Details
Brand
Suunto
Model
M5
Battery Life
12 months
Use
Tracking
Latest Version
Yes
Key Features
• Heart rate monitoring• Customizable training plans• Guidance throughout workout• Motivational messages• Recovery recommendations• Comfortable heart rate monitor strap• Additional PODs for purchase• Calorie monitoring
Comfort
The Suunto M5 has both the watch and the heart rate band to consider when looking at comfort. However, the good news is that reviewers feel that both pieces are comfortable. With the watch weighing 1.41 ounces and measuring 1.72 x 1.72 x 0.51,” users can feel like they have comfortable, breathable device that moves with them. The lightweight device has a band that is flexible so the user can partake in all types of activities without feeling like they are being pulled down. Some reviewers had an issue with the watch when it got wet, as the device tightened a bit, but overall this did not affect the level of comfort too much.
Size
s;The Suunto M5 comes in one size and adjusts to accommodate many wrist sizes. With a length of approximately 3.15,” the band is very accommodating. While the watch is overall very sleek in design, some felt that the face stuck out a bit from the wrist, causing it to hit on things more frequently. Overall, the sizing on the Suunto M5 is appropriate.
Accessories
The Suunto M5 has various PODs available for purchase, including a bike POD, Foot POD, GPS POD, and more. Suunto also gives the user the ability to purchase additional heart rate monitor bands and Movestick Minis.
Style
The Suunto M5 as a heart rate monitor is still a sleek piece of technology. The simple black watch looks much like a typical watch that is not a fitness device, and comes with a few simple or bold face color choices. With an elastomer band that is also black, the watch is comfortable, yet stylish. Users felt that they could wear the watch all day both in and out of the gym, as the style was still multifunctional. While simple, the watch still presents in a stylish manner.
Activities
The Suunto M5 will guide the user through training programs for multisports. The device comes with the option to choose between three pre-set programs for weight, fitness and free training. Set up to guide the wearer through their goals, the Suunto M5 works well though during most activities like running, biking or working out at the gym.
Basic Features
The Suunto M5 will guide the user through training programs for multisports. The device comes with the option to choose between three pre-set programs for weight, fitness and free training. Set up to guide the wearer through their goals, the Suunto M5 works well though during most activities like running, biking or working out at the gym.
Advanced Features
The Suunto M5 offers a lot of advanced features that take this heart rate monitor to the next level. With customized training plans, the user can feel comfortable setting up a plan that works well for them. The watch is set up to adapt automatically the chosen exercise program so that the intensity of the workouts begin to increase. Throughout the actual workout itself, the watch will provide motivation and guidance to get the user through high intensity moments. Following the workout, the watch will make recommendations related to recovery time. Adding in a POD for running or biking will provide additional data as well, including metrics related to speed, duration and distance. While reviewers were pleased with the different training options, some felt there was little functionality outside of training modes and wanted more options.
Connectivity
The Suunto M5 uses the included Movestick Mini to connect wirelessly with the PC that has the movestick. Once the Movestick is put into the computer and the software is quickly installed, the watch will connect wirelessly and upload all previous workout data. The PODs also connect easily and wirelessly once they are connected successfully, passing data to the computer and in turn Movescount.com.
Ease of Use
The Suunto M5 is relatively easy to use heart rate monitor. Training plans and exercise data are easy to access and reference when needed. These training plans are set up to be as simple as possible once set up. Reviewers did have an issue that they could not customize the display on the face of the watch and that there were not audible alerts for the wearer. They also felt that the menu functionality was lacking a bit as there was no way to exit the menu easily. Reviewers did appreciate that they did not have to wear the heart rate band for every workout, and that the data could be entered if the band was not worn. While Suunto is not known for its simplicity when it comes to devices, they have taken some steps to simplify the M5 a bit.
Power Source
The Suunto M5 uses a standard watch battery, which works well for the device as it does not have as many features as a GPS watch to consume battery life regularly. Reviewers appreciated the ability to replace the battery when needed with a normal watch battery.
Accuracy
The Suunto M5 comes with a heart rate monitor band to wear to accurately measure heart rate. Rather than attempting to get the heart rate from the wrist as some other devices do, this is a much more effective way to monitor heart rate and see if change throughout intense workouts. Since the watch doesn’t monitor distance or speed without a POD that is not a factor. However if you intend on purchasing a POD for these additional metrics, note that the PODs are not as accurate as other GPS models on the market.
Face
The Suunto M5 has a face that uses acrylic and composite to make up the 1.72 x1.72” circular area. The display is clear on a large face that reviewers felt was easy to read. However, some reviewers had an issue with how dark the display is and felt like there needed to be better lighting. Some reviewers also had an issue with scratching that occurred on the face of the watch.
Band
The Suunto M5 has an adjustable band that is made of elastomer material. Sized at approximately 0.91 x 3.15,” the band fits most wrist sizes and adjusts to accommodate smaller wrists as well. Users appreciated the breathability that the band provided with its Swiss cheese design as the holes allow air to pass through. Overall, reviewers felt that the band was comfortable, however some thought that when it got wet, it tightened a little.
Apps
The Suunto M5 is not connected to an app at this time. However Suunto has its own website, Movescount.com, that acts like an app in that it houses all data and analyzes each workout for the user. While Suunto has an iPhone app, it does not appear that the data from the M5 and the heart rate monitor band is able to go into the app at this time. However, once data is in Movescount.com it can be pushed into Strava.
Durability
The Suunto M5 uses materials that are typically high quality, including acrylic, composite and elastomer. There are mixed reviews however when it comes to the durability of the device. Some reviewers felt that the watch held up under a decent amount of wear and tear without any issues, while others felt that the face showed itself with scratches that appeared only after a few wears. Depending on the type of training that will be done, it might be something to look into more.
Price
The Suunto M5 is available for around $150. With other fitness watches on the market for less and more, the cost could be appropriate depending on what features are necessary. If heart rate is a large part of the purchasing factors, the Suunto M5 could be a good option and comparable with other devices that would need to purchase the heart rate monitor band that the M5 comes with. However, if other metrics are important, the cost may be too much once you start purchasing the additional PODs.
Bottom Line
Suunto has taken heart rate monitors to the next level with its customized training plans and motivational guidance to help users achieve peak performance. The sleek design coupled with the low weight, make this a comfortable option for users looking for a watch to wear in and out of the gym. By wearing the watch with the heart rate monitor band, the user gets accurate data on heart rate levels so the intensity of the workouts can be adjusted for better capacity. Fitness enthusiasts appreciate the data analysis on the changes in heart rate, intensity and calories. Suunto takes it a step further by offering additional PODs for purchase with the watch to monitor other items, like speed and distance when running and biking. While the heart rate monitor accuracy is well above average, some of the data that comes in through the PODs is not as accurate as other watches on the market. So looking at the Suunto M5, the potential purchaser needs to really know what data is most important. If it is simply monitoring heart rate, then this is the watch. However, if more data is needed, this might not be the best purchase. Finding a GPS watch or other fitness device that pairs with a heart rate monitor band could potentially be a better option. Again, it comes down to goals that the purchaser wants to achieve with the device. At a price point of $200, it is in line with other models and device types on the market.
