Suunto t1c Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Trainer Watch (Black Panda)

Reviews of Suunto t1c Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Trainer Watch (Black Panda)

1.) Simple, attractive, reliable
Reviewed by: luxcursor Philadelphia
Rating:
I've had my T1 for about 4 months and I love it. It took a bit of setup with the manual but now I can reset even the personal settings with ease. (My husband and I both use it and reset it between our various sessions.)

The display is easy to read, it's attractive, the usability is good after the learning curve, and the chest strap is comfortable enough. (I have forgotten to take it off a few times actually.)

I use it as a watch when I'm not running. I've found it to be very reliable. No interference, no spontaneous resets, no problems!

If you need a straight forward heart rate monitor without a lot of bells and whistles I can't recommend this enough.

2.) Really awesome workout watch
Reviewed by: jen Edwardsville, IL
Rating:
This watch is expensive, so I think it is important for people to know, it is fully worth it. I love this watch, it helps me keep track of how intense my workouts are or if they are too intense(thus poss causing injury), or if they are not good enough. I do so much in a day, this helps me figure out how many calories I have burned etc. You need to read up on all the features, but it works well. I have been using for about a month almost every day and have had no problems with it or the battery. The light on the watch is kinda weird, but it does its job as well. This watch is so complex that you may need to make a few calls to their help line for setting up or understanding some things but it is worth all that.


3.) Great watch
Reviewed by: Serban San Jose, CA United States
Rating:
I got this watch mostly because it was cheap and for the looks (I believe it looks very stylish)
It turned out it has excelent functionality as well. I prefer it to the other Polar heart monitor I have.
Serban

4.) AMAZING WATCH, LOTS OF FUNCTIOS
Reviewed by: QUICKSAND97 EL SALVADOR
Rating:
This watch has lots of functions, you can set, limits, zones, two times, and your personal info (age,weight,height).
The display is great it has three lines for display, the one that's on the center is the biggest and most important but the other two ar also helpful, you can change the info displayed on the lower line, so you can see what's useful for you.

The training mode is great also, and it records the totals (time, laps, calories, hr average, hr highest, hr lowest) of sessions, for last session, week sessions, month sessions, it's great.

It is a good value, the only things why i'm not giving it 5 stars is becasuse the case is not silver like it appears to be in the photo, it is white plastic, be aware of this, and the screen scratches easily, but a small piece of PDA screen protector can save the screen of the watch but you'll have to cut it round.

5.) As Advertised
Reviewed by: J. Burnup Pearland, TX
Rating:
It could be a little more user friendly, but it does everything that I bought it for.

6.) Suunto, can't beat it!!!!!
Reviewed by: G. M. Rogers
Rating:
The service was fast and the product is great. thanks

7.) Nice HR Monitor -- but falls short of other Suunto models
Reviewed by: RadioJeff Twin Falls, Idaho
Rating:
I have owned at one time or another 5 different Suunto watches -- or wristop computers as they like to call them -- and without question, Suunto manufactures Great products. Without calling this model bad, I WILL say that it is not only the least expensive, but also the cheapest built model I have seen.

I couldn't help but notice the number of reviews that state the watch looks almost entirely different in person than it does in photos...and I HAVE to admit that this watch looks vastly different in person than it does on my computer. Specifically smaller--a LOT smaller. Now there is nothing wrong with a small watch, but this one almost looks like a feminine version. NOT what I had in mind when I decided to get a good heart rate monitor for while I work out.

Suunto is notorious for using plastic faces on their watches making them more apt to get scratches than average watches. If you are considering buying this for your primary means of telling time, you simply MUST reconsider for two major reasons...No. 1 the watch face can scratch at the drop of a hat. Seriously, I feel that a good stiff wind has the potential to mar the plastic face. No 2 has to be Suunto's penchant for claims that their watches are Water Resistent way more than they actually are. Once again, I get worried if I walk into a sauna wearing a Suunto if it won't get waterlogged and die on me.

All that aside, Suunto DOES make technically capable wristop computers that can do a variety of really amazing things, the least of which is tell time. Whether you want to determine your altitude or your bearing with a compass, Suunto's are dependable and quite accurate. My personal favorite is the Observer -- not only is it my favorite, but probably the best-looking Suunto as well. But we're talking about the T1. ALL of the Suunto models I have owned were relatively easy to program and figure out, but with the T1 you practically needed a certificate of membership to MENSA in order to figure out. The button sequence to shift from one section of the functions to another is simply confusing to say the least. I don't want to make it out that I think of myself as some kind of genius (because I'm not) but I have a large watch collection and some have some complicated set-up features and they all pale in comparison to the confusing order you have to do things in order to just set the watches time and date function. Then -- as with all Suunto models -- you have to arrange it depending upon whether you live in a Metric country or standard like we have in America and, well let's just say reading the manual quite thoroughly is pretty much essential if you plan to get anything of value out of your T1.

The heart rate monitor works great by the way. I've used it several times already checking the accuracy against other sources and since there really is no point in spending this kind of money on something that won't work you ought to know that once you decipher the heiroglyphic manual enough to get it working properly, it really DOES work well.

Bottom Line: If you need a heart rate monitor and you have some time to devote into reading the manual that (for me anyway) seems written in a somewhat confusing manner, and you aren't planning on wearing it for everyday use, the T1 can be a valuable addition to your workouts. Either way I recommend attempting to find a model and inspect it IN PERSON before buying because the photo you see here and what it looks like in reality on your wrist really is quite different.

***UPDATE***

After more use, I have decided that I was more harsh than necessary in regards to how difficult it is to learn to operate the T1. While the instruction manual is FAR from being the easiest to understand, and while sophisticated, the T1 could use a little update on becoming a bit more user-friendly. But overall, I have to admit that once you get past the tedious programming phase (setting the day, date, time, your age, weight, height etc) the watch is pretty accurate and at a glance can tell you a LOT of info. I'd recommend updating the instruction manual to make it a little easier to understand and I would then offer the T1 a full-4 stars. I just wish it were a bit larger.

'Nuff said.

8.) Not in Love with this HR monitor
Reviewed by: sassy tomboy Bellingham, WA
Rating:
I replaced my very complex Polar RS200sd with the Suunto T1.
PROS:
It is easy to set up (the Polar one about required a NASA engineer) easy to operate, and looks nice on my girly wrist. This particular model does not have the labels for the buttons on the front of the face - I think the next model year improves this. But there are only 4 buttons, and once you get aquainted with the unit, I don't think it is much of a problem. I like the calorie visual feature on the watch face, it is motivating. Also, you can change your own battery, don't have to ship it off to Polar. That is a HUGE plus.

CONS:
I don't feel like it gives very consistent readings though. I was very happy at first, but feel that this product has degenerated over time (I have had it 2 years.) I have had trouble with the wrist unit picking up Heart Rate (also had issues with that on the Polar.) Also, it seems to lowball you on the calories - says I burn about 30% less than the Polar did, with the same height/weight/age/sex settings.

I think next time I am going back to the Polar - it just seemed to work better overrall. (Although I HATE having to ship it back for a battery change!)

9.) Good for practice, but not sure for the real marathon
Reviewed by: W. Suh
Rating:
It's too complicate to use. You need to have a good look at the manual to use it.

10.) suunto
Reviewed by: everready Dallas, TX
Rating:
ok watch. expected value for the money. nice and light design.
hard to set up. manual comes with it although hard to read and understans unless you have two engineering degrees.

couldn't figure how to work the calorie calculator.

overall 2.

11.) suunto
Reviewed by: everready Dallas, TX
Rating:
ok watch. expected value for the money. nice and light design.
hard to set up. manual comes with it although hard to read and understans unless you have two engineering degrees.

couldn't figure how to work the calorie calculator.

overall 2.

12.) unhappy camper...
Reviewed by: modem man providence ri
Rating:
While the appearance of the watch may intice you, I found this to be strictly a form over function watch. The pictures of the Suunto T1c watch online appears to be an attractive black and silver watch when in fact it's black with a white outer casing. This was a disappointment as well as finding it near impossible to read the time while driving my car. The black face is very difficult to read without suficient lighting. The heart rate functions seemed to work but are pointless if you're unable to read the face of this watch. I wouldn't recommend this model.

13.) Very disappointed
Reviewed by: R. J. C. Perez Brazil
Rating:
First of all the colors of the product at amazon pictures and the real product doesen't match. What seens to be a silver watch it is realy a white one. At the beggining everything was ok, at the end of first week the light button locked (after a few hours i get it unlocked), in the second week the the battery has ended. I'm very disappointed...

14.) Disapointed
Reviewed by: Eugenio Carlos Dardes
Rating:
I live in Argentina. I bought it and someone brought it to me from the usa. The watch doesn't work and I can't change it or sent it back to usa.

Features of Suunto t1c Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Trainer Watch (Black Panda)

The t1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch combines all the technical features needed to whip you into shape with a casual style that looks great around town and Suunto's Comfort Belt chest strap. The entire design of the t1 Heart Rate Monitor revolves around simplicity. This Suunto watch provides heart rate information, shows how many calories you burned, and uses a three-zone training system to help you customize your workout for maximum effect. Put on the included heart rate belt, select the zone that best matches your fitness goals, and hit the track, gym, or trail.

Product Features

• Material: [Housing] aluminum; [Strap] rubber
• Altimeter: No
• Barometer: No
• Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
• Chronograph: Yes
• Thermometer: No
• Digital Compass: No
• Adjustable Declination: No
• Low Battery Indicator: Yes
• PC Compatible: No
• Waterproof: Water resistant to 30ft (100m)
• Backlight: Yes
• Alarms: Time and heart-rate
• Battery Type:
• Battery Life:
• Size: Medium
• Weight:
• Recommended Use: Training
• Manufacturer Warranty: 2 Years
• Country of Origin: China

The Suunto t1c heart rate monitor and fitness trainer combines precision technology with contemporary styling, creating an easy-to-use yet sophisticated workout device. Whether you're hitting the gym to work off that extra holiday weight, going for your daily run, or practicing your favorite sport, every bit of information helps. That's where the t1c comes into play, as it works with the included comfort belt to accurately monitor your real-time or average heart rate, so you know how to get the most out of each session. Simply take a quick glance at your zone training status while exercising to see if you're training at the right intensity, or pre-set your maximum heart rate alarm to keep from pushing too hard. For added versatility, the Suunto t1c is also compatible with select cardio devices, so may be able to monitor your progress on your gym's treadmill or elliptical trainer.

The t1c's zone training function is the watch's centerpiece, with three separate zones to keep your workout at a safe and consistent level. Zone 1 is ideal for burning fat and improving cardiovascular health; Zone 2 ups the ante with increased calorie-burning and cardiovascular benefits; and Zone 3 is for people who want to push their limits and improve their peak performance. In the process, the t1c displays your current heart rate, average heart rate, maximum heart rate, and calories burned. And when you're not working out, the t1c functions as a stylish timepiece that can be used with minimal instruction, with such features as dual-time mode, a date, an alarm, and a stopwatch. The t1c--which is a terrific companion for walking, cardio training at a gym, running, and a host of other fitness activities--also lets you track your workout progress for the past two months.

Specifications:

• Color: Black panda
• Stopwatch: Yes
• Max number of split times in memory: 30
• Average heart rate in real time: Yes
• Calories: Real time
• Memory capacity: 1 log
• HR limits and HR zones: Yes
• Suunto heart rate belt: Sold separately
• Suunto comfort belt: Included
• Water resistance: 100 feet
• Selectable metric/imperial units: Yes
• Menu-based user interface: Yes
• Dot-matrix display: Yes
• Backlight type: Electro-luminescent display
• User-replaceable strap: Yes
• Low battery warning: Yes
• User-replaceable battery: Yes
• Button lock: Yes
• Watch: 12/24 hour
• Calendar clock: Yes
• Dual time: Yes
• Daily alarms: 1

Manufacturer's Warranty
Two-year warranty

About Suunto
Suunto was founded in 1936 by outdoors man and a keen orienteering enthusiast, Tuomas Vohlonen, who had long been bothered by a problem: the inaccuracy of traditional dry compasses and their lack of steady needle operation. Being an engineer with an inventive turn of mind, he discovered and patented the production method for a much steadier needle, better readings, and a new level of accuracy. By 1950 the company was exporting compasses to over 50 countries around the world, including Canada and the United States. In 1952, Helsinki was hosting the Olympic Games, and the torches carried to light the Olympic flame were Suunto products. The next step was improving the stability and accuracy of marine compasses. The first marine compass, the Suunto K-12, was launched onto the market in 1953. In 1957, Suunto started manufacturing hypsometers, which measure the height of trees.

In the 1960s, the compass range grew further and Suunto introduced its first diving compass--initiated by the divers themselves. A British sports diver attached a Suunto compass to his wrist and found that the device also worked underwater. Thanks to his feedback and initiatives, the new business category was found. Suunto's exports and business grew steadily and Suunto then focused on combining its strength in precision mechanics with new skills in electronics. Accuracy, reliability, and ruggedness have been Suunto's key values from the very beginning of the company history.

Today, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing, and golf. True to its roots, Suunto is today the world's biggest compass manufacturer. Prized for their design, accuracy and dependability, Suunto sports instruments combine the aesthetics and functionality of watches with sport-specific computers that help athletes at all levels analyze and improve performance. Headquartered in Vantaa, Finland, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide and distributes its products to nearly 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Helsinki-based Amer Sports Corporation with the sister brands Wilson, Salomon, Atomic, Precor, and Mavic.

1.) Versatile heart rate monitor watch in contemporary "black panda" color;
2.) Displays current heart rate, average heart rate, and maximum heart rate;
3.) 3-tier zone training system to keep your workout safe and consistent;
4.) Includes Suunto comfort belt; dual-time, date, and alarm functions;
5.) Provides log memory for 1 workout; water-resistant to 100 feet; 2-year warranty;

Package Height x Length x Width: 6.4 in. x 6.4 in. x 5.2 in.
Package Weight: 0.4 lbs.

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