I’ve had a Suunto T6C for two years and it’ll share some features.
I wanted to be able to record 24 hours worth of data at a time without changing batteries and there were few on the market that would do it. I’ve got the memory belt which allows me to record @ 24 hours of data. If you’re wanting to go away for a long weekend then check that it’ll store the amount of data you need.
The “Training Effect” / EPOC is a waste of time and this is their biggest difference to other HRM’s. It only has a minor use if you’re at a constant or rising heart rate. As soon at it varies, as it will when biking, then the results are meaningless. Also the “PC analysis with 7 body parameters” are no use but these are specific to the T6 not the T3.
Watch itself has been reliable but the lettering on the face has worn off – cosmetic but annoying. Used on average 3 – 4 times a week in all weathers. Not used it swimming. You can change the batteries yourself which is good and the batteries themselves are cheap. I use gel on the HR strap but even with that it drops the signal occasionally.
Cadence and speed pods have been ok. Not looked but I think that the batteries can be changed in them which is good.
You can set basic workouts up – warm up, two interval times which are repeated then a cool down. Not been a problem for me as that’s all I need.
Software you get with it is basic and I don’t think is being maintained.
I spoke to these guys on the phone before I bought
http://www.heartratemonitor.co.uk/index.html
It’s done what I wanted it to do but am in the process of replacing it so bottom line it I wouldn’t buy another T6 ‘cos it’s expensive for what it does.