Coros Pace 2 Running Watch Review

If you’re looking for a sturdy yet affordable running watch look no further than the Coros Pace 2. While the Pace 3 offers more features, the older model still offers incredible value, and at a lower price.

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I’ve been running for more than 15 years. However, up until recently, I haven’t been interested in tracking times, mileage, or other stats. As I’ve become more competitive and started working with a running coach, I’ve again begun wearing my Coros Pace 2 running watch daily.

It’s very easy to use and tracks everything I need and much more.

Here’s my take on this watch after wearing it for over 2,000 miles.

Quick Take

The Pace 2 is an excellent watch for serious athletes. Here’s why:

Pros

Fantastic price
Two straps to choose from
Syncs with other software, such as Strava
Durable
Can wear in a downpour
Long-lasting (2,000+ miles)
Super lightweight
Amazing battery life

Cons

Not happy with some of the software updates
GPS/Map features not as user-friendly as they could be

Coros Brand Overview

Beginning in 2018, Coros is a newer sports watch brand. This Shenzhen, China-based brand has been able to stand up to the likes of big names in the industry, such as Garmin and Fitbit.

In 2020, they launched the Coros Pace 2, which was a favorite of Eliud Kipchoge, one of the world’s most decorated marathon runners.

Today, Coros offers several watch options, including the Vertix 2S, the Apex 2 and Apex 2 Pro, and the Pace 3.

Coros Pace 2 Specs

Here are the watch’s specifications:

Coros Pace 2 Materials

The Pace 2 case is made from Fibre Reinforced Polymer and the screen is mineral glass. It has a digital dial, a navigation crown, and a back button.

Coros Pace 2 Display

This watch has a 1.2-inch Always-On Memory LCD display with 240 x 240 resolution.

Coros Pace 2 Weight and Dimensions

Coming in at just 29-30g with the nylon band attached, at the time of release this was the lightest GPS watch on the market.

The dimensions of the Pace 2 are 42 x 42 x 11.7mm.

Coros Pace 2 Battery Life

Not only is this watch astoundingly light, its battery lasts an estimated 14 days with daily and sleep tracking. It also charges fully in under two hours.

That equates to 30 hours of activity tracking with full GPS, barometer, and heart rate monitoring.

Coros Pace 2 Watch Band

My watch came with two 20mm quick-release bands — a black silicon band with a buckle and a fibrous nylon band with velcro.

Coros Pace 2 Software

The Coros Pace 2 uses in-house software. Users can interact with their data on the Coros app.

The watch can track your progress in many different sports, from running to rowing.

For running, specifically, you can see your cadence, heart rate, running fitness, estimated recovery, training load, elevation gain,

There are so many tools, sensors, and training features that I’ll refer you to the product detail page for a more in-depth look.

My Experience With the Pace 2

My older brother gave me this watch as a gift years ago. I remember being surprised and very grateful for the gift.

I immediately fell in love with this watch. Actually, “fell in love” might be a bit too strong. From the get-go, it’s been a no-nonsense workhorse watch. Although I use it almost daily, I rarely think about it.

That’s a testament to how easy-to-use this watch is.

It’s not a fashion accessory, it’s a tool. And, like a good tool, it gets the job done.

I’ve tracked over 2,000 miles on this watch over the last few years. It’s been with me on frozen Scandinavian streets, dusty desert paths, and narrow mountain trails.

Through all the thousands of miles, it’s helped up like a champ.

Wear and Tear

The dial doesn’t have any major scratches and the tracking still seems very accurate.

I’ve almost exclusively used the nylon strap. It’s time for a replacement. The delicate velcro is, understandably, very worn.

In the past few months, there have been several times that I’ve noticed that the velcro’s come undone and my watch is barely hanging on my wrist.

On Coros’ site, I only see a silicone replacement strap for the Pace 2, but I’ll call and see if I can’t rustle up a nylon one.

The silicon strap irritated my wrist and felt quite uncomfortable. If Coros can’t provide me with a nylon strap, I’ll try to find an aftermarket one.

User Experience

I’m not really into tech gadgets, so I was relieved to find that using the Pace 2 is very intuitive.

Basically, all I do is, right before a run, click “Run”, “Start”, and then wait for the watch to zero in on my coordinates and get my heart rate. Then I click the top button and I’m off.

During the run, I can spin the crown on the top button for additional information. Typically, though, unless I’m doing speedwork I just leave it on the screen that shows “Distance” and “Pace”.

For laps, I simply press the bottom button.

Then, when the run is over I stop the watch, click “Finish”, and look at my stats. The next time I open the Coros app my data syncs with the watch. It’s really that simple.

I’ve also used the watch to track my vitals while engaging in other sports, including hiking, canoeing, weightlifting, and more.

At some point in the past year, the Coros app updated, and now it has a slightly different interface. I find it frustrating that I can’t seem to be able to easily go back to view my stats for earlier days in the week.

It’s still possible, but it’s less intuitive than before. I’m constantly forgetting how to do it.

Otherwise, I’ve been very happy with the app. In fact, I’m able to easily share my progress with my running coach.

Longevity / Battery Life

Coros touts the battery life of their Coros line, and rightfully so. I remember when I first got this watch I was astounded by how long it lasted without needing to be recharged.

Now, after a few years, it needs charging more frequently, about once a week. (Granted, my mileage has increased to 40-50 miles a week in the past months.)

There have been periods of several months when I don’t wear the watch or track my runs in any way. Then, when I’m ready for more intentional training I charge it up and reset the time. That’s all it takes.

My Pace 2 is still receiving consistent updates. The most recent update increased the number of activities it can track and refreshed the layout.

I’m not sure how much longer this watch will keep functioning normally, but I plan on using it until it does.

When it does “go the way of all the Earth”, as my mom would say, I’ll almost certainly get another Coros watch.