The Coros Pace 2 is an affordable yet feature-rich GPS triathlon watch.
The Coros Apex is the direct upgrade on the Pace 2, offering more sports modes, better build quality, and basic navigation features. It’s definitely the better watch, but you will have to pay a fair amount extra in order to access these additional benefits.
Now that you know a bit more about each watch, it’s time to dive into the details.
Key Similarities - Coros Pace 2 vs Coros Apex
Coros Pace 2
Coros Apex
Key Differences - Coros Pace 2 vs Apex
Coros Pace 2
Coros Apex
Reasons To Choose The Coros Pace 2
1. Great Value for Money
The one and only reason to consider the Coros Pace 2 ahead of the Coros Apex is price. With a recommended selling price that is generally about $150 less than the Apex, it is arguably the best value for money GPS triathlon watch that you can buy.
Ultimately, the Pace 2 is a good choice if you just want a simple triathlon watch that won’t break the bank.
1. Running Power From The Wrist
It’s worth clarifying that both the Coros Pace 2 and the Coros Apex offer running power from the wrist. This is something that Garmin still doesn’t offer, with only the Polar Vantage V/V2 and Polar Grit X offering the same technology.
This is a big win for both watches, given that running power is one of the most coveted stats in endurance sport. Instead of having to buy a 3rd party accessory, this particular metric is simply baked into the watch. It’s a nice bonus, regardless of whether you choose the Pace 2 or the Apex.
Reasons To Choose The Coros Apex
1. Better Build Quality
It should be pretty clear that the Coros Apex is a more reliant watch than the Coros Pace 2. It has a Sapphire Glass screen, Stainless Steel bezel and Aliminum cover. Collectively, these material are significantly stronger than the Corning Class + Fiber reinforced polymer found in the Pace 2.
Ultimately, if build quality is a concern for you, the Coros Apex is a better choice.
2. Navigation Capabilities
The Coros Pace 2 doesn’t include any navigation features. This isn’t the end of the world if you tend to train in the same areas, but it can be a dealbreaker when exploring foreign terrain.
In contrast, the Coros Apex has two key nagivation features namely:
Breadcrumb Navigation: This will provide a breadcrumb trail on the screen of the watch, indicating the direction that you need to move in order to stay on the route. It’s worth noting that in order to use this feature, you need to use pre-loaded GPX maps. Fortunately, these can be downloaded to the Apex via the Coros app.
Back-To-Start Tracking: This feature also utilizes breadcrumb maps that are displayed on the screen of the watch. It makes it easy to track back to the beginning of the route. Again, you will need to download a pre-loaded map in order to make use of this feature.
3. Better Waterproof Rating
There’s no need for lengthy sentences in this instance. Simply put:
- Coros Apex Waterproof Rating = 10ATM (100 meters)
- Coros Pace 2 Waterproof Rating = 5ATM (50 meters)
4. Additional Sports Modes
Both the Pace 2 and the Coros Apex have enough sports modes to keep endurance sports people happy, with running, cycling, open water swimming and triathlon support. However, the Apex includes a few additional activities, which are clarified below.
Coros Apex Sports Modes
- Indoor Running
- Outdoor Running
- Indoor Cycling
- Outdoor Cycling
- Indoor Swimming
- Outdoor Swimming
- Indoor Rowing
- Outdoor Rowing
- Triathlon Tracking
- Gym Cardio
- GPS Cardio
- Strength Training
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- XC Skiing
- Ski Touring
- Track Running
- Mountain Climbing
- Hiking
Coros Pace 2 Sports Modes
- Indoor Running
- Outdoor Running
- Indoor Cycling
- Outdoor Cycling
- Indoor Swimming
- Outdoor Swimming
- Indoor Rowing
- Outdoor Rowing
- Triathlon Tracking
- Gym Cardio
- GPS Cardio
- Strength Training
Final Thoughts
In the end, it should be pretty clear that the Coros Apex is the better sports watch overall, while the Coros Pace 2 can be considered better value for money if you’re on a tight budget.
