The Coros Apex watch has recently captured the attention of the running community, particularly among Strava enthusiasts. Despite its Chinese roots, this California-based brand has quickly risen in popularity, especially after collaborating with elite athletes like Hayden Hawks. Intrigued by the growing buzz, I decided to try out the Apex, attracted by its lightweight design and stylish look.

Upon unboxing the watch, I was immediately impressed by its incredibly light weight of just 57 grams. It brought back memories of my first Garmin Forerunner, which felt bulky in comparison. The Apex, however, integrates effortlessly into daily life, reminiscent of the TomTom Adventurer I used to wear regularly.

Initial Setup

Setting up the Coros Apex was straightforward, thanks to the user-friendly Coros app. Unlike other devices I've encountered, which often have synchronization issues, the Coros app performed flawlessly. It was refreshing to see a newcomer in the industry surpass established brands in software reliability.

The app provides customization options for the watch face, firmware updates, and seamless integration with Strava. Coros seems dedicated to continuous improvement, as demonstrated by the addition of navigation features shortly after the watch's launch.

Battery Life: A Key Highlight

The battery life of the Apex is truly remarkable. During my participation in the Wicklow Way race, which lasted over 12 hours, the watch's battery only dropped to 44% by the end. On a trip to Jordan, the watch lasted two and a half days without needing a charge, outperforming my other devices.

This impressive battery performance eliminates the need for frequent charging, offering peace of mind during long-distance events.

Accuracy and Performance

When it comes to accuracy, the Coros Apex stands strong. During my time in Jordan, it consistently provided precise distance and elevation readings, unlike some other brands that struggled with accuracy. Although I did encounter a minor glitch with a two-minute mile reading, it was likely due to external interference.

The watch's GPS accuracy, combined with reliable cadence tracking, makes it a dependable companion for serious runners.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The only area where the Apex falls short is its wrist-based heart rate monitoring. Like many other wrist HR monitors, it struggles to deliver consistent accuracy. For reliable heart rate data, I prefer using a chest strap, which pairs effortlessly with the watch.

Coros is aware of this limitation and is actively working on improvements, so future iterations may address this issue.

Conclusion

Overall, the Coros Apex is an impressive GPS watch that combines a lightweight design, exceptional battery life, and reliable performance. While the wrist-based heart rate monitor needs improvement, the overall package is highly appealing, especially for those who prioritize battery longevity and accuracy.

Coros's commitment to supporting athletes and continuous product enhancement further adds to its appeal. For anyone considering a new GPS watch, the Coros Apex is a compelling choice.