COROS POD 2: what does it do and will it make you a better, or at least more accurate, runner?

[@splatmatt]

⌚ COROS should hire you - excellent breakdown of the Pod 2's functionality and use cases.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Matt! 🙌🏽

[@runningformybestlife]

Fantastic Review Matt! I used this a few months ago during a run and I was blown away by how quickly it updated my pace. I absolutely agree with you on them only having it be used with Coros watches. Huge missed opportunity!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Glad to hear it worked so well for you! Yeah, I wonder what COROS's development team was thinking when they made it to only work with COROS devices. Clearly they didn't consult with the marketing team!

[@Shankar-Bhaskar]

I have the Coros Pace 2 and I am thinking about purchasing the POD 2. I run 10 miles five days a week outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I think you’ll get a lot of value out of it, especially on those indoor runs.

[@Shankar-Bhaskar]

@@its_Matt_B_ I hope so as well, at the moment it's not available in India where I live

[@nathanielfisher-shortrunne6396]

⌚ I use the Coros Pace 2 so I am really tempted to get the pod 2 esp as I am running my first marathon this year in London.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I find my Pace 2 to be very reliable, but it's a comfort having the POD 2 ensuring I'm getting the best possible data in all situations.

[@Fizz_Runner]

Shall be loading a real time review of fenix6 vs pace3. Pace3 without pod2 being multiband is so much better. I will have a feature on pod2 also as i think it is reassuring for races and when i am pacing a race

[@emrahsabriibrahimoglu3303]

Thanx for the explanation. I use Coros Pace 2 and very happy. I think to purchase Pod 2 soon.

[@its_Matt_B_]

The Pace 2 is a great watch and the POD 2 just makes it a little more well-rounded in all situations!

[@dpbhoosier]

Using the original POD with Pace 2 watch. I've noticed the lag when doing intervals/strides as part of my workouts. Would be great to be more real time. I'm a Floridian as well so I'm curious about the adjustments for heat and humidity. Would love to see a video review of that.

[@its_Matt_B_]

As soon as that feature gets released in an update I’ll be testing it. I’m most looking forward to that feature and think it will really benefit us (Floridians)!

[@theswerunner]

I have used the Coros pod 2 now since it launced 😁 i like so far specially when i’m doing shorter intervalls in faster pace. I have only 3 treadmill runs 2 first was good but today it was 1 min off per kilometer 🤔 (can be the placement on the shoe) I have not seen alot of improvment on the gps tracking in the city or i should say on the map after it is all over the place running trough buildings 😂 but i think the distance in the end is correct.

[@its_Matt_B_]

How did you determine your pace was off by 1 min per km? As far as GPS track being all over the place, it's understandable as the POD 2 doesn't have a GPS chip so it can't tell exactly where you're going, only how far you've gone. The POD 2 and your watch's GPS work together so yes, I would think the overall distance is accurate.

[@theswerunner]

@@its_Matt_B_ it was on the treadmill the pace was off by 1 min per/km. But on the other 2 runs i had on the mill it was close to eachother so i have to try it again on the same one.

[@gudboyngdisyerto]

i don't care much about fancy sounding metrics like vertical oscillation and stuffs like that. all i care is accurate distance and accurate current pace that reacts fast when changing paces, things i expected when i bought my stryd wind pod few years ago but didn't deliver as i expected. is coros pod 2 better in measuring distance and pace?

[@its_Matt_B_]

I have the Next Gen (most recent) Stryd footpod and I don't notice a difference between distance measured and how quickly they respond to pace changes, but check out the video by DC Rainmaker where he actually measures the response times.

[@markjohnson4237]

Nice review. Like you, I'm a bit data obsessed. Just looking to move from Garmin to Coros, so lapping up as much info as I can get my hand son. Do you have any pinion on the need or otherwise for a separate HRM for the new Apex 2 by any chance? Cheers for the info, Mark⌚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Mark! I think an external HRM is a good option when you REALLY rely on your HR data, but, tbh, I hardly ever wear mine unless I'm testing a watch and need the baseline. Once in a while my Apex 2 Pro will have peaks in my HR data, but it happens so infrequently that I'd say there is no "need" for an external HRM. As far as my Apex 2 Pro having peaks in the HR data, this is totally normal for me with optical HRMs and COROS seems better than others at detecting my HR.

[@markjohnson4237]

@@its_Matt_B_ Nice, thank you for that. Foot pod 2 only when the time comes, then.

[@kuraimakumbe3762]

⌚nice review I like the size of it, downside it's only compatible with coros watch, garmin user here and will be for a while, no need to upgrade at the moment.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks for watching, Kurai! Yes, it’s a handy little piece of gear and it’s unfortunate people outside the COROS ecosystem can’t use it.

[@orekhovs]

Great video 👍

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, mate! 👊🏽

[@Ferreira_87]

Hello Matt , I train athletics every day. I use the Garmin 235 watch with Garmin HRM-duall heart band reading. As I recently bought a treadmill for some training in the winter period, I'm thinking about buying a Stryd or selling my watch and the band and purchasing the Coros pace 3, the coros heart rate monitor plus the Pod 2. What do you think? Will I be better served? For daily use and sometimes a few runs on the treadmill, which might be more beneficial to me, the Stryd or the Pod 2? Thank you very much

[@its_Matt_B_]

Ultimately, it comes down to how much you want to spend. If it’s time for a new watch, you could definitely buy the whole COROS set up and you’ll be very happy. As far as footpods go, I prefer the power I get from my Stryd, because the app tells me how to interpret that data and what a certain power output means, as far as pacing. The good news is that you could buy a Stryd and keep your FR235 (you already have the HRM, so you’d be saving a lot!

[@Ferreira_87]

In that sense, yes. I considered these two hypotheses, however, I think the Stryd could help me more in terms of treadmill training, power analysis and better analysis data than the Pod 2. Am I correct? thanks for your help

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Ferreira_87 Yes, that is correct. The Stryd does indeed provide better data points, imo.

[@And-rc9yy]

1:55 you run through the tech but none of these things - at least to me - give any indication they can improve GPS accuracy Barometric altimeter Thermometer Geomagnetic compass Accelerometer Gyroscope Tell me how do any of these help the GPS to get a more accurate position on the earth surface?

[@its_Matt_B_]

Ahh, well, here's the thing. It doesn't help the actuall positioning (exactly). The POD 2 is recording accelerometer data. Basically it is recording how your feet are moving to determine how fast you're moving. When that data is combined with the GPS data with your watch, you get increased accuracy with your pacing. When you run around tall buildings, or trees, or anything that blocks the watch talking to the satalites, your watch temporarily looses the ability to know where it is. When your watch reconnects with the satellites it just fills in the missing data, which is often wrong. The POD 2 uses your cadence, stride length, etc to determine pace which fills in the missing GPS data so your results remain accurate. The POD 2 will also give you better results than your watch when running on a treadmill.

[@And-rc9yy]

Thank you for that explanation. I may consider getting one for my Pace3​@@its_Matt_B_

[@the_mid_night_runner]

⌚️hey mate, I'm using the pace 2 and the stryd pod. But after listening to this I think I want the coros pod. Stryd power is a nice feature, but being a returnee after breaking a hip I think the L/R balance would be very beneficial as I know I overcompensate now. This could help me get stronger on my right hip!

[@its_Matt_B_]

I've been using the POD 2 on the back of my shorts a lot more than on my foot because I really like those running dynamic metrics. My L/R balance is ok, but there are some days (easy runs) where it's off quite a bit! Thanks for the ⏱!

[@the_mid_night_runner]

And you've got the stryd pod on the foot for the rest

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@the_mid_night_runner exactly.

[@ΣτέφανοςΒαρελάς-ε9φ]

I have vertix 2, coros pod1, coros pod 2,Stryd...i think the best combo is stryd on vertix n also external chest hrm pro... Sure pod 2 n hrm also works for the basics(pace, dist) The combo of all pods especially the coros pod 1 on run dyn I found doesn't give accurate GCT, AVR, AVO.. On that 2 the numbers are 2-3 points up from my normal 6,9-7, 1 and on GCT 30-40 from GCT measured with stryd,(Stryd on vertix, garmin, polar) even the hrm on a fenix giving more real the AVO, AVR, or the Rd pod.. Do you know why? Did you check accuracy on the run dyn on pod 1? I think at the same time on vertix can't have Stryd for Watts, and pod 2(waist run dyn)

[@markhill8590]

Does it help with the pace lag from the watch?

[@its_Matt_B_]

I can't say i've noticed improved speed of pacing.

[@Dave_Balensiefen]

⌚️ Question… How did you get the positive display on the coros app?

[@its_Matt_B_]

On an iPhone: settings - accessibility - per-app settings - add app (add COROS and click on it) - smart invert - on

[@its_Matt_B_]

Be warned. After I messed with the invert settings my phone has never been the same. Some apps invert automatically now even when I haven't touched their individual settings. When that happens I've had to go into the app it has happened to and switch it off (rather than leaving it as default).

[@Burps___]

I use Apple Watch 7 and the astonishing #WorkOutdoors app. My treadmill "Indoor Runs" are so inaccurate as to be laughable, though (outdoor runs, conversely, are spot on with my Garmin/COROS wearing friends). I sure wish, like you mentioned Matt, this COROS pod2 worked with other watches; I'd buy one just for treadmill accuracy.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I haven’t tested my Apple Watch on the treadmill, but I love the WorkOutDoors app because it makes the AW a true sports watch, especially being able to add sensors!

[@TheSlickpt]

I use stryd ⌚️

[@its_Matt_B_]

Do you also use a COROS watch?

[@TheSlickpt]

@its_Matt_B_ no I use a polar but may switch to coros if polar drops the ball . I'll be using stryd no matter the watch tho . It's the one constant

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@TheSlickpt Nice! I like Polar a lot! I can’t wait to see what they come out with next!

[@TheSlickpt]

@its_Matt_B_ made me a little nervous when they licensed their software. Just hoping their still in the game of watches. I'm due for an upgrade so. If nothing soon I'll have to get on with something else

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@TheSlickpt COROS is releasing their Pace 3 next week! That’s going to be a great value watch!

[@banjannaparota]

Is it already accurate out of the box? Or does it have a sort of "break-in" period?

[@its_Matt_B_]

For me it was accurate out of the box. It does not require any calibration.

[@banjannaparota]

@@its_Matt_B_ thank you!

[@WhatMatterstoMatt]

Hey Matt. Wondering whether Coros would love to make there pod work with other watches like garmin, polar or even Apple but these other companies make it difficult?

[@its_Matt_B_]

Excellent question. I hadn't even considered it could be the other companies that put up barriers. The main reason I don't think it's the case it due to the Stryd foot pod being able to work with all brands. Perhaps it's different because Stryd doesn't make watches too? 🤔

[@gudboyngdisyerto]

stryd commented that people with coros watches can't download training plan from stryd, like garmin and apple could, because coros doesn't allow it. could be the same in the case of the pod

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@gudboyngdisyerto Yes, COROS could just be being difficult. 🤔

[@CTYeung]

⌚ Great review. nerd or not.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@CTYeung 🤣 Thanks, CT!

[@TolunayOrkun]

I use a Garmin Forerunner 645 watch ⌚along with Garmin HRM-PRO chest strap. Previously, I had a Polar H10 strap and a standalone Garmin Running Dynamics Pod (RDP) which goes to the back of the shorts. After my H10 started to experience connection issues with my watch mid-run, I got the Garmin HRM-PRO which combines H10 and RDP functionality and more. HRM-PRO also provides power reading to compatible Garmin watches like FR 255/955 which has native support for Power (and power-based workouts) or to some older watches like my FR645 with the addition of a Garmin Power Data Field (display only, no support for power-based workouts). Garmin updated firmware on HRM-PRO last year to support Foot Pod (FP) emulation functionality for indoor running use (treadmill or indoor track) or for outdoors if selected over GPS. RDP functionality is nice to look at at stats, but it is not very accionable. I had high hopes for FP functionality, but I am a bit disappointed. It is very rudimentary. You can calibrate the FP, but I found it only accurate enough at the particular calibrated pace but if you are running at a different pace which changes your step length, your pace and distance will be off using the foot pod. I think foot pods as part of configuration should store a few different step length calibrations based on cadence and interpolate the step length for cadences that fall in between. One data point in Garmin is not enough. I am not sure how STRYD or Coros is handling that problem. I hope they are doing something better. For outdoors the new multi-band (multi-frequency) GPS watches like FR 255 / 955 is reportedly doing better in those problematic areas like city centers with high rises. If your watch supports multi-band, enable it. My next watch is probably going to be FR 955.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I haven’t experienced problems with foot pod calibration and mine seem accurate when changing paces. As far as multi band GPS watches go, I haven’t noticed a huge difference in my area because I don’t have mountains or tall buildings. I’ll be interested to test a few watches in areas that actually pose a probable for GPS signal.

[@sansin6250]

Do I need to buy the COROS watch if I am running indoors and the COROS is paired to my iPhone? Also, does it feed data to Apple Health ?

[@its_Matt_B_]

You need a COROS watch to use the POD 2. Yes, you can connect the COROS app to sync with Apple Health: Go to the COROS app > Profile page > Setting > 3rd Party Apps > Apple Health

[@sansin6250]

@@its_Matt_B_ So if I understood you correctly, just pairing the COROS Pod 2 to the iPhone over bluetooth, and having the iphone with me at the time of the run, is not enough to use it. Must have the COROS watch. I suppose that leaves Stryd as my only option. Thank you!

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@sansin6250 Correct! You must have a COROS watch! I have the Stryd too. You’ll be fine with it!

[@alanshrimpton6787]

I'm disappointed with Coros. I got the Apex to replace my Garmin. It's ridiculous they stop your sleep logging after 6hrs when 8hrs is recommended sleep time. As an older person I often get up after 6hrs to pee then go back to bed yet they also don't let you edit it. You can't set up a trail run workout. I've set up a whole training plan in advance and every long run I do on a trail. I can't get it to realise my workout is on a trail so I have to select run if I want to use the workout rather than trail run. I emailed asking they didn't even respond. On the Apex it doesn't show REM for sleep just groups it in with Deep. I've now gone back to Garmin and got the FR955 and love it. Sorry Coros you've got a long way to go yet. ⌚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Ugh! Sorry to hear you’ve had such a horrid experience with COROS but I wonder if it’s something about the Apex or perhaps you’re not on the most recent update? 🤔 I only mention this because my Pace 2 records my sleep very well (over 8 hours when I can get it) and I also get up most nights to pee! Also, my Pace 2 is the only watch that doesn’t have a “trail run” activity. The Apex does. Check out: support.coros.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409122319892-Run-vs-Indoor-Run-vs-Trail-Run-Explained I hope this helps and you give COROS another chance one day! 👊🏽

[@alanshrimpton6787]

@@its_Matt_B_ thanks for trying to help. I read that article you sent and at the end it says trail runs aren't included in the training plans which I'd my issue on a pre made workout. I have been using trail run as a run but it doesn't use my settings for example running at a set HR that I had pre prepared as a workout. I think as far as the sleep tracking I believe a little while back most of their watches got the REM metric except the Apex and I think Coros said at the time due to the Apex hardware or firmware was all maxed out so we missed out. I also think it's got to do when you get up in the night. I get up after 6 hrs of sleeping so coros stops logging my sleep. If I get up before 6hr mark then the sleep tracking works. I think they should change that to 8hrs as it's the recommended amount rather than their 6hr limit they have.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@alanshrimpton6787 Oh, I see what you mean now. I've noticed COROS does not give me a "Running Performance" grade when I do a workout (only when I log a normal run). Agreed, this definitely needs to be addressed. As far as sleep, I would have thought the watch could detect sleep-like movement (or lack thereof) and HR and know that you went back to bed. 🤷🏻‍♂

[@filoreykjavik]

⏰

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Filo!

[@johnbaston5175]

⌚

[@its_Matt_B_]

🙌

[@TimJOMalley]

I'm on Garmin Fenix 6 with a HRM Pro Plus. I had been taking GAP as good for a pacing strategy as opposed to working out what pace I am capable of. How will you be running your next marathon?

[@its_Matt_B_]

Ahh, this is old news to you then! My next marathon? Probably just blasting it with no accounting for pace in the beginning! 🤣 Nah, jk. IDK yet. I may use power again but i'll see how I like this as it gets closer.

[@elektroglow]

⌚︎

[@its_Matt_B_]

🙌🏽 Cheers!

[@Teflon_Ron]

⌚️

[@its_Matt_B_]

🤩

[@fredturner1233]

⌚️see, I’m hooked 😊 let’s try to watch a complete video challenge for 30 days with a comment, at the end a random follower will be picked and will win a stryd pod, what a brilliant idea. Cheers Mat

[@its_Matt_B_]

🤣 I don't know if the Stryd giveaway should be at the end of a COROS POD 2 video, but I like what you're thinking!

[@fredturner1233]

@its_Matt_B_ This is only, cause I don't have a Coros watch, but you are right. You are pretty good at replying to viewers comments, I'm impressed 👌 it doesn't even sound too AI in the tone 😉 Thanks for your replies

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@fredturner1233 Not sounding too AI like is high praise indeed, but now I’m thinking about all the time I could save if I could use AI to comment. 🤔

[@fredturner1233]

@@its_Matt_B_ but would it deliver the same impact, that’s the question. That’s make me think that I haven’t watch my Matt’s video of day for the challenge remember, gotta go !!! You have a lovely day

[@traceyhoyle4145]

🥥🥥🥥

[@its_Matt_B_]

You’re cross pollinating your emojis, Tracey! The 🥥 was on yesterday’s video! 🤣

[@traceyhoyle4145]

@@its_Matt_B_ I wasn't quick enough, Matt, to comment before my google hub moved on to the next video ! 😅

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@traceyhoyle4145 🤣 The 🥥 is still appreciated! 👊🏽

[@slimnick6452]

⌚️. No running watch here, just toss my phone in my Flip Belt with Strava running and out the door I go.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I can't really argue with that! It does the job and you need one less piece of equipment! Do you ever feel like getting a watch? The funny thing is that I always bring my phone with me, even though I run with an Apple Watch with cellular. I guess I just like the redundancy. 😂

[@slimnick6452]

@@its_Matt_B_ yes, I frequently feel like adding tech to my runs. I struggle with a dedicated device like a Coros or a multitasker like Apple Watch. I also want something that works reliably. There’s nothing worse than tech issues during a run.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@slimnick6452 You're right about tech issues being a pain during the run. It's happened a few times and, I don't want to say it ruins the run, but I definitely think it's ruining the run at the time! 🤣

[@ironmantooltime]

I'm out (Garmin)

[@its_Matt_B_]

😂

[@PaxRussian]

[@its_Matt_B_]

💫✌🏽

[@TinydomeRunning]

⌚️

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Ryan! 👊🏽

[@mindaugasma]

⌚️

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers! 🙌🏽