Race 2 accuracy
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@Brad_Olwin The comparisons I’ve seen on here are usually against the Vertical 1 (which seems to report accurate distances). I’m wondering if you’re not seeing much difference because you’re comparing with the Vertical 2- perhaps this watch uses the same algorithm as the Race 2?
I don’t mind if the distances are a little bit off as nothing is going to be perfect, but if I have my forerunner 265 on one wrist that says 12k and it’s still 11.8k or less on the Suunto, then that will bug me! -
@shamilt1 chiming in with my experience. I’ve written this in another thread but I’ve compared the Race 2 to Garmin 970, Fenix 8, COROS Pace Pro, Pace 4, Apex 4, Suunto Race and Race S, AND a measuring wheel. Many many data points. I also recently picked up the Suunto Vertical 2. All devices including the measuring wheel compare favourably, EXCEPT the Race 2, which measures short by 0.5 to 1.5 % every single time. Given all of these devices have been compared against a measuring wheel, I would say the Race 2 does indeed show shorter distance at the end of runs, with the other devices all being quite true to real distances.
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@Finnjf That sounds pretty conclusive…and it’s interesting that you have had the Vertical 2. Can you confirm the distances recorded on the Vertical 2 showed no shortening of distance and performed as well as your other devices and measuring wheel in this regard?
I have a Race 2 being delivered tomorrow and I’m going to run a 12k at the weekend and wear my Forerunner 265 at the same time for comparison- I’ll post my findings on here afterwards. If after a few runs it is always short, I may return it and get the Vertical 2 instead. -
@shamilt1 correct, the Vertical 2 shows no sign of shortening the distances. It’s just the Race 2. I had some chatter with Suunto help, and it seems they are aware of the issue with the Race 2 (but who knows if or when an update will make any changes to the algorithm).
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@Finnjf After 2 runs with the Vertical 2 I can confirm that while the difference is not that prominant it still is a bit more close to what I’ve known with other watches. And the GPS track looks so freaking good - aligned with where I ran almost in centimeters. This is of course with the weather being sunny these past 2 days. I’ll run tomorrow again with the Race 2 on a nice weather and compare.
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@EzioAuditore said in Race 2 accuracy:
@Finnjf After 2 runs with the Vertical 2 I can confirm that while the difference is not that prominant it still is a bit more close to what I’ve known with other watches. And the GPS track looks so freaking good - aligned with where I ran almost in centimeters. This is of course with the weather being sunny these past 2 days. I’ll run tomorrow again with the Race 2 on a nice weather and compare.
That perfectly matches the behavior I observed with the Race 2 in my tests. For me, the tracks from the Vertical 1 are also cleaner.
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So I got my watch this week, it’s my first Suunto and I have to say I’m impressed with how it looks and performs…but it did slightly under report on distance compared to my Garmin Forerunner 265.
Garmin was 12.07km, Race 2 12.01km, so about .5% less- I noticed it was a bit behind the Garmin when alerting me at each 1km. Strangely at 5km they were about the same, but then by the end there was about 60 meters difference.A few of my first impressions compared to my Garmin.
The Suunto is so easy to use! I can’t make out tiny letters or stats when running so everything is big, bold and colourful- wonderful!
Instant pace seems to be a little quicker updating on the Suunto.
Maps are brilliant, clear and responsive.
Optical heart rate was perfect…the chart after the run was like a mirror image of the Garmin one.
Looking at the GPS tracks post run, they were similar but I’d say on this first run that the Garmin maybe edged it. It’s a tricky route for GPS, canal towpaths and single track roads under tree canopies. The Suunto looked to be a bit more meandering and not quite as reactive on sharp turns…but it was negligible really- both units had me in the canal at some point!
Then obviously there is the small discrepancy with distance.With the distances I run being 15k and under, if it stays around .5% then it’s negligible enough for me to live with it- there’s always the chance it could be improved upon in updates anyway. I’ll have to do another run not following a route to see if it makes any difference for me.
Finally, if I needed any more persuading to get on board with Suunto, the fitness age in the app has me at 34- I’m 56. Flattery will get you everywhere so I’m definitely keeping the Race 2!
Race 2, Forerunner 265, Huawei GT6 Pro.
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@shamilt1 I think the GPS tracks will become better once the watch has ‘settled’ around your preferred run area. At least that’s what I see. The first one, two were good but after that spot on. The distance in my runs has stayed same. Meaning the shorter meters do not increase as the length increases.
Enjoy your watch and may it serve you well. -
@shamilt1 Suunto uses something called FusedSpeed. It uses GPS and your steps to calculate your distance. So it is possible the calculation differs, especially as GPS coverage gets bad…
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Just had my first run with my Race 2 and the new firmware…I think the distance shortening may have been fixed. For the first time it’s recorded the same distance as my other GPS watch. I”ll give it a better test at the weekend
Race 2, Forerunner 265, Huawei GT6 Pro.
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I went for a gravel bike and the distance was same as the edge I have but the gps track was out of this world-superb!
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@shamilt1 I’ll try to check it this afternoon…
