Overall, running is a pretty low-tech sport—all you really need is a good pair of shoes. But there’s one piece of gear that many runners completely geek out over: the watch.
Today’s top GPS running watches can give athletes all kinds of data about their training, from heart rate and stride length to VO2 max estimates and race predictions. “It can be one way to track your fitness improvement if you’re someone who likes data,” says Chicago-based running coach Amanda Wagner.
One of the most popular brands today is Coros. It’s only been around for 10 years, which makes it fairly new compared to long-standing brands like Garmin and Suunto. But it’s quickly gained traction among runners.
“It’s known to be a powerhouse running watch brand at a really great price point,” Wagner says. “It’s known to be accurate and connect fast to GPS.” It’s also got a reputation for offering exceptional battery life, making it particularly attractive among ultra endurance athletes who want a tracker that lasts as long as they do.
The brand’s latest launch is the Coros Pace Pro. It updates the older Pace 3 with a bright AMOLED screen, longer-lasting battery life, downloadable offline maps, and a faster processor (so that it’s more responsive as you’re tapping around). Plus, it’s got eight times the storage capacity. At $349, it’s priced in the midrange of running watches—not the most budget-friendly, but also not the highest top-of-the-line luxury option.
Looking closely at the specs, I was intrigued by the lineup of premium features: The Pace Pro offers just what most serious runners want, without a bunch of extraneous bells and whistles that can drive up the price on higher-end watches. So I got a sample to test out, using it to track runs, walks, strength training, and sleep. And I found it to be an exceptional training tool that actually helped me log better workouts.
Battery Life
Long-lasting battery life is one of the biggest selling points for Coros watches in general, and that’s true here even with the brand’s first (energy-sucking) AMOLED display. Coros says a charge on the Pace Pro lasts 31 hours with dual-frequency GPS on, or up to 20 days with regular day-to-day use. I found an hour-long run only ate up 4 percent of the battery power.
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This longevity is huge if you’re doing ultramarathons or Ironman races. It’s also just super convenient, especially compared to others like Apple watches which might last less than a day. It also charges quickly, achieving a significant charge in just minutes due to a compact yet efficient charging adapter.
Setup
The setup for basic functions was pretty straightforward, but accessing advanced features such as downloading training plans or adding music required some research and persistence. Unfortunately, a lack of guided tutorials makes initial setup a little cumbersome.
The Screen and Hardware
The Pace Pro features a bright AMOLED screen, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions, paired with a powerful processor for seamless navigation. However, there are occasional delays in lighting up the screen based on motion triggers.
GPS Connectivity
Coros claims that the Pace Pro employs a new satellite chipset that significantly enhances GPS performance. In testing, the watch consistently connected rapidly to GPS and accurately tracked routes, providing reliability even in areas with challenging environments.
Workouts and Features
The watch allows programming workouts directly onto it, creating a personalized experience for users. Clear prompts guide you through intervals and pacing, which feels akin to having a coach right on your wrist. The range of activities tracked extends beyond running, accommodating cycling, swimming, and even strength training.
Upon completion of workouts, the watch promptly displays detailed statistics for review, appealing to data-driven individuals focused on continuous improvement.
Maps and Navigation
The offline mapping feature is a standout addition, facilitating route creation with turn-by-turn navigation prompts, although it requires some practice to become familiar with its quirks.
Who It’s Best For
The Coros Pace Pro is an excellent choice for a wide array of runners seeking a feature-rich smartwatch without venturing into top-tier pricing. While it may not replace specialized sleep or music streaming devices, its robust capabilities make it a considerable option for those prioritizing battery longevity, display quality, and offline mapping functionalities. Overall, it positions itself as a go-to tool for enhancing training, ensuring users can focus on their performance.
