Good review for us common runners. I use the Coros Pace 2 basically because 1) the price, 2) I'm a road runner and don't really needs maps, 3) I don't run with music so that can be removed from watch, and 4) I'm a simplistic runner needing only the basics (distances, paces, time).
The software on the watch has improved so much since this review was made. Kudos to Coros for listening and taking care of some issues mentioned here. Also, the band doesn’t bother me. Lies pretty flat and hasn’t gotten in my way. Solid, honest review.
Thanks for the review, Chris. Used Garmin for years (have a Fenix 7 now) and switched to Coros Apex for a while… it’s light and the app is good… and that’s where it ends! It’s an inferior tech vs Garmin. Biggest shortcoming is maps, turn by turn navigation, routing, etc. that is Garmin’s bread and butter…Coros is useless for all these features … if you run trails and/ultras. Nice app though. Hey Garmin, get you $hit together and redo your app… it take a few developers and 6 months of investment to gut it and build it back up. Then you’ll be relevant. 😉
HRM sucks in comparison as well in terms of stability. Ran Pace 2 and Pace 3 for most of last year (half n half) and gave up. In the end I was often broadcasting my Venu 2 HR over to the Coros. SMH enough was enough. Really liked a LOT in the system but got angry too many times at it, and I gave it *plenty* of a fair shake.
@@FordyRuns the app is miles better than Garmin who have a lot of work to do on theirs. The data screens and what you want on each are so much easier to set up than Garmin
Got it about spot on for a non techy fella 👍 I have been running in the Version 1 of the Apex Pro for a couple of years now (prior to that the 1st version of the Apex). I wouldn't classify the Fenix range or the Vertix as runners watches but as adventure watches, as for me anything over approx 55g for a running watch is just too heavy. Think that the Apex Pro, Apex Pro 2 and Apex 2 + Garmin 955 are the best running watches that you can buy. Go for the Garmin if you prioritise music, mapping and some of the other gimmicks like Garmin Pay. If you are more concerned about better GPS accuracy and data then in my experience Coros have always been ahead of Garmin here. As a runner I value the accuracy of the data that I am getting above everything else. I know that Garmin have worked on data accuracy in recent years but for me they are still struggling to be on a par with Coros for data accuracy even before the latest Coros updates. Only Garmin watch I would consider would be the 955 but then you are sacrificing build quality over the Coros watches mentioned. Getting the Sapphire Glass and Titanium on the Apex 2, Apex Pro and Apex Pro 2 at approx 30g lighter than Fenix is a big selling point. I haven't seen enough updates from my Apex Pro v1 to consider an update. The Apex 2 and Apex Pro 2 (along with Vertix 2) also lost Ant+ connectivity from the 1st versions amd now have Bluetooth 5.0 connection only (which is a step backwards and will have upset some who may have been looking to upgrade).
I was trying to decide between this and a Garmin thank you thank you! A real down-to-earth review. I'm going back to looking at Garmin the Bluetooth SmartWatch problems would drive me bananas. Maybe? Hmmm.... I do like sapphire.
Fordy I use coros pace 2 in my opinion much better value watch ! Doe everything the apex does apart from touch screen ! Bought for £167 ! Like you not a tech guy so don't use most of the features but find the watch and app really useful and easy to use and haven't had any problem with Bluetooth ! As an aside I switched from velcro band to silicon one easily swapped on the watch ! Would I go back to Garmin ? Not at the moment ?
Hi there. Would you pick an Apple Watch over Coros? My Apple Watch 4 is quite old now and I’m thinking to replace with Coros but I’m afraid it won’t be as reliable as my AW.
I have the Garmin Fenix 6 and its as terrible as a smart watch for me as what you're describing about the Coros. Anyone know a fix for the terrible Bluetooth connection?
I have the Apex 2 (non pro) and only purchased as wangled a discount. I use Apple Watch 6 for smart features / music / safety and Coros for activity, also have a 745 here. Coro's for simplicity, basic and ease of use, but they do lack features vrs Garmin's, so if miss many garmin features then coros is not for you etc. I would say they're in the competitor ranges vrs Polar, Suunto and them sort of watches. Garmin features are just a step above all brands. But I do use the Apex 2 the most currently, as it's simple.
I am going with an Apple Watch Series 5 + Coros Apex Pro 2 Combo (found on sale on Holabird Sports). Didn't need a watch to replace my AW's smart features and was won over by Coros's build quality and App.
The problems with the Bluetooth connection would be a deal breaker from the off for me! I have a Garmin Fenix 6x Pro and I love it so can't see myself getting anything else just at the moment.
@@Fozzee.1970 He's comparing this Apex to outdated Fenix 6 watches, all new Garmins (Epix, Fenix 7, 955) are a different world, their GPS locks in in just a second, and there is nothing in this review I found where Apex excels over latest Garmins.
I have a FR 255 which, basically, has the same GPS chipset as the Epix/Fenix 7. Mine takes literally minutes to lock onto GPS. It’s true I don’t keep it connected to my phone, but still, it’s very annoying. I have it in Auto Select mode if that matters.
I don't need the pouring rain 🙄 heavy sweater in the summer does that. Can be switched off and probably should be unless using for the mapping. Don't need touchscreen for most functions with the rotating crown which is great for scrolling through data acreens when running easy if required.
I have the Apex 2, which is cheaper. (also look for discount codes for companies you may use in UK, i.e Start Fitness) Below that is the Coros Pace 2, the original apex but they're end of line really and no more updates for new stuff.
Check out the first version of the Apex Pro or the Apex 2 over the Pro 2 (which is a bit overkill for most runners) would be my advice. Original Apex Pro you should find discounted and it has Ant+ and comes with Silicone strap and has most of if not all of what the upgrades have, other than dual band all systems on GPS and additional storage (not really required unless you intend on downloading MP3 files).
Watch more of our videos 👉 youtube.com/@FordyRuns
Good review for us common runners. I use the Coros Pace 2 basically because 1) the price, 2) I'm a road runner and don't really needs maps, 3) I don't run with music so that can be removed from watch, and 4) I'm a simplistic runner needing only the basics (distances, paces, time).
thank you
I've the pace 2 aswell and i don't think I'll stop using this watch until it stops working and can't see that happening anytime soon
The software on the watch has improved so much since this review was made. Kudos to Coros for listening and taking care of some issues mentioned here. Also, the band doesn’t bother me. Lies pretty flat and hasn’t gotten in my way. Solid, honest review.
Thanks for the review, Chris. Used Garmin for years (have a Fenix 7 now) and switched to Coros Apex for a while… it’s light and the app is good… and that’s where it ends! It’s an inferior tech vs Garmin. Biggest shortcoming is maps, turn by turn navigation, routing, etc. that is Garmin’s bread and butter…Coros is useless for all these features … if you run trails and/ultras.
Nice app though.
Hey Garmin, get you $hit together and redo your app… it take a few developers and 6 months of investment to gut it and build it back up. Then you’ll be relevant. 😉
I’m with you we actually need them to merge!
HRM sucks in comparison as well in terms of stability. Ran Pace 2 and Pace 3 for most of last year (half n half) and gave up. In the end I was often broadcasting my Venu 2 HR over to the Coros. SMH enough was enough. Really liked a LOT in the system but got angry too many times at it, and I gave it *plenty* of a fair shake.
Regarding strap, take it off and turn round so pulling down when on inside arm, snug fit and comfy, no loop as above.
Hero hack!
You can change the data screens on the app. It’s so much easier to do that than a Garmin.
Loving the app
@@FordyRuns the app is miles better than Garmin who have a lot of work to do on theirs. The data screens and what you want on each are so much easier to set up than Garmin
@@markhirdygirdy_runs But you can set up your data screens in GCM (true for all latest gen sports watches since the release of the Fenix 7).
Will never change from Garmin I don't think so, proper solid watch my Fenix 6.
Got it about spot on for a non techy fella 👍 I have been running in the Version 1 of the Apex Pro for a couple of years now (prior to that the 1st version of the Apex). I wouldn't classify the Fenix range or the Vertix as runners watches but as adventure watches, as for me anything over approx 55g for a running watch is just too heavy. Think that the Apex Pro, Apex Pro 2 and Apex 2 + Garmin 955 are the best running watches that you can buy. Go for the Garmin if you prioritise music, mapping and some of the other gimmicks like Garmin Pay. If you are more concerned about better GPS accuracy and data then in my experience Coros have always been ahead of Garmin here. As a runner I value the accuracy of the data that I am getting above everything else. I know that Garmin have worked on data accuracy in recent years but for me they are still struggling to be on a par with Coros for data accuracy even before the latest Coros updates. Only Garmin watch I would consider would be the 955 but then you are sacrificing build quality over the Coros watches mentioned. Getting the Sapphire Glass and Titanium on the Apex 2, Apex Pro and Apex Pro 2 at approx 30g lighter than Fenix is a big selling point. I haven't seen enough updates from my Apex Pro v1 to consider an update. The Apex 2 and Apex Pro 2 (along with Vertix 2) also lost Ant+ connectivity from the 1st versions amd now have Bluetooth 5.0 connection only (which is a step backwards and will have upset some who may have been looking to upgrade).
Thanks Mark
MIP screen on coros?
I have coros apex 2 pro and garmin fenix 7x sapphire,i just like the bigger screen on the fenix and i like the bigger screen
I believe you can now up date the apex 2 pro to have custom watch faces including photos.
I was trying to decide between this and a Garmin thank you thank you! A real down-to-earth review. I'm going back to looking at Garmin the Bluetooth SmartWatch problems would drive me bananas. Maybe? Hmmm.... I do like sapphire.
Fordy I use coros pace 2 in my opinion much better value watch ! Doe everything the apex does apart from touch screen ! Bought for £167 ! Like you not a tech guy so don't use most of the features but find the watch and app really useful and easy to use and haven't had any problem with Bluetooth ! As an aside I switched from velcro band to silicon one easily swapped on the watch ! Would I go back to Garmin ? Not at the moment ?
Interesting thanks alot
Pace 2 does not have any form of navigation.
@@cartervepley2143 Update: Breadcrumbs since recently.
Hi there. Would you pick an Apple Watch over Coros? My Apple Watch 4 is quite old now and I’m thinking to replace with Coros but I’m afraid it won’t be as reliable as my AW.
I have the Garmin Fenix 6 and its as terrible as a smart watch for me as what you're describing about the Coros. Anyone know a fix for the terrible Bluetooth connection?
Happy New Year Chris & the Fordy runs community
And to uoh
Fenix 7x the best gps sport avg watch for me only
I have the Apex 2 (non pro) and only purchased as wangled a discount. I use Apple Watch 6 for smart features / music / safety and Coros for activity, also have a 745 here.
Coro's for simplicity, basic and ease of use, but they do lack features vrs Garmin's, so if miss many garmin features then coros is not for you etc.
I would say they're in the competitor ranges vrs Polar, Suunto and them sort of watches. Garmin features are just a step above all brands.
But I do use the Apex 2 the most currently, as it's simple.
Super interesting thank you!!
I am going with an Apple Watch Series 5 + Coros Apex Pro 2 Combo (found on sale on Holabird Sports). Didn't need a watch to replace my AW's smart features and was won over by Coros's build quality and App.
The problems with the Bluetooth connection would be a deal breaker from the off for me! I have a Garmin Fenix 6x Pro and I love it so can't see myself getting anything else just at the moment.
The Fenix is amazing
I am embedded in Garmin ecosystem now. It's not just about the watch it's the phone software etc
I was but coros app etc is good
@@FordyRuns years of stats in Garmin though. I am impressed with the software updates they are doing now too.
@@Fozzee.1970 you can always export and import into coros. Their support will help the migration i believe
What Garmin do you use? My Epix locks position in 2 seconds max.
Fenix
@@FordyRuns which one? 6 is slower than 7
@@Fozzee.1970 He's comparing this Apex to outdated Fenix 6 watches, all new Garmins (Epix, Fenix 7, 955) are a different world, their GPS locks in in just a second, and there is nothing in this review I found where Apex excels over latest Garmins.
I have a FR 255 which, basically, has the same GPS chipset as the Epix/Fenix 7. Mine takes literally minutes to lock onto GPS. It’s true I don’t keep it connected to my phone, but still, it’s very annoying. I have it in Auto Select mode if that matters.
@@clitaiulian4497 Do you have All systems + Multiband enabled?
You mean 60 hours of battery life with GPS activated, not 75 hours?
Can’t remember made this ages ago but anyway all the best
Chris, go out and run an Ultra race in it in the pouring rain and then see how you like the touch screen.........nightmare......
well it is funny you say that (wait til later in the year)
@@FordyRuns I am running Lands End to John o' Groats starting late April mate, jump in and join me for a few kms.
I don't need the pouring rain 🙄 heavy sweater in the summer does that. Can be switched off and probably should be unless using for the mapping. Don't need touchscreen for most functions with the rotating crown which is great for scrolling through data acreens when running easy if required.
Like to Fordy. Interesting comparison. A nice day for everyone.🏃⌚
Thank you!
The epix looks better I must be honest
Not tried that tbh
Great video Chris. Do you know if you can get cheaper version of the coros watch
You can it’s the non pro version
I have the Apex 2, which is cheaper. (also look for discount codes for companies you may use in UK, i.e Start Fitness)
Below that is the Coros Pace 2, the original apex but they're end of line really and no more updates for new stuff.
Check out the first version of the Apex Pro or the Apex 2 over the Pro 2 (which is a bit overkill for most runners) would be my advice.
Original Apex Pro you should find discounted and it has Ant+ and comes with Silicone strap and has most of if not all of what the upgrades have, other than dual band all systems on GPS and additional storage (not really required unless you intend on downloading MP3 files).
I paid just over £300 for the original Apex Pro about 2 years ago and don't think that the latest upgrades offer much extra.
Think I’ll be sticking to my garmin. HNY Chris.
Same to you bud