Apple Watch Ultra In-Depth Review: The Right Tool?

[@RockyRomanchek]

It’s great to see a product review by someone who has knowledge about the product itself. Being an actual athlete helps with a more accurate and extensive review. I’ve seen many reviews for this watch, none as complete. Most just mention the basics that can be completed by an average high school kid. Kudos to you for your in-depth review.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Boom, much appreciated!

[@houseofchristian]

Haha I was going to say just this! Or all the reviews from tech KZbinrs whose activity generally is them creating elaborate coffee sequences :P

[@stillnupey02]

Facts this is the best ultra athlete informed review

[@LindyBreaksTheStigma]

This is the best review on this watch. You included things only outdoors people will understand and need. Thank you

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks, I appreciate it!!

[@briangomez9284]

Agreed!!!

[@ted363636]

@@Dcrainmaker still waiting for that Mount Blanc trek vlog type video :)

[@inakilrg]

Agreed, most other reviews are just ‘Jeep in the Highway’. This is ‘Jeep in the mud’.

[@gustavogo2915]

@@Dcrainmaker I ended up getting the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar. Do you believe I made the right choice? I’m just a runner but looking into an iron man . I came from a Fenix 6X and 🍎 6 series which I would wear one on each wrist to compare the data. I still have all of those watches plus like another five Garmins lol. But I want to choose just one moving forward

[@rozdee1780]

I'm amazed at how you manage to test, plan a review, review and edit a video in such little time.

[@teslar1]

He’s had the watch and video a while and programmed to release after the embargo

[@Muffinman9]

@@teslar1 based on what all the other reviewers said, I believe he only had it for about one week. That's not very long! These videos take a lot of work.

[@teslar1]

@@Muffinman9 I have a channel under another name. I could make this video in less than three days

[@nnnnnn3647]

this is his job.

[@gregheyheyhey]

@@Muffinman9 I strongly suspect that he had it longer. He's not just a reviewer, but he is a party trusted by hardware manufacturers to give experienced and nuanced feedback on hardware designs. Of course he'll never tell you for which companies nor for how long he has the devices, because, duh.

[@gq01esq65]

Would love to see a comparison between this watch and the Garmin Fenix 7x and Epix 2. 👍

[@francisbayona]

Great review! Not an ultra marathoner but I work as a nurse and often do 13 hour shifts. At the end of my shift, I’ve already run down the battery on my Series 6 and have no battery to do a workout after my shift. Glad you put the new Ultra through its paces with the battery. Best review of the Ultra!

[@kevspss]

Truck driver here and I’m always at the end of the battery.

[@minigiant8998]

that's weird, i work long shifts and exercise and never run out of juice on my SBSS series 6.

[@danielmackenzie680]

This is the reason I'm guiding my wife away from apple watches. She works out after work so she will be running on fumes by then if she is lucky. Still a great watch for those that don't mind charging before every workout.

[@morganvici6543]

@@danielmackenzie680 Well good thing this one lasts 2 days

[@cindymfraser1518]

I had the Series 5 and the battery life sucks. The Ultra battery lasts longer than the series.

[@hugommorais]

I was really looking forward to your review before I make a decision. I’ll wait a little bit more to see how the battery stacks up after you guys start tweaking with the configs. 2 full days with that usage is kinda ok for me specially if the quick charge is really quick (would like to know more about that later). Thanks for the great review as always. You’re a legend!

[@syfyninjah]

By far the most detailed video on the ultra. Loved how all tiny information be it a bug or something hidden were taken into consideration when reviewing this watch. Thanks :)

[@dankspain]

Workoutdoors bridges the gap with Garmin’s offerings quite nicely. I swear this developer does not get enough credit, he has done more than Apple to make the AW compete with Garmin.

[@LizMcCoy]

How much battery use does this app use?

[@dankspain]

@@LizMcCoy The same as the regular workout app or at least I would not notice a difference. It might change if the always on mode is introduced in the app.

[@thomasjanssen9124]

Very balanced review. I‘ve also had problems with the Nike Running App stopping a workout in the middle of a run just because of unintentional touches after pausing a run. This is definitely something Apple has to fix - good thing is that it can be fixed with a software update.

[@mikeypalmer3977]

Great review. The watch is amazing - but it's not quite there yet. I used to work for Garmin - I imagine they will be quite worried about version 2 or 3 when some of the issues are worked out

[@tom_rydval]

Thanks!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hi Tom! Very much appreciated!!!

[@juandiegoariascordova7625]

Second or third iteration of this watch and we might have a solid contender for the ultra endurance audience. About the heart rate sensor accuracy, for someone training for mid distance ultras (up to 50miles) do you think is good enough to replace the heart rate strap?

[@nicksonillustration9433]

I’ve seen a lot of reviews on just about everything. I’ve never seen such an in depth review like this one. Thank you. I get my Ultra today. Although I won’t put it through its paces like you, I feel I made a great decision.

[@dssp2477]

Really great perspective at the end. Garmin doesn’t need to worry about this watch in a vacuum. But they should consider this watch a warning shot, that apple is absolutely gunning for these markets, and will get there eventually with future iterations. (Maybe? Still don’t know about battery life and pairing with external sensors and power meters.)

[@SergeiGringauze]

Great review as always, thank you! Would be great to see battery life for WorkOutDoors usage, which is my primary workout app.

[@rob_h_7]

Does WorkOutDoors typically use more battery than the watch Apple Workout or Strava apps?

[@roelofkoelewijn9462]

WorkOutdoors is such a great app

[@DanielWinterAt]

is the always on display supported by third party apps these days?

[@derekschinke2512]

Surprised by how quick it drains battery. I did a 13 hour hike earlier this year with the series 7 and ended with more than 15% remaining

Did you also happen to have iPhone with you? Series 7 uses iPhone's GPS when it's connected to iPhone. AW Ultra always uses its own GPS chip, thus using more power.

[@CoachAlexTan]

Totally enjoyed the review! I’m a triathlete and scuba diver, I reached the same conclusion that it’s probably the best lifestyle watch. But for something for technical and specific, I’ll still rely on my Garmin which usually are on specific occasions/events/race. If the budget is there, then it’s a great idea to have both Garmin and this Ultra. It’ll be great if you can do a comparison between the Ultra against Garmin’s MK2s Descent and/or Instinct 2 which i deem the closest models when it comes to features like diving. Great review! And thanks for the awesome effort!! Most reviewer sit in front of their desk.. you are amazing

[@PradeepMenon666]

Haha great point. Half those people “reviewing” the Apple Watch ultra have not been outside their recording room in months.

[@DoNuT_1985]

That's probably what separates it from the sports realm of watches, it is "just" a very capable lifestyle product. Garmin just gives you the extra complexity and geekery you want if you are really into sports. Forerunners probably suck as an everyday smartwatch but they work well as sports gear, and if it is just for the bulletproof 5-button layout and no touchscreen.

[@CoachAlexTan]

@@PradeepMenon666 and most of these tech reviewers don’t have real life application, they just rely on repeating what’s already mentioned in the keynote, and they only comment based on WHAT IT IS rather than HOW IT GOING using the watch.. I find that annoying

[@CoachAlexTan]

@@DoNuT_1985 I totally agree on the geeky part, I really like the data analytics and recommendations from Garmin, my MK2S tells me my stress level, how I’m sleeping and how to improve all those. I also use Garmin Coach for free (unlike Apple). Having said that, I’m beginning to get third party strap to spice up the look and aesthetics of my watch. Garmin lacks that. Now i interchange my strap with metal buckle or the nylon/cloth type depending on occasion. I love it. But Garmin is not that great with my phone integration, notifications are boring 😅 So it’s a very very different experience. disclaimer, I haven’t gotten the Iwatch Ultra yet, currently using series 5 (which have served me really well so far)

[@olly]

I'm still using a Series 1, would love to get an Ultra, I don't necessarily need it but I personally love the design of it, and the extra features, ruggedness and battery would be a nice to have, especially coming from a Series 1

[@Malvasala]

Get a Garmin Trust me

[@tomekb4gin5ki]

@Not Mentally Broken: "This is the best review on this watch. You included things only outdoors people will understand and need. Thank you" That's why Ray should be developing that watch for Apple!

[@TheCachoska]

the amount of commitment in your videos is astounding

[@TheLiberatedMonkey]

I really appreciate your closing remarks. I am into triathlons and mountaineering, and as soon as I saw that there was no built-in navigation, any hopes of swapping this for my Garmin Fenix ended.

[@ChristianRunsNY]

Great review from the outdoors and activity point of view.

[@pieterduplessis9207]

Thanks for the great review. I swapped from Apple to Garmin, the Fenix 6x and haven't looked back once. The fact that I had to charge the Apple every day was annoying and with Garmin its been a pleasure. One key factor still remains the GPS functionality and the ability for the watch to work on its own. Garmin has done a great job on that and I feel that Apple still needs a lot of work there. Garmin's Topo maps are also a huge plus where it actually helped in an endurance race to get people safely off a mountain in the middle of the night.

[@trailandkale]

Yeah agreed - with no decent way to navigate trails during an activity it’s just not in the same class as the fenix

[@clancywp]

Great content. Great review. I can’t imagine the work that goes into these videos.

[@ShervinShares]

you have the coolest job... new apple watch? yes we must hike the alps to "test" it out #livingTheDream

[@Russ.L]

Easily the best review on this watch i have seen. Fantastic feedback on all areas. Incredible workouts by the way!!

[@paulcrow]

Ooooh you're good at this Ray. Always the first place I come for this stuff. Thanks.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Paul!!!

[@jetbtwo]

Thank you! This is the first review of the product that I found that does more than "I went for a walk and it seems to work ok"

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@rushja]

I knew this would be the best review! Lack of sensor support is nuts. I don't know why Apple wouldn't just buy Garmin, like they did beats? It would be chump change for them and they could make Garmin better while still making the ultra watch with all the Garmin features

[@robertm.9515]

Garmin's annual revenue is 5x what beats was, and makes more money from other product lines like aviation and sea navigation.

[@EtO124]

That would make absolutely no sense, Garmin would be way to much worth and believe it or not, the watches are just kind of a niche for Garmin. Their main business lies in avionics and navigation for ships.

[@mikehintondrivingschool4126]

One of the best video reviews I’ve seen of this device. Very thorough.

[@oliveraretz3504]

Thank you for the excellent review like always. I think the ultra could replace my Garmin (at least for my use case) and is clearly the superior smart watch. Im unsure about the fitness app though - is there a third party app showing you training status , recovery time etc. like Garmin does?

[@MiegmaishMenas]

There’s Athlytic which mimics Whoop band app - with exertion, recovery, HRV and lot’s of other metrics with frequent updates.

[@fitdude]

Check out Athlytic, it might meet your needs for that data, but it's subscription based.

[@madmalkav6540]

Exporting data to Runalyze can do the trick if you are OK with getting that info from a website.

[@peteostro]

This would be a great article/KZbin video to go over the one’s rainmaker thinks are good

[@shye6918]

I use the Healthfit app to send my data to other platforms automatically, like strava

[@bahrima]

Thanks for the review. Reliability during activities seems to be the current issue with Ultra. I'll stick to my Garmin for now. Great review!

[@stevemuzak8526]

I was waiting for a proper watch for hiking from Apple. This is a must!

[@kevinranders]

Looks like I can't give up my fenix7x just yet, especially for back country trekking over 2-3 days. :-(

[@alexanderwatson9983]

So many reviews are pitching themselves as “an ultra review by a non athlete” thinking that’s what we’re after and completely missing the point Great review!

[@GadgetyMV]

Outstanding coverage of all the features, with actual practice, specific examples, bugs, suggestions of alternative apps and all. Excellent! BTW Impressive workout!

[@russellschundler6559]

I feel the extra volume of the speakers and the extra microphones are a real plus for enabling the concept of a wrist phone. With my current Apple Watch, I am frequently needing to call back the caller on my iPhone.

[@declanlogue7442]

Outstanding review, going far beyond what most reviewers do by doing the full-on exercise tests that is needed but most won't be capable of or fit enough to do. Once again the standarrd tech sports reviewer.

[@meaphotographica]

Best ultra review.

[@Ashan360]

By far the most informative review I’ve seen so far.

[@kellyrodgers9326]

As always, an awesome in-depth detailed review. Thanks heaps!

[@JohannesSundlo]

80k steps?! I love the dedication to test this watch for us.

[@imanalius7691]

I absolutely don’t need this watch but found your review thorough and interesting!

[@GilbertTang]

I promise random airplanes are okay. Also, apologies if you've already seen, but a decent (if a tad laggy) interim fix for building workouts on the tiny Apple Watch is to enable mirroring (Settings > Accessibility > Apple Watch Mirroring) in iOS 16/watchOS 9. Drag to scroll crown, tap to select, etc. It’s not as ideal as native workout building on the phone, which I also hope returns soon, but it’s better than doing it on the Watch.

[@Surferjo]

great video thank you I got the mine new apple last year having to wait but enjoying you channel.........

[@xcg1234]

Waiting for mine to arrive on Friday, can't wait.

[@PoliticalMatter]

Your review is so detailed and not to mention the website. You have done a real real world review man. Please do more reviews on phones and other tech! 🔥 Subscribed!

[@andybsmith]

I was holding my breath for the dive pun...

[@alexemard5091]

7676 cal activity is insane, good job!

[@natus99]

Absolutely perfect review from outdoors/sports perspective - thanks a lot man! Indeed looks like a good start but definitely not v a fenix replacement (yet I hope). Sad but I am pretty sure it will come. I was pretty pumped by the advertised features but clearly there are many gaps to the things I use.

[@apexcapital1328]

I’m more interested in how you like the different straps.

[@JLFish21]

This is exactlyyyyy the review I was looking for

[@CafecitoToday]

Great review Ray! The lack of connection to power/speed/cadence sensors makes it a hard pass for me. And even if it connected to sensors, the walled garden approach is effectively keeping me out of all Apple products since I don't have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

[@danielmackenzie680]

The other shocker was I would need an Iphone. I've already got an Ipad so I considered pairing to that. Amazingly! The tablet doesn't work with the watch without the phone🤣

[@jurt00]

The first review on KZbin of someone who actually used the sport features of the watch. Great job! I watched several other reviews today and most of them were wearing their watch to grab a Starbucks or something. BFD. I'm glad I found a video of someone athletic like me who used the features. I don't give out upvotes, but I liked your video. Great job!

[@elKerni]

Got it, I’m going to wait for the update.

[@ljs2274]

Adding cycling metering would be game changing

[@Tac-bh7jc]

Every watch you are reviewing is absolutely the best, letting everyone totally confused what to actually buy

[@Dcrainmaker]

Pretty sure I never say it’s the best. I give lots of pros and cons, and that’s especially true in this video.

[@SheriefElHamalawy]

I got tired by just seeing the distances this guy run, good work man!

[@afbelardi]

This was such a great review. Thank you! Just got mine on release day and looking forward to putting it to the test on hikes

[@NicoJW]

I have been waiting for this review. No one else really tests outdoor watches like you! They have a few more versions to go to catch up with Garmin etc.

[@shaunbassett5093]

Awesome feedback as usual. I think the Garmin fans will rubbish this watch but right now they are different market segments - Ultra is for the normal person doing some exercise, Garmin (& other specific sports watches) are for more extreme peeps. Ultra means I can leave my phone at home, exercise but still be contactable.... Love this concept.

[@timleeds4346]

This was the best review I have seen on Apple Watch Ultra. I am an avid hiker and this was the review I needed to see. Looking forward to trying those things out when my watch comes.

[@gregparks1785]

Great video from someone who will actually use this watch to its potential. Interesting to hear how it worked out for you and it will be cool to see where apple goes from here.

[@UHDGamers-re2xj]

As a photographer that can be outdoors for 12 hours at a time ( normally once a week ) I needed a watch that has better battery life then my series 6 44mm which can run down to 30% battery on those days. Using the watch for music control, text messages and maps. So I ordered this watch for my daily driver.

[@AtomicN30N]

Also a photographer getting the ultra, not sure if you ever do astrophotography but the night mode where it makes everything red so you don't lose night vision sounds perfect for that.

[@UHDGamers-re2xj]

I don’t do astrophotography but I do long exposure photography in cities and sometimes in darker environments, so that feature will be a must. I never have always on enabled on my Series 6 so this watch will be no exception. Heart rate monitor isn’t a must either so that can be turned off as well. But I am excited to get and try this watch. But I believe because I was later in ordering it, I won’t get it until mid October maybe the 10th of October. But I ordered it on Amazon so I can pay monthly for it, as I spent £2000 on my camera recently so money isn’t overflowing atm 😂

[@dji1tommy29]

For the last 4 Apple watches I’ve had I have found them pretty constantly frustrating for actual workouts. Heart rate sometimes stops registering mid workout for 5 min at a time, I’ve had a terrible time getting it to pair and stay paired with my chest strap(to try and get around the not so trustworthy wrist measurement). I also didn’t like how little options I actually had to display on the screen during a workout. I would just resort to using an old Garmin watch I had for workouts and leave the Apple Watch for daily wear, notifications and basic Heath monitoring. Still don’t think a spork does as good of a job as a spoon or a fork.

[@Rooliganrules]

I am curious about your take on the software and measurements that it does. I have a Garmin Epix 2 now, but had all versions of the Apple Watch started with the series 0. But I switched to Garmin for all the insights it give you. Your body battery, training readiness, training status, focus on anaeroob and aeroob high and low, how much time it takes to recover and not to forget the current load. These are all things that won me over to go for the Garmin and not stay with the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch let me fill the rings each day not taking into consideration if my HRV is off or I slept not well or even did a hard workout the night before etc. My Garmin gives me a suggested running workout based on my current status and even gives me rest days to recover. And with this I already gained in my VO2 max level. So this said what I see is that the Apple Watch Ultra now gives you heart rate zones, and you probably know if you are a (semi) professional athlete what you training schedule would look like, how to adjust it etc. But Garmin does this all for you. I understand the battery life is better then it was, it is rugedized and it has the action button. But for me Garmins metrics and science backed insights gives me the guidance to improve myself and get more fit. So a long story short what is your take on this part? (Thanks for the first thorough review though always love your videos!!!)

[@bigrichreptiles0272]

im ordering mine tonight for pick up in store

[@Rooliganrules]

Bedankt

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hi Roel! Huge thanks - very much appreciated!!!!

[@Skylinef22]

Best review of the Apple Watch Ultra of what it was actually made to do. I wholeheartedly agree with you on a few of the software quirks, they need to fix how workouts are stopped. When I am up in the mountains trail running, if I wear a jacket it will always mess with the work out unless I have it locked. I have been mountaineering and trail running and road running with the Apple Watch for five years, and the software has gotten incrementally better, but the hardware has always been a tad lacking. I’ve cracked 2 Apple watches. I think what you said at the end of your review is perfect, this is a great first step for them, they’re just needs to be a tad more adjustments on the software end. I think many of us crazies who have been living with the shortcomings of the regular Apple Watch will have many of our problems solved, and hopefully Apple gets smart enough to fix the software problems/lack of features and makes it the perfect “crazies” watch. Thanks for doing a solid 14 hour trail run with it, that was one of my major questions!

[@george746]

What do you mean by locking it in when keeping track of a workout instead of deleting it?

[@fendermon]

Man I hope that siren is loud given the navigation doesn't do much :)

[@michaelthompson657]

Can you possibly do a video about compass and backtrack in use please?

[@rickaguirre8193]

A lot of people were waiting for this video to either upgrade/migrate over to this watch😮. Keep on cranking out the videos and test.

[@pierrepaniagua]

i appreciate all these devices. but what does one do with all the data available from them? can you do a video on what we should be doing with the data?

[@billk5864]

I’ve found that that the gps bearing back to a waypoint is very inaccurate. My compass will actually point 180 degrees in the wrong direction. The farther from the waypoint the worse it seems to be.

[@jaredstrauss617]

So you’re saying keep me Epix until next year?

[@LucaDeboli]

This is an awesome review, you deeply tested and gave the best documented review of AWU on KZbin.

[@jabulaniharvey]

great re-definition of the product line...great first attempt at this level

[@tabbymrp]

This is one of the most in depth review. Like these super detailed nerdy reviews! Thanks

[@kyhtera]

We are waiting you tı test diving features immediately :) thanks for these information DC

[@newsnetworkz]

Fantastic job Ray! appreciate your time and efforts 👍

[@anthonycraig274]

I was hoping you would do a review on this watch. You didn’t disappoint, the best review I’ve seen.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - much appreciated!

[@c.patricksadowski9959]

Can you do a video on the use of the compass, and all it’s features?

[@Mr.Riffian]

The design of the Ultra reminds me of the Catalyst Waterproof cover for the Apple Watch 4.

[@Joel_Montiel]

super-awesome trekking review!! your channel is great! thank you! I did a short hike today with my ultra, hope to test its limits soon enough.

[@JER-mw6md]

Nice review. Please stay on them about adding biking sensor support.

[@obikedog]

Best review on the Ultra so far. All others get wrapped around the it's-not-a-Garmin axel. I'm a hiker and cyclist. I can navigate with the watch apps which I always load up beforehand. I really appreciate the perspective in this review and understanding this watch was, yes built on existing platform but otherwise, just released. It is not a Fenix SEVEN. (As one who really dislikes Garmin from past experience with cycle comps, HRMs, Fenix 3, and various other failures that's its greatest selling point!)

[@miquelangelmartinez9681]

I would like to know the difference with low battery work out with the phone or without the phone, as I like to run without it. Thanks

[@Dk-qf8dd]

Great use review. Confirmed it won’t replace my Fenix. I’ll keep my eye out for Gen 2.

[@SamuelMorris1]

Saving a workout accidentally in the middle of a run is the most frustrating, almost left Apple Watch after the second time it happened.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I swore a lot, loudly, into the desolate wilderness when it happened yesterday.

[@gb6201]

I've found using the water lock option to be helpful. Not perfect but helpful.

[@roelofkoelewijn9462]

I always use the water lock to prevent that from happening.

[@Schmurcky]

It’s an enormous flaw, fit file merger is becoming your best friend

[@peteostro]

@@Dcrainmaker Have you tried putting lock mode on (swipe up from the bottom and press the water icon) this makes it so you must hold the side button down to unlock and the touch screen is deactivated. I used it all the time when hiking since I sweat so much

[@Blake00001]

To summarise: this is a smartwatch first and a sport watch (a distant) second.

[@minigiant8998]

i just use the watch to run, swim and row and for that it's excellent. i just need to find a use for my SBSS watch lol

[@allmyothersubscriptions]

Your review is by far the best; your actually using the watch as intended outdoors!!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@DougForne]

Lucky man to be able to hike were you hike. Rock on brother.

[@Daniel-te8xh]

finally someone who understands what he is talking about. Thanks.

[@HoooV10]

Great review! But... It looks like there are some scratches on the display... Ehhh...

[@Gotteable]

Great reviews! Before someone could do it you hit the nail by practically doing it ! Needs lot of stamina, technical knowledge and excellent editing skills ! I loved ❤it . Hope , Apple will overcome from the bug & some technical glitches soon . Love from India 🇮🇳. I just purchased iWatch 8 , 45 mm cellular before this series 6 cellular . May update to ultra once all technical glitches & bugs will be cleared. You are super fan of me .. just subscribing your channel right away . A big thumbs Up 👍

[@__tars__]

Love this. A real review by someone who this is actually for. Awesome job man!!!

[@rcuadro]

What I wouldn’t give for the AW to be able to use ant+ sensors. Once it does I will switch from my Fenix 7

[@Brockthedog315]

Great real world usage and review. I’m not in the market for this but at some point some of these features will work their way into the regular Apple Watch. Thank you.