COROS VERTIX 2 - First Impressions & Field Test

[@JeffPelletier]

Watch my review of the original COROS VERTIX here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6eboWVqib5kpsU

[@EricSheffey]

I’ve alwaya gone with Garmin for navigation tools, and currently use a Garmin watch, but the more I see about the Vertix 2, the more I feel like I’m missing out (specifically battery life). I don’t really have a reason to upgrade right now, but when I do, Coros is definitely on my mind, unlike in years past when I never would have even considered anything but Garmin.

[@JeffPelletier]

I'm with you. For quite a while, I was considering jumping over from Suunto to Garmin myself for the topo maps. The VERTIX 2 really does seem to have it all.

[@darianallberry]

We'll be *patiently* waiting when the time comes to upgrade 😉🤣

[@BP-bo7mm]

Don't buy Coros if mapping feature is important for you. The maps vave no names! Another problem is lack of turn-by turn navigation

[@BP-bo7mm]

@@JeffPelletier Coros maps are useless - no names of streets, mountain peaks etc. No turn by turn navigation. Garmin does it far better

[@darsatdays749]

Coros is riddled with software issues as a user.. and many times inconsistent if the band is not secured properly.. if you want to experiment.. then coros is fine.. but if you want to enjoy the purchase.. go for other brands

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice job Jeff! Those trails during your field test look like a lot of fun!

[@badhabbit2997]

I've been going back and forth between Suunto and Coros but have decided to go witht the Vertix 2. Very nice videos. Thank you.

[@mlegrand]

Wow, just found this channel. So good! Great real world testing with the Topo map! Thanks for all of your work on this review Jeff! 🙌

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Matt, welcome to the channel!

[@thecma3]

My friends make a running joke of the Garmin watch in our group always over-reporting distance by a huge margin. No wonder they're so popular, they add 15% to your mileage immediately!

[@RumbleBack-iz3tl]

I sold my Fenix 6Xand bought the vertix 2. it’s really amazing. Especially the GPS and batter life 👌

[@superfast30]

Still prefer the Vertix 2 over the fenix 6?

[@clitaiulian4497]

Same here

[@willek1335]

Does it have touch screen? I.e. can you pan the map using touch screen

[@superfast30]

@@willek1335 yes, it does. It’s even easier to do using the crown!

[@willek1335]

@@superfast30 interesting. Would you say the refresh rate of panning or zooming the map is distinctly differ or the same?

[@MichaelCoyle]

You made the comment that the watch "under-records" for distance, but it's much more complex. There's almost certainly a smoothing algorithm in effect, such can be one of several types. It would be more accurate to say most GPS units over-report distance and will report larger distances if you set the sampling size higher. Each sample has position error, errors build up to add distance to your track. GPS units are highly dependent on the antenna with larger antennas performing better. The watch you reviewed may have had a slightly lower sampling rate, might have used adaptive sampling, and Kalman filtering to discard large outliers. This can improve measured distance.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Michael, I appreciate that clarification. I probably could have expanded on that further when I said that the Suunto likely just has less smoothing and therefore still includes the additional jitter. Having said that, I’m hopeful that in this case it’s also a smoother track on the Coros thanks to the dual-frequency satellite mode, and not simply a smoothing algorithm.

[@stefanpreiss2657]

NZ crew checking in. Nice vid, Jeff.

[@bushcamo223]

Thank you for your review I was actually going to order the 9 Baro for the good deal on Amazon but now I will definitely take a look at the Coros

[@JeffPelletier]

Hey Chris, glad you found it helpful. I’ve really enjoyed my Suunto 9 Baro over the past few years, but there are definitely some better options out there including the Vertix 2.

[@tucopacifico8311]

Thanks for ALL your content! KEEP GOING!!!

[@apiyutsiyapan9582]

Thank you very much, Jeff, for your clear comparison. If I really get a COROS VERTIX 2, it must be for this video. BTW, I like that creepy mine shaft; but not the skull lol lol

[@apiyutsiyapan9582]

Jeff, topo map is now in Vertix 1, according to a website comparison chart I found, I hope it is correct. This new update pulls myself back to Vertix 1 due to 2 differences; price and size. The Vertix 2 is probably too large on my wrist. I like the Icebreaker, anyway. Might find one here where I am from. Must hurry though.

[@JeffPelletier]

Yep, I think that’s a good call for what it sounds like your needs are 👍

[@markuspirker]

Dang. I recently got the new Suunto and after seeing this it gets me thinking. I hope you will follow up with a long term review update. The mapping feature looks neat.

[@JeffPelletier]

Will do! The new Suunto 9 Peak has some cool features as well, but it’s too bad it still doesn’t have offline maps.

[@darianallberry]

If you have any questions let us know and we'd love to help!

[@Ariozo111]

Coros has always been a Champ in battery, still love my IceBreaker. But if i compare my Vertix2 with my Garmin Tactix Delta Solar i use the most.. it still behind, both in acc and software.

[@RXP91]

I got the garmin 255s recently and was disappointed by the lack of maps. Made me go for a small iPhone 12 mini and with how small and light weight it is I much prefer it for maps! I always wanted maps on my watch because of the size and weight of phones like the s22 ultra. It’s a shame Apple will stop the mini lines this year. Great adventure phones & easily stores in my running vest front pocket

[@mariusdomkus]

Great video Jeff.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Marius!

[@codywright3958]

Really like the video! I’m trying to determine if I should Make the move from my Garmin 945 to that. I like the idea that it’s bigger and more rugged. Just deciding whether it’s worth that much haha.

[@JeffPelletier]

It’s definitely not cheap!

[@darianallberry]

We know it isn't cheap by most standards but believe that the features of the watch make it more than worth the price, hopefully you'll agree if you decided to go with the VERTIX 2!

[@codywright3958]

@@darianallberry I agree! I’m looking for a long term watch. Will most likely order one in the next few months!

[@trailrunningnic]

I love my Suunto 9 Baro... but it's becoming harder and harder to justify sticking with Suunto with the stuff Garmin and Coros are doing these days.

[@JeffPelletier]

Agreed. I was a Suunto guy for years, but they seem to be falling far behind.

[@markfeldman6509]

Great review. A few questions…1. Pricepoint? 2. When will it coordinate with the 360 camera? Does it have golf course info like Garmin watches?

[@JeffPelletier]

Hey Mark, it looks to be priced similarly to the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro at ~$700 USD, so definitely on the high end for GPS watches. It's already compatible with the Insta360 One X2, but still waiting for support of the Insta360 Go 2. I'm not sure about golf courses info though - but I don't think it supports that.

[@markfeldman6509]

@@JeffPelletier thanks for the update. I think I will stick with the gps on my iPhone 12 and it’s apps as it mounts so,easily on my trike.

[@clitaiulian4497]

What about heart rate accuracy? I've heard/read from multiple sources that it's horrendous. I have a Fenix 6X Sapphire and it's spot on for heart rate. Like a swiss clock. Also, I've extensively tested the GPS accuracy, comparing multiple points on the map with my real location at that moment and it never missed one spot. It nailed every single one. Not only in open areas but also in highly covered ones. Having labels on the map also is a huge huge benefit. But I have to give credit to Coros for coming such a long way and making a name for themselves in a few years, truly impressive. Nevertheless, I don't see a reason for buying this over a Fenix, for now. Cheers.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I haven’t bothered testing HR yet, as I no longer train with it (but I used to a lot). Wrist-base heart rate has never been as accurate as wearing a chest belt in my previous experience.

[@darianallberry]

HR accuracy on the wrist always has challenges however, having used the watch for more than a few weeks myself I find it to be incredibly accurate compared to other wearable devices I've tried. We appreciate your positive feedback!

[@adrianbjones]

So close! But I wish they had trail, creek, peak, and road names as well as turn by turn navigation like the Garmin's do. I can think of several scenarios where the lack of these would bring the phone out.

[@JeffPelletier]

I can’t help but feel that would be cluttered on such a small screen, but it sounds like it works on Garmin, eh?

[@adrianbjones]

@@JeffPelletier - honestly I haven't seen a Garmin in person (about to buy a 945 or F6 (or 7 if is shows soon), or the Vertix 2), but I know that many other Vertix 2 reviewers have brought this up as an important missing feature. And from experience I know that I often make use of both Gaia and Trailforks on my phone to figure out exactly which trail is which. Maybe it is a bit cluttered on the Garmin? The touch screen for map panning must be a big advantage over the Garmin though, assuming it works OK with sweaty fingers.

[@pedrocarvalho4266]

@@adrianbjones road names are really important when you get lost. It does not looks cluttered in the Fenix 6, but it is definitely a pain to use buttons on map navigation. I was really hopping that the Vertix 2 would be a game changer but unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be… I’ll wait for the Fenix 7 or the 955(?).

[@darianallberry]

You are correct that the maps don't have those names or turn by turn, however, I think it's important to note that if you are in an activity/workout, you can always use the "Back to Start" feature which circumvents the need for street names if you ever get lost on a long ride, run, hike, etc.!

[@adrianbjones]

@@darianallberry - thanks, I do know about the "Back to Start" feature, but that's not useful unless you are lost or you're on an out and back. On a loop, that doesn't help at all. It's not really even about being "lost". It's about reducing the decision making required on a complex trail system in an area you don't know. It gets tiring to keep stopping to pull out your phone when you're not certain which way to go at a complex trail junction. Sometimes GPS on it's own doesn't position you accurately enough to know - you need trail names on the map to compare to the trail signs. It's all about making navigation as easy as possible and the more info you have, the easier it is.

[@joem3556]

great review

[@joem3556]

In another video I asked about the Suunto you use and surprised you mentioned Coris V2.... long story if it weren't for you I wouldn't have bought it.

[@UltraDad]

Really fun review. I thought I heard that the topos are great but one limitation is the inability to build a route and upload it. This looks like you can…maybe I had bad info. No Ant+ is a bummer….but who cares about heart rate anyway!!?? The wrist based is fine for me. One thing I would miss is climb pro and pace pro from my Garmin Fenix 6 pro. Thanks for the review Jeff!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! You can build a route but would need to use a tool like Gaia - the app doesn’t have a built-in route builder like Suunto (and I’m assuming Garmin), but hopefully they’ll work on that.

[@darianallberry]

We know the decision to move away from ANT+ would be a controversial one, although we believe that BLE will be the way of the future and made that tough decision (an unaffiliated reviewer compared this to Apple moving away from the standard headphone jack). I also will add that we're rolling out multi-pitch mode on the VERTIX 2 in the next couple of months which will be an incredible mode for all big wall (or any) climbers!

[@UltraDad]

@@darianallberry hoping to hear from Helen Serafini soon so I can review the Vertix 2 on my channel.

[@LukasD89]

COROS has updated the software and app and it is really easy now to create routes

[@bobf.8403]

Jeff,. Enjoyed watching your climb to the mine. Any idea what they were prospecting for? Here at 44 deg N lat., the Suunto is 3% greater than my Vertix 1, plus is a lot more wobbly. Can you post some comparisons of the Vertix 2 vs Vertix? Curious how accurate the new chipset is compared to the Vertix. Thanks.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Bob. I think they were prospecting for mostly iron, copper, and zinc. I do plan on running some comparisons to the Vertix 1 in the coming weeks.

[@patricklange8393]

Hello, another great video from you. Thanks. I have one question, what kind of picture is that on the wall behind you?

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Patrick! That's a map I had made of the SwissPeaks 360 route using a service called PaperTrails.io

[@kamyar4202]

Nice review. Are you going to compare it with Fenix 6 as well?

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! I would like to try to get my hands on a Fenix 6 for testing one of these days, but unfortunately I don’t have any immediate plans to do so.

[@kimalexander4187]

Very informative, learn alot in this. Actually I have been running over 40 years and either dont keep tract or keep tract by my time out. I would however now like to keep tract of distance and elevation. What entry level Of GPS watch would you recommend for a newbie, and that is bit lower cost for a retiree? Link would be nice...thank you

[@JeffPelletier]

Hey Kim, one great option is to buy a watch used when newer models come out. For example, you might be able to pickup a Suunto 9 Baro for pretty cheap now that the new Suunto 9 Peak has been released. Otherwise, I'd recommend either the Garmin Forerunner 55, COROS PACE 2, or Suunto 3 as an entry-level watch.

[@andreaskanellopoulos9793]

So jeff are u happy with vertix 2 purchase?any complains?how about the app?is it ok?

[@JeffPelletier]

I’m loving my Vertix 2. They’ve just released a firmware update that addresses the lack of route building in the app, it can now connect directly with Strava to download your routes from there.

[@sebastianmoreoferrall9949]

Hi Jeff, dunno if you'll see this comment so far down the track but I've still got my trusty Suunto Ambit3 Peak from many years ago and am looking to upgrade to a Coros at some point in the near future. My biggest question is (and I'm unsure if you'll be able to answer) does the Suunto chest HR monitor pair with the Coros watches (once again, unsure if you have one or just used wrist based measurements) or not? Cheers, Seb

[@JeffPelletier]

That I’m not sure about, sorry!

[@sebastianmoreoferrall9949]

Thanks for replying Jeff! Bit the bullet so we will see! It's not on their website but can't see why it wouldn't given it's a Bluetooth connection

[@julianosaddockdesa]

The problem is that all my history tracking is in the Garmin, and the app is much more friendly. But, anyway I'm considering the change. Owesome footage! You're using gopro or what for these stady and clear images?

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! This was a mix of GoPro Hero 9 with footage shot on a Sony a6600 mirrorless camera.

[@darianallberry]

You can always bulk export/import activities with an .fit file into COROS from other platforms!

[@julianosaddockdesa]

@@darianallberry like, almost ten years of activities? 😅

[@julianosaddockdesa]

@@darianallberry If there's a simple way to do it... there's only one and only ysue now. I'm Brazilian and I need to work (I'm a coach and race organizer) a full month without spending any penny to buy it 😅

[@darianallberry]

@@julianosaddockdesa This amount I am unsure of, however, typically when I've done this I usually import the last 6 weeks of workouts as this is a fairly standard time frame to see significant changes to fitness levels. Is there a specific reason you would want the workouts transferred going back 10 years?

[@redgrana]

So, you did like the Vertix 2 over 9 Baro Peak? For Mounatineering terrain and climbing in those hard areas?

[@JeffPelletier]

Without built-in maps, I’m not sure I’d bother upgrading to the Suunto 9 Peak - the Baro performed well enough with similar specs.

[@redgrana]

@@JeffPelletier If I want to upgrade from Ambit Peak 3... (I already use Suunto) would you jump to Suunto 9 Peak as I'm already familirized with the interface? Or the GPS and battery for the COROS Vertix 2 would be better for longer days on the mountains?

[@JeffPelletier]

I think it would depend on your use case. For mountain navigation, I’m loving the offline maps, and the GPS accuracy can’t be beat on the Vertix 2. It’s quite expensive though. The Suunto 9 Peak is smaller and has pretty good battery life as erll.

[@samcarden3970]

You mentioned they are bringing Topo maps to the Apex Pro, do you have any info on when this is expected? Had a look online but couldn't find much about it. Thanks!

[@JeffPelletier]

Apparently, it will be sometime towards the end of the year.

[@samcarden3970]

@@JeffPelletier Ok, thanks!

[@BP-bo7mm]

Maps without names and turn by turn navigation is nonsense

[@johnfowlertrailrunning]

My Garmin Forerunner 630 battery died 40km into the UTS50km last Saturday and I’m ready to change. Still debating on this and the Apex Pro, probably the latter if it will soon have offline map functionality! Thanks for the review 🏔😀

[@JeffPelletier]

Yep, it sounds like topo is coming by the end of the year to the Apex Pro.

[@BP-bo7mm]

Maps without names are useless

[@Riv_111]

I use the Garmin Fenix 7 on trails with no issues.

[@nicolasmachado447]

Thanks for the video. I’ m looking for a new watch…was looking for a Garmin Fenix 6S Pro or a Suunto 9 Baro… this one seems to be attractive. Will you be using it for your next big challenge in October ?

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! I’ll be using the Vertix 2 for that for sure. The fact that I won’t need to charge it all week is a huge benefit for me, since I can then leave the battery bank at home to save weight.

[@darianallberry]

An unsolicited and slightly biased review...we think you'd like the VERTIX 2 the most 😅

[@nicolasmachado447]

@@darianallberry thanks for your response. Any chance to get a coupon ?

[@darianallberry]

@@nicolasmachado447 Unfortunately we do not give out coupons or discount codes, apologies!

[@BP-bo7mm]

If you need mapping Coros is useless. No names on maps and no turn by turn navigation. Better get Fenix 6x pro solar

[@harril3131]

You must be going out also in non-sunny weather so what is your opinion on touch screens on outdoor devices such as this? To me the Garmin solution of buttons only would seem like the right one, but I'm open to updating my opinion :)

[@JeffPelletier]

I don’t really use touchscreens because I’m often wearing gloves, so I prefer buttons as well. The dial on the Coros is really great for this.

[@harril3131]

@@JeffPelletier ah ok so even though it has a touchscreen you can get by without using it! That is good to know, thanks! I also wear gloves a lot or am just out in the rain or kayaking and such.

[@harril3131]

My current Suunto Ambit3 is starting to age a bit so I'm considering my options and appreciate your reviews and views.

[@JeffPelletier]

Yes, definitely! On most watches, disabling the touch screen may also save on battery.

[@EduardO-gm7hx]

can this watch be used instead of the pace 2 / apex pro for running?

[@darianallberry]

Yes it can, all dependent on your needs!

[@pininh0]

Everything that is praised in the vertix2 is already present in the fenix 6x pro… which already has a 60h battery life with GPS+Glonass on. It’s a bit odd that all this hype is made around vertix2 features that have already been around for quite some time now.

[@chrisdavies7923]

34 hours with full GPX for the Fenix 6 Pro.

[@MrAfonsoX]

@@chrisdavies7923 60h. Or 120h in Ultra track

[@JeffPelletier]

The Vertix 2 will give you 90 hours with all available satellite networks (140 with just GPS). Admittedly, that level of battery longevity is probably really only important for a small subset of us. For the rest it’s just academic.

[@zhengtanglin]

哈哈，厉害的！