Coros Pace 3 Review: The Lightweight Performance Powerhouse

Introduction

For athletes and swimmers looking for a lightweight, budget-friendly, yet feature-packed sports watch, the Coros Pace 3 delivers exceptional performance. With advanced swim tracking, GPS accuracy, and extended battery life, it’s a great choice for fitness enthusiasts who want powerful tracking without breaking the bank. But how does it compare to its competitors? Let’s take a closer look! 🏊‍♂️

Design: Lightweight Yet Durable

The Coros Pace 3 maintains a slim and lightweight profile, making it comfortable for all-day wear and long swim sessions. The 1.2” Always-On Memory LCD Display ensures great visibility underwater, and the 5 ATM water resistance rating makes it safe for pool and open-water swimming. Despite its affordable price, it feels sturdy and premium.

Key Features

Pool and open-water swim tracking 🏊‍♀️
Stroke detection, lap counting, and SWOLF score analysis 📊
GPS tracking for open-water swimming 📍
Wrist-based heart rate monitoring (works in water) ❤️
Ultra-lightweight design (just 30g with nylon band) 🏋️
Up to 24 days of battery life in smartwatch mode 🔋
Compatible with third-party fitness apps like Strava and TrainingPeaks 📲

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear ✅
Accurate swim tracking with advanced metrics ✅
Impressive battery life for long training sessions ✅
Affordable compared to high-end multisport watches ✅
Easy-to-use interface with customizable workout modes ✅

❌ Cons:

Lacks built-in music storage 🎵🚫
Screen visibility could be better in certain lighting conditions 🔆
No NFC payments or smartwatch-style features 💳🚫

Should You Buy It?

✅ Buy it if:

You want a lightweight and affordable sports watch with great swim tracking.
You swim regularly in pools or open water and need detailed analytics.
You prefer a simple yet powerful fitness watch without extra smartwatch distractions.

❌ Skip it if:

You need built-in music storage or contactless payments.
You prefer a high-resolution AMOLED display.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is the Coros Pace 3 waterproof?

Yes, it has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it safe for pool and open-water swimming.

Does the Coros Pace 3 track open-water swims?

Yes! It features GPS tracking for lakes, rivers, and oceans, providing accurate distance and route data.

Can I create custom swim workouts?

Yes, you can design custom swim workouts and track advanced metrics like stroke count, pace, and SWOLF score.

Does it support heart rate tracking in water?

Yes, the wrist-based heart rate sensor works in water, though accuracy may improve with a chest strap.

How long does the battery last?

GPS Mode: Up to 38 hours
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 24 days

User Reviews: What Are Athletes Saying?

⭐ 4.7/5 – Amazon Review: “Excellent for swimming! Tracks everything I need, and battery life is insane.”

⭐ 4.6/5 – Triathlon Forum: “Lightweight and comfortable. Great for training, but I wish it had music storage.”

⭐ 4.8/5 – Reddit Review: “Unbelievable battery life, and the GPS accuracy is top-notch.”

⭐ 4.7/5 – Running World User: “Simple, effective, and gets the job done for an affordable price.”

Full Specs

Feature	Details
Display	1.2” Memory LCD Display
Battery Life	38 Hours (GPS), 24 Days (Smartwatch)
Waterproof	5 ATM (50m)
Weight	30g (Nylon Band)
Swim Tracking	Stroke Count, SWOLF, Distance, Pace
Smart Notifications	Yes
Open-Water GPS	Yes
Heart Rate Tracking	Yes (Wrist-Based)

Similar Products: Alternatives to Consider

Swimming Smartwatch	Key Features	Price Range
Garmin Forerunner 265	GPS, Advanced Swim Metrics, AMOLED Display	💸💸💸
Garmin Swim 2	Pool & Open-Water Tracking, Budget-Friendly	💸💸
Coros Apex Pro	Longer Battery Life, Multisport Capabilities	💸💸💸
Suunto 9 Peak Pro	Open-Water GPS, Premium Build Quality	💸💸💸
Apple Watch Ultra 2	Swimproof, GPS, Smartwatch Features	💸💸💸💸

Verdict: The Best Budget-Friendly Multisport Watch?

The Coros Pace 3 is a fantastic budget-friendly option for swimmers and athletes looking for lightweight performance, long battery life, and accurate tracking. While it may lack some premium smartwatch features, it excels in core fitness tracking and swim analytics. If you’re looking for an affordable yet powerful multisport watch, the Coros Pace 3 is a top choice. 🏆

👉 Final Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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