Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/773724
the watch only in the AC rooms, but I have received Suunto Traverse Alpha at the beginning of a hot sum- mer, so after one weekend trip to the shooting range it has stunk nastily. I had to use brush and soap to clean it every day. I was going to say bye-bye to the watch, but it has turned out that a silicone strap is available, too. Replacement takes only a few seconds and solves all above problems. From now on, I can wear the watch very comfortably and despite its size I can forget that I wear it. Navigation The Suunto Traverse Alpha uses both GPS and GLONASS – it is supposed to ensure more accurate measurements and redundancy "just in case". Now, as I have observed, the GPS system operates and the first attempt to con- nect with the satellites take a longer while, but after re- set after some time it gets fix very quickly. The menu allows for setting GPS with various interval times, what significantly influences both a service life of the batteries, and an accuracy of breadcrumb trail. From my point of view, it is worthwhile to reduce intervals if it is just an ordinary walk not an adventure run where time and route precision are of utmost importance. The watch supports grids and position formats, such as UTM, MGRS, WGS84 so you can navigate with map way easier. The Suunto Traverse Alpha enables both to navigate on the waypoints and with breadcrumbs trail. Selecting the waypoints in the watch is not the most convenient but with the Movescout app installed on a computer or smartphone it can be done quicker and easier. If you want to set a whole route you must use the app – you cannot do it in watch. Similarly as the other models, the Travers Alpha features "Track Back" and "Find Back" functions. The "Find Back" function indicates a direction to a start point, and "Track Back" generates and displays a route to the start point. Everything depends on whether you want to return same way or if we have made a large loop and now you need to return, e.g. to a car. Connectivity The Suunto Traverse Alpha has a Bluetooth to connect it wireless with phone (iOS and Android) what makes it more like smartwatch. A configuration of notifications can be done in the app in the phone or PC. The options are count- less: you can select if you want to get notifications SMS, e-mails, phone calls, as well as from the various applica- tions such as Skype, Facebook or Whatsapp. Furthermore, you can also connect heart rate sensor, but it is not included in the kit, so you need to purchase it sep- arately. I haven't tested this feature because I am using not compatible HR sensor. From what I had noticed, in the manual and menu there it is not possible to connect the other external sensors, e.g. bike ones most probably be- cause Traverse Alpha is meant for hiking, fishing and hunt- ing. The Suunto has the other watches in its offer, which are built from ground up for triathlon or cycling. Sports functions The Suunto Traverse Alpha might be used sports watch to a certain extent, however it is not its primary func- tion. From Movescout app you can install the option- al applications for different activities. Furthermore, a system enables you to configure the screens in most convenient way so it can display just the necessary in- formation. EDC