Suunto X6HR Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Suunto's X6-HR combines a heart rate monitor and PC compatible software to achieve the next step in multi-function “Cross Sports” watches. The X6-HR's PC capabilities allow you to track and store data gathered by all of the watch's many functions on your computer. It comes with the PC interface cable and activity manager software so you can upload your logs to your PC. The combination of an altimeter with a heart rate monitor allows athletes to constantly monitor their body's performance—ultra marathon runners can track fitness levels leading up to the next race by observing heart rates at different altitudes during training sessions. The X6-HR goes one step further by also creating a graph of this information for an entire workout. Skiers and snowboarders can use the watch's altimeter to keep track of every vertical foot descended over an entire season. X6-HR users can compare data online at Suuntosports.com.

$399.00

Good Watch but Pricey
I was looking for a "one watch fits all", this one does the job. The Suunto X6HR is a lot like the Casio G-Shock series of watches but not so bulky. I was afraid the watch would be too big but found it not quite as tall as the G-Shocks and a lot more rounded and ergonomic. As for the display, it is functional but I like the G-Shock format better. The menus on the watch take some getting used to but no big deal. The backlight bothers me a little in the fact that you have to hold the button for 2 seconds before it will light up (normal mode). I also wish the alarm were louder, I'm sure I'll sleep right through the weak beeps. The thermometer, barometer, and compass are very accurate, I like that. I also liked the mineral glass face. I always scratch up my plastic face watches when I am outdoors. The PC interface is easy to use but requires a serial port. The software is well written. Overall, a good watch that does it all. I'd say it is more of a 0 watch than a 0 watch.

my favorite peice of gear
I purchased this watch after eye-balling one that a friend owned... I should have done it sooner. I use the heart rate monitor and download information to compare workouts, I also track elevation changes in hiking trips and have been very happy with the precision of this watch. It's fantastic, worth every penny. I would recommend this watch to anyone who likes to track their trips on the computer, it's a great tool to have.

Great all-around watch
I purchased this watch for training purposes, but have started taking it with me everywhere from short hikes to long trail runs. The heart rate monitor is great and the software monitor is very user friendly. The altimeter does need regular adjustment, but if you know your starting altitude, it is very accurate. I have found that is a problem with most altimeter watches, but Suunto has made it easy to change the reference value. All and all it is a great watch and backcountry tool.

Easy To Use Techie Watch
If you have owned an older Suunto watch and thought it was too large or not very easy to use you might want to consider the X6 HR. I used to own a Suunto Vector and it was a pain to use all the cool functionality and it was huge. The X6 is about half the size of the Vector and has a very intuitive user interface. You can easily turn on the log book and with the click of a button view great stats like feet climbed per minute, total elevation gain, average heart rate plus peak and low heart rates. The other feature I hated on the Vector was calibrating the compass but the X6 has made compass calibration simple.

X6 Heart Rate Monitor Watch
This unit is a superb tool. All the bells and whistles that it contains work flawlessly. I owned an earlier version of the Heartrate monitor watch by SUUNTO. The new model features a PC download which really works well. It also features significantly better dial visibility from off-angle viewing. This was a critical improvement.

Training Tips

For runners looking to get the maximum benefit from hill training, as you sprint to the top of the hill have your arms pumping faster and faster. Once you get to the top, continue on increasing your speed as much as possible.

After each interval, take your pulse rate by counting the number of beats at your wrist or neck for 15 seconds. Multiply that result by four to get your beats per minute. Your next interval should start before your heart rate is less than 60% of your maximum.

The four components of good fitness include flexibility, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance. For optimum health, include at least two of these groups in three workouts per week.

Your fitness level will improve by overloading, working your body hard enough to stimulate the body, progression, increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise over time, and regularity, working out frequently, at least three times a week.