Objective
The goal was to assess how precisely each watch could track position and distance during outdoor runs on varied terrains, including urban areas, open fields, and dense wooded trails. GPS accuracy is critical for runners who rely on real-time data for pace, route mapping, and performance analysis.

Method
We tested each watch by running preset routes of varying lengths under different conditions (e.g., urban canyons, dense tree cover, and open trails). The data from each watch was compared to that of a professional-grade GPS tracker for benchmarking. Sharp turns, short sprints, and stationary pauses were incorporated to evaluate responsiveness to changes in movement.

Outcome
The Garmin Forerunner Running Suggested Workouts scored highest in GPS accuracy (9/10), consistently delivering precise distance and positional data. The Coros Apex Pro Outdoor Watch and Garmin Forerunner Premium Triathlon Smartwatch also performed well, scoring 8/10. Watches like the Polar Vantage and Suunto Demanding Performance Athletes Adventurers struggled slightly under dense tree cover, with occasional deviations in route mapping.

Objective
We sought to measure how long each watch could perform on a full charge during continuous use, focusing on GPS mode and mixed usage scenarios. Longer battery life is essential for endurance athletes and multi-day adventurers.

Method
Each watch was tested in two modes: (1) continuous GPS tracking, and (2) intermittent usage with notifications and smartwatch features enabled. Watches were fully charged before testing, and runtime was recorded until battery depletion.

Outcome
The Coros Barometer Lightweight Navigation Treadmill White and the Coros Apex Pro Outdoor Watch excelled in battery performance, each earning a 9/10 for providing exceptional runtime, even in GPS mode. The Garmin Forerunner Premium Triathlon Smartwatch was slightly behind (7/10), while the Polar Vantage and Suunto Demanding Performance Athletes Adventurers delivered middle-of-the-pack performances with scores of 8/10.

Objective
This test aimed to gauge how well each watch stood up to the wear and tear of rigorous training environments, including accidental impacts, exposure to water, and use in extreme temperatures.

Method
Watches were dropped from a height of 4 feet onto various surfaces (grass, gravel, concrete) to simulate accidental drops. Water resistance was tested by submerging them in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Lastly, temperature resilience was assessed by operating the watches in controlled hot (95°F) and cold (25°F) environments.

Outcome
Both the Coros Apex Pro Outdoor Watch and the Suunto Demanding Performance Athletes Adventurers scored a near-perfect 9/10 for their rugged builds and excellent resistance to impacts and water. The Garmin Forerunner Premium Triathlon Smartwatch also showed strong performance in durability (9/10). However, the Polar Vantage displayed minor scuffs after the drop tests, scoring 7/10.

Objective
Comfort was evaluated based on how the watches felt during prolonged use, with a focus on strap fit, watch weight, and breathability of materials. This attribute is especially critical for runners who engage in multi-hour workouts.

Method
Each watch was worn during 5-hour runs to assess skin irritation, strap adjustability, and overall weight distribution. Athletes of different wrist sizes provided feedback on fit and feel.

Outcome
The Coros Barometer Lightweight Navigation Treadmill White stood out with an 8/10 for its lightweight design and comfortable strap material. The Polar Vantage and Garmin Forerunner Running Suggested Workouts also performed well, scoring 7/10. However, the Suunto Demanding Performance Athletes Adventurers and Garmin Forerunner Premium Triathlon Smartwatch felt bulkier, scoring 6/10.

Objective
The goal was to evaluate how intuitive and user-friendly the interface and controls of each watch were, both during initial setup and while actively running. This includes navigating features like workout tracking, GPS mapping, and notifications in real-time.

Method
Each watch underwent a standardized “ease-of-setup” test, where users followed a quick-start guide to configure the device and sync it with a smartphone. In-field usability was tested by operating the watches while running, with minimal reliance on user manuals.

Outcome
The Garmin Forerunner Running Suggested Workouts and Polar Vantage scored an impressive 8/10, thanks to simple interfaces and straightforward navigation. The Coros Apex Pro Outdoor Watch also scored an 8/10, excelling in real-time adjustments. Coros Barometer Lightweight Navigation Treadmill White fell slightly behind (6/10) due to less intuitive settings, requiring additional time to familiarize users.