Face-off: Suunto Ambit 2 S VS TomTom Runner
Sporty GPS watches are everywhere so it's no surprise that satnav maker TomTom is challenging the likes of Suunto for space on the wrists of performance runners. But which one has more stamina?
TomTom's Runner is just 11.5mm slim, weighs 50g and has a unisex design with a single button below the square screen to operate its features. Suunto's Ambit is a softer, rounder design, with an aluminium bezel of various colours and the more usual smaller buttons along the sides. It might be slightly bulkier at 17.5mm and 72g, but the Suunto is still reasonably small and nimble. Its looks are more understated than the TomTom, whose more obviously modern design will appeal to younger athletes.
While Suunto has opted for a traditional quartz display, the TomTom has a large hi-res LCD screen. However, it's only black and white and isn't a touchscreen. It also restricts the battery life to a maximum of 10 hours (in GPS mode), while the Suunto's less impressive screen enables it to last a stunning 15 days in certain modes. That's much more suited to trail runners and those that might be away from recharge points for days at a time. The TomTom's thirst for energy restricts it to urban athletes who want a brighter display that's easier to read in both evening gloom and bright sunshine. Both are scratch-resistant and waterproof to 50m.