Suunto GPS POD

Yep, it works great. Like the previous reviewer, I've had great success with the Suunto GPS Pod. I've had no problems with the GPS dropping out in steep walled canyons or heavily wooded trails. These devices can be a little finicky, but mine picks up satellites within a few seconds even during cloudy weather. It may be a bit pricey, but if you run and bike it will replace the need for a foot pod and a bike pod. The only thing that would make this a 5 star product is if it actually sent coordinates to the watch so that you could map your run/bike/hike. Suunto hasn't added that functionality, but I still love my GPS Pod.

Everyone who wants to monitor their progress and improve, this device is great. I trail run through canyons and this device keeps a good signal throughout the entire trail. I've ran the same path 5 times and it has consistently given me the same distance. Other than that, it takes a while to find a signal, which can be frustrating sometimes when I want to hit the trail before the sun sets.

Out of the box and working in fifteen minutes. A bit of experimentation with buttons proved fruitless because the watch menu system does not function like standard digital watches. Once I calmed down and read the manual all worked and sync-ed up quickly. The only negative thing I have to say after the first run: I am disappointed the GPS Pod has no ability to recharge itself. Positive: It was way lighter than I expected.

The cold start takes a while- especially if you're doing it in a new location- maybe 5 minutes. But once it's locked on it keeps it well. It is worth looking on the various Suunto and forums like Yahoo's Wristop Computers for advice, since there is a lot to know about how to use it. On flat land it seems very accurate- the problem is with mileage in the 3rd dimension- it is not so obvious how one would calibrate it since GPS systems don't really do the vertical dimension well. But if you are running/biking on flat ground calibration is easy. Finally, one of Suunto's strongest points is that when the watch locks on to the pod (or HR belt) it does so positively- Polar products seem more intermittent. Once you've learned to use it, for flat land (outside) it might be one of the better distance/speed units out there.

This is a good product, more accurate than the foot pod I used to use with my Suunto T6 watch and simple to set up. I've used it in the woods a little bit, and haven't lost the GPS signal, but I haven't used it in deep, thick woods, which will be the acid test.