# COROS PACE Pro vs. Garmin Fenix 8 and Polar H10: GPS and Heart Rate Precision Examination
The COROS PACE Pro has stirred interest in the realm of fitness watches, particularly due to its claim of enhanced GPS and heart rate (HR) precision. Featuring a new satellite chipset, a revamped GPS antenna, and an optimized watch frame for superior HR monitoring, COROS is setting its sights on rivaling established leaders such as Garmin and Polar. To determine if the PACE Pro meets expectations, I compared it with the **Garmin Fenix 8** and the **Polar H10** chest strap, both of which are highly regarded in fitness tracking.
## Notable Attributes of the COROS PACE Pro
While the standout aspect of the PACE Pro is its **AMOLED display**, it also includes several advancements compared to its predecessor, the PACE 3:
– **Advanced satellite chipset** for heightened GPS precision
– **Reimagined GPS antenna** for improved signal quality
– **Enhanced watch frame design** for more precise heart rate tracking
– **Quicker CPU** and **extended battery lifespan**
– **Larger buttons** and **superior maps**
Nevertheless, the enhancements that matter most to me are the precision improvements. In earlier evaluations, the PACE 3 did not match the Garmin Forerunner 165 in GPS and HR precision. With the PACE Pro, COROS intends to run alongside more premium running watches such as the **Garmin Forerunner 265**, **Suunto Race**, and **Polar Vantage M3**.
## Evaluation Methodology
To gauge the PACE Pro’s precision, I conducted multiple assessments:
1. **Extended runs** in areas with weak signals
2. **Track runs** at near-maximum heart rates
3. **Hikes under tree cover** with notable elevation shifts
I evaluated the PACE Pro’s outcomes against the **Garmin Fenix 8** and the **Polar H10 chest strap**. The Fenix 8 is recognized for its multi-band GPS, providing a reliable benchmark for the PACE Pro.
### GPS Precision Assessment Outcomes
The PACE Pro excelled in GPS precision assessments, frequently aligning closely with the Garmin Fenix 8. Below is a summary of the GPS assessment outcomes:
| **Activity** | **COROS PACE Pro** | **Garmin Fenix 8** |
|————————|——————–|——————–|
| 10/27 (run) | 7.00 miles | 7.01 miles |
| 10/31 (jog) | 3.02 miles | 3.01 miles |
| 10/31 (track run) | 3,240 meters | 3,210 meters |
| 11/2 (run) | 12.01 miles | 12.03 miles |
| 11/6 (jog) | 3.12 miles | 3.11 miles |
| 11/6 (track run) | 3,220 meters | 3,240 meters |
| 11/7 (hike) | 8.58 miles, 672m ascent | 8.60 miles, 676m ascent |
The PACE Pro reliably recorded distances with minimal deviation from the Fenix 8. For instance, during a 12-mile run, the PACE Pro reported 12.01 miles, while the Fenix 8 logged 12.03 miles — a minor difference. In more challenging settings such as hikes laden with trees, the PACE Pro maintained its accuracy, showing only slight discrepancies in distance and elevation gain.
### Heart Rate Precision Assessment Outcomes
For heart rate precision, I compared the PACE Pro to the **Polar H10 chest strap**, which is commonly acknowledged as one of the most precise HR monitors on the market. Below is a summary of the HR precision outcomes:
| **Activity** | **COROS PACE Pro** | **Garmin Fenix 8 / Polar H10** |
|————————|——————–|——————————-|
| 11/6 (jog) | 146 bpm / 157 max | 146 bpm / 158 max |
| 11/6 (track) | 172 bpm / 185 max | 174 bpm / 186 max |
| 11/7 (hike) | 130 bpm / 170 max | 129 bpm / 171 max |
The PACE Pro performed admirably in the majority of activities, remaining within 1–2 bpm of the Polar H10 during steady-state runs and hikes. However, in more vigorous activities such as track workouts, the PACE Pro faced challenges in adapting to swift changes in
