# Suunto Race 3S Review: Upgraded Heart Rate and Build Compromised by Steep $599 Price

Canonical page: https://savlume.com/items/qikwagm69fesxqylwvx2yhss6
Publisher: Savlume
Published on Savlume: 2026-10-15T14:01:30.413Z
Content updated: 2026-10-15T15:03:29.025Z
Source publication time: 2026-10-15T13:38:59.000Z
Offer status: Unverified

In his hands-on testing, DC Rainmaker finds that the $599 Suunto Race 3S delivers significantly improved optical heart rate tracking, dependable GNSS accuracy, and upgraded titanium and sapphire materials. However, the reviewer highlights notable shortcomings, including a steep price hike over the previous generation, noticeable widget lag, and offline music limited to manual MP3 cable transfers without streaming support. Furthermore, its 2,000-nit display trails newer rivals, and Suunto has yet to announce subscription pricing for its AI Coach following the initial three-month trial.

## Media review

The reviewer praises the Race 3S's improved optical heart-rate sensor and describes its GPS results as generally good, but concludes that the $599 price is hard to justify for the extent of the upgrades.

Attribution: DC Rainmaker
AI-assisted summary of source text, not a Savlume hands-on test.

- Source-reported strength: The reviewer found the optical heart-rate sensor performed very well across tested runs and a gravel ride, and called it a major improvement over the Race S.
- Source-reported strength: The reviewer reports generally good GPS results across runs and rides, with most units close together in the comparisons.
- Source-reported strength: The reviewer found the display viewable in sunny and shaded conditions.
- Source-reported limitation: The reviewer says the $599 price is difficult to justify compared with the Race S and the scale of the changes.
- Source-reported limitation: The reviewer observed widget lag and black tiles while zooming maps.
- Source-reported limitation: Offline music playback supports transferred MP3 files, not streaming services; the reviewer also notes the missing physical LED flashlight.

### Does the watch support music streaming services?

No. The article says offline playback requires transferring MP3 files by USB and that streaming services are not supported.

### How did the reviewer assess the new optical heart-rate sensor?

The reviewer tested it across several runs and a gravel ride and described its performance as very good overall and a major improvement over the Race S sensor.

### What is included with Suunto AI Coach?

The article says Race 3S users get 3 months free, but the eventual subscription price had not been announced.

Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS7bp1QR5mI
## Evidence and sources

Source report only. Merchant price, availability, seller, and conditions have not been independently confirmed.
Last attempted check: Not recorded
Last successful verification: Not recorded

DC Rainmaker: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2026/10/suunto-race-3s-in-depth-review-upgrade.html

AI-assisted summary of cited source material. Not a hands-on review. Prices and availability can change.