Suunto Ambit3 Peakchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Multiple reviewers explicitly want vibration alerts, noting older Garmin watches had this feature while the Ambit3 lacks it entirely.

@calebe16

thumbs up for:\nBluetooth & Ant+ (this is a MUST, and one of the biggest reasons I don't just buy this watch without thinking about)\nVibrating alert!!\nOption of seting more them 3 fields.\n\n\nAbout the screen, I don't like the fenix too much because of the colorfull. It seems a bit strange and it's also big.\nAnd Optical sensors aren't so confy as chest sensors, so while they don't have a reliable optical sensor, I would like to have the option of using chest sensors\n\nJust telling another point of view.\n\nThank you for the video by the way.launch

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January 21, 2016

@trailzrock2

I bought the Garmin fenix 3 over the Suunto Ambit 3 for a few reasons. Main ones are: 1) you can't change the data screens on the Ambit 3 from the watch itself. You need to do it while connected to a computer. That's pretty crappy. 2) I have too many Ant+ sensors to quit cold turkey and get on the Bluetooth wagon. Were the Ambit 3 both ant+ and Bluetooth compatible I may have been a little more compelled, but even then I couldn't have looked past not being able to change my data fields from the watch itself. 3) the Ambit 3 has no vibration alert capability. My old Garmin forerunner 310xt had it. Come on Suunto.launch

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March 31, 2015

@JeffSGregg

Great review. I have the Ambit3 and think this is pretty spot on. My big wants are vibrating alerts and better software online.launch

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March 4, 2015

@Porsche9284ever

Totally agree with everything you mentioned about the Suunto Ambit3, especially the missing vibration feature. Great review, Ethan!launch

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February 14, 2015

Individual users note the absence of a step counter, no live tracking via the app, and inability to use navigation during an activity on some models.

@proudpakistani6466

I got the ambit 3 peak and there is no step counter on this model. I have not done a firmware update on this. Anyone noticed this?launch

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March 27, 2018

@rhambrick30

Got the Ambit 3 Peak last week on a SMOKIN deal, and just picked up stages POWER.  it handles cadence and power, and the ambit does the rest.  Goodbye Garmin and your sub par devices.  but Suunto does need to add live tracking via the app.  Great review!launch

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August 10, 2015

@JakeVeliz

I have the ambit3 sport black and I love it! Only wish is that you could use the navigation on it during an activity.launch

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February 14, 2015

Several users report the chest HRM strap giving inaccurate readings after only weeks of use, with one switching to a Polar strap instead. Another had a battery/software dispute over strap failure after 9 months.

@mdekool

I agree the Ambit 3 Peak is very nice watch, but I would like to warn potential buyers about the accompanying Suunto HRM strap. Do your own research, but many people including myself are experiencing failures (very wrong heart rate readings) after only a few weeks of use. I gave up and switched to using a Polar H7 HRM with the Suunto watch, which so far appears to work much better than the Suunto HRM ever did (much more instantaneous response to small effort changes, and accurate to the level I can determine by comparing with manual pulse measurements).launch

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January 22, 2018

@bleubykey

Last March, I bought myself a Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR watch instead of a Garmin. After 9 months of use, I encountered a problem with my heart rate information. I called \"L'Atelier du 17ème à Paris\" to tell them the heart rate values were incorrect. After discussion, they suggested I send my watch + smart sensor to their service center. For them it's not a battery problem but rather a \"software\" problem. A few days later, I received a quote asking me to pay for the diagnosis, because the watch and belt show no malfunction. The only problem encountered comes from the battery which is discharged, empty. I therefore question the lifespan of a smart sensor belt that for me only worked for 160 hours of activity, whereas the smart sensor data sheet indicates 500 hours. In the meantime, SUUNTO returned only the watch to me, and the belt is still held hostage at their service center. My only way to get it back is to pay the sum of 44.90€ which concerns the SAV analysis. It is unacceptable on their part (to tell me that battery replacement is not covered by warranty, why not), but to make me pay for the analysis I find it unacceptable. I therefore do not recommend this brand which despite the 389€ spent still asks you for money by using questionable means.launch

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December 11, 2017

One user describes a five-week, eight-email ordeal with unresponsive support, while another had a costly, frustrating battery dispute with Suunto's service center.

@bleubykey

Last March, I bought myself a Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR watch instead of a Garmin. After 9 months of use, I encountered a problem with my heart rate information. I called \"L'Atelier du 17ème à Paris\" to tell them the heart rate values were incorrect. After discussion, they suggested I send my watch + smart sensor to their service center. For them it's not a battery problem but rather a \"software\" problem. A few days later, I received a quote asking me to pay for the diagnosis, because the watch and belt show no malfunction. The only problem encountered comes from the battery which is discharged, empty. I therefore question the lifespan of a smart sensor belt that for me only worked for 160 hours of activity, whereas the smart sensor data sheet indicates 500 hours. In the meantime, SUUNTO returned only the watch to me, and the belt is still held hostage at their service center. My only way to get it back is to pay the sum of 44.90€ which concerns the SAV analysis. It is unacceptable on their part (to tell me that battery replacement is not covered by warranty, why not), but to make me pay for the analysis I find it unacceptable. I therefore do not recommend this brand which despite the 389€ spent still asks you for money by using questionable means.launch

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December 11, 2017

@fgorr

BEWARE -Suunto customer service is VERY BAD. If you end up having any issues you are going to be in a very bad experience dealing with them. I know becasue I've had a very small issue and five weeks and eight emails latter they still are giving me the run around. Usually, when you buy high end gear you get good service but that clearly is not the case with Suunto.launch

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February 28, 2017

Users note that data fields can only be reconfigured via computer connection, not directly on the watch itself, seen as a notable inconvenience versus competitors.

@trailzrock2

I bought the Garmin fenix 3 over the Suunto Ambit 3 for a few reasons. Main ones are: 1) you can't change the data screens on the Ambit 3 from the watch itself. You need to do it while connected to a computer. That's pretty crappy. 2) I have too many Ant+ sensors to quit cold turkey and get on the Bluetooth wagon. Were the Ambit 3 both ant+ and Bluetooth compatible I may have been a little more compelled, but even then I couldn't have looked past not being able to change my data fields from the watch itself. 3) the Ambit 3 has no vibration alert capability. My old Garmin forerunner 310xt had it. Come on Suunto.launch

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March 31, 2015

@waffjiggi1854

I realy do t see that big of an update for me to want to upgrade to an ambit3 from my ambit2 sapphire ... Kinda seems like a wast of money at this point ... And have to buy all new comparable monitors ... Dumb... Looks like this is a way for sunnto to generate more income then loyalty to the customers .... I agree there should be a mint LCD screen on the next one were you could see a topicgaphical map with the dot of you on it that would be cool then pumping out a 12 diget grid ... Any ways thanks for the vidlaunch

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March 25, 2015

Some users found the watch hard to learn and operate, with one comparing the learning curve to switching operating systems, and another struggling to read the display and locate sensor pairing options.

@carlosgemballa

This watch is awsome period, but a little bit hard to learn all configurations … kinda Linux(Suunto) x windows ( garmin)launch

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June 17, 2021

@christianwestergaard7306

I do not like the Ambit 3 Peak HR, its not logical to operate and its difficult to read the display. Just to find the POD for the speed sensor its a hard work.\nGet Support, well its pretty complicated as well.\nI will not buy a Sunto again:(launch

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March 11, 2015

One buyer reported a unit with no button sounds, lap notifications, or alarms, while another had persistent syncing failures with the app despite pairing successfully.

@cschrama100

I have it paired , but it still says sync your moves, 93% memory used, I use the app but is does not sync the latest move. Any suggestions?launch

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July 3, 2022

@artieshokin

Be careful. some of ambit3 cannot produce any sound:\n- No buttons sound\n- No lap notification\n- No alarm sound\n- nothing\n\nif you bought such a delight on ebay or craigslist, like me, you screwed.\n\nthere are number of people who complained about it. Hope suunto support will help...launch

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September 23, 2016

A long-term owner reports needing a replacement strap roughly every 12 months at around $100 each, adding significant cost over time.

@johncashman7480

Ambit 3 sport user for about 4 years and the only complaint has been the quality of the strap. The same strap as the peak. Only lasts around 12 months. I am now on my 3rd strap at around $100 a strap another 2 straps and I will have paid out what it cost for the watch.launch

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November 16, 2018