In the world of outdoor audio gear, Suunto has made an interesting move with the Suunto Wing, a Bluetooth bone-conduction headset. By delivering sound through bone conduction, the Wing allows users to stay aware of their surroundings, making it ideal for runners, hikers, and cyclists who want to listen to audio while maintaining full awareness. This Suunto Wing review dives into its features, performance, and who might benefit most from this innovative headset.
What's in the box?
Design and Build Quality
The Suunto Wing immediately stands out with its rugged, premium design. Crafted from silicone and titanium, the Wing is built to last, and the materials keep it light and comfortable at just 33 grams. The IP67 water-resistance rating is a plus, allowing the Wing to withstand rain, sweat, and dust, though it won’t conduct sound underwater. This makes it a practical choice for all-weather conditions, ensuring durability on rough trails or rainy days.
The headset fits comfortably around the back of the head and over the ears. While the design is stable for running or biking, it may need minor adjustments if worn with a bike helmet, depending on the helmet’s fit.
Key Features of the Suunto Wing
- Bone Conduction Technology: Enables safe audio listening while keeping ears open to ambient sounds, increasing safety for outdoor activities.
- Weight: Light at 33 grams, providing comfort during prolonged wear.
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of playtime, with an additional 20 hours from the portable charging dock.
- Dual Microphone with Noise Cancellation: Offers clear voice capture during calls.
- Smart Head Gesture Control: Simple nodding and shaking gestures for call handling and music control.
- IP67 Rating: Resistant to water and dust, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
- Temperature Range: Operates effectively from -20°C to 60°C, handling diverse climates with ease.
Sound Quality
For those primarily listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or calls, the Suunto Wing delivers clear sound. However, if you’re an audiophile expecting deep bass and high fidelity, these may not satisfy. Bone-conduction technology is generally better for mid-range audio, and the Wing reflects this. The open-ear design prioritizes safety and situational awareness over immersive sound, making it perfect for outdoor use but less ideal in noisy environments. In loud settings, such as busy streets or airports, volume might struggle to compete with ambient noise. Suunto includes foam earplugs, which can help in certain situations, though these aren’t recommended when situational awareness is essential.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a strong suit for the Suunto Wing. The headset itself provides up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge. Additionally, the portable charging dock offers an extra 20 hours, making it ideal for extended trips or long-distance outings. A quick 10-minute charge delivers up to 3 hours of playback, and a full charge takes only an hour. The charging dock connects via USB-C, but it’s worth noting that the USB-C cable isn’t included. However, the magnetic cable for charging the headset directly is included, which is a convenient touch.
Controls and Functionality
Suunto has kept controls simple and intuitive. The buttons are easy to locate and use, even while moving:
- Right Side Buttons: Control volume and power. A long press on the front button powers the headset on and off, while a quick tap changes the volume.
- Left Side Button: Controls play/pause and track changes. A single tap pauses, a double tap skips tracks, and a long press activates voice commands like Siri.
- Gesture Controls: Nod to answer calls, shake to skip songs. This feature is convenient, though users may find gesture controls limited to basic functions.
Ideal Scenarios for Suunto Wing
Great for:
- Outdoor Runners and Cyclists: The open-ear design keeps users aware of their surroundings, enhancing safety.
- Long-Distance Users: The charging dock with 20 additional hours of battery life is ideal for extended adventures.
- Audio Casuals: Perfect for those who prefer podcasts, audiobooks, or background music during outdoor activities.
Not suited for:
- Sound Purists: Those looking for immersive audio may find the sound quality too basic.
- High-Noise Environments: The open-ear design struggles in loud places, and earplugs reduce situational awareness.
Verdict
The Suunto Wing is a well-designed and sturdy headset that delivers on safety and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts. While it won’t satisfy users seeking rich, bass-heavy audio, it’s ideal for anyone prioritizing situational awareness over sound quality. Its lightweight design, simple controls, and long-lasting battery life make it a reliable choice for runners, hikers, and cyclists. If staying safe and aware while listening on the go is your priority, the Suunto Wing is worth considering.