In 2020, Suunto introduced the Suunto Smart Heart Rate Belt, a wearable device designed to measure heart rate more accurately than wrist-based sensors, especially during activities like weightlifting or in cold weather where wrist sensors might not work well. This week, Suunto announced an upgraded version of the belt, called the Suunto Smart Heart Rate Belt 2. The new model includes several improvements, such as increased memory capacity, the ability to measure steps, and the option to connect to multiple devices at once. It is also being released alongside the Suunto Run 2 watch and uses electrodes to measure heart rate, effectively providing a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), a basic form of heart activity monitoring. Suunto emphasizes that the Belt 2 can detect specific parts of the heart's electrical activity, such as the QRS complex, which is the peak electrical signal of each heartbeat. The device also features a new strap design aimed at reducing electrostatic interference, which can affect the accuracy of heart rate readings. Additionally, it supports ZoneSense, a training analysis tool that uses heart rate variability instead of fixed heart rate zones to assess workout intensity. This feature is available when paired with compatible Suunto watches like the Suunto Race 2 or Suunto Vertical 2. The most significant improvements in the Belt 2 are related to memory and connectivity. The original model could store up to 3.5 hours of data when not connected to a watch via Bluetooth, but the new version can store up to 20 hours of data, ensuring no information is lost during long outdoor activities if the connection drops. It also allows simultaneous connections to three devices, such as a sports watch, a bike computer, and a smartphone, whereas the previous model could only maintain one active connection at a time. Battery life remains similar, with the new model lasting about 460 hours, slightly less than the 500 hours of the original model using button batteries. Another new feature of the Belt 2 is its ability to measure running dynamics when paired with a compatible Suunto watch. It can track cadence (steps per minute), ground contact time, vertical oscillation (how high a runner bounces), flight time (how long each foot is off the ground), and left/right balance upon impact. These data points were not available in the first version of the Smart Heart Rate Belt. The Suunto Smart Heart Rate Belt 2 has been available for purchase in France since this Tuesday, priced at 99 euros.