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Which Running Watch Should I Buy?

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APEX 2 GPS Sports Watch


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Which Running Watch Should I Buy?

Running watches can be an invaluable tool for anyone from the casual jogger to the seasoned ultra runner. And they’re not just for runners either, with a variety of activity settings you can keep track of skiing, cycling, swimming, and more.

If you’re thinking about making the investment, it’s worth doing a bit of research before you commit. Like many things, the watch you choose should be somewhat personal based on your preferences and needs. The perfect watch for you might not be perfect for somebody else.

At XMiles we’re big fans of the COROS watches. With a variety of models available to suit all needs and budgets, in our opinion they're are hard to beat.

Which COROS should I buy?

We’re going to look at the different COROS models available and how they compare to one another.

Pace 3

Price: £219

Weight: 29g (with Silicone band), 30g (with Nylon band)

Display: 1.2 Inch touch screen

Battery Life: 38 hours with continuous GPS use, 10 hours with Music.

Charging Time: > 2 hours

Memory: 4GB

Water Resistance: 5 ATM

Band: Silicone or Nylon, 22mm, quick release.

Data tracking features:

  • Optical Heart Rate Monitor
  • Optical Pulse Oximeter
  • Barometric Altimeter
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • 3D Compass
  • Thermometer

Apex 2

Price: £349.99

Weight: 53g (with Silicone band), 42g (with Nylon band)

Display: 1.2 Inch touch screen

Battery Life: 40 hours with continuous GPS use, 10 hours with Music.

Charging Time: > 2 hours

Memory: 8GB

Water Resistance: 5 ATM

Band: Silicone or Nylon, 20mm, quick release.

Data tracking features:

  • Optical Heart Rate Monitor
  • Optical Pulse Oximeter
  • Barometric Altimeter
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • 3D Compass
  • Thermometer
  • Electrocardiogram Sensor

Apex 2 Pro

Price: £449.99

Weight: 66g (with Silicone band), 53g (with Nylon band)

Display: 1.3 Inch touch screen

Battery Life: 66 hours with continuous GPS use, 18 hours with Music.

Charging Time: > 2 hours

Memory: 32GB

Water Resistance: 5 ATM

Band: Silicone or Nylon, 22mm, quick release.

Data tracking features:

  • Optical Heart Rate Monitor
  • Optical Pulse Oximeter
  • Barometric Altimeter
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • 3D Compass
  • Thermometer
  • Electrocardiogram Sensor

Vertix 2

Price: £599

Weight: 89g (with Silicone band), 72g (with Nylon band)

Display: 1.4 Inch touch screen

Battery Life: 127 hours with continuous GPS use, 32 hours with Music.

Charging Time: > 2 hours

Memory: 32GB

Water Resistance: 10 ATM

Band: Silicone or Nylon, 26mm, quick fit.

Data tracking features:

  • Optical Heart Rate Monitor
  • Optical Pulse Oximeter
  • Barometric Altimeter
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • 3D Compass
  • Thermometer
  • Electrocardiogram Sensor

Which is best?

What makes the perfect running watch is different for every runner. Every athlete has different requirements and preferences, making it hard to say which is the best running watch.

While models across the COROS range share many similarities, there are also some key differences.

Best all-rounder: Pace 3

We think the Pace 3 is undoubtedly the best all-rounder. Extremely light weight and budget friendly, this watch is perfect for first time running watch owners.

The only drawback of the pace 3 is its slightly shorter battery life. If using GPS and Heart rate monitor continuously the Pace 3 will only give you around 30 hours battery life, still pretty good but not ideal for those competing in longer or even multi-day events.

For ultra runners & serious hikers: Vertix 2

The Vertix 2 stands out for its incredible battery life (127 hours while using GPS!). Making it the perfect choice for serious Ultra runners taking part in multi-day events where charging is either not possible or just inconvenient.

Extended battery life is also ideal for hikers embarking on longer adventures.

For the trail runner: Apex 2 Pro

The Apex 2 Pro has all the features of the Apex 2 & Pace 3 but with a 66-hour battery life (continuous GPS) and a whopping 32GB memory.

The Apex 2 Pro is ideal for those who require that extra bit of storage for downloading maps, and an extended battery life for peace of mind.

Takeaway:

Ultimately, the perfect running watch depends on the individual and factors such as budget, intended use and desired features.

Considering these factors should help you make an informed decision when choosing the best watch for you.

Related Articles:

Benefits of a GPS Watch

Why do Runners use watches?

Why should you use COROS?

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