Different Steps S5 and S9

[ChrisA]

I am in the process of deciding which Suunto to take. I used a S9 BARO for three weeks and was very satisfied! Alas, I really only used the features, that the Suunto 5 offers too and so I ordered one to try if it would suit my needs. Comparing two Nordic Walking trainings (same Route) the step count / calories show big differences!

First Suunto 5

Same on Suunto 9B

Is this calibrating itself by GPS usage? Anything I could do? Also HR still fluctuates and seems too high…

Cheers
Christian

[inkognito]

@ChrisA I’m afraid the step counter on your wrist will always have a problem when you walk with poles. S9 is definitely underestimating it, but S5 probably slightly overestimates the step count, right? Both are probably using different algorithms for counting and both deal with considerable non-standard hand motions (caused by the poles) differently. The only way to make this better is probably to buy some foot pod.

And similar thing is valid for the optical HR measured from your wrist that is moving a lot. You can try to place your watch higher to your forearm, but I’m not sure if that’s going to work. For precise HR readings you might probably need to buy an external HR sensor.

[ChrisA]

@inkognito For me it’s ok if it’s not 100 % precise but gives me a rough overview about activity at that day, but while 3700 steps from the S9 for 3 km seems to be reasonable, 8700 from the Suunto 5 do not at all. Since both watches share a common operating system I wonder why there is such a difference…?

Cheers
Christian

[Dimitrios Kanellopoulos]

S5 has a better step engine

[ChrisA]

@Dimitrios-Kanellopoulos Thanks for the info! I guess @inkognito is right when he‘s assuming that the Nordic Walking poles disturb the step count. Did a 3.85 km Test Walk without poles and got roughly 5000 steps which seems fairly accurate (0,77 cm per step)!
Cheers Christian

[Dimitrios Kanellopoulos]

@ChrisA Regarding the Calories I see a difference in HR that should be the case.

The S5 regarding steps:

The S3/S5 as they are targeted to a more “fitness oriented” consumer have improved step counting algos, called “context engine”

[ChrisA]

@Dimitrios-Kanellopoulos Thanks, yes the S5 really seem to suit my needs. I really like it and all values seem to be very close to what I got from the S9B. I did the Nordic Walking on very hard underground without the rubber on the poles, what created a lot of vibration in the poles, which might have also generated a lot of disturbances. Will try with softer ground / rubbers while on street and see how it works. But Suunto really got me! I really like Suuntos interface and the reliability of the watches. Coming from a Polar Vantage, I am really satisfied with both the S5 and the S9B, but I tend to keep the S5 since I am not the Ultrarunner or mountain trail runner and therefore I do not really need all that extra features the S9B offers. Also a big Thank You for moderating that Forums in such a great way!
Cheers Christian