Long-lasting GPS performance in a hefty AMOLED watch
Image: official product image from suunto.com
Is the Suunto Vertical 2 good for ultrarunning?
Yes, the Suunto Vertical 2 is a strong choice for ultrarunning: its dual-band GPS lasts up to 65 hours, and offline maps support route guidance. The bright AMOLED display is clear, but the 87 g stainless steel model feels heavy, and it has no on-watch music playback.
Key facts
| Category | GPS watches |
|---|---|
| Release | Launched and on sale 15 October 2025 |
| Price | $599 stainless steel; $699 titanium |
| Key specs |
|
| Best for | Ultrarunners and adventure users who prioritise long GPS battery life, maps and a bright display over a lighter watch or on-device music. |
| Consensus score | 8.7 out of 10 |
What is the Suunto Vertical 2?
The Suunto Vertical 2 is a multisport and adventure watch with a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, offline maps and dual-band GPS. Reviews from DC Rainmaker, Believe in the Run and other testers highlight its bright, detailed screen and sturdy sapphire-crystal construction. It weighs 87 g in stainless steel or 74 g in titanium, so even the lighter option is worth considering if you prioritise a light watch. Other features include 32 GB of storage, water resistance to 100 m, more than 115 sport modes and an integrated white and red LED flashlight.
How does it perform on ultras?
For long trail races, the standout is battery life: reviews cite up to 65 hours in multi-band GPS mode and up to 250 hours in Tour mode. Testers generally report strong GPS and heart-rate tracking, while offline maps and route guidance add useful navigation support. The bright screen is easy to see, although reviewers note that its dimmed always-on mode can be difficult to read. Some map and route workflows feel clunky, and flashlight controls draw criticism. One reported weakness is open-water swim GPS accuracy, which is less relevant to trail-focused ultrarunning.
Who should buy the Suunto Vertical 2?
The Suunto Vertical 2 suits ultrarunners and adventure users who value long GPS endurance, offline maps and a bright display more than a lightweight build. Its battery specification gives useful headroom for long outings, while route guidance supports navigation on the trail. The trade-offs are substantial: the watch is relatively heavy, some navigation and flashlight controls are awkward, and there is no on-watch music playback. At $599 for stainless steel or $699 for titanium, it is best suited to buyers who will make regular use of its endurance and mapping features.
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- Long GPS battery life, including up to 65 hours in multi-band mode
- Bright, detailed AMOLED display
- Generally accurate GPS and heart-rate tracking
- Offline maps and useful route guidance
- Sturdy build with sapphire glass
- Integrated flashlight
Weaknesses
- Heavy, particularly in the stainless steel version
- Flashlight controls and some navigation workflows are clunky
- Dimmed always-on display can be difficult to read
- No on-watch music playback
- Open-water swim GPS accuracy was poor in one review
Frequently asked questions
How does the Suunto Vertical 2 fit, and is it heavy?
The review data gives no case dimensions or detailed wrist-fit findings, but it does report weights of 87 g for stainless steel and 74 g for titanium. Reviewers describe the watch as hefty, so runners seeking a particularly light watch may want to consider that before buying.
How long does the Suunto Vertical 2 battery last?
Suunto lists up to 65 hours of GPS battery life in multi-band mode and up to 250 hours in Tour mode. Smartwatch battery life is listed at up to 20 days. These maximum figures make the watch suitable for long events, though actual life depends on the mode used.
Is the Suunto Vertical 2 better than the original Vertical?
The available review data does not provide a direct, feature-by-feature comparison with the original Suunto Vertical. It describes the Vertical 2 as having a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, offline maps and an integrated flashlight. Check a direct comparison if you need to know which features changed between models.
Sources behind this review
How this review works: the consensus score of 8.7 out of 10 condenses the verdicts of the independent reviews and lab tests listed above, compiled by endurance coach Paul Forrest. Prices and specifications are those quoted by reviewers at the time of testing and may have changed.
Training for an ultra? See endurance coaching with Paul Forrest.
