Smartwatches
coros apex 2 pro vs. suunto 9 peak: the rugged smartwatch face off
By Alex Trebek
Published: 18 Mar 2025
My First Triathalon: A Hilarious Mishap
Okay, so picture this: me, a self-proclaimed 'weekend warrior', attempting my first ever triathlon. I'd spent months training, or at least I thought I had. The swim wasn't too bad, though I did accidentally swallow more lake water than Gatorade. The cycling portion? Let's just say my 'aero' position looked more like a contorted pretzel. And the run? Well, that's where things went from 'challenging' to 'epic fail'. I tripped over my own two feet, face-planted into the grass, and watched my carefully crafted race strategy disintegrate into a cloud of dust and embarrassment. But you know what? I finished. And THAT, my friends, is what this whole smartwatch showdown is about: endurance, resilience, and the right tech to help you push through, even when things get messy.
Man faceplanting during a triathlon | Image: Supplied
Coros Apex 2 Pro: The Underdog Champion?
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from the Coros Apex 2 Pro. I mean, it's not the flashiest name in the smartwatch game. But after spending a few weeks with it, I'm seriously impressed. The battery life? Insanely long. I went on multiple runs, hikes, and even that aforementioned embarrassing triathlon attempt, and it barely made a dent in the power. The GPS accuracy is spot on. And the user interface? Surprisingly intuitive. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of some of its pricier competitors, but for pure functionality and durability, it's a rockstar. I mean it's rugged, water-resistant, and survived my spectacular wipeout with nary a scratch. Pretty impressive!
Coros Apex 2 Pro smartwatch on a wrist during outdoor activity | Image: Supplied
Suunto 9 Peak: The Premium Performer
Now, let's talk about the Suunto 9 Peak. This is the smartwatch that screams 'serious athlete'. It's got a premium look, a whole host of advanced features, and a price tag to match. We're talking top-tier GPS, detailed workout metrics that'll make your head spin, and enough customization options to keep you busy for hours. But the battery life, while good, isn't as epic as the Coros. Plus, the interface felt a little bit clunky to me, which is a bummer when you're trying to focus on your workout. I mean, when your smartwatch is more of a workout than your actual workout, it is not very helpful. It's a solid smartwatch, no doubt, but it just feels a little over-engineered for my needs.
Suunto 9 Peak smartwatch on a wrist during outdoor activity | Image: Supplied
Head-to-Head: Which Smartwatch Reigns Supreme?
So, the million-dollar question: which smartwatch wins this epic battle? It really depends on your priorities. If you want a rugged, reliable smartwatch with ridiculously long battery life and a simple, intuitive interface, the Coros Apex 2 Pro is your champion. It’s a great value for the money. But if you need all the bells and whistles and don't mind spending a bit more, the Suunto 9 Peak delivers top-notch performance and data. It's like picking between a reliable pickup truck and a luxury sports car. Both get you where you need to go, but the ride is quite different. It's important to figure out what you need. Do you need to look cool or you want something that does the job and is rugged?
Comparison chart of Coros Apex 2 Pro and Suunto 9 Peak smartwatches | Image: Supplied
Beyond the Specs: Choosing Your Perfect Fit
Ultimately, the best smartwatch for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Think about what features are most important to you. Do you prioritize battery life above all else? Or do you need incredibly detailed workout metrics? Do you prefer a sleek, modern design or something more rugged and durable? Consider your budget, too. And hey, don't be afraid to try before you buy! Many retailers offer return policies, so you can get a feel for each smartwatch before committing to a purchase. Think of it as a test run, just like my disastrous triathlon!
"It's not the hours you put in, but what you put in the hours." - Alex Trebek
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