Purchase Guide: After trying out all CASIO, GARMIN, and EPSON, we found out the best solution for outdoor watches with GPS for each purpose [Part 1]

Sports watches with built-in GPS have finally become a booming trend in recent years.

It started with the release of the Apple Watch in 2015. This has led to the rapid expansion of the smartwatch (watch-type wearable devices) market , and at first it was simple enough to record the distance and time of running, but recently it has been steadily evolving as models that allow you to view, record and analyze detailed data tailored to various activities and provide advice. I'm sure many people are now becoming indispensable gear in sports and outdoor fields. I am one of them.

Among these smartwatches, GPS-equipped outdoor watches are useful when climbing where you need to know your current location and sense dangers in the outside world, including weather, and GPS-equipped outdoor watches with ABC (altitude, pressure, direction) functions, and offline map display functions.

This time, we were able to try out three typical GPS outdoor watches at the same time with the cooperation of CASIO. Despite the fact that things are expensive in this field, the actual functions and usability are immeasurable from the outside, so this time we are planning to make this website a perfect boat ride. I'm sure there are many readers who were interested.

When comparing the actual use, there were many strengths and weaknesses that cannot be measured by price differences alone. This time, we will be using it for mountain climbing, and we will thoroughly compare it over two parts, including the good and bad points. Of course, the reviews here are only visible in this trial, but if you're not sure which one to buy, I hope this will help you find out which one is perfect for you.

table of contents

• Comparison test items and test environment
• Detailed comparison review
  1. exterior
  2. General screen and easy to view maps
  3. Waterproof and durable
  4. Operation and interface (page 2)
  5. Battery life (page 2)
  6. Functionality and Things You Can Do [Jump to Part 2 page]
  7. Accuracy [Jump to part 2 page]
• Summary - What are the recommended types? ~ [Jump to the second part page]
• [Reference] Specifications and Function Comparison Table

About the items we compared and tested this time

This time we have prepared three models that come standard with the minimum ABC functions required for mountain climbing, and can also display routes using GPS and offline maps.

One is the CASIO PRO TREK series, which is extremely trusted by professional mountain guides, mountaineers, adventure racers, and more, to the outdoor smartwatch with an offline map with Wear OS by Google (Android Wear) touch panel LCD and color display.PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20 (hereinafter referred to as WSD-F20)。

Next, the world's top global brand GARMIN boasts high-end multi-sport GPS outdoor watches.fenix 5X Sapphire (hereinafter referred to as fenix 5X). Recently, the top model of this model was released, called the fenix 5X Plus. However, there were no changes in basic parts such as music functions and increased battery life, so this time we have used this standard model, which is still on sale, as a comparison model.

Finally, EPSON, a domestic brand with a history of over 70 years as a wristwatch manufacturer, is a GPS trekking gear for mountaineering.Wristable GPS for Trek MZ-500 (hereinafter referred to as MZ-500)。

The three models are introduced as being used for mountain climbing, but due to the subtle differences in their respective concepts, the usability actually varies greatly. It's a good idea to know what each person is doing and what they're doing to avoid regretting their expensive purchases later.

Test environment

The test for the outdoor watch with GPS was conducted for about a month in July 2018, mainly on courses in Okutama and Joshinetsu (comparisons in running mode are postponed). The test was conducted by the author himself and several supporters. I tried out all the features included, such as normal use, app use, and navigation using planned routes, at the same time, at the same time, on the same route, from the start of 100% charging.

Detailed comparison review (Part 1)

1. Exterior: GARMIN with luxury, CASIO with outdoor feel, EPSON with compactness

First, let's compare the appearance of each one.

At first glance, the compactness of the MZ-500 It weighs quite lighter than the other two, and is a size that fits well with my thin arms. On the other hand, the WSD-F20 and fenix 5x look and feel like they're worn. In particular, the WSD-F20 has a large bezel and belt connection part (lug), making it quite visible when worn.

There are some preferences when it comes to design, but for better or worse, the WSD-F20 is typical of PRO TREK, and it is a design that strongly exudes a rough, mechanical impression, and the MZ-500 can be said to be the same lineage. It looks not bad if you push the outdoors to the forefront. On the other hand the fenix 5x is an order of magnitude price range, and the matte stainless steel texture gives off a luxurious feel. Although it's bulky, I feel like this can be worn with a close suit. This is quite important for models that need to be worn at all times to measure their heart rate.

On the other hand, the thickness is almost the same. To be honest, it's "thick." It gets caught every time I carry my backpack. Is there anything I can do about it?

2. General screen and ease of viewing of maps - CASIO's LCD display is one of the best

Next, let's compare the screen display. Basically, there is a big difference the WSD-F20 and the fenix 5x , and the MZ-500 In that sense, the MZ-500 is inevitably inferior.

So, what is the difference between Casio and Garmin? To put it simply, the WSD-F20 is clear, bright, and easy to read. The 1.32-inch, 320 x 300 pixel two-layer color TFT LCD has fine resolution and clear text, making it perfect for visibility in the shade and sun. The display is completely unpleasant even for those who are used to looking at smartphones.

On the other hand the fenix 5x has a 1.2 inch, 240 x 240 pixel semi-transparent MIP LCD that contributes greatly to battery savings, but it appears to be a generation old in both the number of colors and the roughness of the characters. However, it is not particularly dissatisfied, but it is just a relative matter.

When it comes to viewing this screen, the most critical response is when displaying a map, one of the highlights of this comparison. Seeing is just a sight to behold, so I displayed the map side by side. We compared the two with the highest brightness and backlighting on.

the WSD-F20 (although the screen is small), you can see that you can see it in a way that is almost the same as looking at a map on a smartphone. As someone who has been using Garmin's mobile GPS for many years, the fenix 5x is a familiar one in a sense, but for people who usually live on maps on smartphones, it may seem a bit disappointing. By the way, with regard to Epson, if you set the course in advance on the clock, your current location will be displayed as shown in the photo, but with regard to the map, you cannot do anything more than that, such as checking your current location, including things other than the course.

3. Waterproof and Durability - All of them are highly durable as a smartwatch

Since it is used outdoors, it is useless unless it has a certain level of durability and weather resistance. Here we will compare their durability.

About the windshield. the fenix 5x is sapphire glass, which is scratch-resistant and is often used in luxury watches However, when climbing, you will be forced to experience strong impacts that are not commonplace, such as dropping onto hard rocks. Even though it is sapphire glass, it can easily be damaged (tears).

Waterproofing is best for Epson and Garmin's 10 atm (100m) waterproofing. If it is just a splash of water, it's no problem, so don't soak the WSD-F20 in water for long periods of time.

In addition, in terms of overall environmental resistance, the WSD-F20 only passes the durability test MIL-STD-810G specified by the US Department of Defense. It seems safe to use it in a tough way, such as dropping or vibration.

Next page: Go to "4. Operation and Interface"

4. OPERATING AND INTERFACE - Once you get used to the touch panel operation, everything else becomes a hassle

Operating the watch is frequently occurring in outdoor watches where you can not only look at the watch, but also check various information and set functions. Therefore, high operability and simplicity of settings are important.

The first thing that stood out in this respect was the WSD-F20 with the "3 buttons + touch panel LCD". Of the three buttons on the right, the up and down buttons simply call up the main preset functions (by default, various sensor checks and map display), so virtually all operations are only used by the "menu call button" and the touch panel. Of course, this may give a different impression to people who are not used to touch screens, but in these days, there are many people who are used to the smartphone interface, it is sure to make this operation easier.

On the other hand the fenix 5x and MZ-500 require a variety of use of five buttons placed on the left and right to invoke and set up many complex functions. In particular, it is difficult to intuitively perform each operation with Garmin, so you must first take your time to "memorize" the names of the functions, the location of the menus, and the respective operations. Personally, I find it difficult to do the quirky operation of "long-pressing the button" at various times. This is just a relative story.

The iconic operation was on the map screen. Let's compare them.

the WSD-F20 , you can just tap the buttons on the screen (it's not shown in the photo, but the "+" and "-" buttons appear on the screen, and you can zoom in and out by tapping it), or using familiar operations, such as swipe, pinch-in, or pinch-out. the fenix 5x , you can first display the map, but if you want to change the scale of the map, you will need to press and hold the menu button → change scale → change scale using the menu (UP) or DOWN button. Furthermore, if you were thinking of scrolling through the map, press the "upper right button" to change to either left or right or up/down movement mode, then use the UP/DOWN button to move it little by little... I would like the interface to be improved, which will reduce the desire to look at maps.

5. Battery life: Strong EPSON, GARMIN's performance, CASIO is on the passing point~

There are a complete answer on battery life based on specs, but in most cases it is just the theoretical maximum value. What more people would like to know is what it is when you use it in a specific activity.

So this time, we compared three tests of a day hike where we started at a fully charged state at the same time, and repeated battery capacity at the finish line. There was no significant difference in trends in all three sessions, so the table below introduces the results of one of them: "Day-trip climbing at Mt. Tanigawa (around 6 hours of its journey), and frequently displaying maps and other things."

As for the results, none of these are practical, but in terms of security, the consumption of the MZ-500 the fenix 5x is often done, but the WSD-F20 (however, if it were to turn on airplane mode, it would have been possible to reduce consumption even more).

Roughly speaking, the battery quality is probably proportional to the ease of viewing of the screen and the usability of the UI. Rather than being superior to the battery itself, it is more emphasised on the clarity of the display and high operability, and as a result, the battery life seems to be at a discount.

The only thing I'm not following is to follow, but the WSD-F20 , which consumes the most battery life, has the secret feature that other two models don't have, "can be used while charging*." If you're in a situation where the battery level is really bad, you can just stretch the cord directly from the mobile battery in your pocket to your wrist and charge it. *All models can be charged while measuring, so to be precise, it can be attached to your arm while charging.

Of course, the manufacturer does not particularly recommend it. Personally, stretched cords are clunky and can easily get caught, so I don't recommend them under any circumstances. However, it recovers quite a bit after a few minutes of charging, and there are many models of mobile batteries that are very compact even with large capacity, so I think it's actually a good way to use it. Above all, it is important to be able to devise an emergency method when it is really necessary.

Continued to part 2

So far, I've written about the appearance and general usability in the first half of the comparison review. Next time, we will finally take a deeper look at what you can do outdoors such as hiking, as well as the usability of the apps and sensors.

⇒ Go to Part 2 "6. Functionality and What You Can Do, 7. Accuracy"

[Reference] Comparison table for WSD-F20, fenix 5x Sapphire, MZ-500L specs

*Excerpt from the official websites

We also recommend this article about GPS clocks for mountain climbing.

• First Look: Casio PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20 What is the power of offline maps? I tried using it for a hike right away
• Review: Tips and tips for 100% outdoor use of the Casio PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20, you won't let go, even if you notice it.
• Review: Enjoy the winter outdoors with the winter-style Casio PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20X
• NEWS: SUUNTO has finally released a color LCD/touch panel GPS sports watch. SUUNTO SPARTAN series