If you're a fitness enthusiast looking for a smartwatch that offers a blend of advanced features, impressive battery life, and lightweight design, the COROS Pace 2 might just be the perfect fit for you. This review delves into the key aspects of the COROS Pace 2, including its battery life, heart rate monitoring, GPS accuracy, water resistance, app compatibility, and durability.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the COROS Pace 2 is its exceptional battery life. The watch boasts up to 20 days of regular use and 30 hours in full GPS mode. This is a game-changer for those who are tired of charging their devices every few days. Users have reported that even with 24/7 heart rate monitoring and regular GPS usage, the watch comfortably lasts for weeks. This makes it an ideal companion for long-distance runners, hikers, and anyone who spends extended periods outdoors.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The COROS Pace 2 comes equipped with an optical heart rate monitor that provides continuous 24/7 heart rate tracking. While wrist-based heart rate monitors can sometimes be inaccurate, users have found the COROS Pace 2 to be reasonably reliable. It offers real-time heart rate data during workouts, which is crucial for monitoring your training intensity and ensuring you're working within your target heart rate zones. However, for those seeking the utmost accuracy, pairing the watch with a chest strap monitor might be a good idea.
GPS Accuracy
When it comes to GPS accuracy, the COROS Pace 2 does not disappoint. The watch provides precise tracking for various activities, including running, cycling, and swimming. Users have praised its ability to quickly lock onto satellite signals and maintain strong connectivity even in challenging environments like dense forests or urban areas with tall buildings. This reliability ensures that your workout data is accurate, which is essential for tracking your progress and planning future training sessions.
Water Resistance
The COROS Pace 2 is designed to be water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. It can withstand being submerged in water up to 50 meters deep, which means you can confidently wear it while swimming laps in the pool or participating in open water swims. The watch also includes dedicated swimming modes that track metrics like stroke count, distance, and pace, providing valuable insights for swimmers.
App Compatibility
The COROS app is a robust companion to the Pace 2 smartwatch, offering a comprehensive overview of your performance and health metrics. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to sync your data seamlessly. It provides detailed insights into your workouts, sleep patterns, and daily activity levels. Additionally, the app offers customizable training plans created by COROS athletes and coaches, helping you tailor your workouts to meet your specific goals. Integration with popular fitness platforms like Strava further enhances the watch's versatility.
Durability
Despite its lightweight design, the COROS Pace 2 is built to withstand the rigors of intense workouts and outdoor adventures. The watch features a durable build with a reinforced polymer case and a scratch-resistant screen. Users have reported that it holds up well against accidental drops and impacts, making it a reliable choice for those who lead an active lifestyle. The nylon band option further reduces the weight to just 29 grams, making it one of the lightest GPS watches on the market.
Special Features
The COROS Pace 2 is packed with special features that cater to a wide range of fitness activities. It includes a barometric altimeter, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, and thermometer, providing comprehensive tracking capabilities. The watch supports multiple sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming, cardio, strength training, and water sports. It also offers advanced training features like interval training, structured workouts, and triathlon modes, making it a versatile tool for athletes of all levels.
Missing Features
While the COROS Pace 2 excels in many areas, there are a few features that some users might miss. For instance, it does not include built-in music storage or playback, which means you'll need to carry your phone if you want to listen to music during your workouts. Additionally, it lacks NFC for contactless payments, a feature that is becoming increasingly common in smartwatches. However, these omissions are relatively minor considering the watch's overall performance and affordability.
Benefits and Issues
Benefits:
- Exceptional Battery Life: Up to 20 days of regular use and 30 hours in full GPS mode.
- Lightweight Design: Weighs just 29 grams with the nylon band, making it the lightest GPS watch on the market.
- Accurate GPS Tracking: Reliable and precise tracking for various activities.
- Comprehensive Health Monitoring: 24/7 heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, step counting, and calorie tracking.
- Water-Resistant: Suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
- Advanced Training Features: Customizable training modes and plans created by COROS athletes and coaches.
- Durable Build: Reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant screen.
Issues:
- No Built-in Music Storage: Requires carrying a phone for music playback.
- No NFC for Contactless Payments: Lacks the convenience of making payments directly from the watch.
- Limited Smartwatch Features: Focuses more on fitness tracking than general smartwatch functionalities.
Conclusion
The COROS Pace 2 is a highly capable smartwatch that offers an impressive array of features tailored for fitness enthusiasts. Its exceptional battery life, accurate GPS tracking, and comprehensive health monitoring make it a standout choice for athletes and outdoor adventurers. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles found in more expensive smartwatches, its performance and affordability make it a compelling option for anyone serious about their fitness journey. If you're looking for a reliable, lightweight, and feature-rich fitness watch, the COROS Pace 2 is definitely worth considering.