SV1 => SV2: first impressions

jakubdr

My local Suunto dealer offers Trade In, so I decided to trade my Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar for Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium Sage. I always had MIP watches (apart from short period with Apple Watch), my sports are mostly running and weight training, and for cycling I have a bike computer, so no issues for me there. First impressions after one day of usage with one run (and connected HR arm band):

the feel much lighter due to updated design, the don’t move on the hand as much as SV1 did, the strap is also much better (flexible and light) and I don’t feel the need to switch to nylon like I did with SV1
the buttons are a bit “wobbly”, on SV1 they felt much sturdier, on SV2 they have kind of plasticky feel to it, I will get used to it but sturdy buttons made the SV1 feel like a tank that can withstand anything, so a bit of a disappointment here
Display: I will have to get used to the fact that the gesture must really be done in a deliberate way, on MIP I could see the everything even with more subtle movement. But this concerns me only in day to day usage, I will probably switch to AOD or get used to it. During my run it was not an issue because there the gesture is deliberate anyway. It is much more readable than SV1, the “turn on” delay is basically nonexistent, so during my run everything was working great and happy to have much more readable display.
Battery life. When I started my run, SV2 showed 80 hours in Performance mode with HR arm band connected. After my run ended (no map screen, just basic running stats) I lost 2% of battery (in 1h 15 minutes), so I guess the advertised 60h is feasible. On the other hand I looked at my watch only couple of times, so the screen was not on that long. I am a bit concerned how it will look like with map screen on for multiple hours. Something I will test soon (have a 50 mile race coming up in 2 weeks).
Fluidity and smoothness of the UI. While SV1 was quite smooth after all the updates, the SV2 takes it to another level. The videos don’t do it justice, the interface is buttery smooth. Think “apple-like” smooth. Loving it.
Sleep detection: so far SV2 detected with perfect precision my afternoon nap down to a minute. Can’t comment on night sleep because I was quite restless. Will check later, however this is not a priority for me. I am just curious if it was improved (on SV1 it was garbage).
HRV: same as on SV1.

Why I upgraded? I see SV2 as a basis for new platform and updates due to faster and better HW and wanted to Trade In my SV1 while it had some value. Also I noticed that AMOLED screen is better for my eyes. And I have a birthday coming up in coule of weeks

So to sum it up: it is not a jaw dropping update but from my perspective (data and tech geek who is looking forward to what Suunto can do with more powerful HW) it was worth it.

Josaiplu

@jakubdr Thanks for your feedback, should receive mine today (keep fingers crossed looking at DHL) a bit worried with the button feedback that I read from other users, hope it will not bother me too much and glad to read that your “migration” from beloved MIP to Amoled goes nice, I really want to love this watch

kriskus

@jakubdr Can you tell more about the trade-in deal? It sounds intriguing. How much is the discount? And where are you located?

jakubdr

@kriskus It is a local dealer in Czech Republic, and it was quite “punk”, the guys called the owner how much would he pay for 2.5 years old SV1, he said that either I could sell it through them in commission sale, or sell it directly to them. To be honest I thought I would get more but it was hassle-free, so I decided to take their offer - it was 30 % of the SV2 price (Czech prices are about the same as on official Suunto website).

2b2bff

@jakubdr that’s the way. Great dealer

Audaxjoe

I must admit to being tempted by the V2. I do cycle quite a bit and have a wahoo but normally just use the watch. But various people are saying with AOD the display is very readable I’m all conditions.

My V1 is two years old and all the buttons feel like it has just come out the box. It the fact I like the V1 so much what is holding me back from buying the V2.

Thank you for the feedback. It is most helpful.

wmichi

The buttons on my SV2 feel rock solid, just like the buttons on my SV1. I have already sold it, so I cannot compare them directly. The SV2 is a lot more comfortable thanks to the new design. Great watch!

My SV1 was two years old and looked like new. Awesome build quality!