The following review was written by ATRA gear wrangler Sarah Barber and features Suunto Race S Titanium Courtney. Product was provided at no cost for the test and review.
“What does it take to get a watch named after you?”
That was my husband’s first question as I was unboxing Suunto’s latest and greatest GPS smartwatch, the Race S Titanium Courtney. If you have to ask, “Courtney who?” Move on. This review is not for you. As for my husband’s inquiry, he knows who Courtney Dauwalter is, but he can’t rattle off her resume highlights the way I can. Before I list her trail running accolades, I offer this criticism: how dare he refer to the Suunto Race S as a “watch!” It is so much more than just a watch.
Suunto functionality
Season after season, Suunto continues to churn out wearables that monitor and record just about every internally produced and externally available data point in a human life. Basic GPS functions are just a fraction of what the Race S can do. Curious about the forecast for today’s trail run? Scroll down to the weather widget. Wondering if that tightness in your chest is more insidious than a common cold? Check your blood oxygen saturation. Tired of the same old song in your head? Grab the music controls on the high-def touch screen and change your tune.
Compact technology
Smaller in size than the Suunto Race but no less mighty, the Suunto Race S is perhaps the most compact package of technology I’ve seen. And just like the entire Suunto product line, the Race S prioritizes accuracy and durability, while boasting the best battery life in the industry. With almost 100 customizable sport modes and integrated AI-aided adaptive training guidance, you can thank Coach for helping you get this far—you’re ready to manage your own training program now.
Grade 5 titanium
But wait. What’s special about the Suunto Race S Titanium Courtney? Uh, COURTNEY! Duh. It’s named for the GOAT, and its brightly colored custom silicone strap has a hidden message that glows in the dark—if things get really dark, it’s probably the message you need the most. Also, the bezel is grade 5 titanium. Translation: its strength-to-weight ratio is more like Courtney’s than mine. It goes uphill fast!
Titanium is also more resistant to corrosion than stainless steel, more biocompatible, more resistant to thermal conduction, and….more expensive. Yes, you’ll pay an extra $120 for the Titanium Courtney version of the Suunto Race S, but if ever there was a status symbol in the world of trail running, it’s not a Lexus (thank god) and it will bring you way more joy than anything with a motor.
Sarah Barber’s collection of Suunto gear.
Suunto evolution
In the same way some folks are brand loyal to say, Toyota, Suunto products have been in my family for almost as long as the folks in Finland have been making them. Their evolution has been rapid and dramatic without ever sacrificing quality, and the Suunto Race S Titanium Courtney is my favorite…so far!
MSRP: $469
Editor’s Note: Read more articles and reviews by Sarah Barber here.
