Durable, GPS-enhanced, long-lasting, versatile, advanced
Venturing into the great unknown, navigating terrains untamed, or simply pushing yourself to a new personal best in the backwoods—each journey has a unique story. And to aid and record this narrative, many of us arm ourselves with the best tech wearables in the business. Stepping into this narrative is the COROS Apex 2.
Upon the first look, the robust exterior with a gleaming 1.2-inch sapphire screen held by a titanium bezel indicates a sense of rugged durability. Yet, it’s sleek, avoiding that all too familiar cumbersome feel many outdoor watches have—akin to strapping a miniature computer on your wrist. COROS strikes a balance. It's robust, yet astoundingly elegant, perfect for both the rugged adventurer and the urban marathon runner.
Diving into the features, its GPS antenna has been given a significant facelift—ensuring that when you’re deep into your trail run, you won’t find yourself wrestling with poor connectivity. This is supported by its capability to connect with not one, but all five major satellite systems, making the navigation experience remarkably seamless.
Battery life, for many, is the Achilles heel of fitness watches. But with the Apex 2, it seems COROS has pulled off quite the stunt. 45 hours in full GPS mode is what they claim, and that’s precisely what they deliver. Contrast this with its peers, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a competitor in the same size class with such longevity.
However, every rose has its thorn. While the Apex 2 is a masterpiece in its own right, it does fall short in a few places. As someone who has seen and experienced various tools and equipment in various parts of the world, the display colors do feel a tad muted. Especially in a world where we're so used to the brilliance of AMOLED displays, this does seem like a missed opportunity. Moreover, although the COROS app has come a long way and is genuinely pleasant to use, the rich fitness data, reports, and synthesized insights that some competitors offer make one yearn for a bit more depth.
Water-resistance up to 50 meters, a reliable wrist-based heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and even a pulse oximeter—the Apex 2 is a fitness enthusiast’s toolkit on the wrist. The trail runner would be pleased with the preloaded road and topo maps, and the fact that you can set up to ten custom routes.
In conclusion, the Coros APEX 2, with its ensemble of features, strikes the right chord for those looking to conquer both trails and personal records. As with all tools, it has its strengths and its quirks. But for those who want a reliable companion for their adventures, the Apex 2 is undoubtedly worthy of consideration. After all, in every journey, it's not just about reaching the destination; it's about making the most of every moment along the way. This watch ensures you do just that. Safe travels.
Pros:
- Robust Design: Durable exterior with a sapphire screen and titanium bezel ensures it can withstand rigorous conditions.
- Enhanced GPS Performance: Redesigned GPS antenna and compatibility with all five major satellite systems offer a seamless navigation experience.
- Impressive Battery Life: Stands out with 45 hours in full GPS mode, placing it at the top of its class for longevity.
- User-Friendly App: The COROS app provides a smooth interface for recording activities, tracks, and daily metrics.
- Comprehensive Fitness Features: Includes wrist-based heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, pulse oximeter, and VO2 Max estimates.
- Water Resistance: Offers water-resistance up to 50 meters, making it ideal for various activities.
- Map Integration: Preloaded road and topo maps are valuable for trail runners and adventurers.
Cons:
- Muted Display: In comparison to AMOLED screens, the display colors can appear less vibrant.
- Lacking in-depth Data Insights: While the app has evolved, it still falls short in offering comprehensive fitness insights and synthesized data compared to competitors.
- Price Point: Positioned as a mid-tier offering, but priced at $399, which may be considered steep for some users.
- No Multi-band Chipset: Unlike its more advanced counterpart, the Apex 2 Pro, it does not have a multi-band chipset. Though the real-world difference may be negligible, it's a feature some might miss.
MSRP $399
