Do the Suunto Ambit 2 and Ambit 3 (and other Suunto watches) work differently?

The older Suunto Ambit 2 watch uses ANT+ to connect to Stryd. The Ambit 3 and most other Suunto watches use Bluetooth to connect to Stryd. This creates some subtle differences between Ambit 2 and other watches.

Any Suunto watch allows pairing with Stryd as a foot pod and power pod. Each is a unique connection to Stryd.

1. Stryd can connect to multiple ANT devices at once. This means that with the Ambit 2, Stryd can be paired as a foot pod AND power pod. This allows users to get power and pace from Stryd if paired as power pod and foot pod. 

2. With the Ambit 2, Stryd will not get activated by the watch itself. When you go for a run, Stryd will detect the motion and start recording and reporting power. When power hiking with Stryd, Stryd may not get activated at all, or recording may stop when switching from running to power hiking. 

3. Stryd can only support one Bluetooth connection. This means that with the Ambit 3, Stryd can only be paired once. Users will have to choose between power pod (to get power on the watch) or foot pod (to get pace and distance from Stryd).

4. Other Suunto watches such as Suunto Spartan, Suunto 9, etc. have special accommodation for Stryd. Suunto allows Stryd to be paired as a foot pod and still show power as well. So, users can get pace, distance, and power from Stryd.

If you have additional questions, contact support@stryd.com.