from is the ideal for runners wanting a watch to track GPS and heart rate accurately, without needing lots of smartwatch features, and aiming to keep costs down. Pace 3 offers top-notch GPS with “Dual-Frequency” tech, a wrist heart rate sensor measuring SpO2, and a barometric altimeter for the best data.
Coros Pace 3 – User Experience
is quite easy to use like its predecessor. The watch has two buttons, one being a “Digital Crown.” You turn it to navigate menu items and use it to unlock the watch (it can be set to press and hold instead).
Operating the two buttons is simple, and the watch doesn’t have a complex menu. It works well with just these buttons. You also use the crown to switch data fields during activities. Some find it divisive, but I haven’t had trouble rolling the button to view different data while running, even with gloves in winter.
Additionally, the watch has a touchscreen. By default, it’s only for navigation, but you can set it for general use or activities to switch data fields.
Coros Pace 3 – For Running
Coros Pace 3 is undoubtedly a . It’s light on the wrist (only 39g or 30g depending on strap type), with just the features needed for running. I appreciate the “Dual Frequency” GPS for precise data during big city marathons or forest runs where standard GPS struggles. During my tests (races and forest training), I’ve been pleased with GPS data using “Dual Frequency.”
The watch features an upgraded optical heart rate monitor that measures SpO2, blood oxygen saturation. I was impressed with Pace 2’s monitor, and Pace 3’s is equally good. Optical monitors are advantageous as they don’t require extra equipment and are convenient, though they might “lose signal” if you’re cold, affecting blood vessels, or aren’t as quick to detect pulse changes, e.g., in interval running. If not fond of traditional chest belts, consider , worn higher up the arm, providing excellent data for intervals too.
If adventuring, the watch has a breadcrumb map function allowing route plotting via app to sync to the watch. Routes appear on a black background, and a software update adds an alert to beep when near a turn. The breadcrumb feature isn’t as nice as a full topo map but ensures you stay on the right path in unfamiliar terrain.
The watch has a clear menu guiding you on training load, recovery time, training variation, etc. I quickly access necessary info, appreciating its simplicity and ease. The watch also estimates running speeds for different distances based on training. You can conduct fitness tests for more precise insights.
Pace 3 includes trail, indoor, and track running modes for tracking runs.
For more than running, Pace 3 has cycling, swimming, hiking, and cardio functions to monitor training.
This watch suits runners seeking simplicity and comprehensive tracking – Coros Pace 3 is an excellent choice!
