COROS PACE 3

Overview

The COROS PACE 3 is an ultra-lightweight GPS sport watch that delivers pro-level features at a budget-friendly price point. Weighing just 30g with the nylon band (lighter than most fitness trackers), it combines dual-frequency GPS accuracy, exceptional battery life, and comprehensive training features in a package that costs less than half of comparable competitors. Released in late 2023, it represents COROS’s most successful attempt at democratizing advanced running technology.

Key Selling Points

1. Featherweight Champion: At 30g with nylon band, it’s the lightest full-featured GPS watch available, making it virtually unnoticeable during runs and comfortable for 24/7 wear.

2. Dual-Frequency GPS: The inclusion of multi-band GNSS at this price point is unprecedented, delivering accurate tracking even in challenging urban environments with tall buildings.

3. Marathon Battery Life: With 24 days of daily use or 38 hours of continuous GPS tracking, you can complete multiple marathons or an ultra without recharging.

4. Unbeatable Value: At $229, it offers features typically found in watches costing $400-500, including music storage, training metrics, and navigation.

5. Complete Training Ecosystem: Free training plans from 5K to ultra distances, plus advanced metrics like training load, recovery time, and VO2 max estimation.

Target Buyer Profile

The PACE 3 is ideal for:

• Serious runners who prioritize performance metrics over smart features
• Ultra-runners and endurance athletes needing long battery life
• Budget-conscious athletes wanting premium features without premium prices
• Minimalists who value lightweight comfort over flashy designs
• Data-driven trainers who want accurate GPS and comprehensive metrics

Purchase Considerations

Strengths to Consider:

• Best weight-to-feature ratio in the market
• Industry-leading value proposition
• Excellent GPS accuracy with dual-frequency support
• Impressive battery life for multi-day adventures
• Growing ecosystem with regular feature updates
• No subscription fees for training features

Limitations to Accept:

• Basic smartwatch functionality
• Limited third-party app ecosystem
• No contactless payments
• Touchscreen can be temperamental
• Plastic construction feels less premium
• Navigation features still being refined

Alternative Options:

• More features: Garmin Forerunner 265 ($449) adds AMOLED display and fuller smart features
• Better build: Garmin Forerunner 255 ($349) offers similar features with more refined interface
• Smarter: Apple Watch SE ($249) for iPhone users prioritizing smart features over battery

Verdict

The COROS PACE 3 is a game-changer in the budget GPS watch category, offering features and performance that rival watches costing twice as much. While it lacks the polish and smart features of premium alternatives, it excels where it matters most for serious athletes: accurate GPS tracking, comprehensive training metrics, exceptional battery life, and unmatched comfort. For runners who measure value in miles per dollar rather than apps per dollar, the PACE 3 is nearly impossible to beat. It’s not trying to be a smartwatch that can track runs – it’s a running watch that happens to be smart, and at $229, it might be the best pure running watch value available today.