COROS APEX 2 Pro - recenzia

COROS APEX 2 Pro - review

author: ralpu
March 27, 2023

COROS APEX 2 Pro
The COROS APEX 2 Pro takes almost all the technology from the flagship Vertix 2 and offers it in a smaller and lighter design. And at a lower price. Is the APEX 2 Pro the ultimate answer for the mountain athlete? Below I try to find the answers.

In November 2022, the American brand COROS introduced the new APEX 2 Pro model. The face and user of this model is Kilian Jornet, who actively participated in its development. Over the past few months, I have been intensively testing this technological innovation - dozens of training sessions in various conditions. Expectations for this watch are set astronomically high - after all, this model is used by the best mountain athlete in the world. What about GPS accuracy, battery life, and how do they compare to the flagship Vertix 2? I will look for answers to these and many other questions.

First impressions

I switched to the APEX 2 Pro (499 Eur) after using the Vertix 2, the flagship model of the COROS brand, for several years. These two models are aimed at different target groups. While the Vertix 2 is a robust, so to speak, blacksmith's work aimed at adventurers in the mountains (very frequent users of this model are mountain guides, such as Denisa Šulcová - ralpu ambassador ) and is comparable in size to the top models of the Garmin and Suunto brands, the APEX 2 Pro is aimed more at athletes in the mountains. That is why the face of this novelty is Kilian Jornet, who is known for his obsession with using the lightest things and equipment.

Immediately after opening the package, this view is confirmed - the watch is much smaller and lighter than the Vertix 2 model in size and especially in weight. The low weight is only enhanced by the nylon (read: textile) strap, which is included as standard in the package. In the COROS app, I scan the QR code on the watch screen and after a few clicks, the watch is activated and added to my COROS account, where all my activities are saved. The last step during activation completely got me - in the COROS app I was asked if I wanted to transfer all the settings from the previous model. Understand the user profile, all the activity settings - the number of screens and data fields, etc. This is how all technology should work - simply and helpfully.

I put the watch on my wrist and it's remarkable how accurately the wrist can sense weight. Compared to the Vertix 2, which weighs 89 grams with a silicone strap, the APEX 2 Pro feels like a feather on the wrist (it weighs just 53 grams with a nylon strap). The APEX 2 Pro's display (33.02 mm diameter) is slightly smaller than the Vertix 2's (35.56 mm diameter), but it's still perfectly legible, and other reviews point out that it's also slightly brighter than the Vertix 2's (in basic mode without backlighting).

COROS APEX 2 Pro
COROS APEX 2 Pro are very light - the user almost doesn't feel them on the hand. In terms of size, they have found an excellent balance between a sufficient display size for reading data and unpretentiousness. In other words - they are not diving alarms, but they are not small watches either.

APEX 2 Pro has also found an excellent balance between robustness, ruggedness and civility. They are not diving alarms like the Vertix 2 or the flagships of Nordic brands and Garmin. But at the same time, the APEX 2 Pro do not seem to be unable to withstand rough handling. The titanium rim gently protrudes above the sapphire glass of the display and is the first to catch any scratches in the event of impacts. The back cover is also made of titanium. With COROS, you do not have to pay extra for these premium materials (as with other brands) and they are standard. The premium feel is also enhanced by the excellent workmanship - the construction tolerances are slightly better. The buttons feel firm when pressed, they do not creak, do not move sideways. The same applies to the digital crown.

Good to know

The COROS APEX 2 Pro was launched alongside the APEX 2 (€399), which is smaller, even lighter and primarily aimed at women or men with smaller wrists. The APEX 2 is the smaller brother of the Pro and is also cheaper.
See details of the COROS APEX 2 model

What's new

In many reviews, the APEX 2 Pro is described as a smaller version of the Vertix 2 model (read the separate Vertix 2 model review ). And I can confirm this. Technologically, the new APEX 2 Pro model has taken over almost everything from its older brother, which was launched a year and a half ago. So there is a dual-frequency satellite system that works with two frequencies (L1 and L5) and helps with the accuracy of GPS recording in difficult conditions (e.g. climbing rock walls or activity between high-rise buildings in the city). We explain this technology in detail in a separate article on our blog .

COROS APEX 2 Pro with preloaded global maps.
COROS APEX 2 Pro has preloaded global offline maps. GPS route navigation (GPX file) is a given. There are also functions for recording a point on the route or returning to the start along an identical route.

The internal memory has grown to a gigantic 32 GB and the watch already has preloaded offline maps for the whole world. The optical heart rate sensor is completely new and many reviews compare it to the module used in the latest Apple Watch. It protrudes slightly from the back cover and the hemispherical shape penetrates the skin of the wrist even better - of course, the LEDs shine through the skin more effectively during measurement. My personal experience only confirms the improvement in heart rate measurement - even with a sloppy strap. (For interval training, I definitely recommend using a chest strap, which works on a completely different physical principle and is more accurate and responsive.)

COROS APEX 2 Pro
COROS APEX 2 Pro has a completely new optical module for measuring heart rate. Measuring the "heart rate" is much more accurate and reliable - even in cold weather and a sloppily tightened strap. The nylon (textile) strap allows for very precise tightening of the watch around the wrist, which only helps the accuracy of heart rate measurement.

Subjectively, I feel that the processor in the APEX 2 Pro is also more powerful than in the Vertix 2 - for example, the display animations are instant after the activity ends. In the Vertix 2, they are also fast, but sometimes there is a slightly slower animation (we are talking about fractions of a second). The influence of Kilian and his winter ski-alp preparation has also been reflected in another novelty - the operating temperature has been shifted down to -20°C. A completely new activity, Multi-pitch climbing (linked to the presence of a dual-frequency GPS module), has also been added, which is available only on the APEX 2 Pro and Vertix 2 models.

There's much more, and you can read a full list of all the news in a separate article on our blog .

Impressions from use

The biggest change for me was in the practical use of the APEX 2 Pro. With the Vertix 2, which is really big and sturdy, I often had trouble reaching the buttons and the digital crown in the winter - for example, when ending an activity. Since the watch is buried under layers of clothing and the buttons are on the side of my shoulder (not my palm), it was always a bit of torture to end an activity. With the APEX 2 Pro, it is much easier because it is much smaller, does not cover the entire wrist and is easier to reach the watch. I am describing a very small detail, but anyone who skis in the winter knows exactly what I am writing about.

I'm also using a nylon strap for the first time and it's a piece of cake. It's much more pleasant to the touch on the skin, you can tighten it very precisely through the loop and it's breathable. Friends told me that with intensive use, after about a year, the strap will start to smell a little from sweat. However, I can overlook this problem, because the everyday benefits of wearing comfort significantly outweigh it.

COROS APEX 2 Pro
The nylon strap on the COROS APEX 2 Pro comes standard and is my first time using it. I wouldn't go back to the classic silicone strap because the nylon one is much nicer to the touch and the simple tightening via the loop ensures absolutely precise tightening. An additional bonus is the breathability of the nylon strap.

I do the vast majority of my winter training on the slopes of Chopok in the ski resort. And Chopok is known for its frequent and strong winds - which is one of the biggest objective enemies of the accuracy of civilian GPS use. I had activities during which I said to myself - this descent will be inaccurate and fly by. However, the APEX 2 Pro pleasantly surprised me and I did not notice any anomalies and misses in the accuracy of the GPS recording. More about the accuracy of the GPS recording in a separate chapter below.

Battery life

The COROS APEX 2 Pro offers 75 hours of battery life in basic GPS mode. COROS recommends using the All Systems GPS mode for the vast majority of activities. In this mode, the watch connects to all satellites above us in 5 different satellite systems that are supported (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS). In this mode, the battery life is up to 45 hours. I use this GPS mode for activities. While with the Vertix 2, one hour of activity in this mode equaled a decrease in battery life of approximately 1%, with the APEX 2 Pro it is a decrease of about 2%. And what does it look like in practice? With my training intensity, I charged the Vertix 2 approximately once every 12-14 days (I charge the battery in the interval of 20-80% capacity). I charge the APEX 2 Pro approximately once every 8 days. Which is more than enough for me not to think about charging. For us ordinary sinners, 45 hours of battery life in the recommended All Systems GPS mode is completely sufficient. Even in the case of completing a long ultra run, not to mention a long weekend in the mountains, which I can survive without any charging.

COROS APEX 2 Pro
The COROS APEX 2 Pro can connect to satellites from five major GPS systems: American GPS, European Galileo, Chinese Beidou, Japanese QZSS, and Russian GLONASS. This is more than enough for most situations.

Typically, there are no unpredictable and sudden drops in battery life with COROS. For example, if I go for a 90-minute workout and the battery level is at 5%, I don't have to worry that the activity won't be recorded because the battery life suddenly ran out and the watch turned off.

For completeness, I also mention the battery life in the third, most advanced GPS mode (Dual Frequency), which is up to 26 hours.

GPS accuracy

Good to know

Since the launch of the COROS APEX 2 Pro model in November 2022 , 4 software updates have already been released at the time of writing this review, which have brought a number of major and minor improvements, tweaks, and even completely new features (e.g. Effort Pace metric).

At the beginning, I would like to state that during several dozen training sessions and activities I have performed, I have not observed any anomalies or inaccuracies in the GPS recording. (Except for one experience, which I describe in detail below.) The accuracy is at the level of the Vertix 2 model or even better. As I mentioned above, I use the All Systems GPS mode, which COROS itself recommends for the vast majority of activities. The more economical Standard GPS only mode connects only to the satellites of the American civilian GPS system in a second interval and offers up to 75 hours of battery life. It is more intended for slower activities, when battery life is the most important. A typical example of such an activity would be a multi-day trek in the mountains. On the contrary, the most accurate Dual Frequency mode is intended for specific situations - e.g. multi-pitch wall climbing, skiing in gutters or city activities among high-rise buildings. However, for the purposes of this review, I also tested this mode and compared it with the Garmin Fenix ​​7.

COROS APEX 2 Pro
I use the All Systems GPS mode for training, which is recommended by COROS itself. In this mode, I achieved very high GPS accuracy - even during an activity that took place in very strong winds. The battery life in this mode is up to 45 hours.

Below are specific examples from training sessions where I used the COROS APEX 2 Pro (or other watches). A GPX file (or FIT file) of the activity is always available for those who want to view the activity in detail on the map.

Example No. 1
Powerhike to Demänovská Hora following the yellow trail
Activity: Hiking

During this activity, I made two climbs to the top, i.e. I walked the same route 4 times. The deviations in the route record are within (my estimate) 5 meters, which I consider accurate for a civilian GPS record. Moreover, the route is in the forest, under the treetops, which is an objective factor that affects the accuracy of the GPS record (of any watch, any brand). To be sure, I compared this record with the activity from the same route a few months ago, when I was still using the Vertix 2. The records are almost identical and I see no differences.

Activity Hike along the marked hiking trail to Demänovská Hora
On the left is the COROS APEX 2 Pro recording and on the right is the Vertix 2. The serpentine marked trail to Demänovská Hora is in the forest and in both cases the watch coped with the recording well and almost indistinguishable.

Download

COROS APEX 2 Pro: GPX activity recording
COROS Vertix 2: GPX activity record


Example No. 2
Alpine skiing training in Jasna
Activity: Ski Touring

An example of training on the slopes in Jasná. The watch was able to record the route of the ascent along the edge of the slope without any problems and then the descent along the slope itself - for example, on the opposite edge or in the middle of the slope. Again, I do not see any deviations from what I am used to with the COROS brand. I had a problem with the accuracy of descents during the Ski Touring activity when using the Vertix 2 - at the time of its launch. I also mention this experience in my review . I communicated the whole matter directly with the COROS brand at the time and this inaccuracy during fast movement (skiing downhill) was very promptly fixed via a software update. The COROS brand always listens very carefully to customer feedback and solves any problems through very frequent software updates.

Ski Touring activity on the ski slope in Jasná
The watch was able to record the position of the ascent and descent route on the same slope without any problems. The recording from the watch is the red curve.

Download

COROS APEX 2 Pro: GPX activity recording


Example No. 3
Alpine skiing training in Žiarska Valley
Activity: Ski Touring

I deliberately choose this activity for two reasons. The first reason is the very strong wind that blew that day. As I mentioned above, wind is one of the main objective factors that affects the accuracy of the GPS recording. Despite this, there are no hits in the recording. The second reason is a deliberate point of reference to the limitations of using a civilian GPS system in certain situations during sports. I did the ascent and descent from Žiarská chata along the same access asphalt road. There is a small drift in the first sharp bend below the hut - although I was going along the same road. In my opinion, the reason is the fact that on the way up I was moving at a speed several times lower (around 4 km/h) than when skiing down (the recording shows a speed of around 35 km/h). It is therefore only logical that with a second-by-second recording of the position, the route recorded during the descent will be slightly distorted - especially with sudden changes of direction. I think the same will apply to cycling uphill and downhill on sharp turns on the descent. However, it is nothing dramatic, I estimate the route is shifted by approximately 2-3 meters compared to reality.

Ski Touring activity in Žiarska Valley
Approximately 2-3 meter hit on the same route during the ascent and descent in a sharp turn (sudden change of direction). The watch record is the red curve.

Download

COROS APEX 2 Pro: GPX activity recording


Example No. 4
Alpine ski tour in the High Tatras
Activity: Ski Touring

On Saturday, March 11, 2023, I was doing a ski tour with my friends in Veľká Studená dolina and it was really windy up there. The wind speed was around 70 - 80 km/h. On that day, the SHMÚ also reported that the wind force on Chopok was at hurricane level (around 120 km/h). In the COROS APEX 2 Pro, I used the All Systems GPS mode again, not Dual Frequency. Despite the very strong wind, the interrupted and resumed activity at Zbojnícká chata, the recording was very accurate and without any misses.

Ski Touring activity in the High Tatras
Alpine ski tour in Veľká Studená dolina in the High Tatras in very strong winds. Strong winds are one of the main objective factors that affect the accuracy of civilian GPS.
Ski Touring activity in Veľká Studena dolina
A ski tour in very strong winds in the High Tatras was recorded accurately. I waited for the last members of our group at the marked spot and returned to the ascent route and continued the tour again. The watch record is the red curve.

Download

COROS APEX 2 Pro: GPX activity recording


Example No. 5
Walk
Activity: Walk

For this test, I had a COROS APEX 2 Pro on one wrist and a COROS Pace 2 on the other. For the Pace 2, I had the GPS mode selected: GPS, Glonass, Galileo, QZSS - i.e. connecting to satellites of four GPS systems. Below is a comparison of the measured data.

APEX 2 Pro Pace 2
activity duration 12.52 km 12.53 km
elevation 247 m 245 m
average heart rate 94 bpm 96 bpm
average stride length 87 cm 86 cm

The data measured by both models are almost identical. This test shows, among other things, what an excellent price-performance ratio the COROS Pace 2 model represents. For 200 Euros, one gets an extremely light and accurate GPS watch that will cover the needs of the vast majority of active people - especially runners, since this model is aimed at this target group. (The watch does not include mountain activities - e.g. Hike activity, Trail Run activity and winter sports.)

Download

COROS APEX 2 Pro: GPX activity recording FIT activity record
COROS Pace 2: GPX activity recording FIT activity record


Example No. 6
COROS APEX 2 For the eyes of Ondra Pavlů, CR

I also asked my friend Ondra from Prague, Czech Republic for his opinion on using the COROS APEX 2 Pro. In particular, he asked him to share his experiences using Dual Frequency GPS mode in a densely populated city with high-rise buildings - a test that I was unable to simulate in Liptovský Mikuláš. Here are his observations, including links to specific activities in Strava:

Ondřej Pavlů - using the COROS APEX 2 Pro model.
COROS APEX 2 Pro on the wrist of Ondra Pavlů - an ultrarunner from Prague, Czech Republic.

Example No. 7
Alpine skiing training in Derešy
Activity: Ski Touring

I also wanted to test the Dual Frequency GPS mode in the COROS APEX 2 Pro - in the conditions for which this special mode is designed. So I planned my training so that I would also be in a steep gully. On one wrist I had the COROS APEX 2 Pro in Dual Frequency GPS mode and measured the Ski Touring activity. On the other wrist I had the Garmin Fenix ​​7 in All Systems mode and also measured the Ski Touring activity.

Testing Dual Frequency mode in Demänovská Valley - Garmin Fenix ​​7 vs. COROS APEX 2 Pro.
The Garmin Fenix ​​7 and COROS APEX 2 Pro recorded the alpine ski training in Demänovská Valley more or less identically. The map above shows both routes plotted simultaneously.
Testing Dual Frequency mode in Demänovská Valley. In a steep gully, the COROS APEX 2 Pro failed to save approximately a 400-meter section.
Testing Dual Frequency mode in Demänovská dolina during ski alpine training. In the steep Derešov gully, the COROS APEX 2 Pro did not save approximately a 300-meter section.

When I mapped both workouts at home, I found that in a steep gully, where I was ascending and descending the same route, the COROS APEX 2 Pro did not record any data. The elevation gain, max. altitude were more or less identical to the Fenix ​​7 (see the data table below and the complete data in the form of a GPX and FIT record at the end of this workout description). The difference in the length of the workout route is 330 meters, which is not a tragedy, but it is evident from the map that the APEX 2 Pro did not record a short section in the gully. Here are the basic data from the workout.

COROS APEX 2 Pro Garmin Fenix ​​7
activity duration 7.80 km 8.13 km
elevation 754 m 763 m
maximum altitude 1,853 meters above sea level 1,839 meters above sea level

Of course, I was not satisfied with the test result. During several years of using the COROS GPS watch, I have never had a part of the recording missing from an activity. Of course, I have encountered inaccuracies, but never to such an extreme that part of the training was missing. So I wrote to COROS itself and provided them with the records from the Garmin Fenix ​​7 and COROS APEX 2 Pro (GPX and FIT training records). I was redirected to the person at COROS who is in charge of this technical part of the watch development. He also asked me to send a record from the watch itself via the COROS app. COROS has the unique ability to remotely diagnose the user's specific watch and specific activity. Similar to a car repair shop, a car mechanic can diagnose a car by plugging the computer into the car. In about 48 hours, I received a detailed response from COROS with a detailed analysis:

In short: the watch did not save a GPS record for approximately 20 minutes during an activity, although the connection to the GPS satellites was not interrupted. This is the first time COROS has encountered such an anomaly in the APEX 2 Pro and, due to the lack of additional data, they are unable to determine whether this is an isolated case or a bug in the software. The response from COROS further included detailed instructions on how to activate developer mode in the watch, which will make other technical aspects of the activity record available for further training sessions that COROS does not normally have access to.

Honestly, I didn't expect any other reaction from COROS. My personal experience, as well as the experience of customers of the ralp e-shop, is always positive: they face the problem head-on, want to listen to feedback, their answers are without unnecessary fluff and always aimed at a practical conclusion. I really appreciate that they delved into the details of a specific activity, a specific user. And especially that they gave me a detailed procedure on how to obtain further technical details for them in other activities, so that they could understand what exactly happened and thus be able to fix this (possible) software problem through an update.

I'll add one more observation. COROS has packed a lot of technological innovations into the APEX 2 Pro model - and also a new dual-frequency GPS module. At the time of writing this review, only a few GPS watch models across all brands on the market use this latest technology. As is often the case with new technologies, the details are fine-tuned via software updates. The well-known technological YouTube reviewer MKHBD explains this frequent phenomenon very well using the example of the camera in new iPhone models . For years, Apple has been using a 12 MP module, which was tuned to perfection and received success in all reviews of mobile phone cameras. However, recently Apple brought a completely new 48 MP camera module to its Pro models and the reviews are not so dazzling. However, as Marques Brownlee explains in his video - this new module, the novelty, will reach its full potential only after a series of additional improvements via software updates.

I mention this example mainly because COROS could have played a completely safe game and used a GPS module that had been tuned for years and didn't have to risk anything. Nevertheless, it decided to go into the uncharted waters of dual-frequency GPS - a technology that has so far only been used in the aviation industry, not in GPS watches. But this is exactly what the COROS brand is known for - it has the ambition to be on the edge of what is currently technologically possible and to push the boundaries. It is this ferocity that has allowed it to achieve the goal in just a few years of presence on the market that de facto all reviews of COROS watches put them on the same level as Garmin - the market leader, which has been operating in the GPS watch segment for decades.

For completeness, I am attaching the recordings of both models from this activity.

Download

COROS APEX 2 Pro: GPX activity recording FIT activity record
Garmin Fenix ​​7: GPX activity recording FIT activity record


Example No. 8
Alpine skiing training in Jasná
Activity: Ski Touring

I couldn't do it and I wanted to repeat the activity using the Dual Frequency GPS mode. I planned the training again in the steep gullies of Derešov. Compared to the previous attempt, the conditions were better (there was no milk) and I was able to hit the desired gullies. On one wrist I had the APEX 2 Pro with the Dual Frequency GPS mode activated and on the other I had the borrowed Garmin Fenix ​​7 again. Both watches coped very well with the difficult terrain.

Testing Dual Frequency GPS mode in the Derešov gullies in Demänovská Valley.
The technological innovation Dual Frequency GPS mode can identify what is "direct" and "reflected" signal in difficult environments, which reduces the error rate in the recording. In addition, with the technology of the dual frequency satellite system, the probability of data loss is much lower, because the additional communication line serves as a "backup".
A steep gully is one of the scenarios where regular GPS technology can fall short, and it is in such an environment that it makes sense to use Dual Frequency GPS mode. Both COROS and Garmin coped with this terrain perfectly!

The measured data is almost identical. The COROS APEX 2 Pro in Dual Frequency GPS mode and the Garmin Fenix ​​7 did a very good job of recording activity in challenging and non-typical terrain.

COROS APEX 2 Pro Garmin Fenix ​​7
activity duration 7.52 km 7.60 km
elevation 895 m 868 m
maximum altitude 2,000 meters above sea level 1,998 meters above sea level

This time the APEX 2 Pro didn't hesitate and recorded the entire route, so my previous experience (described above) was most likely an isolated anomaly.

Testing Dual Frequency GPS mode in the Derešov gullies in Demänovská Valley. Garmin Fenix ​​7 vs. CORPS APEX 2 Pro.
The GPS recording of the route in the gullies was recorded by both watches accurately and reliably. The activity route is a red curve and the ascent route led through the Dievčenský žľab and the descent through the Retranslacný žľab. In general, the route recorded by the Garmin Fenix ​​7 watch is "sharper" in micro details - meaning it tries to smooth the route less. The COROS APEX 2 Pro tries to smooth the route in micro details. This is most likely a differently tuned algorithm that interprets data from the GPS sensor. While COROS samples data more economically in an attempt to save battery life, GARMIN seems to "not care" about battery life and prioritizes absolute accuracy. As is often the case with technology, there is always a trade-off.

I am attaching the recordings of both models from this training.

Download

COROS APEX 2 Pro: GPX activity recording FIT activity record
Garmin Fenix ​​7: GPX activity recording FIT activity record


Conclusion

During several weeks of intensive use of the COROS APEX 2 Pro and dozens of completed training sessions, I have absorbed enough impressions, got used to the watch and delved into a sufficient amount of training data. And although in my case it was a downgrade from the COROS Vertix 2 model, I am extremely satisfied with the new COROS APEX 2 Pro model. Here are a few observations, a description of the pros, cons and a few wishes.

Pros

The size and light weight were a big plus for me. Although it is a trivial thing, in practical life I really appreciate the size/diameter of the watch's display. They are not diving alarms and at the same time the diameter of the display is sufficient for reading data during training. I also appreciate the easy access to the watch during winter activities, when it is buried under layers of clothing. Similar to my friend Ondřej describes above, the weight of the watch is basically not felt on the wrist. This is in contrast to the Vertix 2, which the user clearly feels on the hand. A big revelation for me was using a nylon strap for the first time and I can't imagine going back to the classic silicone strap. The nylon strap is more pleasant to the touch, it is breathable and can be tightened around the wrist exactly.

Battery life - one of the main draws of COROS GPS watches - is perfect and will easily cover the needs of the vast majority of us. I appreciate the preloaded offline maps of the whole world in the watch - without having to pay anything extra. Trainings were recorded consistently accurately and reliably (except for one specific case, which I describe in detail). Subjectively, I often had the feeling that the training record was slightly more accurate than with the Vertix 2 - especially the built-in optical heart rate sensor is more consistent and also the stability of the GPS signal in strong winds is great (when using the All Systems GPS mode).

I especially highlight COROS support, their way of communication, punctuality, how they approach potential problems, proactivity and practical solution to the situation. A brand can only be as good as their customer service. And with COROS it is at the level of premium brands like Apple and the like. Such an approach builds loyalty and trust towards the brand. This is how a love brand is built.

COROS APEX 2 Pro
For many users, it is important that the watch does not scream. They do not want the manufacturer's logo on the watch body to scream too much. The COROS logo on the APEX 2 Pro is only very subtly embossed on the titanium ring around the display without additional color accentuation.

Cons

I was not happy about the recording failure during one training session. This is the first time that something like this has happened to me on a COROS watch. However, it is not a tragedy - about 330 meters of a section in a steep gully are missing. COROS ironed it out by approaching the problem (they owned it).

My winter training is primarily in the form of ski mountaineering. COROS sees this activity as a sport with two sub-activities - so far it makes sense. So the user has to compose the Ski Touring activity from the following two activities: when climbing as mountaineering (Mtn Climb) and when skiing down as cross-country skiing (XC Ski). I understand what probably motivated them to do this - to set up separate data fields for ascent and descent. However, to put it mildly, it is a cumbersome solution. They should take advice from athletes like Kilian Jornet and create a separate Ski Touring activity that one does not have to compose from stickers that do not make complete sense. Other brands do this too and COROS should not try to reinvent the wheel. In the Ski Touring activity, when changing shoes (dropping or sticking straps on/off skis), after a certain period of inactivity, the screen changes to a simple data field with the lap duration (Lap). I was often frustrated by having to manually switch this screen to the view with the data fields I had set up in the COROS app. Fortunately, in both cases, it is a software issue and I believe these little things will be fine-tuned over time.

I am aware that some reviews point to the inaccuracy of the GPS recording - especially in Dual Frequency GPS mode. However, this is not my experience (except for the anomaly associated with saving the activity, which I describe in detail above). In my trainings, I use the recommended All Systems GPS mode, which worked very reliably. Moreover, at the time of writing this review, COROS has already released 4 software updates, which addressed many details and improved possible shortcomings.

And I'll add one more observation from the category of wishes - I would welcome a slightly more active design, especially for the front of the watch, which you always look at. It's too austere, cold and Nordic for my taste. I would welcome some kind of hybrid look - something halfway between the current design and the design of the front of the Vertix 2.

So who is the APEX 2 Pro for?

In short: for demanding users who do a lot of sports (especially in the mountains) and appreciate a smaller GPS watch with a discreet look.

It is very helpful to imagine the face of the active user of the COROS APEX 2 Pro - Kilian Jornet - behind this model. Many call him the best mountain athlete of all time. He is known for his obsession with developing and using the lightest things. The COROS APEX 2 Pro - like Kilian - embodies the idea of ​​extreme performance in a very efficient and minimalist design.

It's nice to see that the technology packed into this watch would have required a body that would have been a dive alarm with a crappy battery life just a few years ago. The COROS APEX 2 Pro is miniaturization par excellence. I applaud the COROS brand for their ambition to be at the absolute edge of what is currently possible in the GPS sports watch segment. And although in my case it was a downgrade that I initially questioned, my daily experience of using it in recent months has convinced me that Kilian has once again helped create a tool that every mountain sports enthusiast will undoubtedly appreciate.

Bye, Ralph.

COROS APEX 2 Pro
Kilian Jornet actively participated in the development of the COROS APEX 2 Pro model and uses this model in his training.
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