For hikers, climbers, and outdoor adventurers seeking an ultra-durable sports watch with advanced tracking, the Suunto 9 Peak and Peak Pro are two excellent choices. But what’s the difference between these high-performing multisport GPS watches?
This in-depth guide compares the key specs, features, sensors, battery life, durability, and performance of the Suunto 9 Peak and Peak Pro. Read on to see how they stack up.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Suunto 9 Peak | Suunto 9 Peak Pro |
| Size | 50mm case | 51mm titanium case |
| Display | Sunlight visible color display | Sunlight visible sapphire display |
| Battery Life | Up to 170 hours | Up to 10 days |
| Water Rating | 100m | 100m |
| Onboard Maps | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo, altimeter, compass, Pulse Ox | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo, altimeter, compass, Pulse Ox |
| Sport Modes | 80+ | 100+ |
| Price | $499 | $899 |
Overview of the Suunto 9 Peak
The Suunto 9 Peak packs extensive multisport tracking into a rugged, lightweight build. Key features include:
- 50mm polyamide case with stainless steel bezel
- Sunlight-visible color touchscreen with backlight
- Built-in heatmaps, altitude profiles, navigation
- Heart rate sensor, GPS, compass, altimeter
- Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen tracking
- 80+ sport modes with advanced metrics
- Up to 170 hours in Ultra battery mode
- Withstands freezing, shock, water up to 100m
- Compatible with Suunto app for analysis
With its long battery life and extensive outdoor activity tracking, the 9 Peak caters to hikers, trail runners, and mountaineers.
Overview of the Suunto 9 Peak Pro
As the premium model, the 9 Peak Pro boosts durability and battery life further for extreme conditions. Key features:
- Rugged 51mm titanium case and sapphire crystal lens
- Sunlight-visible touch display with color maps
- Built-in topographic maps, breadcrumb navigation
- ABC sensors like altimeter and 3D compass
- Wrist-based heart rate, GPS, Pulse Ox for altitude
- 100+ sport modes with advanced performance metrics
- Up to 10 days of battery life in Expedition mode
- Withstands freezing, shocks, and submersion up to 100m
- Pairs with Suunto app for additional analysis
The Peak Pro pushes limits for ultra-long trips off the grid with its unmatched battery efficiency.
Also Read: Differences Between Suunto 7 And Suunto 9.
Key Differences Between the Suunto 9 Peak and Peak Pro
While the Peak and Peak Pro share many features, here are some of the key differences:
1. Case Material and Size:
The case material and size of a sports watch play a crucial role in its durability, weight, and overall aesthetics. In this regard, the standard Suunto 9 Peak is constructed with a 50mm polyamide case that features a stainless steel bezel.
This choice of materials strikes a balance between durability and weight, making it a suitable option for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
The polyamide case keeps the weight of the watch lower, which can be advantageous during long hikes, trail runs, or other activities where every ounce counts.
On the other hand, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro takes it a step further by opting for a larger 51mm titanium case. Titanium is renowned for its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, making it an excellent choice for those who demand the utmost ruggedness and scratch resistance from their adventure watch.
The titanium case not only enhances the watch’s ability to withstand rough conditions but also adds a touch of luxury to its appearance.
2. Display:
Both the Suunto 9 Peak and Peak Pro boast color touchscreen displays that are designed to be easily readable even in direct sunlight. This is a vital feature for outdoor adventurers who need to quickly check their watch while on the go.
However, the Peak Pro elevates the display’s durability by incorporating a scratch-proof sapphire crystal lens. Sapphire crystal is known for its exceptional hardness, surpassing even Gorilla Glass in terms of resistance to scratches and impacts.
This upgrade ensures that the screen of the Peak Pro remains in pristine condition, even when subjected to the rigors of outdoor activities.
3. Battery Life:
Battery life is a critical consideration for anyone venturing into the great outdoors, especially when extended periods away from power sources are anticipated.
The Suunto 9 Peak already delivers an impressive battery life of up to 170 hours in Ultra mode. This means that even during demanding activities like ultramarathons or multi-day hikes, you won’t have to worry about constantly recharging your watch.
However, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro takes battery life to the next level. It can last up to an astounding 10 days in Expedition battery saver mode.
This mode is perfect for those embarking on long trips off-grid, such as backcountry backpacking or mountaineering expeditions.
With the Peak Pro, you can rely on your watch to keep track of essential data and navigation for an extended duration without the need for frequent recharging.
4. Sport Modes:
Both the Suunto 9 Peak and Peak Pro are equipped with a wide array of sport modes to cater to various athletic pursuits. The standard Peak offers more than 80 sport profiles, covering activities like running, cycling, swimming, and hiking.
This comprehensive selection makes it suitable for the majority of outdoor adventurers who engage in popular sports and activities.
In contrast, the Peak Pro goes above and beyond by providing over 100 sport modes. This expanded range includes niche activities such as triathlon, paddleboarding, CrossFit, and many more.
This diversity of sport modes ensures that the Peak Pro can accommodate even the most specialized and adventurous athletes, making it the ideal choice for those who constantly seek new challenges and experiences.
Also Read: Is Garmin Instinct Better Than Instinct Solar?
5. Onboard Maps:
Navigation is a critical aspect of outdoor exploration, and both the Suunto 9 Peak and Peak Pro are well-equipped in this regard. They offer the capability to upload offline topographic maps, allowing users to access essential navigation features.
These features include heatmaps, which display popular routes and trails used by the Suunto community, helping you discover new and exciting paths. Altitude profiles provide valuable information about the elevation changes along your route, aiding in planning and pacing.
Waypoint marking allows you to set important landmarks or locations, making it easier to navigate back to specific points. Both watches offer identical mapping functionality, ensuring that users have access to essential navigation tools for their adventures.
6. Sensors:
The Suunto 9 Peak and Peak Pro are equipped with a range of sensors designed to provide comprehensive tracking capabilities. These include GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo positioning systems, which offer precise location data, making it easier to track your routes accurately.
Both watches also feature wrist-based heart rate monitoring, allowing you to keep tabs on your heart rate during activities without the need for a separate chest strap. This data can be invaluable for optimizing your training and monitoring your overall health.
Additionally, both watches include a compass, altimeter, and Pulse Ox blood oxygen sensor. The compass aids in navigation by providing directional information, while the altimeter helps you track changes in elevation, crucial for mountaineers and hikers.
The Pulse Ox sensor measures blood oxygen levels, providing insights into your body’s oxygen saturation, which can be essential when acclimatizing to high altitudes or monitoring overall well-being.
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7. Price:
One of the most significant differences between the Suunto 9 Peak and Peak Pro is their price points. The standard Suunto 9 Peak comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of approximately $499.
This pricing makes it a compelling option for outdoor enthusiasts who desire robust tracking capabilities without breaking the bank.
In contrast, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro commands a premium price tag, with an MSRP of $899. This higher cost is justified by the superior materials used in its construction, the extended battery life in Expedition mode, and the inclusion of over 100 sport modes.
While the price may be a significant factor for some, those who require the ultimate durability and battery efficiency for extended off-grid adventures will find the Peak Pro to be a worthwhile investment.
8. Ideal User:
To determine which watch is the right choice for you, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. The standard Suunto 9 Peak is well-suited for most outdoor adventurers who seek reliable tracking capabilities at a reasonable price point.
Its 80+ sport profiles cover a wide range of activities, making it a versatile companion for various outdoor pursuits.
On the other hand, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro is tailored for extreme athletes and adventurers who demand the utmost in durability and battery efficiency for extended off-grid excursions.
With its titanium case, extended battery life in Expedition mode, and over 100 sport modes, the Peak Pro is the ultimate choice for those who push the boundaries of outdoor exploration.
Also Read: Comparison Between Suunto 9 Peak Pro and Garmin Fenix 7
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Peak Pro has a larger titanium case, sapphire crystal display, 10-day battery, and 100+ sport modes. The regular Peak offers similar features in a lighter polyamide build for $400 less.
The Peak has a stainless steel bezel and 100m water rating instead of 50m on the regular 9. It also adds altitude acclimation insights and has slightly better battery life up to 170 hours Vs.. 120 hours on the 9.
Yes, with its long battery life, onboard maps, GPS tracking, and altitude acclimation features, the 9 Peak is an excellent watch for hikers who want detailed workout metrics and navigation.
While suitable for swimming, the Suunto 9 lacks the depth gauge and dive-specific functions required for scuba diving. Suunto’s dedicated dive watches like the D5 or EON Core are better suited for diving.
Final Thoughts
For hardcore adventurers looking to push new extremes, the premium Suunto 9 Peak Pro provides unmatched battery life and durability. But the standard 9 Peak offers robust tracking for most athletes at a far more affordable price point.
Whichever you choose, these Suunto watches can survive years of rugged outdoor use while providing detailed insights into your performance. Let your budget and needs guide you toward the right Suunto GPS sports watch.
