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Suunto T4 Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Trainer Watch (Black)
By: Suunto       Average Rating: 3.5     Total Reviews: 11
More Information

This a whole training computer     On: 2008-05-03

This watch is a whole computer, it allows you to save your training, heart beat, calories consumed, distance you walk or run, etc. besides, it tells you what kind of training you have to do, and more, on the other hand, it is fragile, you have to be carefull to avoid damage on it.
It's a piece of CRAP!!!     On: 2008-02-19

I am NEVER buying Suunto again. I thought Suunto made quality products, but they proved me wrong after I bought this junk. Suuntos message appeared to be quite clear: You pay less, youll get junk.
- The watch scratched during the first couple of days of use (no misuse).
- The HRM stopped working after two uses.
- The least user friendly device Ive ever used.
- The bike POD NEVER worked.
- It looks CHEAP!!!!

I am only sticking with Polar from now on. I used to own their lowest-end model, and that thing worked like a charm.
Agree with most of the negative reviews so far     On: 2007-11-09

On top of these I would like to raise a problem I had with mine regarding the water proofing of the battery compartment of the chest strap. When I started having reliability problem in transmission I figured this could be a battery issue and proceeded to install a new one. On first opening the lead I found that the inside was quite moist, an one of the electrode was rusty.
Great functionality... poorly built     On: 2007-09-30

The T4 has lots of powerful features. It took me a week to get used to the T4s features. However, they do work mostly as expected. I really enjoy using the watch for my training. However, I found that the watch isnt made to last. Ive had to return mine four times. One time they thought they fixed it so they sent me back the same watch... it was still malfunctioning. The first time the watch broke was when I had to replace the battery. The LED display had a few lines missing from it. Ive also ran into problems with the watch resetting every time I tried to have it detect the foot pod.
If only it were perfect     On: 2007-09-11

Its not perfect. Im a cardiac patient and former college oarsman, fit even to three weeks before I had an emergency triple bypass surgery.

Some comments

Training Effect:

If it climbing fast, but your heart rate is not. Your heart has fatigue you are unaware of. Better cut back and cut it short.
If it climbs slow, but your heart rate is strong and fast, that means your heart is doing well. Thank God for that.
You may be less fit than you think. Do a series of hard intervals, and pump the TE, the TE may continue high when your heart does not recover fast. Expect it to recommend a day or two off afterwards.

Irregular heart rate:

Might be the battery, might be cardiac arrhythmia. A lot of jocks overdo it. Think twice before you ignore it.

Inconsistent pickup:

When mine did, I mailed it back, and got it back in about three weeks. Works great now.

Coach program:
If you follow it, it gives a good program with built in rest days.
If you dont follow it, it adjusts from what you are doing and gives a suggested pattern for the next five days, after every workout.
To guide it, you give it your weekly activity level and general fitness level, plus age, sex, height, weight, and your max HR. Push past your entered max HR, and it asks if you want to use that as your new Max HR. Im 54. Even post triple bypass, my max HR last fall was 176. Makes my cardiologist shudder. But I only get it that high 20 minutes or more into a workout, and briefly.
Set three heart rate zones, by percent of your max HR, and it records time in 5 ! The obvious z1, z2, z3, plus time above z3, and time below z1.
Saves max HR in each workout.
Set standard intervals you want to record per workout.

Difficult to use ?

Hmm, download the manual before you buy it.

I got the hang of the button sequence with a few minutes practice. Five buttons, long press or short press do different things. From any one menu panel, the buttons go to particular places. Its not just 5 choices. Total programming options number closer to 100 than 5. Once you get through it, then its more obvious, and you can navigate pretty well.

Strap ? Wash it now and then. Mine must not come as loose as others.

You dont have to wear the watch. It has a 30m pickup, so you can use it on a table or bench or anywhere else to watch your HR while doing another activity. I need to watch my HR lifting weights, doing bench step-ups, or squats or mil.press, and can cut a set short if my HR is to my limit too soon. Rowing, I cant check my wrist. I can mount it to a fixed position and observe my HR, TE and workout time during the workout.

This is not an HR monitor for the casual athlete. Buy an Omron for $30, but the signal is only about 30 inches, or less, and cant indicate cardiac fatigue with TE the way Suunto does.

Think what you need, then but it.
Ok     On: 2007-08-07

The functions are great. The design needs some work. The buttons get inadvertently pushed all the time, and the cloth strap is awful.
Nice option     On: 2007-07-17

This is a nice option if you a looking for a training tool. It has most of the features that a decent heart monitor must have with additional training tool and training effect calculation. The quality of the materials used to build the hardware are low end if you compare with other Suunto products such as T6 or X6HR and with direct competitors such as RS line from Polar. The training program is poor compared to Polar softwares available but you will able to record most of the data. It is not possible to analyze the heart rate variation for a specif training, just avg, max and minimum.
Nice option     On: 2007-07-16

This is a nice option if you a looking for a training tool. It has most of the features that a decent heart monitor must have with additional training tool and training effect calculation. The quality of the materials used to build the hardware are low end if you compare with other Suunto products such as T6 or X6HR and with direct competitors such as RS line from Polar. The training program is poor compared to Polar softwares available but you will able to record most of the data. It is not possible to analyze the heart rate variation for a specif training, just avg, max and minimum.
Good Product - Not for everyone...     On: 2007-07-10

Ive been using this watch for a couple of months and quite like it. It put me back on track on a cardio training exercise avoiding over and undertraining. However, its not for everyone.

1. As another reviewer commented it is really not intuitive to use. I have the same gripe with other Suunto products, but keep buying them as they are quality instruments that perform quite well. It is never clear what button to push to get into what menu. I am pretty tech savvy and have been using Polar watches and Suunto watches for a while. They could do a much better job in their user interfaces.

2. The coach is a pretty useful instrument for people that are not athletes, but want to get some indication on the intensity of their training. It uses heart rate as well as beat to beat distribution to calculate how intensive your session is. As opposed to the t6, it does give the training effect during the session allowing you to adjust the effort. It is important to input accurate information about your training and then it takes about a month for the coach to settle into a recommendation routine that is appropriate to you. Max HR is particularly important to get accurate result.

3. The watch is not appropriate for people that do a large portion of their exercise in a setting that does not allow using it(swimming, scuba diving, kickboxing...). There is no way to add a session that wasnt recorded using the watch so that the coach will think you havent done anything on a day you had a two hour tech dive in strong currents. Also, if you exercise more than once a day, it tends to suggest resting a lot. For swimming there seems to be a workaround using the smartbelt that records heartbeats when exercising, although Im not sure about this.

4. Seems like everyone is complaining about the watch band. It is cheap and it does get loose. On the other hand, it is pretty comfortable when exercising. You always have the option of replacing it with the full plastic one available from Suunto or buying the volcano red model.

5. Watch face scratches way too easily. You can polish it or protect it using a clear plastic sticker; but they couldve done a much better job.

6. The PC Pod needs to be bought separatly to record sessions onto a computer. I have it, but find it a bit superfluous. It doesnt record heart beat information, just max, average and TE. You get all of this on the watch and it doesnt provide much more information. I wouldve loved to see heart rate changes during the exercise as with the t6, but this would mean giving up on the coach function and online TE information.

Nice option     On: 2007-05-22

This is a nice training tool. The coach developed by carmichael is nice. The only problems are the materials used to build it, the plastic and the material used could be better.Also they could work more on the design of the product, it is not good or sport looking such as other suunto watches.
Nice option     On: 2007-05-21

This is a nice training tool. The coach developed by carmichael is nice. The only problems are the materials used to build it, the plastic and the material used could be better.Also they could work more on the design of the product, it is not good or sport looking such as other suunto watches.
Suunto T4 trainer     On: 2007-04-11

I rate this item with four (4) stars because it is fully functional and user friendly. However, the watch comes with a very cheap cloth band that doesnt stay tight (because the band is not secured to the watch with a seem or weld) and the face is not scratch-resistant or recessed. (on the second day wearing the watch I got a big scratch across the face). Overall, this watch is worth the buy with an additional strap (the rubber one) and a scratch-resistant face.
Good, could be better foir the $$$     On: 2007-02-25

My background: running since 1985, 8 yrs of XC, 9 marathons. Ive been using HRMs for training for years and have tried Nike, Polar, Freestyle and Timex HRMs. I was intrigued by the buzz this watch was getting in some of the running and outdoors magazines, so I picked up the T4. Here are my thoughts:

1. The band looks cool, but that cool white stripe is grey and dingy two months later. It also constantly slips and requires readjustment. Nylon bands also get wet and stay wet until you take them off...a pain if you wear your watch all the time like me.

2. The crystal is not recessed/does not have a rubber buffer around it...as is typical on most running watches. This means the crystal is unprotected and the face is more scratched after two months than many of my older watches.

3. The "coach" function is neat, but its not that much of a revelation really...probably some simple algorythm that comes up with a training progress rate based on how long youre working out at what heart rate. Good for a beginner, but nothing a serious athlete cant figure out on his/her own based on the principles of HRM training.

4. The HRM itself has been inconsistent...on my last several runs the HR reading has been way below where it should be (ie 90 when it should be at 130...) then, out of the blue, it pops up to a more reasonable reading. Then it freezes without explanation. Not something you want to deal with during an interval workout or hard run where your pace/HR matters.

5. After years of mostly Nike and Timex, it just isnt intuitive or easy to use. The menus are hard to navigate on the fly. This is my fault though, I guess I need to try harder.

6. The split display when the chrono is on is cool...you can choose between a variety of displays: calories burned, HR, time since last split, average heart rate, etc. My only beef with this is that if you stop during a split, and then restart, it shows you your time since you restarted, it doesnt keep tracking your split time. Kind of inconvenient when in the middle of an interval.

Anyway, for what its worth, those are my thoughts. Nike remains probably the best for running features, although Ive had reliability problems with Nike (short battery life and cheap bands), Timex is probably the most reliable for the bucks. I just dont think this one was worth the price tag. On race day Ill probably break out an older, more reliable HRM.
Good, could be better foir the $$$     On: 2007-02-24

My background: running since 1985, 8 yrs of XC, 9 marathons. Ive been using HRMs for training for years and have tried Nike, Polar, Freestyle and Timex HRMs. I was intrigued by the buzz this watch was getting in some of the running and outdoors magazines, so I picked up the T4. Here are my thoughts:

1. The band looks cool, but that cool white stripe is grey and dingy two months later. It also constantly slips and requires readjustment. Nylon bands also get wet and stay wet until you take them off...a pain if you wear your watch all the time like me.

2. The crystal is not recessed/does not have a rubber buffer around it...as is typical on most running watches. This means the crystal is unprotected and the face is more scratched after two months than many of my older watches.

3. The "coach" function is neat, but its not that much of a revelation really...probably some simple algorythm that comes up with a training progress rate based on how long youre working out at what heart rate. Good for a beginner, but nothing a serious athlete cant figure out on his/her own based on the principles of HRM training.

4. The HRM itself has been inconsistent...on my last several runs the HR reading has been way below where it should be (ie 90 when it should be at 130...) then, out of the blue, it pops up to a more reasonable reading. Then it freezes without explanation. Not something you want to deal with during an interval workout or hard run where your pace/HR matters.

5. After years of mostly Nike and Timex, it just isnt intuitive or easy to use. The menus are hard to navigate on the fly. This is my fault though, I guess I need to try harder.

6. The split display when the chrono is on is cool...you can choose between a variety of displays: calories burned, HR, time since last split, average heart rate, etc. My only beef with this is that if you stop during a split, and then restart, it shows you your time since you restarted, it doesnt keep tracking your split time. Kind of inconvenient when in the middle of an interval.

Anyway, for what its worth, those are my thoughts. Nike remains probably the best for running features, although Ive had reliability problems with Nike (short battery life and cheap bands), Timex is probably the most reliable for the bucks. I just dont think this one was worth the price tag. On race day Ill probably break out an older, more reliable HRM.
great watch, terrible band     On: 2007-02-21

the band is unbelievably cheap for a watch of this price and quality.
Better than a personal trainer     On: 2007-02-20

The coach feature keeps me motivated. It provides a flexible plan that has allowed me to gradually increase my fitness level. For the money, I couldnt be happier - The ability to keep me focused on cardiovacular improvment earns a five star rating twice over. Suunto goofed with the cheap nylon wrist band, but the band can be replaced with the rubber version found on the T3.
Disappointing     On: 2007-01-28

Having been a serious triathlete who has used heart rate monitors for the past 10 years, I was excited about the description of this product. When I opened the box, I was immediately disappointed in its appearance. It looks like an incredibly cheap watch that you would buy at a dime store. The watch itself looks like it would break apart with any jarring, and the watch band is nothing more than a ribbon that is adjusted by pulling it through a flimsy bracket attached to the watch. This causes the "end" of the band to stick out when the watch is on. I did not use it once, put it back in the box, and am sending it back. It may work just fine, but Im not going to pay this kind of money for a heart rate monitor that looks like something you got out of a vending machine. Pathetic.
Excellent functions, nice enough watch     On: 2007-01-22

I got this watch approximately one week ago. The coach function, which is probably the reason you are looking at it, is fairly nice, although Ive only used it about 3 times. It seems to be a fairly good read of your current capacity, although for me it was too easy to exceed what it asked for (as I am in fairly bad shape, and even low intensity exercise shot my heart rate way up... of course this is not the watches fault). I expect that with time, it will help me improve in a better fashion than if i did not have this tool, will post an update in a few weeks/months.

The watch interface is fairly simple, although it does have all the basic functions necessary. Its got the normal time, dual time, alarm clock, day, date display (it only shows the time and one other thing at a time),and the alarm clock has a snooze function, which I had never seen on a wristwatch. It does not have all the extra functions that Suuntos normally do(altimeter, compass, barometer), but this is not expected, as this is geared towards fitness.

As for heart rate belt reception, I have not had a dropped signal in any use. When I first got it and tried it, the signal kept dropping, but after reading the instructions, and placing a small amount of water on the electrodes,this problem disappeared.

The watch has a slightly steep learning curve, as theres 3 different training measures that it uses (activity class, program level, and training effect), but again, after reading the instructions, it became clear what these mean and how they work (TE is the main workout measurement, the others are set up at the beginning, and you dont have to modify them or monitor them on a day to day basis). Again, I have had it for a week, and have been using it effectively, so the learning curve is manageable.

As other people have mentioned, the materials the watch is made out of are not necessarily the best, specially considering the acrylic vs crystal face, and the band, as I would have preferred an elastomer one(easy to fix with 19 USD). Nonetheless, it does not look bad.

In conclusion, its a nice enough watch with some very nice fitness functions, and at a very good price. I definitely recommend it.
Excellent functions, nice enough watch     On: 2007-01-21

I got this watch approximately one week ago. The coach function, which is probably the reason you are looking at it, is fairly nice, although Ive only used it about 3 times. It seems to be a fairly good read of your current capacity, although for me it was too easy to exceed what it asked for (as I am in fairly bad shape, and even low intensity exercise shot my heart rate way up... of course this is not the watches fault). I expect that with time, it will help me improve in a better fashion than if i did not have this tool, will post an update in a few weeks/months.

The watch interface is fairly simple, although it does have all the basic functions necessary. Its got the normal time, dual time, alarm clock, day, date display (it only shows the time and one other thing at a time),and the alarm clock has a snooze function, which I had never seen on a wristwatch. It does not have all the extra functions that Suuntos normally do(altimeter, compass, barometer), but this is not expected, as this is geared towards fitness.

As for heart rate belt reception, I have not had a dropped signal in any use. When I first got it and tried it, the signal kept dropping, but after reading the instructions, and placing a small amount of water on the electrodes,this problem disappeared.

The watch has a slightly steep learning curve, as theres 3 different training measures that it uses (activity class, program level, and training effect), but again, after reading the instructions, it became clear what these mean and how they work (TE is the main workout measurement, the others are set up at the beginning, and you dont have to modify them or monitor them on a day to day basis). Again, I have had it for a week, and have been using it effectively, so the learning curve is manageable.

As other people have mentioned, the materials the watch is made out of are not necessarily the best, specially considering the acrylic vs crystal face, and the band, as I would have preferred an elastomer one(easy to fix with 19 USD). Nonetheless, it does not look bad.

In conclusion, its a nice enough watch with some very nice fitness functions, and at a very good price. I definitely recommend it.

AN UPDATE A FEW MONTHS LATER:

My only complaint is the band. I like the way it looks, but I have to adjust it about once or twice a day. Will definitely get the elastomer strap.

Coach function has helped!
Cumple lo que promete-excelente herramienta de entrenamiento     On: 2007-01-18

Lo compre hace un mes para reemplazar mi viejo HRM. Despues de mucho estudiar lo que todas las marcas ofrecen, me parecio el mas adecuado. Cuando lo compre no confiaba mucho en la funcion COACH pero despues de una semana se volvio uno de mis mejores amigos.
Es facil de programar, facil de leer, se transforma en un vicio en muy poco tiempo.
Si estas interesado en cuan lindo luce,este es el HRM equivocado, se ve ridiculo en ropa de civil, pero en el gym es la mejor herramienta que podes encontrar.
Good, but not great.     On: 2007-01-06

This monitor DOES indeed do what the manual says it will do. That is, it monitors heart rate and provides "training effect" information. However, I note 3 problems w/ it that cause me to recommend my previous brand - Polar- over the Suunto. First, because the monitor is not the least bit intuitive in its operation, the manual needs to be much more detailed. Im pretty saavy w/ monitors and can program most w/o even consulting the manual. I cant even operate this one w/o continual reference to the manual. I end up delaying my training by 5 minutes or more just to get the monitor ready to go. Second, the monitor loses the heart rate signal more than any other monitor Ive ever owned. Ive replaced the batteries and still, it cuts in and out both inside and outside. Since the monitor is supposed to track your training via heart rate and time in various training zones, this interruption is frustrating and undercuts the whole point of this monitor. Lastly, the monitor is capable of interfacing with various add-ons such as a "foot pod" and a "bike pod." Thats fine if one wants to purchase and utilize those add-ons. But, the menu on the monitor should permit you to delete those fields for which you have NOT added the extra apparatus so that when you scroll through you dont have to click past 3 blank fields for which you have no use. A minor point, I know, but it contributes to an already cluttered menu arrangement.
Good, but not great.     On: 2007-01-05

This monitor DOES indeed do what the manual says it will do. That is, it monitors heart rate and provides "training effect" information. However, I note 3 problems w/ it that cause me to recommend my previous brand - Polar- over the Suunto. First, because the monitor is not the least bit intuitive in its operation, the manual needs to be much more detailed. Im pretty saavy w/ monitors and can program most w/o even consulting the manual. I cant even operate this one w/o continual reference to the manual. I end up delaying my training by 5 minutes or more just to get the monitor ready to go. Second, the monitor loses the heart rate signal more than any other monitor Ive ever owned. Ive replaced the batteries and still, it cuts in and out both inside and outside. Since the monitor is supposed to track your training via heart rate and time in various training zones, this interruption is frustrating and undercuts the whole point of this monitor. Lastly, the monitor is capable of interfacing with various add-ons such as a "foot pod" and a "bike pod." Thats fine if one wants to purchase and utilize those add-ons. But, the menu on the monitor should permit you to delete those fields for which you have NOT added the extra apparatus so that when you scroll through you dont have to click past 3 blank fields for which you have no use. A minor point, I know, but it contributes to an already cluttered menu arrangement.
Very nice training tool     On: 2006-11-06

This is a great training tool. The post exercise information is very, data by log, week and month and the coach is a very nice training tool. I just believe that suunto could invest in a better strap and general device materials. Making long history short this is a better option to T6 and even better than S625x if you are looking for a daily training tool.

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