Sports watches for 2024
Garmin Enduro 2: Wiggle £869 eBay £797
The Garmin Enduro 2 is a revolutionary sports watch that sets a new standard for performance tracking and durability. Packed with advanced features, this watch caters to the needs of athletes who demand the utmost precision, endurance, and functionality.
One standout feature of the Enduro 2 is its outstanding battery life. It boasts an incredible battery performance of up to 80 hours in GPS mode, ensuring uninterrupted tracking during long multi-day activities. This extended battery life allows athletes to conquer ultra-endurance events without worrying about recharging their devices.
Furthermore, the Enduro 2 offers comprehensive performance analytics through its multitude of sensors. From heart rate monitoring and pulse oximetry to VO2 max estimation and sleep tracking, this watch provides valuable insights into your training progress and recovery. The built-in altimeter and GPS capabilities accurately track altitude changes and distance covered, further enhancing data accuracy.
Durability is another key strength of the Garmin Enduro 2. Constructed with rugged materials and a sapphire glass lens, it can withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, it is suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
While the Enduro 2 offers impressive features, some users may find its interface slightly complex at first. However, with time and familiarization, navigating through its menus becomes more intuitive.
Overall, the Garmin Enduro 2 is a game-changer in the realm of sports watches. Its remarkable battery life, extensive performance tracking capabilities, and rugged design make it a top choice for athletes seeking the ultimate sports watch experience. Whether you’re a trail runner, cyclist, or triathlete, the Garmin Enduro 2 will undoubtedly elevate your training and performance.
Suunto Race Watch with Heart Rate Monitor: Amazon £389
The SUUNTO RACE sports watch is a reliable and feature-packed companion for athletes. With its precise GPS tracking, it provides accurate data on distance, speed, and elevation. The watch’s slim design and lightweight construction make it comfortable to wear during workouts and competitions. It offers customizable training modes, interval timers, and lap splits to optimize your training sessions. The RACE also includes heart rate monitoring and sleep-tracking features. While some users may find the interface slightly complex to navigate, the watch’s durable build and water resistance make it suitable for various sports and outdoor activities. Overall, the SUUNTO RACE is a solid choice for athletes seeking a dependable sports watch packed with essential features.
Polar Vantage V2: £399.99 Amazon or £346 eBay
The Polar Vantage V2 is a state-of-the-art sports watch that combines advanced technology with a sleek design to elevate athletic performance. Equipped with a range of cutting-edge features, this watch caters to the needs of elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
One of the standout features of the Vantage V2 is its Precision Prime sensor fusion technology. By combining optical heart rate monitoring with skin contact sensors, it delivers incredibly accurate heart rate data even in challenging scenarios. This ensures precise tracking and analysis of training intensity, helping athletes optimize their workouts.
Furthermore, the Vantage V2 offers comprehensive multi-sport tracking for running, swimming, cycling, and more. With its GPS capabilities, it provides detailed information on distance, speed, and route mapping, empowering athletes with valuable insights to enhance their performance.
The watch’s Recovery Pro feature is another highlight, providing personalised insights into recovery status and offering guidance on training load and optimal rest periods. This ensures that athletes can maximize their training gains while minimizing the risk of overexertion.
Additionally, the Vantage V2 boasts a long battery life, allowing for extended use between charges. Its sleek and lightweight design ensures comfort during workouts, making it an ideal companion for all types of sports activities.
The Vantage V2 integrates seamlessly with the Polar Flow app, which offers an intuitive user interface for detailed performance analysis and planning. Through this app, athletes can set goals, follow training plans, and track progress over time.
While the Vantage V2 excels in many areas, some users might find the user interface slightly complex initially. However, with regular use and familiarization, navigating through its features becomes more seamless.
In conclusion, the Polar Vantage V2 is a cutting-edge sports watch that delivers exceptional accuracy and performance-tracking capabilities. With its advanced features, comfortable design, and user-friendly app integration, it is a valuable tool for athletes aiming to reach new levels of success in their training and performance.
The Garmin Forerunner 745: Amazon £244.61
The Garmin Forerunner 745 sports watch is a powerhouse for athletes seeking advanced performance tracking and training features. With built-in GPS, it accurately measures distance, pace, and elevation during workouts. The watch offers detailed activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming, and more, allowing athletes to monitor their progress in different sports. Its comprehensive metrics include VO2 max estimation, recovery time advisor, and training status indicators, providing valuable insights to optimize workouts. The Forerunner 745 also integrates with Garmin Coach and offers smartwatch capabilities like music storage and notifications. Though its interface may require a learning curve, the watch’s durable design and long battery life make it a reliable choice for serious athletes.
Coros Pace 2: Amazon£179.99
The Coros Pace 2 sports watch is a lightweight and feature-packed companion for athletes seeking to push their limits. Designed with performance in mind, the Pace 2 offers a multitude of tracking and training features that cater to fitness enthusiasts and elite athletes alike.
One standout feature is the Pace 2’s impressive battery life. With up to 30 hours of continuous GPS usage, this watch ensures extended use during long endurance activities without worrying about running out of power. The watch also utilizes efficient algorithms that help conserve battery life while still delivering accurate tracking data.
Accurate GPS tracking is one of the Pace 2’s strong suits, providing athletes with precise distance, pace, and elevation measurements. This information allows for detailed analysis of progress over time and helps optimize training plans.
The Pace 2 supports advanced running metrics such as running power and stride efficiency, enabling athletes to fine-tune their technique and maximize their running performance.
Additionally, the watch boasts a sleek and lightweight design, making it comfortable to wear during workouts and everyday use. Its clear and easy-to-read display provides real-time metrics at a glance, allowing athletes to stay focused on their goals without distractions.
To further enhance training, the Pace 2 offers customizable interval workouts, training plans, and virtual partner features. These tools help athletes challenge themselves, track their progress, and achieve their desired results.
The watch seamlessly integrates with the Coros app, where users can analyze their data, set goals, and connect with fellow athletes in the Coros community. The app’s user-friendly interface provides detailed insights into training sessions and allows for easy customization.
While the Pace 2 excels in many areas, some users may find the lack of onboard music storage or smartphone connectivity a minor drawback. However, its strong performance tracking capabilities and excellent value for money make up for this limitation.
In conclusion, the Coros Pace 2 sports watch delivers an exceptional combination of performance tracking features, long battery life, and a comfortable design. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a fitness enthusiast, this watch will support your training journey and help you reach new heights in your performance.
Polar Grit X Pro: eBay £279.99
The Polar Grit X Pro sports watch is a robust and feature-rich companion designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts who demand the utmost performance from their gear. With its durable construction, comprehensive tracking capabilities, and intelligent features, this watch surpasses expectations and empowers athletes to conquer their toughest challenges.
One of the standout features of the Grit X Pro is its military-grade durability. Built to withstand extreme conditions, including harsh temperatures and shock, this watch can accompany adventurers on their most demanding expeditions without skipping a beat.
The Grit X Pro offers an array of advanced training metrics, such as running power and hill-splitter data that allow runners to gauge their effort levels and optimize their training.
Another highlight of the Grit X Pro is its extensive battery life. With up to 40 hours in training mode and up to 100 hours in low-power GPS mode, this watch eliminates worries about running out of battery during long adventures.
To enhance outdoor exploration, the Grit X Pro provides detailed route guidance and navigation features with turn-by-turn directions. This ensures that users stay on track and can confidently explore new routes or trails.
Additionally, the watch seamlessly integrates with the Polar Flow app, allowing users to analyze their training data, plan future workouts, and receive personalized feedback based on their progress. The app’s intuitive interface and in-depth insights make it easy to track performance over time.
While the Grit X Pro excels in delivering a wide range of features, some users may find the watch’s design to be bulky for everyday wear. However, its ruggedness and extensive capabilities make it an ideal choice for those who prioritize outdoor adventures over aesthetic considerations.
In conclusion, the Polar Grit X Pro sports watch is the ultimate tool for outdoor enthusiasts seeking precise tracking, durability, and intelligent features. Whether you’re a trail runner, hiker, or adventurer, this watch will be your reliable companion, helping you tackle any challenge and achieve new heights in your outdoor pursuits.
Wahoo Elemnt Rival: £149 Amazon
The Wahoo Elemnt Rival sports watch is a versatile and technologically advanced companion that caters to the needs of multisport athletes. With its intelligent features, seamless connectivity, and user-friendly interface, this watch offers a comprehensive experience for tracking and analyzing performance across a variety of disciplines.
One of the key strengths of the Elemnt Rival is its intuitive interface, which allows for easy navigation and swift access to essential data during workouts. The watch’s clear display ensures that athletes can view their metrics at a glance, without any distractions or confusion.
The Elemnt Rival also stands out with its exceptional battery life, providing up to two weeks of everyday use or up to 24 hours in GPS mode. This prolonged battery performance eliminates the need for frequent charging, ensuring athletes can focus on their training without interruption.
With its extensive multisport capabilities, the Elemnt Rival seamlessly transitions between activities such as running, swimming, cycling, and more. The watch accurately tracks metrics specific to each discipline, including distance, pace, stroke count, and cadence, allowing athletes to gain detailed insights into their performance.
Moreover, the Elemnt Rival connects effortlessly with popular fitness apps and platforms, such as Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Zwift, enabling athletes to easily sync and analyze their data. This integration provides a holistic view of training progress and helps users optimize their performance based on real-time feedback.
While the Elemnt Rival excels in many aspects, some users may find the lack of built-in music storage or contactless payment options as drawbacks. However, its robust tracking capabilities, seamless connectivity, and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for multisport athletes who value performance insights and effortless integration with their training ecosystem.
In summary, the Wahoo Elemnt Rival sports watch offers a comprehensive and connected experience for multisport athletes. Its intelligent features, intuitive interface, and extensive compatibility with fitness platforms make it a valuable training tool. With the Elemnt Rival on their wrist, athletes can confidently track, analyze, and optimize their performance across various disciplines, taking their training to new heights.
Garmin Epix Gen 2: John Lewis £529 eBay £649
The Garmin Epix Gen 2 sports watch is a reliable and versatile companion that caters to adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its rugged build, comprehensive features, and advanced mapping capabilities, this watch is designed to excel in extreme conditions and guide users through their wildest explorations.
One of the key strengths of the Epix Gen 2 is its high-resolution colour touchscreen display, providing clear visibility even in bright sunlight. The watch boasts an array of sensors, including GPS, GLONASS, and ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass), ensuring accurate tracking of position, altitude, weather changes, and navigation.
An impressive feature of the Epix Gen 2 is its extensive mapping capabilities. The watch comes preloaded with topographic maps, allowing users to navigate trails and terrains with ease. Moreover, users can add additional maps or upload routes for a more tailored experience, ensuring they never lose their way during their adventures.
The watch’s long battery life is another standout feature. With up to 24 days in smartwatch mode and up to 50 hours in UltraTrac GPS mode, users can embark on extended expeditions without worrying about running out of power.
Furthermore, the Epix Gen 2 seamlessly integrates with Garmin’s Connect IQ platform, offering a wide range of customizable apps, widgets, and data fields. Users can personalize their watch face, add specialized training tools, or access third-party apps to enhance their overall experience.
While the Epix Gen 2 excels in many aspects, some users may find its larger size and weight slightly cumbersome for everyday use. However, for those seeking a powerful and reliable companion for their outdoor pursuits, the Epix Gen 2’s robust build, advanced navigation features, and extended battery life make it an excellent choice.
In summary, the Garmin Epix Gen 2 sports watch is a reliable and adventure-ready companion for outdoor enthusiasts. Its rugged construction, comprehensive mapping capabilities, and advanced sensors ensure users stay on track and make the most of their explorations. With the Epix Gen 2 on their wrist, adventurers can confidently navigate their way through uncharted territories and experience the thrill of the great outdoors.
Coros Apex Pro 2: Amazon £499
The Coros Apex Pro 2 sports watch is a rugged and advanced companion designed specifically for serious athletes. With its durable construction, long battery life, and impressive performance metrics, this watch offers a comprehensive experience for those striving to reach their peak performance.
One of the standout features of the Apex Pro 2 is its exceptional durability. Its titanium alloy bezel and sapphire glass ensure resistance against scratches and impact, making it suitable for intense training sessions and extreme outdoor activities.
The watch’s extended battery life is another aspect that sets it apart. With up to 40 days in smartwatch mode and up to 100 hours in GPS mode, athletes can focus on their training without worrying about constantly charging their devices. This longevity allows for uninterrupted tracking of workouts and monitoring of performance metrics.
The Apex Pro 2 boasts an array of advanced performance metrics, including altitude, heart rate variability (HRV), running power, and recovery recommendations. These metrics provide valuable insights into training intensity, progress, and recovery, helping athletes optimize their performance and prevent overexertion.
Seamless connectivity is another strength of the Apex Pro 2, as it easily syncs with popular fitness apps such as Strava and TrainingPeaks, allowing athletes to analyze their data, set goals, and compete with others in the fitness community.
While the Apex Pro 2 offers an exceptional experience for serious athletes, some users may find its user interface slightly complex or overwhelming at first. However, once familiarized with its features, the watch becomes a powerful tool for pushing boundaries and achieving goals.
In summary, the Coros Apex Pro 2 sports watch is a robust and technologically advanced timepiece tailored for serious athletes. With its durable construction, extended battery life, and comprehensive performance metrics, this watch empowers athletes to excel in their training and achieve their goals. Whether it’s endurance running, cycling, or any other disciplined pursuit, the Apex Pro 2 delivers the data and functionality needed to reach peak performance.
Garmin Forerunner 745: Amazon £200
The Garmin Forerunner 745 sports watch is a premium and feature-packed timepiece designed specifically for athletes who are serious about their training. With its sleek design, comprehensive activity tracking, and advanced performance metrics, this watch offers everything an athlete needs to optimize their workouts and reach peak performance.
One of the standout features of the Forerunner 745 is its detailed activity-tracking capabilities. With built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, and multi-sport profiles, athletes can accurately track their runs, swims, bikes, and more. The watch also provides advanced insights into training load, recovery time, VO2 max estimates, and training effect, allowing athletes to fine-tune their regimens and monitor their progress.
The Forerunner 745 seamlessly integrates with Garmin’s Connect IQ platform, offering a wide range of customizable apps, widgets, and data fields. Athletes can personalize their watch face, download training plans and workouts, or even sync their favourite music playlists for added motivation during workouts.
Another notable feature of the Forerunner 745 is its smart notifications and connectivity options. Users can receive text messages, calls, and app notifications directly on their wrists, ensuring they stay connected without needing to glance at their phones. The watch also syncs effortlessly with popular fitness apps like Strava and TrainingPeaks, allowing athletes to analyze their workouts in detail and share their accomplishments with others.
While the Forerunner 745 offers an exceptional array of features and functionality, some users may find its battery life slightly limited, especially during GPS-heavy activities or longer endurance events. However, with up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 16 hours in GPS mode, the watch still provides ample power for most athletic endeavours.
In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 745 sports watch is a top-of-the-line tool for athletes looking to take their training to the next level. With its comprehensive activity tracking, advanced performance metrics, and seamless connectivity options, this watch ensures athletes have all the data and insights they need to optimize their workouts and reach their goals. Whether it’s running, swimming, cycling, or any other athletic pursuit, the Forerunner 745 is the ultimate training companion.
