I’ve just finished scoring today’s test run with the Polar Ignite and the Suunto 5. The Suunto 5 briefly, just briefly, took the accuracy crown away from the Ambit 3. HEADS UP: Suunto 5 Review I’ll cover the IGNITE first…it’s easier: I like the Polar Ignite as an overall package aimed at being a “fitness…
My partner either called me ‘cheap’ or a ‘cheap date’, I forget which. It’s definitely true, in the comments from a separate thread, KrisV committed to ‘Supporter’ status on this site in a sort-of-exchange for me producing an update on the current GPS of several Polar devices. I aim to please (KrisV and my partner)…
I’ve been generally ‘satisfied’ with the recent GPS performance of the Garmin Forerunner 945 and with the Polar Vantage V TITAN. In particular, the Vantage V TITAN is significantly better than the original Vantage V compared to when I tested it last year. Whether or not this is due to better GPS firmware updates, or…
I’ve done my GPS ‘test’ on the Apple Watch 4 (44mm Nike Edition). The Apple Watch 4 (AW4) uses GLONASS as well as GPS but let’s call it GPS as no-one knows what GNSS means, except you clever lot reading this 😉 . The even cleverer ones amongst you will point out that the GNSS…
The results of some recent GPS tests were worthy of a post of their own for once. For those of you with Polar and Suunto devices here are some important and provisional findings. It’s been a busy week for things to test. As well, I had some old data to go through. Busy. Busy. What’s…
Here we look at the most important aspects of the accuracy of the Polar Vantage M and the Polar Vantage V. Specifically we look at the performance of the Precision Prime optical HR and of the Sony GPS chip used by both Vantage models across different types of workouts in running, cycling and swimming; although…
I’m having a quiet few weeks (partly) away from the gadgets and away from training to a degree brought on by ‘other’ work, completing tax returns and tapering for my B race. I’ll tell you about the race next week if it goes well in 30c degree heat 😉 The last time I did this…
Some of you have asked for some more ‘best quality’ GPS tracks from the Suunto 9 BARO (non BARO version also available). Please note that my understanding is that Sony+Suunto are tweaking the GPS algorithms. I’m using Firmware v2.1.42 which is likely to be superceded in the released firmware. Some of the following images may,…
The new Suunto 9 BARO (non BARO version also available) showcases Suunto’s new FusedTrack feature. Here’s how it works and it only works for running: GPS positions are sampled infrequently (Endurance Mode 60 secs & Ultra Mode 120 secs). Between those points the Suunto 9’s motion sensor provides inputs to a directional algorithm to joint…
This Detailed Amazfit STRATOS Review shows a product that is awesome and flawed in equal measure. It’s a BUY if the flaws don’t affect you as the price is SUPER LOW for what you get.
A New 2018 Multisport/Tri Watch is revealed, although NOT for the first time. You can buy it now if you know where to look. We look at its GPS accuracy as well as the accuracy of the high-end Garmin Forerunner 645 Music.
Here we are looking at JUST the GPS performance of the sports watch. Not only how it reports distance but also how well it tracks your route. So it could be the worst ever sports watch in terms of user-friendliness, but if it tracks a route well then it scores highly here RESULT(/52) CHIPSET FIRMWARE…
Mobvoi Ticwatch S – GPS Test Results and some first thoughts
I was looking at the new beta firmware for the Fenix 5 and noticed two very highly viewed threads on the garmin.com forum. Those are some serious levels of interest: >50,000 views of ANT+ connectivity issues and >107,000 people further interested in GPS accuracy. Edit: Doesn’t quite match the F3HR altimetry (yet) I would hope…
The Best Cycling Computer is looked at here across a range of types of cyclists and what they need their cycling computers for.
Polar M430 Review – A Detailed Look Polar have delivered a nice upgrade for runners and in this Polar M430 Review we will look at their market-leading optical heart rate sensor and fantastic platform for your sports data. It’s pretty enough for a running watch. It feels good on the wrist. It comes…
Polar have confirmed to me that the M430 running watch has indeed got new innards. Obviously the optical HR gave away the fact that something had changed internally 😉 Well, the GPS chip has also been updated to the same one as used by the V800 (SiRFstar IV) – generally renowned for good GPS accuracy.…
V1.3 – 23rd May 2017 – This is an old version >> – latest version for current month HERE.<< This is my opinion of current & future devices across the GPS running/cycling market. Updates to this will be issued as and when information emerges which may include rumors, although note well that any information provided to me…
OK here is a test from yesterday on my MTB on a trail. I was specifically looking at how optical HR handled a bumpy but flat hardened, mud/grass trail. The vibrations can cause problems for optical HR in general, so that is what I was looking at ie a demanding scenario. The Edge 820 is…
Polar have now officially announced the M430. It’s a smart running watch. It’s an evolution of the M400 – which was a great device in its day. The 2 stand-out changes hardware changes are: It uses the TOP-END Polar optical HR sensor array. What does that mean? A: Awesomeness from the M600; and The sometimes-temperamental USB…
