Suunto Ambit 3 Vertical vs Peak - What Is The Difference?
Suunto are one of the best when it comes to GPS sports watches and they are always upping their game.
With the release of the Ambit3 series you now have quite a few different models to choose from and some of them are so similar it’s hard to know which to buy.
So, in this quick but detailed comparison I will show you the big differences between the Ambit3 Vertical and Peak. Also, why they matter and who should buy which one.
But first, a detailed comparison the specs to give you an overview…
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The Differences Between The Ambit3 Vertical & Peak
The Ambit3 Vertical was designed to slide in between the Ambit3 Peak and the Sport. So, you would expect there to be less features and some differences.
In reality, there are pros and cons to both watches and you have to decide. Below I will go over the biggest differences, and then show you what features are shared.
The Battery Life
The Peak has double the battery life of the Vertical.
What does that mean for you?
If you intend to do long sessions (more than 10-12 hrs for example) with the Vertical it may require recharging. You can carry a charger with you, but the Peak will last you way longer, so people who do longer events might want to be sure their watch can last.
Winner: PEAK
GPS & Watch Size/Shape
It seems to put these in the same paragraph, but it will make sense when I explain.
The Peak had a huge GPS sensor below the screen. (You can see it in the second image.) It’s that big piece of plastic, instead of the strap starting right below the screen.
A lot of people found this quite uncomfortable. But, Suunto said it made the GPS a lot more responsive. Which it was. Tech is always a compromise I find.
With the introduction of the Vertical, they have not only done away with that ugly and annoying bump on the strap, they have also added GLONLASS (the Russian equivalent of GPS) which means you have access to more data and satellites. Always a good thing.
WINNER: Vertical (But the GPS tracking and responsiveness is great on both)
Weather Alerts
This is one area where the Vertical is missing quite a few features.
The Ambit3 Peak has all the the following which the Vertical does not:
- Storm Alert
- Weather Trends
- Air Pressure
- Sunrise/Sunset
So, in essence, it is a great watch for keeping track of what is going on with the weather. Something people who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the mountains will appreciate. Getting caught in a storm in the Rockies, the Alps (I live in Switzerland) or any other mountain range is not fun. This will help a lot.
WINNER: Peak
Vibration Alerts
This is feature most people won’t care to miss, but, it ONLY comes on the Vertical.
Vibration alerts help you by giving small vibrations when you reach certain milestones or conditions. It can be very helpful when training to be alerted to each mile that you pass for example.
WINNER: Vertical
Style & Color Choices
Both the Peak and Vertical are quite similar, but there are some color/style differences.
The Vertical comes in a Black Blue, White & Lime.
The Peak Comes in Black or Blue, with the option for Sapphire glass and a metal colored bezel instead of black (with the rest black).
You can see all the options in the images below.
Suunto Ambit3 Vertical
Suunto Ambit3 Peak
Shared Features
I am not going to cover both these watches in detail, because you have probably already done your research.
However, both watches are a great GPS sports watch with epic functions and phone connectivity including:
- Combined Altimeter (GPS and Barometer) – superior over many watches
- Digital Compass, Route Tracking, Alititude display and tracking
- Phone connectivity for tracking and other features
- Heart rate monitor optional with strap (also works underwater)
- Water Resistance to 100m (so great for swimming / triathlon etc)
Which Is The Perfect Suunto For You?
It’s a pretty close call between the Ambit 3 Vertical and Peak. I struggled to choose my Peak, I can tell you!
I think it comes down to this:
If you need a longer battery life and or the awesome weather features, the Peak is the way to go.
If you want to save a little cash, or like the sounds of the vibration notifications (and don’t need the longer battery life) the Vertical is a better bet.
