For serious outdoor athletes and adventurers looking for a high-performance sports watch, two models stand out: the Coros Vertix 2 and the Garmin Fenix 7. Both watches pack advanced training features, long battery life, durable build and accurate GPS to help athletes push their limits. But which watch reigns supreme?
Key Specs Comparison
| Feature | Coros Vertix 2 | Garmin Fenix 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $699 (non-solar), $799 (solar) |
| Display Size | 1.4" | 1.3" |
| Display Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 60 days (smartwatch mode) | Up to 57 hrs GPS (up to 73 hrs with solar) |
| GPS Accuracy | Dual frequency GPS/GNSS | Dual frequency GPS/GLONASS/Galileo |
| Water Rating | 100m | 100m |
| Onboard Maps | Yes, with offline routing | Yes, with turn-by-turn routing |
Rugged Design and Durability
Both the Vertix 2 and the Fenix 7 boast extremely durable materials built to handle rugged activities like climbing, hiking and watersports.
The Vertix 2 features a scratch-resistant domed sapphire glass lens, titanium bezel and casing and silicone or nylon bands. With 100m waterproofing, it‘s built for underwater adventures.
Similarly, the Fenix 7 sports a chemically strengthened glass lens, stainless steel or lightweight polymer bezel options and silicone, nylon or leather bands. It matches the Vertix 2 with 100m water resistance.
For hardcore adventurers who want the ultimate in durability, the Vertix 2 may have a slight edge with its sapphire crystal and titanium build. But both watches can stand up well to scratches, impacts, and the elements.
Mapping and Navigation
When heading out on remote trails or exploring new terrain, good navigation tools can be critical both for performance tracking and safety.
The Vertix 2 provides full-color offline topographic maps and ability to upload GPX route files. However, it lacks turn-by-turn navigation.
The Fenix 7 includes both onboard TopoActive maps and turn-by-turn routing to help keep you on track. It also offers route planning via Garmin‘s Connect app.
For athletes who want breadcrumb navigation in unfamilar areas, the Fenix 7 provides a key advantage. But the Vertix 2 still offers robust mapping visuals.
Battery Life and Solar Charging
For multisport training and expeditions off the grid, maximizing battery life is crucial.
The Vertix 2 delivers an impressive battery life up to 60 days in smartwatch mode (with GPS off) and 90-140 hrs with GPS tracking on.
The solar-compatible Fenix 7 lasts up to 57 hours in GPS mode. Adding solar charging can extend that up to 73 hours. In smartwatch mode, the solar Fenix 7 lasts about three weeks.
Both watches far surpass most smartwatches via GPS optimization and low-power display modes. For the longest endurance, especially without sunlight, the Vertix 2 has the edge. But the Fenix 7‘s solar charging is a novelty that can minimize downtime.
Workout Tracking and Performance Monitoring
In addition to navigation, advanced training analysis and safety features are key for outdoor athletes.
Both the Vertix 2 and the Fenix 7 provide extensive workout profiles, performance metrics, training load analysis and recovery tracking. Safety features include incident detection, assistance alerts and live tracking.
The Fenix 7offers additional running and cycling dynamics insights such as stride/platform time and balance, vertical oscillation and more. The Vertix 2 has excellent core metrics but fewer supplemental dynamics.
For triathletes, ultrarunners and hardcore cyclists, the extra data points from the Fenix may provide helpful training analysis. Both deliver robust tracking but the Fenix 7 has a slight lead for quantifying technique.
Which One Should You Choose?
For hardcore adventurers and off-the-grid exploration where long battery life and durability are most critical, the Coros Vertix 2 edges out the Fenix 7 as the best outdoor sports watch.
For athletes focused on performance insights and using navigation/training features more actively, the Garmin Fenix 7 can help you push to the next level. It also offers solar charging to minimize downtime.
Either of these premium multi-sport watches are well worth their $700 price tag. Let your priorities for battery life, navigation, durability and analytics guide you to the right outdoor partner.
