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The T3 and T4 are very similar products, and it is easier to describe the differences. The T1 looks almost identical but lacks a number of important features. Unless stated, this information applies to both the T3 and T4 models. This is a very flexible system. It comes packaged as a heart rate monitor, but there are add-on components, each sold separately, for running speed and distance, cycling speed and distance, computer communication and soon, GPS data.
At first look and test, this appears as a chance to get into superior Suunto design and quality at a new lower price point. The T1, T3 and T4 all use the same watch body and chest strap. They can be distinguished visually by colors of the band and watch face. They are distinguished primarily by features. The T1 lacks computer communication. The T3 and T4 both allow for downloading completed workout data to the computer, but the downloads do not show a graph; only summary data, including summary data for each lap, is sent down.
The T3 and T4 both support the foot POD module, which clips into the laces of any running shoe and gives you speed and distance, and also enables features in the watch such as autolap. Likewise they support two different types of bike POD to provide speed and distance while cycling. One is a very sleek and light road bike specific model, developed by Mavic, which is built into the front wheel spindle. The other is the universal bike POD that attaches to the fork and can work on any bike. The GPS module is scheduled for release early in 2007, and there is not much information available as yet on that.
The price for the T3 is $150, and $200 for the T4. Given the exceptional design, quality, and form and comfort factors, this is a bargain. These monitors have been well thought out from the ground up, and it shows. The much more limited T1 sells for $100.
One negative is that the add-on modules are not particularly cheap. They are extremely well designed with best in class performance with ANT communication that eliminates cross-talk and drop out due to interference. But they are pricey, and if you want to fully outfit your T3 with run, bike and computer modules, that can add about $250 to the price.
One of the most intriguing new features unveiled by Suunto in these models is called Training Effect. This is a calculation performed during exercise, based on heart rate, respiratory rate and elapsed time. Suunto claims to be able to discern the accumulated stress on your system and report this to you as you progress through the workout. One suggestion from Suunto is that you should decide what training effect level you want to reach during the workout and use the real-time reporting of this to know when to quit. This is a very new idea and nobody knows quite what to do with it, because no training regimens are built around the idea and no coaches have any experience with it. Having said that, the T4 model is distinguished by its coaching function, which analyzes the Training Effect results of prior workouts and recommends a maximum Training Effect for the next workout. Nevertheless, Training Effect is a good indicator of the seriousness that Suunto brings to this market, and no other brand has a similar feature. Suunto also has attempted to work the Training Effect number resulting from each workout into a long-term analysis, telling you when you have trained too hard and need to recover. There is not a lot of information about the effectiveness of this system, although many opinions are available. The most we can say at this point is that it seems to track perceived exertion and fatigue pretty well.
The computer interface is expensive at $100, and it is disappointing that it does not download a full graph of the workout. However, the software provided does give you access to the long-term Training Effect analysis. PC Coach V4.7 is not compatible with Suunto, but we plan to be compatible in the first half of 2007.
The basic features required in a mid-range monitor are present. Examples are backlight, timers and laps. There is a modest set of features in these watches for more complex workouts such as intervals, countdown timers, and automatic laps based on distance.
The summary story is that Suunto could have hit a home run with these models, if they had the ability to download a graph and if the add-on modules were more affordable. As it is, although they don’t come packed with all the features I’d like to see, there’s no monitor I enjoy having on my wrist more the rest of the day. All in all, for a moderately serious athlete who is satisfied with summary downloaded data or not interested in downloading, it is easy to put these new models right at the top of the list.