Fastest review: Casio PRO TREK Smart WSD-F21HR The long-awaited heart rate measurement function has been added. Outdoor smartwatch for those who want to play seriously

Friday, September 13, 2019

Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

the CASIO PRO TREK Smart is here, a device you can really play with

The GPS smartwatch market is seeing new models released almost monthly. With the arrival of an app that allows offline hiking maps for the Apple Watch, the expansion of smartwatch usage is undoubtedly leading to increasingly fierce competition. Casio Computer, one of the few Japanese manufacturers to stand out amid this fierce competition among global brands, released the PRO TREK Smart series of , the WSD-F21HR (hereafter referred to as the F21) .

The highlight of this model is the long-awaited heart rate monitor function. And it's still in the same affordable price range as before. As always, we at this site are always given the opportunity to try out new models, so we were once again given the opportunity to try out a sample model before its release. So, what's new and, frankly, how does it feel to use? We'd like to quickly report on the details, comparing it with past models

table of contents

table of contents
Appearance and hardware
I actually used it on a hike
Summary: The outdoors becomes even more enjoyable when you realize the joy and safety of knowing how you walk and run

Appearance and hardware
I actually used it on a hike
summary

Appearance and hardware

The size returns to normal and the weight is reduced

First of all, let's check out the exterior. As the model number "F21" indicates, the body size, which was miniaturized in the F30, has returned the previous generation (F20) , measuring approximately 61.7 x 57.7 x 16.8 mm with the F21, giving it a somewhat bulky G-SHOCK feel. This may have been unavoidable due to the additional parts, but considering everyday use, the F30 had been more compact. However, considering the operability as a touchscreen watch, this size is just right in terms of actual operation, and you quickly get used to it, so I guess it's a matter of preference.

The F21 (center) is roughly the same size as the previous generation F20 (left), but it is still quite large compared to the F30 (right)

It weighs just 81g, which feels very light considering its size. It is about 10g lighter than the F20 (the previous generation), which is roughly the same size, and is even lighter than the latest, smaller model, the F30

Weight comparison between the F20 (left) and F21 (right). Considering the size of the body, the weight has been kept quite low. Incidentally, it is almost the same weight as, or lighter than, the latest F30

The soft urethane band is comfortable to wear. The buttons are still easy to use

The strap has definitely been improved. The soft urethane band remains the same width but is now slightly thinner and more flexible, and the buckle has two holes and a double pin to prevent slippage

The holes are closer together than ever before, allowing for more precise length adjustment, and the accordion-like play at the connection point with the case improves the fit, making it comparable to highly elastic silicone rubber straps

The soft urethane band of the F21 (right) is noticeably thinner and more flexible than the F20 (left). The holes are also closer together, improving adjustability and fit

The buttons remain the same as before, with a simple three-button configuration on the right side. The buttons are large enough to press even with gloves, have a satisfying click, and have guards to prevent accidental operation, making for a truly user-friendly feel. The basic functions accessed by the buttons are "Map," "App Menu," and "Activity (app)," but the freedom to customize them is also appreciated

I really like the feel of the F20 series buttons, which are easy to press and have a nice design

The UI of the dual-layer LCD display is almost the same as the latest version

the F21 is basically based on the F20, so the display is the same 1.32-inch (320 x 300 pixel) TFT LCD as the previous generation. However, the screen was already bright, high-resolution, and easy to read even in sunlight, making it a cut above other models, so there are no issues with visibility this time around either.

The high visibility of the Protrek Smart deserves more recognition

On the other hand, because the processing power is the same as the F30, with the exception of a few features, the software and interface are almost identical to those of the F30. For example, the dual-layer display, a major feature of the PRO TREK Smart series, is a key feature. The latest generation of power-saving monochrome display allows for a variety of display settings, including not only "date and time" but also "altitude, barometric pressure, and time all at once," and "battery level and pedometer."

The convenient monochrome display continues the evolution of the F30

I actually used it on a hike

The dedicated watch face "Heart Rate" is exciting to look at

I tried out the F21 for city runs, mountain climbing, and trail runs

The highlight of this new model is the heart rate measurement function. First, let's look at how this function is generally used. This model comes with a dedicated watch face called "Heart Rate" that displays the measured heart rate in real time (see photo below)

The latest watch face lets you see at a glance how active you were throughout the day. It would be great if you could save this data

Normally, the "maximum/minimum heart rate" and "heart rate zone history" for the past 24 hours are displayed around the edge of the watch face. When the built-in accelerometer detects walking, running, or cycling, the screen automatically switches to measurement mode and measurement begins. The "current heart rate zone" and "current heart rate + maximum/minimum heart rate for the day" are then displayed (see photo below). Recently, more and more people are using heart rate tracking to train efficiently, including in running, and this watch face makes your current condition clear at a glance, providing support for your training

When it detects movement, it goes into measurement mode. It's quite sensitive, so it sometimes activates even when you're just walking, which is a bit of a charm

The measured data is saved as history and can be exported to Google Drive, and you can

This heart rate measurement is always displayed in real time on the watch while it is being worn, but it seems that there is currently no function to record and save this as history in some app and use it like a life log. Personally, I was hoping to get ahead of myself and use it to maintain my health and improve my lifestyle, so this is a bit disappointing

However, when I asked Casio about this, they replied that they were "positively considering it," so it seems safe to expect a software update will be available at some point.

The greatly improved native app "Activity" has suddenly become a commonly used app!

Heart rate monitor integration makes it easy for anyone to walk without getting tired

If you want to take full advantage of the heart rate measurement function during activities like mountain climbing or trail running, it's more convenient to use the original app "Activity" than the watch faces mentioned above. Until now, I've only been using YAMAP, and honestly, I hardly ever used it, but with the F21, that relationship may change completely, no joke

The map is still as clear and easy to use as ever, so much so that I find myself opening the map much less often

One of the major advancements in the Activity app is the addition of "current heart rate (heart rate zone) and VO2MAX value" to the indicators that can be checked in real time while trekking. Furthermore, if you set your target heart rate zone in advance, it will notify you with a display and vibration when you exceed that zone. While other apps like Strava allow you to check this information in real time, YAMAP does not currently allow you to check or record it

What's useful about knowing your current heart rate (heart rate zone)? It's difficult to go into detail here, so roughly speaking, your heart rate is closely linked to the intensity of your exercise, and by looking at your heart rate you can see what percentage of your current physical limit you are working at. In other words, you can maintain an exercise volume that doesn't go too far, or conversely, do efficient training to improve your muscle strength and stamina, allowing you to exercise in the way you want without wasting time

If you set your resting heart rate and maximum heart rate, your current activity level and VO2MAX will be measured constantly like this

Another thing is that VO2MAX indicates the maximum amount of oxygen the body can take in per minute, and this value can give some idea of a person's endurance. Apparently the average for the average person is 40ml/kg/min, and the average for Olympic long-distance runners is said to be 80-90ml/kg/min, but there are no consistent results depending on the measuring device or statistics (in fact, the F21's VO2MAX value seemed a little low). Rather than looking at absolute values, isn't it better to enjoy watching your own values improve with training and experience?

Incidentally, I feel it would be a waste to just give a quick introduction here about tips for walking according to purpose using a heart rate monitor when hiking or trail running, and it's a topic I'd like to delve into a little more, so I'll go into more detail in my next review. Stay tuned!

New activity "Trail Running" added

The newly added Trail Running feature can also be used for trekking depending on the settings

Another not-to-be-missed addition to the Activity app is the addition of a "Trail Running" category. This displays both altitude information such as elevation and horizontal information such as distance and speed, providing a detailed display that was previously difficult to achieve when running or climbing. This alone is a significant improvement, but what's even more exciting is that it now also allows for flexible customization of the display content, something that was previously possible on other smartwatches for athletes, making it significantly easier to use

The default display items for the "Trail Run" activity are as follows:

"Map" screen
"Heart rate zone, current heart rate, distance, altitude" screen
"Altitude transition graph" screen

Basically, you can check the three indicators displayed on one screen by swiping sideways. The photo shows the "Heart Rate Zone, Current Heart Rate, Distance, and Altitude" screen

This can be customized by increasing the number of screens (plus a map) with the display items divided into upper, middle, and lower sections, up to four screens, and you can set each screen to display your preferred items in some detail. However, for some reason, VO2MAX value is currently not available as a customizable indicator for trail running or running (even though it can be checked by default for trekking!)

The number of screens and the content displayed on each screen can be customized using a simple UI similar to that of a smartphone screen

Once an activity is complete, the measured data is automatically backed up to Google Drive™, and you can view the activity data on your smartphone using Google Calendar™, etc. For trekking, the following data is recorded: "activity time / ascent and speed / descent and altitude/speed / is simply recorded: " activity time/ total distance, average pace/ average speed/ maximum speed, average heart rate, ascent and descent

It was also saved as an exercise in Google Fit, which displayed the route, exercise time, distance, steps, calories burned, and average pace

It's now possible to import routes and use it as a navigation system, making it incredibly useful!

Finally, a small but useful improvement. Before starting an activity, you can import a gpx file downloaded from YAMAP or similar, and display the route on the map in advance, allowing you to navigate while viewing the map. This is a subtle but useful feature, especially when you're on a snowy mountain where the path is unclear

Before starting the activity, the route imported from outside is being loaded

Finally, what about battery consumption?

Just to be sure, I also checked the battery consumption. The F21 does not have the power-saving mode (extended mode) that the F30 has, so I will be using it for normal use when hiking or trail running

I started the morning with the battery at 99% and used it without worrying about energy-saving settings like turning on airplane mode or minimizing the screen brightness, and when I reached the goal 6-7 hours later, including breaks, the battery was around 50%. I haven't done a strict comparison, but so far it seems to last about the same as normal use with the F30 series, meaning that even on long day hikes, you don't need to worry about needing to turn on the energy-saving settings

This is the battery consumption when I left just after 7:00 AM and descended the mountain around 1:30 AM. I didn't turn on airplane mode or anything like that

Summary: The outdoors becomes even more enjoyable when you realize the joy and safety of knowing how you walk and run

PRO TREK Smart not only comes equipped with a heart rate monitor, but also comes with a comprehensive app that makes effective use of it . It's sure to offer a new way to enjoy mountain climbing for those who have never used a smartwatch to analyze their activity data. And PRO TREK Smart as a kind of toy because it couldn't collect detailed data, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to use, overturning that impression. And let's not forget its attractive cost performance, which rivals its competitors.

Compared to the F30, the size is less suitable for everyday use, but on the other hand, it can be said that this is a more satisfying device for outdoor users who want to enjoy playing outside seriously as an outdoor smartwatch

Next time, I would like to review practical usage for different uses and purposes to further utilize this smartwatch with a heart rate monitor. Please note that the sample unit borrowed this time is still under development, so the actual specifications may differ from those of the final product.

For more details or inquiries, please the official product page here .

In addition, useful information and the latest information from the manufacturer are posted on the PRO TREK Facebook page