First Review for T6c - EXCELLENT
Reviewer: Peter ,
Danvers, MA
Date: June 09, 2008
I took delivery on a fusion T6c this morning, and I am so far delighted by the product.
The red in the fusion model is not as "bright" as on the internet pictures. It is more of a crimson / maroon-ish red, as opposed to the bright red that you see all over the internet. Some may prefer the more toned down red.
Watch setup was very easy, and the huge amount of parameters at your disposal for assigning to the various views is great. Not only can you assign the "static" lines (lines one and two) whatever you want them to be, you can also assign as many other parameters in the lower view display as you want (when you are doing this, you simply select which parameter you want, and a dot appears next to that parameter telling you it is now a member of the lower screen), allowing you to scroll through these in the usual Suunto manner by pressing the "view" button. Setting altimeter worked as one would expect with a Suunto (reference, set alt value, done).
I input my various personal info (weight, height, etc.) so the watch should be ready for my workout. Put the T6c through it's paces on a 5 mile run. Performed perfectly. Was able to monitor HR, calories, training effect, and EPOC real time.
One of the views in the time mode for the bottom display is altitude. While minor, this is a nice touch as it allows you to see altitude without having to go into the other training screens.
The T6c works more like the Core in that you use the mode button to scroll through the three main screens, and hold it down for a few seconds to access the settings. The T6 used the lap+ and light- buttons to scroll up and down through the screens. The T6c feels more logical to me.
Also different than the T6 is the date on the top of the screen is no longer reverse display. I like this better.
One thing I don't like too much is the lack of raised plastic edge around the crystal (a la the T6). This is a concern for possibly banging the watch crystal into something.
There is no need to press the lower left button to "connect" the watch to the belt as on the T6. It just searches for it automatically upon entering any of the two training screens.
The heart rate transmitter strap is a bit tight for my tastes. I have an approx 44 inch chest, and I am maxed out on the belt. I will order a longer one when they come in.
Another related item to the transmitter belt is I didn't follow the manual, and moistened the center plastic piece (creature of habit) to activate the belt. I was getting intermittent heart rate transmission. I reviewed the manual and moistened the two side contact points that appeared at first to just be for purposes of "gripping" the chest so the belt doesn't slip around. These are actually the contact points - a better concept as these come in direct contact with the rib cage as compared to belts with the center plastic transmitter which often loses connection in the concave area between the pectoral muscles. Once moistened, heart rate was nice and stable.
Software installation was a breeze and installed flawlessly over my old training manager software. All of my files were there that I have accumulated on my T6, and the file format of the T6c is the same.
An excellent offering from Suunto - I highly recommend this watch for easily monitoring your training (and recovery).
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t6 is fantastic
Reviewer: Anonymous ,
Plano, Texas
Date: January 29, 2008
I have had my t6 for about a month. It has met and exceeded my expectations. The watch performs well and I have had no issues (although the user manual is not fantastic) and the Training Manager software has exceeded my expectations. I have also purchased a Foot POD and while I like its functionality, it is not capable of accurately measuring speed/distance while using an elliptical machine.
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Very Happy
Reviewer: Dave ,
San Luis Obispo, CA
Date: December 30, 2007
So far I've been extremely pleased by the functions and accuracy of my T6. I've found it very intuitive, and I love the feature of being able to toggle through different functions while exercising: For example, while in SPD/DST mode viewing alt, time, ascent, heart rate, etc. I waited a few weeks to purchase the GPS POD; now I wish I'd bought it sooner. I walk/run the same mountain trail every day, and the accuracy of the distance has been to .02 miles (106 feet). This is more accurate than my Garmin 305. Also, my Garmin has had terrible software problems, and their customer service is extrermely poor as well. If Suunto ever comes out with map programs, I'd be sure to give it a try. For now, I'm very happy with the GPS recording speed and distance, as well as the training manager program. Thanks Suunto
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T6
Reviewer: Alex Wee ,
Singapore
Date: November 30, 2007
I purchased the T6 together with the heartrate belt amost 3 years ago. The electronics and softwares are very good. The watch battery hatch needs improvement in the design. Almost on all occasions I was unable to change battery via the hatch (I could not get the hatch to open)and I had to remove the 4 screws to reach the battery and push the hatch out from the inside out. The other disappointment is on the heartrate belt. The plastic material is poor as it breaks off at the holes supporting the elastic band. I had used other brands such as acumen and their material is much more durable than Suunto.
Would be great if Suunto corrects these items in their next release.
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Totally addicted, and then some...
Reviewer: Todd ,
Moraga, CA
Date: November 12, 2007
I just sent back my second T6 and am expecting to get a third, after the first two failed, each after about a year. The issue seems to be reliability of the HRM belt, which after a period of intermittent decay will finally stop communicating entirely with the watch. Going through the motions to get the thing running again, one first suspects it is the batteries, but after intalling the heavily marked up Suunto battery packs, you can really rack up the bucks when that ends up not fixing anything. All said, I am totally addicted to the immediate feedback and to analyzing and tracking the computer logs. Better than any video game, in my view, and better for me as well. I own a bike pod and a foot pod, and very much enjoy having the heart rate show up on my bike computer (the T6, mounted on the handlebars). The downside of this T6 addiction is I will stop exercising when the unit is not functioning properly, and service takes weeks. Watching the computer downgrade your "fitness level" because the communications with the HRM failed YET AGAIN is devastating, especially as the failure is progressive. I use it 4 times a week, and I am currently crushed that the HRM is not working. For the price, I would like to see Suunto establish a ongoing policy where a replacement unit is FedEx'ed immediately while they check and service any defective unit. That would encourage the engineers to solve the problem permanently!! The concept is 5 stars. The engineering of the HRM unit pulls the overall total down to three.
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2 years' experience
Reviewer: Anonymous ,
Tampa, Fl
Date: October 21, 2007
Bought watch at discount on EBay (plus footpod and bike pod) almost 2 years ago. Both have ceased to function while watch and HRM still work very well. I wear watch daily and like it a lot, I just think Suunto could do more. For example, light on watch and audible alarm are useless. HRM software is very good.
Comments from the Staff
Thanks for your review. Sorry to hear your PODs went bad. We strongly recommend purchasing from an authorized Suunto dealer, as the 2-year warranty is void when purchased from an unauthorized discounter. Again, thanks for the feedback.
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Very satisfied
Reviewer: Anonymous ,
Tampa, FL
Date: September 16, 2007
I have had this watch for a year and love it. Although it takes time to get used to using all the functions, it has really helped me set and achieve my fitness goals. The software is easy to navigate and although the manual that comes with the watch is condensed, the online training guide book more than makes up for it. It takes time to set up but well worth it.
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Needs Refining
Reviewer: Mike ,
Crowley, Texas
Date: August 27, 2007
I purchased the T6 because it appeared to have a lot of useful functions for a first time heart rate monitor buyer and avid runner. I was (and still am) pretty disappointed. Chosen based on the other reviews for this model and the product description; I was pretty shocked. The biggest disappointment was the user manual. It should have been shipped without one because it's nearly useless. For the price paid, I was also surprised at the need for 'other' accessories to truly make the trainer utility useful. There is a bit of a learning curve for the hardware if you are new to the heart rate monitor scene like me. But you're on your own with the software! I couldn't find any support for the software, even on Suunto's website. Bottom line, don't purchase this online. Have someone accessible who can walk you through all the features (hardware and software) in person.
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Great....Needs help
Reviewer: DMG3 ,
Seattle, WA
Date: August 08, 2007
Great heart, distance measurements(w/foot pod) tried paring w/bike pod, did not work. Instructions not helpful. Potential is great, but needs to dummy down instructions.
Suunto website tough to navigate, confusing. I goggled questions to get through the maze of the website.
Like the video examples.
Like the software.
Like the Carmichael dvd. Already w/CMS, but supported decision over Polar.
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