Choosing the right running watch can be a critical decision for marathon training, impacting everything from pace tracking to endurance management. The Garmin Forerunner 165 and Coros Pace 4 are two prominent contenders, offering similar features and price points, but with distinct advantages.
Key Differences for Runners
One of the most significant distinctions lies in GPS accuracy. The Coros Pace 4 features dual-frequency GNSS, which utilizes multiple satellite frequencies to pinpoint location and speed. This is particularly beneficial in environments with unstable satellite signals, such as running near tall buildings or dense tree cover. The Garmin Forerunner 165, while offering GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, lacks this dual-frequency capability, which can lead to less accurate pace readings in challenging conditions.
Battery life is another crucial factor for marathoners. The Coros Pace 4 boasts superior battery performance, lasting up to 19 days in normal smartwatch use and up to 41 hours in GPS-only mode. In contrast, the Garmin Forerunner 165 offers 11 days of normal use and up to 19 hours of GPS-only use. This difference can be substantial during long training runs or multi-day events where consistent tracking is paramount.
Features and Usability
While both watches offer extensive health and fitness metrics, their interfaces and functionalities differ. The Garmin Forerunner 165 provides features like sleep tracking and Garmin Pay, and it supports both touchscreen and physical buttons. It also has an advantage for those who prefer not to manually transfer music, with the Forerunner 165 Music edition allowing direct playlist downloads from third-party providers.
The Coros Pace 4 stands out with its voice control capabilities, enabling users to program runs or record voice notes tied to specific locations and workout feedback. This feature can be invaluable for creating a detailed training log. However, the default display on the Coros can be cluttered, with many metrics requiring close attention, whereas the Garmin's default settings are generally clearer and easier to read at a glance.
Setup is generally straightforward for both, but attaching the watch band on the Coros required a bit more effort compared to the Garmin's pre-attached band. The Garmin Forerunner 165 comes with a USB-C charging cable, while the Coros Pace 4 does not, necessitating a separate purchase.
Durability and Design
Both watches are designed with runners in mind, featuring durable rubber bands that stay in place even during intense workouts. They are also water-resistant to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming, running in heavy rain, or showering. However, this rating is based on static water depth tests and not recommended for activities like scuba diving.
Verdict
For runners prioritizing simplicity and clear, easily readable metrics directly out of the box, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a strong choice. Despite its limitations in GPS accuracy and battery life compared to the Coros, its user-friendly interface and integrated music features make it a reliable companion for marathon training. The Coros Pace 4 offers superior battery life and more advanced GPS, along with innovative features like voice notes, but its steeper learning curve and potentially overwhelming default data display might be drawbacks for some users.