UPDATE: Suunto Ambit Heart Rate Belt Clarification and new Firmware releases schedule

A major question recently has been centered around which Heart Rate Belts work with the new Ambit. Below is some details clarifying the use of existing Dual Belts, as used with Quest and the M-series, and the new Suunto ANT belt which is being shipped with the Ambit.

The Suunto Dual Belt has been designed to be used with Fitness/Training products whereas the new Suunto ANT belt is better suited for the needs of Ambit target consumer segment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Suunto have clarified that the AMBIT can be used with Suunto Dual Belt. So, if a customer already owns a Dual Belt or want to use/purchase a Dual Belt instead of the Suunto ANT Belt he/she can do so.

The difference between the new Suunto ANT Belt and Dual Belt is that the Dual Belt is compliant with selected gym equipment and the new ANT Belt is not.
The differences between the new Suunto ANT Belt and the old Suunto ANT Belt and are the following:
1)      new ANT belt with AMBIT uses different (significantly better) filter for heart rate data
2)      it includes the so called Sensor ID number in the message sent by the belt
3)      includes special pairing bit (used by Quest & M-Series), that’s irrelevant for proximity pairing used by Ambit
4)      important visual difference: Sensor ID is laser marked on the back of the module, near the serial number

Also the FAQ section on Suuntos website has been updated on AMBIT. The updated content in the FAQ 1.5 is the following:
1)      The answer to the question about what HR belts Ambit supports has been modified
2)      A clarification has been added that the promise of log time of 16h with all recordings on doesn’t include having autolaps on.
3)      Added Q and A about the fact that Ambit needs to be in TIME mode when you transfer logs or settings to/from Movescount.
4)      Added instructions for how to put off the time sync from PC

AMBIT 1.5 Software update release content - to be launched in May 2012
As promised, AMBIT features will be enhanced over time through SW-updates.

Suunto’s plan for the content of AMBIT SW 1.5 release in the end of May 2012 is the following:
·        Route creation and navigation based on waypoints
·        Improvements in how waypoints are named and listed
·        Improvements in how compass and navigation can be used while exercising
·        Manual adding of waypoints directly in Ambit
·        Some additional local grids and datums

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The above listing of AMBIT SW 1.5 release content is subject to change! Stay tuned.

·        During May’12 we will announce the tentative listing of the new features in the upcoming AMBIT SW 2.0 release - targeted to launch in October’12. This AMBIT 2.0 SW release in October’12 will have a much bigger scope in comparison to the 1.5 SW release.
·        By 21st March we’ll open the ambit@suunto.com<mailto:ambit@suunto.com> feedback channel for you, trade customers and consumers. Information on this opportunity will be found on the bottom right corner of the AMBIT web page at suunto.com.
AMBIT Manuals and How to Use Videos now available
·        Ambit manual is now available at suunto.com on the Ambit product pages.
·        Also the AMBIT how to use videos have been uploaded to Youtube.
Here’s a link to the intro video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqSEmfKAkhs
The rest of the Suunto AMBIT videos you can find on the right hand side list of videos in YouTube once you have clicked the above link.

REVIEW: Suunto Ambit review Part 1 of 3 - Initial Overview

Download the complete Part 1 of the Comprehensive 3 Part Series

 CLICK HERE

UPDATE: Garmin Vector Power Pedal–Delivery Reschedule

Garmin have announced a delay in the release of the long awaited Vector Pedal power meter which was initially due late March 2012. In keeping with all product releases, Garmin will always attempt to ensure that the Vector Power Pedal meets the highest standards of quality, in doing so the product release has taken longer than expected. Garmin are 100% committed to bringing this highly anticipated power meter to specialist Garmin fitness dealers around the globe. Highly Tuned Athletes will keep our customers informed as any updates come to hand, at this stage the release has been delayed until mid year.  

To Place your Pre-Order for the Garmin Vector Power pedal CLICK HERE

COMPETITION: WIN A SUUNTO AMBIT!

Competition starts today!

How to Enter: Guess the Date and Time the courier will deliver the first batch of the NEW Suunto AMBIT to the  Highly Tuned Athletes showroom. Submit your entry on the Highly Tuned Athletes Facebook Wall and have a chance to WIN! CLICK HERE to Enter NOW!

To learn more about the Suunto Ambit CLICK HERE or click on the link below:
 
http://www.highlytunedathletes.com.au/default.asp?Keyword=ambit&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&page=searchview


For Full Terms & Conditions CLICK HERE or click the link below:

NEW PRODUCT: Suunto Ambit with built in GPS and outdoor adventure features

Suunto today have announced the new Ambit with built in GPS and ABC features (Altitude/Barometer/Compass).

AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER HERE

Pricing is;
$629.99 with HRM - available mid March with $65 deposit now.
$549.99 without HRM - available mid March with $55 deposit now.

# Firm pricing to be confirmed during Thursday 19th.

The new Suunto AMBIT – conquering new territory with the world's first GPS for Explorers.

THE GPS FOR EXPLORERS Suunto launches the Ambit* GPS watch

Today, Suunto, the brand leader in functional outdoor instruments, announces the launch of the Ambit, the first true GPS watch for Explorers. The Suunto Ambit is what every backcountry skier, hiker, trail runner and mountain climber has been eagerly waiting for — a watch that combines a GPS navigation system, altimeter, 3D compass with advanced heart rate monitoring into a robust instrument for mountain and everyday use.

"This is an awesome product that should be on the wrist of anyone who heads into the outdoors," comments Greg Hill, the record-breaking extreme ski mountaineer, who in 2010, ascended two million vertical feet (609 vertical km). "The Ambit is a potentially life-saving survival tool thanks to its full GPS capability and altimeter. It's also invaluable for anyone who, like me, wants to record their tracks and log their vertical ascents and descents. And it looks great too."

Specific Outdoor Functionality

With Ambit´s full-featured GPS the user can choose waypoints to navigate with and see their location in multiple coordinate systems.

The Ambit boasts a host of other features including temperature, track logging, unique 3D Compass and barometric sensor. All these keep you informed of your location, altitude and weather conditions on your adventures.

With a conventional compass, you need to hold the compass level to the horizon to get an accurate reading. Suunto's 3D compasses compensate for tilt, allowing you to get a reading regardless of the angle of your wrist.

Suunto products with BuiltToLast casing have a robust, one-piece composite case with stiff top bezel. The anodized aluminum case and mineral glass display are designed to withstand mechanical shocks and scratching.

To better reflect the meaning of the Training Effect measurement, Suunto has renamed the measurement to Peak Training Effect (PTE). PTE indicates the impact of a training session on your maximum aerobic performance and is most accurate with medium and high intensity training. The measurement is relative to your current fitness level. The fitter you are, the harder you have to work to reach a higher PTE. Recovery Time is an estimate of how long your body needs to recuperate after training. The time is based on the duration and intensity of the session, as well as the overall fatigue, accumulating even at lower intensities. Recovery Time accumulates from one session to the next if you train again before the time has expired.

Feature Overview

Specialized Outdoor functions
Full-featured GPS (SiRFIV chip)
3D Compass_Barometric altitude
Temperature
Barometer
Waypoint –navigation with GPS
Waypoint creation and storing in watch and in Movescount.com
Location in multiple coordinate systems

Advanced Training functions
Highly responsive pace / speed (FusedSpeedTM)and distance from accelerometer integrated GPS_Peak Training Effect & Recovery Time
Chrono_Manual and autolaps
Heart rate graph in real time
Heart rate limits_Heart rate zones in Movescount.com
Track logging and analysis in Movescount.com

Mountain and everyday exploration
Measurement unit selection
Two-way data transfer and charging with USB cable
Water to 100 m (2281)_Positive / negative display switch
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery_User adjustable backlight
Robust BuiltToLast casing_Watch settings in Movescount.com
Upgradeable with new functionalities through Movescount.com
Enhanced Batterylife
* 30 days with watch and ABC functionality
* 50h with 60 sec GPS tracking interval, suitable for e.g. hiking
* 15h with 1 sec GPS tracking interval, suitable for e.g. running

General
Time, date, alarm, dual time
Button lock
Low battery indicator
Measurement unit selection
Two-way data transfer and charging with USB cable

Integrated GPS
The integrated GPS used in wristop devices such as Suunto Ambit is based on the SiRFstarIV technology. The receiver has a very high sensitivity. This helps Ambit to find GPS satellites much quicker and get steadier readings.


Peak Training Effect
To better reflect the meaning of the Training Effect measurement, Suunto has renamed the measurement to Peak Training Effect (PTE).
PTE indicates the impact of a training session on your maximum aerobic performance and is most accurate with medium and high intensity training. The measurement is relative to your current fitness level. The fitter you are, the harder you have to work to reach a higher PTE.


3D Compass
With a conventional compass, you need to hold the compass level to the horizon to get an accurate reading.
Suunto's 3D compasses compensate for tilt, allowing you to get a reading regardless of the angle of your wrist.

Recovery Time
Recovery Time is an estimate of how long your body needs to recuperate after training. The time is based on the duration and intensity of the session, as well as the overall fatigue, accumulating even at lower intensities.
Recovery Time accumulates from one session to the next if you train again before the time has expired.

BuiltToLast casing
Suunto products with BuiltToLast casing have a robust, one-piece composite case with stiff top bezel. The anodized aluminum case and mineral glass display are designed to withstand mechanical shocks and scratching.

UPDATE: Garmin 910xt

Great news, stock is beginning to roll out.

On the 11th Jan (tomorrow), we will be receiving a very limited amount of 910xt's which will enable us to fulfil orders on our pre-order list dated from the very first customer on the 5th Oct through to the 8th Oct and a portion of the 9th of Oct. . We will be in contact with you today if you are included on this list, please do NOT call us. We will also have all of the accessories available at the same time, such as the new Quick Release kit and the Velcro strap.

Further, we have been advised that the next drop is possibly about 14 days away and we expect this to be a larger amount, hoping that it will fulfil all pre-orders in October and part way through November. More detail to follow as soon as it comes to hand.

If you are attending Two Bays Trail Run this weekend, hunt down Peter 'Chilliman' Mullins as he will be using one on the day. (Maybe a few other very keen customers too !)

From my understanding, we managed to get the first 910xt's anywhere in the World !!

UPDATE: Garmin 910xt

Garmin Australia have announced that the 910xt is still on track and the first 910xt’s are scheduled for delivery around the 3rd week of January 2012 with an initial very limited amount of stock available.

Whilst the actual number arriving into Australia is still a bit scratchy, we believe that the allocation we will receive here at HTA will only be enough to fulfil orders placed in the early part of Oct.

Supplies of the 910xt will then continue onwards through the later weeks of January and February and all Pre-Order customers should be aware that the queue system we have implemented will be adhered to very strictly # Pre-orders will be fulfilled in the order they have been received and NOBODY will be afforded queue jumping.

Our 1st 2nd, 3rd and 4th batches are now sold out, with any newly placed pre-orders from this date will be a part of the expected deliveries to arrive in February/March.

It is likely that this product will not be available to walk up purchasers until sometime in March, April or even beyond and it remains that the best way to obtain one is only by Pre-ordering.

Back in October, we were aware that this product would be a hot item and have pitched to customers as best we could all the way through that pre-ordering is important, always attempting not to sound like used car salesmen. However, we never imagined that from the date of announcement on the 5th Oct to actually having freely available stock to sell over the counter would be a near 6 month process.

Pre-ordering as soon as you can is still by far the best way to get a 910xt.

If you do currently have one on pre-order with us then you are well placed and will be looked after in the process of getting what has become a very difficult item to obtain.

As always, we accept 10% deposit and we offer full refund at anytime, no questions asked,  which provides a risk free purchase.

Pre orders can be placed by CLICKING HERE TO PLACE YOUR PRE-ORDER NOW

Christmas Newletter 2011

Our final newsletter for 2011. Click on the link above to read:

Includes:
- The New: Motorola MOTOACTV
- Our Best Products for 2011
- Christmas and New year Opening Hours

UPDATE: GARMIN 910XT DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Pre-Orders for this exciting new leading edge multisport training tool have been unprecedented.

With regards to expected delivery dates, unfortunately we are in the hands of Garmin, but will pass on any information received as soon as it comes to hand.

The initially advised release date of mid November has been delayed world wide. The latest update we have received from Garmin Australia is now the 19th of December and Garmin will be pulling out all stops to get the product into the country before Christmas.

Garmin Australia also cannot advise how much stock they will be receiving in the first shipment, but rest assured Highly Tuned Athletes has placed large stock orders the day of initial product announcement, well over forecast sales.

Every pre-order received by Highly Tuned Athletes has been placed chronologically in order and will be fulfilled as stock comes to hand. As Australia's largest independent retailer of Garmin Fitness products, we are anticipating a large stock allocation, which will be distributed to our valuable customers as a priority.

For customers who have not yet placed an order, we are now advising of a January delivery and possibly February delivery if your order is made closer to Xmas.

We recommend that the sooner you place your pre-order, then the sooner we will be able to allocate you delivery of a 910xt. Remember, Full refund for change of mind is available at any time and we are only taking 10% deposits as a part of your initial order.

Pre orders can be placed  by CLICKING HERE TO PLACE YOUR PRE-ORDER NOW

Regards,

The HTA team.

customerservice@HighlyTunedAthletes.com.au

Coast to Kosci - Ultramarathon

Just on a week to go for the 5th official running of what is widely viewed as Australia's most challenging Ultramarathon foot race, Coast to Kosci.

The Coast to Kosci event starts at 5:30am Friday the 9th of December from sea level at Boydtown beach Twofold bay Eden NSW, and travels continuously for 240kms to Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko at 2228 metres.

Race records Male: Jo Blake 26:01:40 (2009), Female: Sharon Scholz 32:14:32 (2010).

Highly Tuned Athletes are proud to be supporting previous finishers Brett Saxon and Kerrie Bremner during the 2011 event.

For more information click here (http://www.coast2kosci.com/), for live race progress click here (http://www.coast2kosci.com/live.php).