If you're looking for a durable yet affordable running watch, consider the Coros Pace 2. While the Pace 3 offers more features, the older model still provides incredible benefits at a lower price.
I have been running for over 15 years. However, until recently, I wasn't interested in tracking time, mileage, and other statistics. When I became more competitive and started working with a running coach, I began wearing my Coros Pace 2 watch daily again.
They are very easy to use and track everything I need and more.
Here is my opinion on these watches after running more than 3000 km with them.
Brief Opinion
Pace 2 is a great watch for serious athletes. Here's why:
Pros
- Fantastic price at $179
- Two straps to choose from
- Syncs with other programs like Strava
- Durable
- Can be worn in heavy rain
- Long-lasting (3000+ km)
- Super lightweight
- Amazing battery life
Cons
- Dissatisfied with some software updates
- GPS/map features aren't as user-friendly as they could be
Coros Brand Overview
Coros is a new sports watch brand that emerged in 2018. Based in Shenzhen, China, this brand has managed to stand against major industry brands like Garmin and Fitbit.
In 2020, they released the Coros Pace 2 model, which was favored by Eliud Kipchoge, one of the most acclaimed marathon runners in the world.
Today, Coros offers several watch options, including Vertix 2S, Apex 2, and Apex 2 Pro, as well as the Pace 3.
Technical Specifications of Coros Pace 2
Here are the technical specifications of the watch:
Materials of Coros Pace 2
The Pace 2 case is made of fiber-reinforced polymer, and the screen is mineral glass. The watch features a digital dial, a navigation crown, and a back button.
Display of Coros Pace 2
The watch is equipped with a 1.2-inch Always-On Memory LCD display with a resolution of 240 x 240.
Weight and Dimensions of Coros Pace 2
The watch weighs only 29-30 g with a nylon strap, making it the lightest GPS watch on the market at the time of release.
The dimensions of the Pace 2 are 42 x 42 x 11.7 mm.
Battery Life of Coros Pace 2
These watches are not only surprisingly lightweight, but their battery lasts for 14 days with daily sleep tracking. Additionally, it fully charges in less than two hours.
This corresponds to 30 hours of activity tracking with full GPS, barometer, and heart rate monitoring.
Strap for Coros Pace 2
My watch comes with two quick-release 20 mm straps - a black silicone one with a clasp and a nylon one with Velcro.
Software of Coros Pace 2
The Coros Pace 2 uses proprietary software. Users can work with their data in the Coros app.
The watch can track your progress in various sports, from running to rowing.
Specifically, for running, you can see cadence, heart rate, fitness level, recovery assessment, training load, altitude gain,
There are so many tools, sensors, and training features that I refer you to the product's detailed description page for more in-depth study.
My Experience Using Pace 2
My older brother gave me this watch many years ago. I remember being surprised and very grateful for the gift.
I immediately fell in love with this watch. In fact, "fell in love" might be too strong a word. From the start, they became a reliable workhorse for me. Although I use them almost daily, I rarely think about them.
This speaks to how easy these watches are to use.
This is not a fashion accessory, but a tool. And like a good tool, it does its job.
Over the past few years, I have run over 3000 km with this watch. They've been with me on icy Scandinavian streets, dusty desert trails, and narrow mountain paths.
Throughout all these thousands of kilometers, they helped me like a champion.
Wear and Tear
The dial has no serious scratches, and the tracking is still very accurate.
I have used the nylon strap almost exclusively. It's time to replace it. The fragile Velcro has understandably worn out significantly.
In recent months, I've noticed several times that the Velcro has come undone and the watch barely stays on my wrist.
On Coros' website, I only see a silicone strap for the Pace 2, but I'll call and try to find a nylon one.
The silicone strap irritated my wrist and was quite uncomfortable. If Coros cannot provide me with a nylon strap, I'll try to find one on the secondary market.
User Experience
I'm not very fond of technical gadgets, so I was relieved to find that using the Pace 2 is very intuitive.
Essentially, all I do is press "Run", "Start" right before a run, and then wait for the watch to determine my coordinates and measure my heart rate. Then I press the top button and start running.
During the run, I can rotate the crown on the top button to get additional information. But usually, unless I'm doing speed work, I just leave it on the screen showing "Distance" and "Pace".
To run a lap, I just press the bottom button.
Then, when the run ends, I stop the watch, press "Finish", and look at my statistics. The next time I open the Coros app, my data syncs with the watch. It's really that simple.
I've also used the watch to track metrics while engaging in other sports, including hiking, canoe rowing, weightlifting, and more.
At some point last year, the Coros app updated and now has a slightly different interface. It frustrates me that I can't easily go back and view stats from previous days of the week.
It's still possible, but less intuitive than before. I constantly forget how to do it.
Otherwise, I am very satisfied with the app. Moreover, I can easily share my progress with my running coach.
Durability / Battery Life
Coros highly praises the battery life of their watches, and it's well-deserved. I remember when I first got these watches, I was amazed at how long they lasted without needing a charge.
Now, after several years, they need charging more often, about once a week. (Of course, in recent months, my mileage has increased to 60-80 km per week).
There have been periods of several months when I didn't wear the watch and didn't track my runs at all. Then, when I'm ready for more serious training, I charge them and reset the time. That's all it takes.
My Pace 2 continues to receive regular updates. The latest update increased the number of activities that can be tracked and refreshed the interface.
I'm not sure how much longer these watches will function well, but I plan to use them until they don't.
And when they, as my mother would say, "go the way of all the earth", I will almost certainly buy myself another Coros watch.
My Recommendations
I would recommend the Coros Pace 2 to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable running watch.
Recently, Coros released the Pace 3 with updated features. If you're willing to spend a bit more money, I would recommend the Pace 3.
While the Pace 3 offers new cool features like turn-by-turn navigation, the older model remains a great option!
Do you use a running watch or any fitness tracker? If so, which one? Write to me on my Telegram channel!