I can add my two cents.
Race 2 Titanium arrived today. I used it for test (can return within 90 days in my online shop, if no traces of use.
I tested it with my Race 1 strap. Watch less bounce on hand, probably becouse its just a little bit lighter (5g?) and smaller, also watch lugs are different + HR sensor is more flat?
Its not perfect, but very comfortable (probably most people will say its great). If You liked normal Race on Your hand -> You gonna love Race 2.
System is faster, but it already was fast enough in Race1 after many updates. People said crown is taken from Race S. I can’t confirm but its different than in Race 1. Iam not sure if i like it. It got different vibrate and feeling, more sliding, Race crown stop after every rotate. I used Race + Suunto Chest strap, which was very good combo. I tested Race 2 without HR strap and my average HR after 1h was like same as in last runs with Chest strap. I had identical calories burn also. Iam new in running world so can’t say statistics, but seems like got same results like with HR chest strap. I would say its perfect, but I need more tests to confirm that. I get used to chest strap, but i felt so good without it today. In my race 1(and vertical before) I had funny drops from 170~ HR to 40 “just-like-that”. It was annyoing and forced me to get chest strap.
Black design of Titanium is perfect, I wonder how scratches will shown over time. Race 1 is scratch-free visible becouse of its build. Race 2 Ti makes great combo with Race 1 charcoal strap (changed silver buckle & pin from different suunto original strap to make it darker) would add a photo but right now charging it, downloading maps from new charger! Its great, but honsetly i never had problem with it. I just make sure its charging and back after like 1.5h to plug off. Also new watchface is fantastic!
I decided to keep Race 2, my race 1 is already on sale, so price of Race 2 wont hurt that much. In my country after exchange its 714$ (exactly same price on official suunto.com after exchange). But in my country online shop i had also discount code so finally paid 642$. I’ll maybe get half of that money for Race Ti.
If You have Race 1 and chest strap, You can stay with that.
If You’re new Suunto user, You could consider Race 2. If You’re tech-guy like new technology & sport, go for Race 2.
Race 1 updates changed many things over time. Iam interested what will happen to Race 2.
