Okay, so I’ve been rocking a Coros Pace 2 for a while now, and it’s been my trusty sidekick for tracking my runs and swims. But then, the Pace 3 dropped, and I got that itch, you know? The “ooh, shiny new thing” itch. So, I decided to take the plunge and see what all the fuss was about. I grabbed a Pace 3 and started putting it through its paces, comparing it side-by-side with my old Pace 2.
First Impressions
First thing I noticed? The Pace 3 felt even lighter than the Pace 2, which is saying something! It’s crazy how little these things weigh. The screen on the Pace 3 is a touch bigger and seems a bit brighter, which is nice, especially outdoors in the sun.
Getting Started
Setting up the Pace 3 was pretty much the same as the Pace 2 – super easy. I used the Coros app, scanned a QR code, and boom, it was paired. I spent some time fiddling with the watch faces. I’m a sucker for customizing things, and there were a few new options on the Pace 3 that I liked.
Hitting the Road (and the Pool)
Okay, time for the real test. I started with a few runs. I wore both watches, one on each wrist, to really compare the data. Honestly, for basic stuff like pace, distance, and heart rate, they were pretty much neck and neck. Both watches locked onto GPS super fast, which is a huge plus for me – I hate waiting around.
Next up, I took them for a swim. Again, both tracked my laps and distance accurately. No complaints there. I did notice that the Pace 3 seemed to pick up my stroke type (freestyle, backstroke, etc.) a little more accurately than the Pace 2, but it wasn’t a massive difference.
Digging into the Details
Here’s where things get a bit more interesting. The Pace 3 has some extra features that the Pace 2 doesn’t. For example
- Music Storage:I loaded up some tunes onto the Pace 3, paired it with my Bluetooth headphones, and left my phone at home. It worked perfectly! It was great to run without my phone bouncing around in my pocket.
- Dual-Frequency GPS: This is supposed to be more accurate in challenging environments, like when you’re running between tall buildings or in dense forests. I did a couple of trail runs, and while it’s hard to say definitively, the Pace 3 seemed to hold a slightly more consistent signal.
- Touchscreen: The Pace 3 has a touchscreen in addition to the buttons. I found myself using the buttons most of the time, but the touchscreen was handy for scrolling through menus.
- Longer Battery Life: Coros claims significantly better battery life. I only tested it for a week or two, which isn’t enough to say for sure, but my gut feeling is, that the Pace 3 would easily last longer than my Pace 2.
The Verdict
So, after all that, what’s my final take? The Pace 3 is definitely an upgrade over the Pace 2, but it’s not a massive leap. If you’re perfectly happy with your Pace 2, there’s no urgent need to rush out and upgrade. The core functionality is very similar.
However, if you’re looking for features like music storage, dual-frequency GPS, or a slightly improved screen, then the Pace 3 is worth considering. For me, the music storage was the biggest selling point. Being able to run without my phone is a game-changer. And, let’s be honest, that new watch smell is pretty great, too!