slimmer, more comfortable |
| Weight (Steel + Strap) | ~80 g | 76 g | Noticeably lighter |
| Case Materials | Stainless steel | Stainless steel / Titanium | Premium options |
| Display | 1.5-inch AMOLED | 1.5-inch AMOLED | Brighter, sapphire lens |
| Heart Rate Sensor | 1 LED cluster, 2 receivers | 6 LEDs, 4 receivers | Improved accuracy |
Design and Comfort
The Race 2 keeps the sleek, minimal look Suunto is known for. I wore the stainless steel model on a 165 mm wrist, and it never felt bulky, even on long runs.
The slimmer 12.5 mm profile and 76 g weight make a noticeable difference—this watch disappears on your wrist instead of feeling like a gadget.
The bands are easy to swap, and the color options are surprisingly bold without feeling gimmicky.
The matte black finish gives it a professional look, while the titanium model adds a premium touch for serious athletes.
Display, UI, and Everyday Usability
One of my favorite upgrades is the display. The 1.5-inch AMOLED screen is bright enough to read clearly in blazing sun, and the sapphire lens resists scratches while keeping reflections low.
Touchscreen controls are smooth, but the tactile side buttons and smaller digital crown make navigation easy without looking.
The UI is fast and responsive thanks to the new MCU processor. I could scroll through maps, activity stats, and widgets without lag—something that mattered during intense interval runs or trail hikes.
Widgets and Features You’ll Actually Use:
- Heart rate and blood oxygen tracking
- Activity logs and weekly progress graphs
- Sleep tracking and body resource score
- Sunrise/sunset times, weather, altimeter/barometer
Training and GPS Performance
This is where the Race 2 really shines for runners, hikers, and triathletes.
I tested GPS on urban runs and dense forest trails—distance and route shapes matched closely with Garmin Venue X1 and Coros watches. Dual-frequency GPS means better accuracy in tricky environments.
Heart rate readings are impressively close to ECG data after the first few minutes of exercise. Early-stage readings can slightly overestimate, but overall, it’s a big step up from Race 1.
Activity profiles encompass a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, roller skating, and parkour, with fully customizable data screens.
I personally set mine for distance, pace, heart rate, and splits—cycling through them during a run was intuitive.
Navigation and Maps
The Race 2 keeps full mapping capabilities, displaying roads, trails, and water bodies in detail. Zooming with the crown is smooth, and maps are responsive—almost smartphone-like.
Limitations:
- No map labels or POIs by default
- On-watch route creation isn’t possible
- Offline music and NFC payments are missing
This is a sports-focused watch, not a full smartwatch. It’s designed for training and navigation, not daily conveniences.
Battery Life
Battery life is similar to Race 1 with minor improvements:
- Smartwatch mode: A few extra days on a full charge.
- GPS mode: About 5 extra hours at highest accuracy ratings, totaling roughly 55 hours of GPS tracking per charge.
This battery performance makes the Race 2 a solid choice for ultrarunners or multi-day outdoor adventures.
Who Should Consider the Suunto Race 2?
Perfect for:
- Runners, ultrarunners, and triathletes who prioritize performance and accuracy
- Hikers and outdoor athletes need durable, bright displays and reliable GPS
- Users who want a lean, comfortable watch for long workouts
Not ideal for:
- People who want offline music or phone call capabilities
- Users relying on NFC payments or full smartwatch features
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Slimmer, lighter, and more comfortable than Race 1
- Bright AMOLED screen with sapphire lens
- Accurate GPS and improved heart rate sensor
- Wide range of customizable activity profiles
- Long battery life for multi-day adventures
Cons:
- Lacks offline music, NFC, or palm-to-sleep gesture
- Maps lack labels and built-in POIs
- Higher price than the original Race 1
Final Verdict
The Suunto Race 2 is a focused, high-performance sports watch. It’s perfect for runners, hikers, and triathletes who value accuracy, battery life, and a lightweight, durable design.
It won’t replace your phone or serve as a full smartwatch—but that’s exactly the point.
If you want a serious sports companion rather than daily smartwatch bells and whistles, the Race 2 is worth a hard look.
Want to grab one?
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