Overview: A reluctant switch from Garmin to Suunto
When I upgraded from the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro to the Suunto Vertical 2, I expected a few tweaks here and there. What I got was a different approach to sports tracking, navigation, and daily wearability. This article shares five things I liked and five things I disliked after living with both watches, with a focus on practical use for endurance athletes, hikers, and tech enthusiasts who care about battery life, maps, and training insights.
What I liked: five positives from the Suunto Vertical 2
1) Streamlined user experience
The Suunto Vertical 2 feels more intuitive in daily use. Menus are straightforward, screens are readable, and the learning curve is gentler than the Fenix 8 Pro’s dense feature set. If you want quick access to workouts and heart rate data without wading through widgets, this is a win.
2) Battery life tailor-made for long adventures
Battery life is a standout. In practical terms, I could extend endurance runs, hikes, or multi-day trips without constantly worrying about a recharge. The watch balances GPS accuracy with power-saving modes in a way that fits long expeditions well.
3) Robust navigation and mapping
Suunto’s mapping and route planning feel sturdy and reliable. For trail runners and backcountry explorers, the vertical 2’s navigation features provide clear topographic context and reliable waypoint handling, which can be a real confidence booster on unfamiliar terrain.
4) Comfortable, lighter design for daily wear
Physically, the Vertical 2 sits a touch lighter and with a simpler bezel design. It feels more supportive during long wear without the Garmin’s heavier, instrument-like heft, which matters on hot days or when you’re wearing it all day.
5) Focus on endurance-focused metrics
The Suunto emphasizes endurance data—COG, pacing, and terrain-aware metrics—without overwhelming you with every possible stat. For athletes who want actionable insights without analysis paralysis, this is refreshing.
What I disliked: five drawbacks I encountered
1) Training ecosystem and connectivity gaps
While the Vertical 2 offers solid core tracking, it lacks some of the seamless third-party integrations that Garmin provides. If you rely on detailed training plans, live data syncing to certain platforms, or device ecosystems, you’ll notice gaps.
2) Less polished smartwatch experience
Smartwatch features like notifications, app shortcuts, and some UI nuances feel less refined than the Garmin. If you use your watch as a daily companion, the Suunto may require adaptation time to get the same level of convenience.
3) Mapping depth isn’t as expansive as Garmin
Garmin’s maps include a wider library of topographic details and offline options. The Vertical 2’s maps are solid but can feel narrower in scope for hardcore navigation enthusiasts who need detailed layers and offline data.
4) Screen readability in bright light
Under direct sunlight, the display isn’t quite as legible as the Fenix 8 Pro. While readable, it requires a bit more tilt or brightness adjustment in sunny adventures.
5) Price-to-feature parity
For the features offered, the Suunto Vertical 2 can feel overpriced if you compare exact sensor suites and training analytics to Garmin. If your priorities include detailed training analytics and ecosystem depth, the Garmin still holds an edge on value.
Bottom line: should you switch?
If you value battery life, straightforward navigation, and a lighter watch for endurance adventures, the Suunto Vertical 2 is a compelling option. If you crave exhaustive training analytics, a richer app ecosystem, and more expansive offline maps, the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro remains a strong choice. The best pick depends on what you value most: daily wearability and long, self-sufficient adventures, or deep, data-driven performance insights.
