COROS Vertix 2 - review

Introduction

Although the COROS Vertix 2 model was launched at the end of summer 2021, at ralp we always give ourselves enough time to properly get acquainted and test the new product before writing our review. In this extensive evaluation, we will look at what innovations the flagship of the American brand COROS brings. We will also compare version 2 with its predecessor - the Vertix 1 model and supplement it with our personal experience from using it for several months. Jakub Šiarnik - the representative of the Slovak Republic in ski mountaineering and athletes Broni and Rišo Chrappovci - will also evaluate their specific experiences from using the Vertix 2 model.

General overview

The COROS Vertix 2 brings several firsts and superlatives . The second iteration of the Vertix model once again builds on fantastic battery life. In classic GPS mode with second-by-second recording, it is an incredible 140 hours. That is almost 6 days of continuous activity recording. With normal use of the watch, the battery lasts up to 60 days and with activity in UltraMax mode up to 240 hours (10 days).

Battery life - GPS mode with second recording

	COROS Vertix 1	COROS Vertix 2	Change
Battery life	60 hours	140 hours	2.33x

Customers ask us whether or not the recording of the ongoing activity will be terminated if the watch is charged during an activity. In such a case, COROS Vertix 2 will not interrupt the recording of the ongoing activity. In addition, the continuous, but not complete interruption of the activity - Resume Later - allows the recording of an already started activity to be continued even several hours later, for example after sleeping in a hut. This is useful, for example, when crossing a mountain range for several days, or ultra races that last several days. The result is one large activity that lasted several days. Not separate, partial activities.

The Vertix 2 model offers several different GPS modes, which offer different degrees of GPS recording accuracy and, of course, different battery life. We discuss this issue in detail in a separate article on our blog . However, the innovation is the use of a dual-frequency satellite system (Dual-Frequency Satellite Systems). This is the first use of this technology in the GPS watch segment (at the time of its launch). In short, this technology significantly improves the quality of the satellite GPS signal in places that typically suffer from the limitations of the conventional GPS system. For example, activities in forests with dense treetops, in canyons, movement under rock walls or in a city between high-rise buildings. In these conditions, GPS watches typically fall short and the recording is often very inaccurate or non-existent. The key difference is that the dual-frequency satellite system technology allows you to receive more information from multiple satellites simultaneously. And in addition, when recording the position, it uses different wavelengths of radio signals to distinguish one from another, which significantly reduces the risk of recording errors. We write in detail about this technological innovation in an article on our blog . Jakub Šiarnik discusses this issue in detail in his assessment below, based on real recordings from his training sessions.

The watch has also gotten thicker and its weight and dimensions have changed. The larger, higher-resolution display also helps with offline map viewing. In normal activity use, the Vertix 2 offers up to 8 separate fields with selectable data on the screen, compared to only 6 fields on the Vertix 1. We write more about subjective feelings about the weight and size in our ralpu impressions below.

Physical dimensions - changes

	COROS Vertix 1	COROS Vertix 2	Change
Display diameter	30.48mm 1.2 inches	35.56mm 1.4 inches	+ 16%
Display resolution	240 x 240 px	280 x 280 px	+ 16%
Weight	76 g	89g	+ 17%

Many of our customers have given us feedback that they are missing offline maps in the Vertix 1. COROS added this functionality to the Apex Pro and Vertix 1 models for free in December 2021 via a software update. The Vertix 2 is even better prepared in terms of hardware. The 32 GB internal memory can accommodate offline maps of entire continents and, unlike the competition, these maps are free. These are relatively simple maps with elevations, contour lines and roads. You will not find additional layers such as elevation names or settlements on the maps. Who knows, maybe COROS will add these layers via a software update over time. You can find detailed instructions on downloading and installing offline maps on the watch in our guides .

Another new feature is the measurement of HRV, or in Slovak, the measurement of the variation of dispersion between individual heartbeats directly with the watch. This is an interesting metric that can serve as an additional indicator of the rate of regeneration between individual training sessions. We write more about this issue and its benefits in our guides .

For many cyclists, the lack of an ANT+ sensor to connect to the myriad of different sensors on their bike is a big disappointment. However, COROS stands behind this decision and leaves communication with additional devices to the Bluetooth protocol, which offers a higher data rate and also in different frequencies. Moreover, the vast majority of modern additional devices - from chest straps to various sensors on the bike - support the modern Bluetooth protocol.

Other new features include: the ability to transfer MP3 songs to the watch and listen via Bluetooth headphones, for example, during an activity, and controlling music playback directly from the watch. (More on this topic in our guides .) Next is the addition of the ability to connect to Wi-Fi. COROS currently uses this connectivity only for software updates, but other interesting features are expected to be added over time. Climbers and mountaineers will be pleased with the new activity - Multi-Pitch Climb Mode - in free translation multi-pitch climbing in the wall. This activity builds on the new ability to record the route using dual-frequency satellite system technology. Video enthusiasts will be pleased with the ability to control the Insta360 camera directly from the watch.

We must not forget the durability - there is a sapphire display glass with DLC treatment for even greater durability, a back cover made of robust titanium, screwed to the polycarbonate body of the watch. The bezel around the display is also improved compared to the Vertix 1 version and the titanium used has an additional PVD treatment, which further improves the titanium's resistance to scratches.

COROS markets the Vertix 2 as a GPS watch for mountain adventurers. Its rugged looks, durability, excellent battery life, technological innovations in the form of dual-frequency satellite system technology, and specific activities for mountain activities place this watch in a subcategory within the GPS watch category. In other words, the Vertix 2 is trying to find its very specific - niche - group of fans who, so to speak, live their sports in the mountains. Sure, the Vertix 2 can handle recording any common activity - from water sports, cycling to running. At the time of writing, the Vertix 2 supports 27 different activities. However, they are primarily aimed at mountain adventurers.

If you are interested in how the watch is controlled, communication between the COROS app and the watch, and how the COROS brand views GPS watches in general, and other details, we recommend reading our review of the COROS Vertix 1 or COROS Apex Pro , where we describe these basic things in detail.

Experience of use - ralpu

At first, I was surprised by the physical size of the watch. Compared to the previous generation, it is a significantly larger watch. I was afraid that it would be too big on my wrist. However, paradoxically, the Vertix 2 version is even more comfortable and especially more stable on the wrist. I attribute this to the larger surface area of ​​the watch, the back cover, which is in contact with the wrist, but the biggest credit for this goes to the 4 mm wider strap (26 mm wide), which stabilizes the watch excellently and very safely. Subjectively, I feel that the watch bounces less on my wrist, for example when riding a bicycle on an unpaved surface.

A separate chapter is battery life. With Vertix 1, I got used to the fact that even with intensive training, it is enough to charge the watch once every 10-14 days. Vertix 2 takes this to the next level and you almost completely forget about the charging agenda. Very simply, and if I include the energy needed for the normal operation of the watch, 1 hour of activity consumes approximately 1% of the battery life. This simple formula will provide the user with a fairly realistic estimate of battery life. For example, if the watch still has 5% battery life and I go for a two-hour training, I am at peace.

The beginning of using the COROS Vertix 2 was not without problems. In the winter, I also train in ski mountaineering and during fast ski descents, the route recording was inaccurate. Typically, this was manifested in the fact that the descent route was several meters, up to tens of meters, away from the actual descent down the slope. I realize that civilian GPS has its limitations in terms of accuracy, but I was used to much greater accuracy from the Vertix 1 model. I escalated the whole matter by email to COROS support. A few days later, I communicated the details of this problem with the person at COROS who is in charge of software development. I was relieved when he wrote back that a software update for the COROS Vertix 2 had just been released, which also addressed the debugging of GPS recording algorithms during activities. My further training confirmed this - the fast descent route followed exactly the actual descent route. Our repeated experience and feedback from our customers have confirmed that COROS really listens to user feedback and sends changes and improvements to the watch via software updates with incredible speed.

After fixing this software issue, I am extremely satisfied with the watch.

---

Winter with Vertix 2 - Jakub Šiarnik

First impression

I started working with the guys from Ralph when the top model on offer was the Vertix (1). It was technically good and its functions were completely sufficient for me. It was light, the battery lasted a long time and it looked good. It was great for races and training, but for longer events outside, I would need something bigger. I am thin, but my wrist is wide enough. So the twos fit like a glove and I dare say even better. Even the control dial seems more sensitive to me. The touch screen is touch-sensitive in situations where it makes sense, but I personally don't use touch much.

At first I used them with a silicone strap, later I got to the nylon one and I can't let it go - it fits great. I also got used to sleeping with the watch at night. Specifically, tracking my sleep and monitoring the lowest nighttime heart rate. But I'm getting ahead of that and getting to the functions.

Warning: Before I go into the various features, I want to point out that I am not going to discuss everything line by line, nor to name the exact parameters. The instructions for use are included in the package, they can be downloaded from the net and YouTube is full of videos. Now I will mainly point out the features that help me in my training.

Very, very accurate GPS

The watch allows you to use three different modes for displaying your location. The choice of a specific mode affects not only the accuracy but also the battery life. So sometimes less is more, and it depends on which side you look at it from :).

For outdoor activities, the basic GPS mode with a declared battery life of 140 hours is enough. I don't know how much it is in reality, but it won't be much less. So don't forget where you put the charger. For use in activities such as running and alpine skiing, the All Systems On mode is recommended, which, in addition to GPS, also takes data from Galileo, Glonass and Beidou. The most advanced system is the one that combines the aforementioned systems with transmission on two frequency bands. This is the difference that I tried to illustrate in the following test - in terrain shaded by rocks around the peak of Chopok.

From the export to FATMAP it is clear that the accuracy of the GPS itself has its limits and in steep rocky terrain the resulting track with a second recording shows a significant error rate. The All Systems On mode worked relatively reliably, even better than the dual-frequency system, capturing short zigzags with a radius of about 4 meters, but in a closed gutter it captured only a straight line, probably as a connection of three points. The most advanced system captured the descent itself more accurately (I always followed the same track), but hesitated for a moment in the transition from zigzags to the walking section. It then corrected its error and followed me up the gutter without unnecessary artifacts caused by signal reflection. Accurate GPS is important, not only for recording the route, but also for navigation.

App and third parties

Data transfer from the watch to the COROS App and vice versa is essentially instant and the error rate is minimal. From my experience with other brands, this is the fastest communication between devices. The app itself is intuitive and you can learn to work with it quickly. For me personally, it is better to analyze data in the Strava and TrainingPeaks platforms, but the app itself also allows you to pull out summaries such as meters climbed or time and distance trained. The app can also be used to import routes into navigation. Personally, I use the Outdooractive chain COROS app watch, in which case I open an existing .gpx file directly in the app and import it into the watch. Notifications are a given too, although I tend to turn them off at the moment.

Optical sensor and connectivity

The new model also received a new optical sensor. Wrist pulse measurement is useful for minimizing shocks. The values ​​during alpine skiing were realistic most of the time. A certain error rate is not so much related to the technology, but to the amount of muscle tissue on the wrist - there is simply nothing to shine through. If you move the watch higher, the accuracy will be better, although it is not entirely practical. Personally, I prefer to use a chest strap, which I connect to the watch via Bluetooth protocol. If I return to the optical sensor, I must also mention the pulse oximeter for measuring oxygen saturation in the blood. It has its own sensor. If the measurement does not go smoothly, the watch will warn you about it. Sometimes it is better to measure the value by placing the sensor on the pad of your index finger. During my preparation, I spend a lot of time at higher altitudes, where I monitor this parameter and use it to determine the degree of acclimatization, or adaptation to altitude. It can also be used for ongoing monitoring of COVID symptoms, where impaired respiratory system function also causes a decrease in blood oxygen concentration.

Skialp mode and adjustable fields

Skialp mode has two different screen modes for ascent and descent. It has already been described on the blog, so I won't go into details, I will just add that it is practical and the switching works automatically. Personally, on skialp, I set the vertical speed, meters climbed and heart rate on the first screen. On the descent, for a change, I like to track the maximum speed. I consider the ability to display up to 8 fields a pleasant change compared to its predecessor. This is possible thanks to the larger dial with a diameter of 1.4 inches. For running or skialp, it is not so interesting, because the resolution is logically lower when moving the hand, but for road cycling it is nice to have more data on the handlebars at the same time. This eliminates the need to take your hands off the handlebars and click something.

Features I'm not fully using yet

Music playback - the watch has a large built-in memory of 32 GB and in addition to maps, I can also import music there via cable. So far I have only paired them with headphones, but I don't use this function much. Maybe this will change if there is software integration of Wi-Fi (the hardware is supposedly ready for this) and thus easier import. A better solution would be the integration of third-party apps such as Spotify, etc. Maybe in time.

HRV - the watch boasts measuring heart rate variability with ECG (electrocardiogram) accuracy. Whether this is so, I don't know. Probably not. In any case, the measurement itself is minute, which means that unlike systems using spectral analysis, it is also sustainable for everyday measurement. I sometimes measure myself with the watch, but due to the absence of a questionnaire and the search for correlations, I use another service also with minute measurement. However, for normal use and training control, the COROS solution is sufficient.

Camera review - when I finally get around to buying a new camera, I will definitely choose one that includes this feature :).

What the watch is missing

From my point of view, only two things. The first is the inability to answer a phone call by pressing a button (you can cancel the call) and the second, more fundamental for me, is the ANT+ transmission protocol. Although it is an older thing and the average user will not even notice it, I miss the ability to connect specific gadgets to the watch, such as the Moxy monitor for monitoring oxygen saturation in the muscle. Cyclists who like to ride indoor trainers may also have a problem, where one communication protocol may not be enough for them. The good news is that other COROS models still use this protocol, so I sometimes use the Pace 2 model during training as needed.

One final tip

When using thicker gloves with a more pronounced cuff, I sometimes accidentally unlocked my watch (by holding down the rosette) and then paused the activity, or I kept switching between downhill and ascent when skiing. I solved this by rotating the dial 180 degrees and changing the number orientation setting. So I have the control buttons and rosette on the side towards my elbow if spontaneous actions do not occur.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a watch that will provide you with support for your outdoor activities in highly vertical mountain terrain, then the COROS Vertix 2 model will solve that problem. I consider excellent GPS and long battery life combined with low weight, which does not mean lower robustness, to be essential. It is this combination that makes the watch interesting for mountain sports. I recommend it.

---

Vertix 2 - Broni and Rišo Chrappovci

Introduction

Sports watches are almost a must-have for every athlete, and each of us has different requirements and priorities when choosing one. We do several sports - extreme obstacle courses, cycling, road and trail running, triathlon, hiking, but also ski mountaineering and winter sports, and at the same time we like (especially Rišo :D) to take on various challenges, which often last for dozens of hours. For these reasons, we were looking for a universal, but at the same time top-notch watch.

We bought Vertix 2 for each other as a Christmas present. In 5 months of active use, we have not found any minuses, on the contrary, they have only positives for us, which we will gradually list below.

After opening the box, we were pleasantly surprised by how the watch was packaged. Putting on the strap was really easy. The watch is relatively robust, but on the other hand, it is light and looks very nice even on a thin female hand. We each chose a different color, Broni more discreet and dark, Richie orange, let it shine! The setup was very intuitive and fast, the mobile application environment as well.

We use the watch mostly for swimming, cycling, running and exercising. When swimming in the pool, it works perfectly, the meters swam always match reality (except for the parts where we don't use our hands, for example, when training legs, the watch has nothing to count on, so that's clear). When cycling and running, we especially appreciate the accuracy of the GPS and the ability to pair accessories such as a power meter and the like. Of course, you can customize the screens according to your preferences.

Fast GPS loading

It takes a few seconds, so even if we forget to set an activity before the start of the race (especially Broni), we are at peace :). They have a nice feature in the application where you update the satellites according to where you are. This is useful, for example, when you are traveling far. Thanks to this, the signal loads quickly no matter where you are. This is also related to the fact that the Vertix 2 has very accurate GPS, we move everywhere, even in difficult terrain, and so far it has not happened to us that the GPS would drop out and make a "straight line" in the application, which many athletes have certainly experienced and it is unpleasant, for example, if you are going to a virtual race (for this reason we changed our previous watch). They also measure distance and altitude meters accurately enough.

Incredible battery life

With daily activity using GPS, wearing it all day and continuously monitoring your heart rate, regularly using HRV measurement, "playing" with functions, etc., it lasted us more than 3 weeks. So even if we forget to take the charger on vacation (it's happened to us before), we don't have to consciously save battery life and can use the watch without any worries.

HRV (heart rate variability measurement)

We consider it a very beneficial function. It is a great helper for determining the current state of the body, which is useful when planning the intensity of training. For example, when I had low HRV for two days in a row and felt fine, I got sick on the third day, and I already felt that I was not fit. You can study what the HRV value can mean on the website.

Maps

Offline and online, recorded route on the map, not just a "line" to follow. The map shows roads and trails nicely, so I can prepare for a change of direction and choose the right path at a "crossroads". It's easy to control (zoom in and out). This is a great feature and a help for those who often get lost and don't have the best sense of direction (like me, Broni :D).

Wrist-based heart rate sensor

It is very accurate for slow runs into the Z2 zone, the values ​​are not so accurate for intervals, then you need to use a chest strap. We use Polar, pairing with the watch was seamless.

Tracking various other metrics

I can see various values ​​in the watch for 7 days, for example sleep (we monitor this regularly, not only for fun, but also when setting up or adjusting training), last but not least, we appreciate COROS EvoLab , in which we can monitor current fitness, "race predictor", VO ₂ max, which turned out to be quite accurate compared to the current testing results. With the help of COROS EvoLab, you can effectively set up a training plan.

Then there are the little things that are practical for everyday life and come in handy not only for sports - a timer, a stopwatch, which I use e.g. during strength training or stretching, information about the current altitude, time until sunset, estimated time until recovery, etc. We can also highlight the quick loading of activities into the Strava application. But for example, a very important thing for me (Broni), since my mobile phone is always "put away" somewhere or the ringer is turned off - a notification of an incoming call by vibration and showing the name or number of the caller. Unless I have my mobile phone very well hidden, I will make the call :D.

Conclusion

We rate the watch very positively. It meets our requirements for all sports and we can only recommend it. If you are thinking about changing, this is the best choice for us. We are already looking forward to the COROS POD , which recently arrived.

---

If you're looking for an even more detailed and exhaustive review, we recommend the review by DC Rainmaker .

---