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Coros Vertix: alternative to Garmin and Suunto for outdoor use?

Coros Vertix: alternative to Garmin and Suunto for outdoor use?

March 29, 2020

Technical characteristics
Coros Vertix: in brief
Detailed review of the Coros Vertix
Coros Vertix: the next developments
Our opinion: an alternative to Garmin, Suunto and Polar watches
Price and availability

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Technical characteristics

Weight76g

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Coros Vertix: in brief

A high-end outdoor watch

Coros is a Chinese start-up which originally specialized in smart health connected helmets for bikes. In 2018, she launched her first watch, the Coros Pace, an entry-level triathlon watch at an unbeatable price, less than € 200 (read our review and our opinion). A few months later, she announced the launch of a new watch, still geared towards running and triathlon, but even more complete, more robust, with better autonomy and offering a completely revised and more practical interface: the Coros Apex (read our review and our opinion).

In 2019, Coros is releasing an outdoor-oriented multisport watch, the Coros Vertix. This new model offers everything needed for hiking, trail running and mountaineering in addition to triathlon and its activities. Coros offers a watch that has reached a certain maturity and that seriously competes with the high-end watches of the leaders of the sports watch market.

Who is the Coros Vertix for?

This model is particularly aimed at mountaineers or high mountain enthusiasts, adventurers and explorers. It is also suitable for classic hiking, trail running, running, cycling and swimming. It is suitable for triathlon. It can also be used while diving, with a record water resistance of 15 ATM, the equivalent of a depth of 150 m!

The main lines of the Coros Vertix: touch screen, altitude mode, oximeter

The Vertix is offered with a single size case (47 mm) and quality materials (sapphire glass covered with synthetic diamond, case back and titanium bezel), interchangeable straps without tools, a user interface further improved with, in particular, a touch screen, a new Mountaineering profile (in addition to hiking, trail running and cardio already added to the Pace and the Apex via firmware updates) and record autonomy (up to 150 h in Ultra mode and 45 days in watch mode with activity tracking). It has been designed to withstand extreme conditions: operation between -30 ° C and 70 ° C and water resistance of 15 ATM (equivalent 150 meters underwater).

Its particularity is to offer a Altitude mode activable from 2500 meters. The watch evaluates, by a 24/24 reading of the blood oxygen level (SpO2), the acclimatization to the altitude and indicates whether the progression can continue without risk.

We find the sensors already present on the other models: heart rate monitoring on the wrist operating underwater, GPS chip, barometric altimeter, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, thermometer. The watch offers advanced sports functions (guided training, programming of simple interval training, programming of alerts), relatively complete physiological measures (VO2max, lactic threshold, aerobic and anaerobic training effect, evaluation of endurance and time. in particular), a new "Track Run" function to assist runners in 400 m races, weather functions (forecasts based on atmospheric pressure and thunderstorm alerts) and more.

Go directly to our opinion on the Coros Vertix

Detailed review of the Coros Vertix

Design: a touch screen, quality materials, a revised interface

Coros has equipped this high-end model with a 240 x 240 px (new) color touch screen (like that of the Forerunner 245 and 945 or the Fenix 6S). Associated with the “digital knob” (read below), it makes navigation user-friendly and very practical, even when wearing gloves. It is transflective for perfect readability in direct sunlight or with a backlight when it is dark. The backlight is activated by pressing a button or by moving the wrist. It can be completely deactivated (movement + button) or only deactivate the lighting by movement of the wrist during the night.

As with other Coros models, you can display up to 6 fully customizable data fields (including 6th field which is no longer reserved for the stopwatch as in previous versions of the firmware). In comparison, Garmin offers 4 fields on its watches but up to 6 to 8 fields (depending on the model) on its very recent Fenix 6.

Since March 2019, the French language has been added (after German and Spanish). We can therefore read the menus in French.

Compared to the Coros Apex which is offered in 2 case sizes to fit all wrists, even fine, this model only exists in one size (47 mm in diameter and 15.6 mm thick) . Its design is very similar to that of the Garmin Fenix 6 (same size as the intermediate model, case with screws, same quick coupling system for the interchangeable strap).

The Vertix exists in 4 colors: black with gray bracelet (Dark Rock model), orange with a silver color bezel (Fire dragon), green with a copper color bezel (Moutain hunter model) and an exclusive gray-blue model with a case in transparent fiber (Ice breaker model).

It is equipped with a sapphire crystal covered with a layer of synthetic diamond, a material ultra-resistant to impact and scratches. The case back and the bezel are made of titanium, a metal that is both robust and light. These quality materials are generally only offered on "luxury" versions of high-end watches. So you have to pay more to take advantage of it. At Garmin, the sapphire glass alone or the titanium bezel adds € 100 to the price of the watch …

Thanks to titanium, the watch is relatively light, 76 g, the same weight as the Suunto 9 Titanium and 4 g more than the Garmin Fenix 6 Titanium.

The silicone strap is interchangeable without tools. Coros, here again, was inspired by Garmin, for the quick coupler, going from a first technical solution for the Apex (that of the Forerunner 245) to that of the Fenix 5 Plus or Fenix 6 for the Vertix.

Designed to be used in extreme conditions

The Vertix has been designed to operate under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. Whether to practice mountaineering in the high mountains, run in the desert (sand marathon, HMDS, etc.) or dive in deep water, she can do it. Coros guarantees use between -30 ° C and +70 ° C and up to 15 ATM in diving (150 m equivalent). Even the battery has been designed for optimal operation in extreme cold (read below). Finally, the Vertix glass is ultra-resistant (bumps and scratches) and also benefits from the additional protection of the titanium bezel. In short, it is perfect for mountaineering, high mountains, climbing and diving.

User interface and digital crown: new features

Coros has again reviewed its user interface. This improves over the versions and according to the needs linked to the sporting profiles offered by the watch. On the Pace, there were 4 buttons (1 less than at Garmin). On the Coros Apex, there are only 2 left including the famous digital crown (button-wheel) which also acts as a push button for validation. This concept taken from the Apple Watch makes it possible to scroll through the commands and menus or even to zoom a screen with a simple movement of the finger. We turn the dial in one direction or the other and validate by pushing on it. This practical solution makes it possible, among other things, to use the watch with gloves, even large ones, and facilitates navigation during a sporting activity including underwater.

On the Vertix, a third button is added to make navigation even more flexible. The digital crown takes a little volume to be even easier to handle when wearing gloves (skiing, climbing, mountain) or for activities underwater. This system is the most advanced of the 3 and offers a practical and easy navigation even in difficult conditions.

The Chinese manufacturer also realized that the Coros Apex, with its digital crown, posed a concern for left-handers. Difficult indeed to turn a dial located on the right side of the watch when you wear it on your right wrist! To remedy this problem, Coros planned to be able to wear the watch … upside down. The ditigal knob is then found on the left and a change in configuration allows you to invert the display and take into account an inverted direction of rotation of the dial.

The Vertix touch screen associated with the digital crown makes navigation even more practical. Note that it is not active by default. It must be activated by pressing the digital crown and it can only be used for certain functions: scrolling widgets, route tracking, display of altitude profiles.

The sensors

The Coros Vertix has the sensors already fitted to the Coros Apex with, in addition, a new heart rate monitoring on the wrist incorporating a pulse oximeter (saturometer), as at Garmin.

Pulse oximeter: Integrated into the wrist-based optical heart rate monitoring, it is used to assess the level of blood oxygen at the extremities (wrist in this case).
Wrist heart rate sensor: it measures heart rate and its variability. As with Polar and Garmin, it works underwater. This model is also equipped with sensors detecting good contact with the skin, a bit like in Polar and its latest watches (Ignite, Vantage). The idea is to improve the results by only considering the measurements where the watch is really in contact with the skin.
GPS: the chip is compatible with the main satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and the Chinese Beidu system (BDS)) but Coros currently only uses GPS and GLONASS.
Barometric altimeter with manual or automatic calibration: it measures the atmospheric pressure and deduces the altitude (the GPS is not used). It can be calibrated manually and thus correct errors related to changes in atmospheric pressure or let the watch use GPS for calibration (less accurate, however). The Vertix displays the pressure and the altitude (instantaneous values, average over 4 h, min and max over the last 24 h) as well as graphs. It offers a weather forecast based on atmospheric pressure and thunderstorm alerts.
Compass with azimuth: it allows you to orient a topographic map during a hike. It is also used by the intelligent stride algorithm to extrapolate the GPS track when the signal is weak. It can be calibrated manually.
The other sensors: the Apex is also equipped with a gyroscope and an accelerometer. They are used for indoor activities and to assess the GPS track when the signal is weak (see below). The watch also has a thermometer.

The Coros Vertix is waterproof up to 150 m (15 ATM). It can therefore be used for swimming but also diving in deep waters.

The watch is compatible with ANT + sensors, for example a cardio belt or armband, a footpod, speed, cadence and power sensors (Stryd, etc.) for cycling. Coros will soon add the Bluetooth Smart protocol. This is currently only used for transferring data between the watch and a Smartphone.

Autonomy: excellent!

With 60 hours in GPS mode and 150 hours in Ultra mode, the autonomy of the Vertix is impressive. It is equivalent to that of the Fenix 6X Pro (60 h in GPS mode and 120 h in Ultra mode), the largest model in the series, and exceeds that of the Suunto 9 (25 h in GPS mode and up to 120 h in Ultra mode), the watch that broke all records when it was released in 2018. But it is also in watch mode with activity tracking that Coros still creates the surprise: the Vertix can indeed last up to 45 days without being recharged! In comparison, the Suunto 9 only takes 7 days and the Fenix 6X Pro 21 days.

And if the autonomy is still too low for ultra-trailers, the Vertix can be recharged during activity. But it will be necessary to remove it from the wrist since, as with Garmin, the connector is located on the back and the charging cable plugs vertically into the case.

The Vertix has been designed to be able to switch from one battery mode to another during activity. We can therefore start a recording in standard mode and, if we realize that the battery will not hold, change the mode later. This preserves the best accuracy of the data.

Concerning the precision of UltraMax mode, the results are rather satisfactory according to the tests carried out on the Vertix. Coros saves battery power by only activating the GPS for 30 seconds every 120 seconds. The rest of the time (90 seconds), the trace is extrapolated from the data of the compass, the accelerometer and the gyroscope (on the same principle as Suunto and its "FusedTrack" algorithm) and refined thanks to "Coros Intelligent Stride ", an intelligent stride algorithm developed by Coros engineers. The latter uses "machine learning" to learn the runner's habits and build a stride model.

Finally, Coros guarantees that its watch can be used in very cold weather. We know that batteries work poorly at low temperatures. That of the Vertix would last until 9 p.m. (instead of 60 h) at -30 ° C! What make a great outing, provided you are well dressed!

Altitude mode 2500 m: your ascent under surveillance

La Vertix offers a Mountaineering profile for high mountain activities in addition to a hiking profile also available on the Pace and the Apex. It includes relevant data such as vertical speed, elevation, speed and 3D distance (it takes slope into account in the calculation) and route tracking.

Above 2500 meters above sea level, the watch offers to activate the Altitude mode. In this mode, the Vertix monitors the blood oxygen level 24 hours a day via the pulse oximeter. But the novelty here, compared to Garmin (Forerunner 245, Forerunner 945, Fenix 6), is that it assesses the athlete's ability to climb higher and indicates, explicitly, whether the continuation of the ascent is risky or no.

The altitude acclimatization is evaluated according to the blood oxygen level and the physical condition of the athlete's time. All of this takes the form of a score between 0 and 100 displayed in plain text on a gauge. Under a certain acclimatization threshold (red zone), it is advisable to take a break, or even to go back down in case of discomfort (headache, high pulse, purple lips, difficulty in breathing for example). In the orange zone (medium acclimatization), the sportsman is invited to take a break in the ascent in order to get used to the altitude. In the green zone (good acclimatization), you can continue the ascent. These indications should not prevail over the sensations perceived. In case of discomfort, it is recommended to stop the ascent and rest or even descend if the discomfort persists.

To be reliable, the oximeter's measurements must be taken during a break, without moving. We can therefore wonder about the reliability of the data recorded during the activity. For best results, it is better to take breaks to regularly check the degree of acclimatization.

The oximeter can also be used below 2500 meters, provided that it is started manually.

Other support functions for athletes

The Vertix therefore offers a Mountaineering profile in addition to the 11 other profiles already present on the Coros Apex (hiking, trail running, running, carpet race, outdoor cycling, indoor cycling, open water swimming, swimming in swimming pools , triathlon, indoor cardio, outdoor cardio). The Mountaineering and Hiking profiles display, among other things, the elevation, distance and 3D speed and have route tracking.

There is not yet a Ski profile but Coros should offer one soon. However, you cannot always create personalized profiles. As for the multisport profile, it is not configurable because it uses the other profiles. It allows to link 2 or 3 different activities among cycling, swimming and running.

Among the tools to help athletes, Coros offers several metrics as well as a complete performance analysis on the Smartphone application.

Estimated race time: Coros offers, like Garmin, a function estimating the running time over a 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon and marathon depending on physical condition (VO2max in particular).
Track Run function: this new function (November 2019) is intended for runners practicing the 400 meters on an outdoor track. The watch measures race data even more precisely, including distance and pace.
Programming of alerts: they allow you to follow a programmed pace, pace or speed or even to train in a defined heart rate zone without having to look at your watch.
Schedule of split sessions: the watch allows you to program simple interval training sessions (running and cycling), for example 5 sets of 30 "/ 10", but no complex training, for example 2 sets of 5 x 30 "/ 10". This should happen during a next firmware update.
Race dynamics: they are not yet available on the Vertix but Coros should add them soon. They will allow you to know, with a footpod smart health connected to the watch, the stride length, the cadence, the contact time on the ground, the vertical oscillation, the efficiency of the stride and more.
Performance analysis: it takes place on the Smartphone, after data transfer. The app displays statistics and graphs on training and activity monitoring. We find all the data of the course as well as the physiological measures that we describe below (VO2max, estimation of the lactic threshold, training load over the last 7 days, estimated recovery time).

The Vertix has the classic basic functions (recording of the route and data of the outing) which can be viewed on the Smartphone after the outing. It also displays data and graphs on its screen (altitude, pressure, etc.). We describe this in more detail in our detailed review of the Coros Apex. Slope, elevation, vertical speed are also available for certain profiles. Power measurement is available for bikes only (Coros is working to make this measurement available for running).

The Vertix has a metronome to work on the pace between 120 and 240 strides per minute. You can for example train to run at a cadence of 180. It has an auto-pause function.

Since a recent update, Coros evaluates the 3D distance (distance in 3 dimensions) in the Trail and hike profiles. The 3D distance takes the slope into account when calculating the distance traveled. In fact, on slopes, the distance seen flat on a map (2D distance) is always shorter than the distance actually traveled (3D distance). In the extreme case, that of climbing a vertical wall, the 2D distance is even zero! In reality, the difference between 2D distance and 3D distance is almost negligible, unless one climbs really steep slopes.

Physiological measurements

Coros offers several physiological measures. The Chinese company does not use Firstbeat algorithms (like Garmin or Suunto). It works in partnership with an independent company to provide this data.

Stamina or endurance: the Vertix indicates, in real time, the resources still available for the current training session (running only). It's a bit like the "body battery" from Garmin or the "Body Resource" from Suunto but applied to a workout. The idea of stamina is to optimize training while preventing injuries related to overtraining. If, at the end of the outing, the stamina is still high (for example 50%), it is because the training was too short or too moderate. If, on the contrary, the stamina is close to 0 well before the end of the training, it is because it was too long or too intense and it would be better to stop and rest.
Aerobic and anaerobic training effect (TE), or training efficiency: this indicator informs the user about the benefits of training on their aerobic (medium and long-term efforts such as endurance efforts) and anaerobic (short but intense efforts, beyond anaerobic threshold). The watch indicates whether the session had an impact and if so, to what extent (maintenance or improvement of capacities). This indicator is only available for running.
Recovery time: the watch indicates the number of hours or days it will take to recover following a sporting outing;
Training load: the watch displays a 7-day graph of the training load with a score between 0 (under training) and 120 (excessive load). It assesses whether physical activity maintains the training level or not. A score below 40 indicates a lack of training with loss of skills. A score between 41 and 60 indicates a low load but sufficient to maintain training. Between 61 and 100, training is optimal. Beyond 101, the load is too high with a risk of overtraining.
Resting heart rate
Fitness index: the watch evaluates the VO2max, the heart rate at the threshold (threshold beyond which one enters anaerobic work with accumulation of lactic acid) and the pace at the threshold. You will need to do 3 running trips beforehand. This index is only offered for running, trail running and hiking.
Fitness level: Vertix assesses fitness and endurance levels (score from 0 to 100, progress since the last activity and indication of the level reached: passionate, athletic, athlete, elite)

GPS navigation

The watch displays the GPS track of the route taken. The Mountaineering, Hiking, Trail and Running profiles and, more recently, Cycling, also offer route tracking. You can follow a course previously recorded in the watch (10 courses can be recorded) or retrace your steps by following the recorded track. And if we move away from the track, the watch issues an alert. The touch screen and the digital crown allow you to move from left to right, top to bottom and zoom the plot. For cyclists, Coros has planned to be able to pause route tracking during stops or refueling.

As on the Apex and Pace, the creation of routes is not possible from the application on Smartphone. You have to go through a third party application.

Activity monitoring

Coros Vertix tracks activity 24 hours a day: distance, number of steps, calories expended during activity, duration of activity, quality of sleep (light, deep, paradoxical / REM), number of floors climbed, intensive minutes (cumulative duration of sports training and minutes where the number of steps exceeds 130).

The calories expended are those measured in activity only, that is to say during training or when the number of steps per minute exceeds 130. The basic metabolism is not taken into account. To find out how much we spent in total during the day, we will need to add 1400 to 1900 kcal more depending on age, sex, size (see how to calculate your basic metabolism).

The Vertix allows you to program goals to achieve calories and activity time. You can't turn them off. To avoid having reminders, you must indicate values that are impossible to reach.

smart health connected functions

They are basic. The Vertix can only manage notifications from smartphones (SMS, emails, incoming calls) and classic applications (WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, FB, WeChat, FB Messenger). There is also an assistance function in the Smartphone application but nothing on the watch.

The interface

Coros does not offer any computer interface. You must therefore have a compatible Smartphone or use a third-party application such as Strava or Apple Health to use the data from the watch on a computer.

The interface allows you to manage the recorded data, display the route on a map, display activity tracking (sleep graphs, etc.) and personalize the watch.

Coros puts forward a data transfer speed up to twice faster than its competitors, thanks to "UltraSync", an ultra-fast transfer function based on an optimization of the size of the data files.

Coros Vertix: the next developments

Coros has already announced several changes to its watch, including:

Compatibility with Galileo (European system) and Beidu (Chinese system) satellite systems in addition to GPS and GLONASS
Addition of a fitness Review based on HR variability
Power measurement in running
Running dynamics: stride length, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, stride efficiency, etc.
The ability to program complex interval training

Our opinion: an alternative to Garmin, Suunto and Polar watches

A high-end outdoor watch of quality

The Coros Vertix seems to us to be an interesting watch for its elaborate outdoor functionalities and advanced functions for training (running, cycling, swimming, trail running). All for a relatively high price, that of the basic Fenix 6 but with, in addition, a sapphire crystal covered with a layer of synthetic diamond and a bezel and case back in titanium. The watch also offers unrivaled autonomy at the time of writing.

Its GPS measurements are as reliable as that of leading brands. It offers practical functions to progress in your sport (guided training, VO2max assessment, endurance assessment, recovery time, stamina indicator, dedicated function for the 400m on track). Too bad, for the runners, that it does not yet offer the racing dynamics but that should not be long.

Bref, pour l'entraînement, elle constitue une bonne alternative à la Polar Vantage V, la montre triathlon haut de gamme de Polar avec entraînements avancés ou à la Suunto 9, une montre outdoor qui convient aussi pour le running, le trail et le triathlon. Mais elle n'arrive pas à la hauteur de la Fenix 6, la meilleure montre sportive actuellement sur le marché.

Pourquoi choisir la Coros Vertix ?

L'intérêt de la Vertix est son utilisation outdoor, notamment pour les sorties d'alpinisme ou de randonnée en haute montagne. La navigation GPS avec suivi d'itinéraire, les données concernant l'ascension (distance et vitesse 3D, pente, dénivelé, vitesse verticale, altitude barométrique avec étalonnage manuel), les graphes de pression et d'altitude sur les 6 dernières heures, la boussole et le thermomètre, les prévisions météo et les alertes orage offrent tout ce qu'il faut pour bien gérer sa sortie.

Les alpinistes ou les randonneurs de haute altitude (au-delà de 2500 mètres) apprécieront également les recommandations concrètes de la montre concernant l'ascension. Selon la condition physique évaluée par la montre et le degré d'acclimatation, on saura immédiatement s'il est prudent de continuer l'ascension ou, au contraire, s'il vaut mieux faire une pause voire redescendre. Garmin propose une fonction similaire mais pas aussi élaborée.

On apprécie également l'aspect pratique de la couronne digitale qui permet d'utiliser la montre même avec des gants épais. Les matériaux de qualité (verre de saphir ultra-résistant, titane) rendent la montre robuste et légère à la fois. Coros a aussi conçu sa montre pour résister aux conditions extrêmes (température, pression sous l'eau, batterie fonctionnant a basse température)

L'autonomie est également un atout de la Vertix qui peut faire la différence pour les fans d'ultra-trail ou d'ultrafond. Même le mode économie d'énergie, moins précis, offre une trace de qualité grâce à une extrapolation intelligente des données.

Tous ces atouts font de la Coros Vertix une montre intéressante, à condition de ne pas avoir besoin des fonctions connectées avancées ou de profils sportifs particuliers (lire ci-dessous).

Pourquoi ne pas choisir la Coros Vertix ?

Malgré tous les avantages cités plus haut, la Coros Vertix ne propose que le strict nécessaire. Les fonctions sont épurées, il n'y a pas de cartographie (contrairement à Garmin qui l'offre sur tous les modèles de Fenix 6), ni de fonctions connectées avancées comme chez Garmin (contrôle d'une caméra, lecteur mp3, solution de paiement). Le nombre de profils sportifs est limité : pas de profil ski (Coros devrait cependant le proposer sous peu), ni de profil ski de randonnée, VTT, aviron, etc. La montre est clairement orientée randonnée et alpinisme en plus des activités de la Coros Apex (running, trail et triathlon). Si l'on pratique d'autres sports, on risque d'être déçu.

Quant aux mesures physiologiques, elles dépendent de la précision des mesures de la fréquence cardiaque et de sa variabilité (mieux vaut donc utiliser une ceinture cardio pour la précision) mais aussi de leur bonne exploitation par Coros. La fiabilité des outils d'entraînement (calculs du temps de récupération, de la Stamina, etc.) en dépendent. Peut-on se fier à Coros ici autant qu'aux marques leaders ?

Nous avons aimé

Son excellente autonomie (mode GPS et montre) et une bonne précision des données GPS
L'évaluation de l'acclimatation à l'altitude et la jauge indiquant le niveau de risque
Les matériaux (verre de saphir et diamant synthétique, lunette et fond de boîtier en titane)
Le Digital Knob, très pratique

Nous aurions aimé