I Wore 5 Watches at the NYC Marathon. Here's the Data

Summary

In this detailed comparison, a fitness enthusiast tests several high-end and budget-friendly smartwatches for marathon running, including the Garmin Fenix 8, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Amaze Fit T-Rex 3. The video covers various metrics like running power, cadence, stride length, and vertical oscillation, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each device. While the Fenix 8 excels in accuracy and features like precision start, the Apple Watch faces startup issues. The T-Rex 3 offers solid performance at a lower price, making it ideal for new runners or those on a budget.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Garmin Fenix 8 provides the most accurate and reliable data among the tested watches, particularly for serious runners, with features like precision start and compatibility with a chest heart rate strap.
• 😀 The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers excellent smart features and daily use but struggles with workout start reliability, particularly during races where the 'orange screen of death' may prevent workouts from starting correctly.
• 😀 The Amazfit T-Rex 3 offers great value at $280, providing strong performance, accuracy, and essential running data for a fraction of the price of premium models like the Garmin Fenix 8.
• 😀 The Pace Pro watch, priced at $349, delivers strong performance and data accuracy, making it a great mid-range option for runners who want reliable metrics without breaking the bank.
• 😀 Issues with the Apple Watch Ultra 2's workout start functionality, including the 'orange screen of death' and failed automatic start, highlight the importance of precise workout initiation for serious athletes.
• 😀 The Garmin Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are often in sync on key metrics like cadence and stride length, but the Fenix 8's precision start feature makes it a more reliable choice for races.
• 😀 The Amazfit T-Rex 3 and Pace Pro both provide data that is accurate enough for most runners and offer solid value, especially for those just getting into running or not planning to invest heavily in a high-end device.
• 😀 Price is a significant factor when choosing between these watches, with the Fenix 8 being the most expensive option at $1,200, while the Amazfit T-Rex 3 and Pace Pro are far more affordable alternatives.
• 😀 The Fenix 8 consistently outperforms the competition in metrics like vertical oscillation and aerobic/anaerobic data, which are critical for performance tracking and analysis.
• 😀 When considering which watch to purchase, it is important to weigh the trade-offs between premium features (like precision start on the Fenix 8) and affordability (as seen with the Amazfit T-Rex 3 and Pace Pro).

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video comparison?

The video compares multiple fitness watches, evaluating their performance metrics during a marathon, such as running power, cadence, and vertical oscillation, among others. The video also discusses the issues faced with some watches and offers recommendations based on price and performance.

Which watch showed the highest running power in the comparison?

The Garmin Fenix 8 showed significantly higher running power compared to the other watches, with readings consistently above 300.

How accurate were the cadence readings across the watches?

The cadence readings across the different watches were very close, with values ranging from 163 to 167, showing minimal variation.

What issue did the reviewer encounter with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 during the marathon?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 experienced an issue called the 'orange screen of death', where the workout did not start correctly, despite receiving haptic feedback. The reviewer had to manually start the workout instead of relying on the precision start feature.

What feature did the Garmin Fenix 8 have that the other watches lacked?

The Garmin Fenix 8 had the 'precision start' feature, which allowed the workout to start accurately without manual intervention. Other watches, including the Apple Watch Ultra 2, did not perform this function reliably.

Which watch performed best in terms of vertical oscillation, and what does this metric represent?

The Apple Watches showed a vertical oscillation of 9, while the Garmin Fenix 8 had a reading of 7. Vertical oscillation refers to the amount of up-and-down movement of the runner's body during running, which can indicate running efficiency.

How did the budget watches compare to the more expensive models in terms of data accuracy?

The budget watches, such as the Amaze Fit T-Rex 3 and Pace Pro, provided very accurate data, with distances and pacing closely matching the more expensive models like the Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The difference in performance was negligible, offering strong value for the price.

What is the key advantage of the Garmin Fenix 8 over the other watches, according to the reviewer?

The key advantage of the Garmin Fenix 8 is its precise start feature, which is critical during events like marathons. The Fenix 8's overall performance and reliability make it the best option for serious athletes, especially those in need of accurate workout tracking.

What were the limitations of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 during the testing?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 had issues with its precision start function, leading to inaccurate workout starts during the marathon. Despite haptic feedback, the watch failed to start the workout properly on its own, which was a significant downside for marathon runners.

Which watches are recommended for beginner runners or those on a budget?

The Amaze Fit T-Rex 3 and Pace Pro are highly recommended for beginner runners or those on a budget. These watches offer solid data and performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end models like the Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.