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 2]
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
Summary - What are the recommended types? ~
We have compared three typical GPS outdoor watches for mountaineering in a variety of ways. As I have mentioned several times in each category, models with a higher price will not be more satisfying in all respects, and it seems that the outdoor watch that is just right for you will be determined by the user's purpose and purpose (what you want in the watch).
Finally, we'll summarize some of the recommendations for each purpose that we learned through this trial. In any case, there is no doubt that it is a gear that has the charm of being unable to let go of once you use it. Choose wisely and enjoy the outdoors more.
CASIO PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20
A balanced, easy to use, convenience, versatility, durability, accuracy, all-round outdoor watch for everyone
In short, the most convenient and recommended for anyone is Casio's PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20. When it comes to sports watches, models that can measure, record and analyze more maniacally tend to be popular, but in reality, there are quite a few people who use these. If you're using an outdoor watch with these smart features for the first time, I think there are many people who just want to see maps anywhere, keep a solid basic records for mountain hiking, and then use it without any stress For such users, this model is perfect.
It is safe and durable even outdoors, but the map is the easiest to read, and it is smartphone-like and easy to operate. For mountain climbing, there are apps that cover YAMAP and a wide range of other activities. Furthermore, Google-related apps, which are convenient for everyday use, are also very promising.
However, to put it simply, for those who want to master the apps, I think the current apps will feel unsatisfied. If someone who has been skilled in sports watches to some extent, such as not being able to get a heart rate, not being able to measure pitch or stride (when running), not having a temperature sensor, poor battery life, or not having dedicated activity management software tailored to the device's performance, choose this to further pursue it, (at this time), you may be disappointed.
GARMIN fenix 5x Sapphire
The best companion for ambitious athletes who record, analyze and support everything they need to improve their performance.
On the other hand, I had some predictions, but beyond my expectations, I was surprised that the Garmin fenix 5x was so amazing that I could do such a small detail. A variety of sensors including an optical heart rate monitor and the dedicated performance management and analysis software "Garmin Connect" brings together countless functions.
What's overwhelmingly superior is its performance measurement and analysis functions for running activities . This is not possible with other models at all. If you can see your VO2Max value gradually approaching professional athletes' values through training, then there is no better ally to maintain the motivation of runners aiming for higher levels.
However, to put it bluntly, these are important for athletes aiming to achieve good race results, but they may not be that necessary for fan runners who want to enjoy themselves first, or for hikers who can adequately use basic navigation and tracking features. After all, in order to fully utilize these powerful measurement functions, you need to use the tedious and complicated operations and settings to train yourself daily, and continue wearing them when you sleep. Users who purchase simply because of the convenience of offline maps and navigation are surprised by the still-developed map display function, and are unable to hold its multifunctionality, and can easily predict that they will struggle with the hassle of button operation.
What I felt this time was that the reason for the high price is not because of its ultimate comfort, but rather because it is devoted to measuring and recording the information that is desired so much that it can come from the throat. For those who are satisfied with this, they will definitely be the best companion worth the price.
EPSON Wristable GPS for Trek MZ-500
Recommended for those who want to use mountain climbing and running only, measuring, navigation and recording functions as affordable as possible, and with peace of mind for long periods of time.
Even if you cannot perform as diverse and complex analysis as Garmin, you want to achieve the necessary functions at a cheaper price. It doesn't have to be color offline maps like Casio or versatility, so it's even simpler, with navigation, measurement and recording functions for mountain hiking and races, and I don't want to worry about battery as much as possible. For those people, we recommend this MZ-500. Especially since it is a monochrome LCD, the battery life is outstanding compared to the other two . It is true that there are only two functional options: trekking mode and running mode, but by narrowing it down to these two, it is relatively easy to operate in each mode, and the information displayed is simple and easy to read.
As this model was released a while ago, it cannot be denied that the interface is cheap. However, this comparison shows that we have not yet completely thrown away the basic measurement data details and accuracy, as well as a variety of slightly clever functions such as navigation using registered maps. It also has a sense of stability as a domestic watch. This model, the cheapest of all the comparisons we have seen, can be said to be the most cost-effective model if it is limited to its use as an outdoor watch for mountain climbing (running).
[Reference] Comparison table for WSD-F20, fenix 5x Sapphire, MZ-500L specs
*Excerpt from the official websites
| Item name | CASIO PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20 | GARMIN fenix 5x Sapphire | EPSON Wristable GPS for Trek MZ-500L |
|---|---|---|---|
| exterior | ![[Casio] CASIO Smart Outdoor Watch Pro Trek Smart GPS equipped WSD-F20-BK Men's](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71XEAKZHhCL._SS300_.jpg) | ![GARMIN Multi Sports Watch fenix5x Phoenix5x Sapphire Sapphire GPS Watch [Genuine Japanese Product] 010-01733-13](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81T7Z88U6yL._SS300_.jpg) | ![[EPSON Wristable GPS for Trek] EPSON Wristable GPS for Trek Running Mountain Climbing GPS 3D Elevation Navigation MZ-500L](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91pZnWLsgML._SS300_.jpg) |
| Reference price | 55,080 yen | 107,784 yen | 42,984 yen |
| weight | Approximately 92g | Approximately 98g | Approximately 67g |
| size | Approx. 61.7 x 57.7 x 15.3 mm | 51.0 x 51.0 x 17.5 mm | Φ47mm t=17.6mm |
| Display size | 1.32 inches | 1.2 inches | |
| Display type | Inorganic glass/Capacitive touch panel (supports anti-fouling coating)/Two-layer color TFT liquid crystal (320 x 300 pixels) + monochrome liquid crystal | Sapphire lens/240 x 240 pixels, semi-transparent MIP color display | Mineral glass (anti-fog treatment) |
| Touch screen | 〇 | ― | ― |
| Band exchange | △*Available in band exchange. | 〇 | ― |
| battery | [No GPS used] (varies depending on the usage environment) Normal use (color display): Approximately 1 day Normal use (color display auto-off※): Approximately 2-day dc only (timepiece mode): Approximately 1 month or more [When using GPS] (varies depending on the usage environment) Positioning per second (color display): 6-8 hours (precision priority) / Approximately 18 hours (battery priority) Positioning per second (color display auto-off※): 7-9 hours (precision priority) / Approximately 25 hours (battery priority) Intermittent positioning (color display): Approximately 1 day (6-minute interval positioning) Intermittent positioning (color display auto-off※): Approximately 2 days (6-minute interval positioning) * When not operating, the clock display will automatically switch to monochrome LCD clock display. | Up to 12 days (watch mode + optical heart rate monitor) / Up to 20 hours (training mode + GPS mode + optical heart rate monitor) / Up to 30 hours (ultra track mode + optical heart rate monitor) | [When using a watch (Note 1) (Note 2) (Note 3)] Approximately 24 days (when the activity meter is on) Approximately 30 days (when the activity meter is off) [When using GPS] Approximately 46 hours (high-precision mode, GPS per second positioning) (Note 3) (Note 5) Approximately 110 hours (long-time mode, intermittent GPS positioning) (Note 3) (Note 4) (Note 6) (Note 1) When auto sleep is enabled in our environment. (Sleep time: 14 hours/day) |
| GPS | Compatible with GPS, GLONASS, and Michibiki | Compatible with GPS, GLONASS, and Michibiki | GPS and Michibiki compatible |
| Offline color map | 〇 | 〇 | ― |
| sensor |
|
|
|
| microphone | 〇 | ― | ― |
| Waterproof | 5 atm | 100m | 10 Atm (100m) |
| Durability | MIL STANDARD compliant | ||
| Operating temperature | -10℃ ～ +40℃ | -20℃ ～ +50℃ | -20℃ ～ +60℃ |
| ABC (compass, barometer, altimeter) function | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 |
| Thermometer | ― | 〇 | 〇 |
| Sunrise and sunset | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 |
| Activity meter | 〇 | 〇 | △ (Only when measuring) |
| Pedometer | 〇 | 〇 | △ (Only when measuring) |
| Sleep Monitoring | ― | 〇 | ― |
| Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connection | 〇 | 〇 | Bluetooth only |
| Smartphone integration | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 |
| Smartphone notifications | 〇 | 〇 | △*Mountain disaster information only |
| Course navigation | ― | 〇 | 〇 |
| Goal setting | Can be set using the standard app "ACTIVITY" | 〇 | 〇 |
| Waypoint registration | Recordable using the standard app "LOCATION MEMORY" | Approximately 1,000 | 100 |
| Distance Record | Recordable using the mountaineering app "YAMAP" | 〇 | 〇 |
| Pace Recording | Recordable with "Strava" etc. | 〇 | 〇 |
| Advanced Record | Recordable using the mountaineering app "YAMAP" | 〇 | 〇 |
| Location Record | Recordable using the mountaineering app "YAMAP" | 〇 | 〇 |
| Record of calories burned | Recordable with "Strava" etc. | 〇 | 〇 |
| Heart rate measurement | ― | 〇 | ― |
Pitch Cadence Measurement | Recordable with Runkeeper, etc. | 〇 | 〇 |
| Data and Record Management Services | ― | Garmin Connect | NeoRun |
| Smartphone app | CASIO MOMENT SETTER+ | Garmin Connect App | Run Connect App |
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
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