Are you in the market for a top-notch GPS watch to track your activities? Look no further than the Suunto 9 and Garmin 94These two premium watches offer cutting-edge features and sleek designs that cater to your active lifestyle.
While both are impressive in their own right, there are some notable differences between them.
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of sports watches and compare the Suunto 9 versus the Garmin 945 to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for you.
Let’s take a closer look at some key points to consider when comparing these two models:
- Design: The Suunto 9 boasts a rugged and durable design, while the Garmin 945 offers a more lightweight and streamlined design.
- Battery Life: With an outstanding battery life of up to 120 hours in GPS mode, the Suunto 9 outshines the Garmin 945’s maximum of 36 hours.
- Activity Tracking: Both watches feature advanced activity tracking capabilities such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and step counting.
- Navigation: The Suunto 9 comes equipped with built-in navigation and maps, while the Garmin 945 relies on a connection to your phone for navigation.
- Price: For those on a budget, the slightly more affordable Suunto 9 may be a better option compared to the Garmin 945.
Now that we’ve covered some key differences between these two sports watches, let’s dive deeper into their features and performance. Keep reading as we break down each aspect to determine which one reigns supreme.
Table of Contents
Suunto 9 VS Garmin 945: Design and Display
The Suunto 9 and Garmin 945 are two of the most sought-after outdoor smartwatches, highly favored by triathletes for their exceptional features. These watches boast advanced GPS tracking, sports modes, fitness features, and sensors, making them ideal for monitoring various training activities and races.
However, when it comes to design and display, there are some notable differences to consider.
Design:
Known for its ruggedness, the Suunto 9 is built tough to withstand extreme outdoor conditions. With a stainless steel bezel and Sapphire crystal glass, this watch is highly durable. On the other hand, the Garmin 945 has a sleeker and more stylish appearance with a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel and Gorilla Glass DX screen.
While both watches are water-resistant, the Suunto 9 has a higher rating of up to 100 meters compared to the Garmin 945’s 50 meters.
Display:
In terms of display, the Suunto 9 takes the lead with its larger screen size of 1.97 inches compared to the Garmin 945’s 1.2 inches. This makes it easier to read under direct sunlight, but the Garmin 945 has a higher pixel density for better clarity.
Moreover, both watches feature color displays, making it effortless to read maps and graphs.
Which one is better suited for a triathlete?
Both watches have their strengths and weaknesses; however, for triathletes specifically, the Garmin Forerunner 945 may be more suitable. It comes equipped with advanced health tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, performance analysis, Pulse OX sensor for monitoring blood oxygen saturation levels, and specialized features for women’s health.
These features can be especially beneficial for triathletes looking to track their overall health and training progress.
Suunto 9 VS Garmin 945: Battery Life
When it comes to high-end outdoor smartwatches, the Suunto 9 and Garmin 945 are two top contenders with impressive battery life. However, there are some important distinctions between the two, particularly in terms of battery life.
| Mode | Suunto 9 | Garmin 945 |
| Smartwatch | Lasts Up to 7 Days | Lasts Up to 2 Weeks |
| GPS | Lasts Up to 25 Hours | Lasts Up to 36 Hours |
In smartwatch mode, the Garmin 945 boasts a longer battery life of up to 2 weeks compared to the Suunto 9’s 7 days. This makes it a more convenient option for everyday use as it can go longer without needing a recharge.
However, for GPS mode, the Garmin 945 still outlasts the Suunto 9 with a battery life of up to 36 hours compared to 25 hours. This is especially crucial for athletes who rely on GPS tracking during their outdoor activities. With the Garmin watch, they can go longer without worrying about their watch dying.
It’s also worth mentioning that both watches come with premium designs and features, resulting in higher price points. The non-LTE version of the Garmin Forerunner 945 costs $599 while the Suunto 9 starts at $41If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Suunto 9 may be the better choice.
In terms of health tracking capabilities, the Garmin Forerunner 945 offers more advanced features like blood oxygen saturation monitoring and menstrual cycle tracking. As for outdoor activities, both watches have a similar range of over 80 sports modes. However, the Garmin Forerunner 945 has an edge with its superior GPS technology that includes color mapping and live track features.
Ultimately, the decision between the Suunto 9 and Garmin 945 comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. If you prioritize longer battery life, the Garmin watch may be the better option.
Suunto 9 VS Garmin 945: Price
When it comes to outdoor smartwatches, the Suunto 9 and Garmin 945 are top-of-the-line options. These two watches are popular choices among triathlon athletes due to their similar features. However, there is one notable difference between the two – their price.
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is the more expensive option, with a retail price ranging from $599 to $649 depending on the variant. On the other hand, the Suunto 9 has three variants with varying prices, ranging from $419 to $729. This makes the Suunto 9 a more budget-friendly option for triathlon athletes.
But how does this price difference affect their overall value? Well, that ultimately depends on what features are most important to each individual athlete. The Garmin Forerunner 945 boasts some advanced health tracking capabilities such as monitoring blood oxygen saturation, tracking menstrual cycles, and nutrition monitoring. These features may be beneficial for some athletes, but they come at a higher cost.
On the other hand, the Suunto 9 may not have these advanced health tracking features, but it focuses more on outdoor capabilities and durability. With a rugged design and water-resistant up to 100 meters, this watch is suitable for various outdoor activities. Additionally, the Suunto 9 has a larger display and longer battery life in smartwatch mode compared to the Garmin Forerunner 945.
| Feature | Suunto 9 | Garmin 945 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Ranges from $419 to $729 | Ranges from $599 to $649 |
| Design | Rugged with a stainless steel bezel and Sapphire crystal glass | Sleek with a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel and Gorilla Glass DX screen |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch mode) | Up to 7 days | Up to 2 weeks |
| Battery Life (GPS mode) | Up to 25 hours | Up to 36 hours |
| Display size | Larger (50 x 50 x 16.8 mm) | Smaller (1.2 inches) but higher pixel density |
Suunto 9 VS Garmin 945: Activity Tracking
When it comes to activity tracking for athletes, the Suunto 9 and Garmin 945 are two top contenders. However, there are key distinctions between these two watches that set them apart. These include battery life, display and user interface, sports modes, heart rate monitoring, training and recovery features, navigation capabilities, and smartwatch features.
| Features | Suunto 9 | Garmin 945 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 120 hours in GPS mode | 36 hours in GPS mode |
| Display and User Interface | Larger, more vibrant color touch screen with intuitive UI | Smaller, more basic screen with less intuitive UI |
| Sports Modes | Comprehensive range including triathlon, hiking, and skiing modes | Advanced running metrics such as ground contact time and stride length |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Wrist-based optical sensor only | External heart rate monitor compatibility available |
| Training and Recovery Features | Personalized training plans and recovery recommendations based on sleep and activity levels | Similar features but not as personalized or detailed |
| Navigation Capabilities | Built-in topographic maps and route planning capabilities | Relies on phone connection for map data |
| Smartwatch Features | Notifications and music controls only | Garmin Pay for contactless payments available |
Ultimately, when deciding between the Suunto 9 and Garmin 945 for activity tracking, it is crucial to consider your specific needs and priorities. The Suunto 9 may be more suitable for those seeking long battery life, advanced sports modes, and personalized training and recovery features.
On the other hand, the Garmin 945 may be a better fit for individuals interested in advanced running metrics, external heart rate monitor compatibility, and a wider range of smartwatch capabilities.
Suunto 9 VS Garmin 945: Other Features
Aside from the prominent features discussed in the previous section, there are other crucial aspects to take into account when weighing the options between Suunto 9 and Garmin 945 for triathlon purposes. These include battery longevity, mapping and navigation capabilities, heart rate tracking accuracy, water resistance, and multisport functionality. All of these components can significantly affect one’s performance, training regimen, and overall usage satisfaction with the smartwatch.
One of the most significant selling points of both the Suunto 9 and Garmin 945 is their impressive battery life. However, when it comes to long-distance triathlon events that can last up to 17 hours, every minute counts. Here’s where the Suunto 9 takes the lead with its battery-saving modes strategically designed for endurance activities. On the other hand, the Garmin 945’s battery life is slightly shorter but still commendable at a maximum of 14 hours in GPS mode.
When it comes to mapping and navigation, both watches offer comprehensive features that can come in handy during triathlons. However, the Suunto 9 goes a step further by providing offline maps for over 1300 different activities, including swimming, cycling, and running. This added feature can be a game-changer for triathletes who prefer to train and compete in remote or unfamiliar areas.
Heart rate monitoring is crucial for any athlete looking to improve their performance and avoid overexertion. Both watches offer accurate heart rate tracking capabilities, but the Suunto 9 stands out with its wrist-based heart rate monitor that uses Valencell technology. This technology provides real-time data for various activities and can even measure heart rate while swimming underwater.
In terms of water resistance, both watches are rated at 10ATM, making them suitable for swimming and other water sports. However, the Suunto 9 offers advanced pool swim metrics such as stroke rate and distance tracking, making it a better choice for triathletes who also enjoy pool training.
Lastly, the multisport features of both watches allow athletes to seamlessly switch between activities during a triathlon without losing any data. However, the Garmin 945 offers more activity profiles, including skiing, golfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, making it a more versatile option for athletes who enjoy various sports.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that both the Suunto 9 and Garmin 945 are top contenders in the world of GPS watches.
They cater to the needs of athletes, adventurers, and fitness enthusiasts alike with their impressive features and durable designs. However, as with any comparison, there are some notable differences between these two watches.
The Suunto 9 boasts an impressive battery life and excels in outdoor capabilities, while the Garmin 945 offers advanced health tracking features and a wider range of sport modes. Ultimately, your choice between these two watches will depend on your personal preferences and specific needs.
Whether you prioritize longer battery life or advanced health tracking capabilities, rest assured that both the Suunto 9 and Garmin 945 will elevate your athletic performance.
