Suunto T6 Wrist-Top Computer and Foot/Bike Pod Duathlon Combo Pack This pro-caliber system meets the comprehensive training needs of elite endurance athletes who run and cycle. The Suunto t6 records more than 100,000 heartbeats with one-millisecond resolution. Combined with Foot and Bike PODs, it delivers speed, distance, elevation gain and loss, and performance on hills and at altitude. Powerful PC software allows detailed analysis of individual workouts and overall progress. Suunto Duathlon Pack includes: Suunto t6 (Suunto ANT Belt included) Suunto Foot POD Suunto Bike POD new Handlebar Mount
Customer Review: Suunto T6: Caveat emptor
Ok, so my title line sounds ominous, and it can be depending on the buyer of the Suunto T6. Let me start out by saying that my Finnish brethren make outstanding products in general, and the Suunto line is one of those. I have been using the Suunto wrist computers since 1995. One of my hardware is a Vector that has been through several Eco-Challenges, Raids, Ironmans, etc., so the products are great.

So why am I lukewarm on the T6? Personally, I am not. As a former pro athlete and clinician who works with top athletes today, this product is great. HOWEVER, if you are just a weekend warrior, or someone into general fitness, or not adept with technology, or have no idea what EPOC or VO2 means let alone relates to what your are doing, don’t even think about wasting your money on the T6 or if money is not an issue, getting it to be a poser.

The T6 duathlon pack is not a “connect and play” device. The bike pod needs to be specifically matched to the watch, then calibrated. The instructions that Suunto provides in the box are nearly useless, so go to Suunto.com and download the latest version. However, the calibration specs Suunto provides are not very useful. To compliment these, you’ll need to reference other data. I used Sherman Brown’s site to ensure I had the correct calculation for my wheel/tire size. Remember, when you calibrate it, it’s for a specific wheel/tire combo. If you make changes to this later on, you will need to re-calibrate. I actually suggested to Suunto that they have a link to Sherman’s measuring tool from their site, allow the user to input the data, then use the PC link to auto calibrate. We’ll see if this becomes GA.

The footpod does not require pairing it to the watch. However, it does require calibration. I would not recommend running on a track like the instruction manual states. Rather, get on a really good treadmill that you can trust and use this. You will have to figure out what race pace you want to calibrate to. This can be troublesome if you don’t know what your race pace is, or if you race different distances. Again, lending to why this is not for novice trainers.

Looks like Suunto used to have the footpod slip into a sleeve that was attached to the shoe laces. Not anymore. The pod has a couple of loops. My first thought: these won’t last. And they didn’t. The upper loop snapped on my third run, rendering the unit useless. Needless to say, this was disappointing. At least it did not happen during my half marathon race the day before. Rather than send the unit back for a new one, which would break again, I am still using it. I use two zip ties to attach it to my laces, plus the lower loop which seems to have less forces applied against it. Keeping fingers crossed, this rig has worked now for over 200 mi of training.

Training software: if you read the Suunto discussion boards, there have been lots of issues. In my opinion, the training manager software is OK, especially coming from an IT guy. But aside mediocre programming, it’s the data I am interested in. With my background, I can understand and use the data appropriately. So the measurements and values have meaning. Again, if you have no idea about exercise physiology then think again why you want a unit like this and its added total cost of ownership.

But, if you are someone who can set up the unit, use the unit, understand the unit, use and apply the data, consider the T6. The other coaches I know who do, love it, especially for monitoring multiple athletes at the same time. For swimmers or triathletes, also consider the Suunto Smart belt you will need this if you want to record stats under water.

Since I have to score the product, it gets a 3 for: not easy to set up out of the box, insufficient documentation, and poor materials/design for the foot pod attachment loops.

Again, before you buy, take a reality check with yourself, then log onto the Suunto discussion board and read what active users are chatting about.

If you buy, ensure your unit is not an old one that needs a firmware update. The newest units have the latest firmware. Moreover, download the latest training manager software from the Suunto website along with the manuals.


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