Between the Pacer Pro and Race, the Pacer Pro comes out ahead in several specs, while the Race wins on gps mode and smartwatch mode. Overall, the Pacer Pro scores 39.7 and the Race scores 50.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Race is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 10.9 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
The Pacer Pro doesn't pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the Race if you care most about gps mode and smartwatch mode. Its strongest claims are gps mode, smartwatch mode, multi-band gps.
Both ship with comparable solar charging, ecg, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Race is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Polar - Pacer Pro wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Suunto - Race wins
- ▲GPS mode — 242.86% more. 120 h vs 35 h.
- ▲Smartwatch mode — 71.43% more. 12 days vs 7 days.
- ▲Has Multi-band GPS.
Spec comparison
GPS & Sensors
| Spec | Polar - Pacer Pro | Suunto - Race |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GPS | false | truelead |
| Barometric altimeter | true | true |
| Heart rate | true | true |
| ECG | false | false |
| Pulse Ox | false | truelead |
Battery
| Spec | Polar - Pacer Pro | Suunto - Race |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 7 days | 12 dayslead |
| GPS mode | 35 h | 120 hlead |
| Solar charging | false | false |
Design
| Spec | Polar - Pacer Pro | Suunto - Race |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 45 mm | 49 mmlead |
| Weight | 41 glead | 83 g |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 5 ATM | 10 ATMlead |
Spec-level deep dives
More from the same brands
vsMars is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.