Coros Pod Review
Recently, I got to try the Coros Pod. After running New York and taking time off, I didn’t explore all of the features the Coros Pod has. It didn’t make sense to review the Coros Pod before diving in and trying out various features.
I learned more about my running with the Coros Pod in a few weeks than the last several years combined.
First and most importantly, what is the Coros Pod?
The Coros Pod provides advanced metrics, including power and form data. This data can help turn you into a smarter and more efficient runner.
How does the Coros Performance Pod Work?
The Coros Pod uses a ratio of speed to power-to-weight measures how much energy is involved in propelling your body forward. For those who don’t know (I didn’t before using the Coros Pod), when your speed increases and power decreases, you improve your efficiency. By becoming more efficient, running becomes easier. Is it ever “easy”? No, but it does become easier.
What kind of data do you get with the Coros Pod?
- Cadence
- Stride Length
- Left/Right Balance
- Stride Height (Vertical Oscillation)
- Stride Ratio
- Running Power
- Run Efficiency – derived from running power
So Here is a More In-depth Look at Some of Those Features:
The Coros Performance Pod Calculates Cadence and Stride Length:
Most watches these days will calculate your cadence and stride length, including the watch I already use: The Coros Apex. However, no watch is perfect, not even Coros.
So why use the Coros Pod if your GPS Watch already calculates that? The Coros Pod also calculates Stride Height, Ground Contact Time and Left/Right Balance.
I also learned, when running and by staying closer to the ground, and having a faster cadence running becomes “easier.” I think the left/right balance is one of my favorite features of the Coros Pod.
Using the information from the left/right balance, I learned what I need to work on to run healthier. I never realized my left side was stronger. However, it does make sense since my right side has had more of the injuries lately. While .4 doesn’t seem like a lot, it’s a fairly substantial amount.
The Coros Performance Pod Calculates Power:
The Coros takes into account weight, speed and several other inputs to calculate your Running Power. Not only will the Coros Pod calculate your power horizontally, but it will also do so laterally, vertically.
Do you Need a Coros Watch to use the Coros Performance Pod?
No, but as someone who uses the Coros Apex, I do recommend any of the Coros GPS watches from the Coros Apex Pro to the coros vertix. If you already use a Coros GPS watch, existing Coros users just put the watch in run mode and go.
In fact, you can use the Coros Pod alone if you prefer. To pair the Coros Pod, you just download the Coros App and start running. Running with just the pod will tell you all of the information like heart rate, stride cadence, and running efficiency without feeling tied to a watch. For some people who prefer to run naked and not know the pace, they can tell their information without a watch. I do appreciate that I can know the information without ever using a watch. When you’re done with your run, the Coros pod will sync with the app and track your run.
You can also sync the Coros Pod with third party social media sites like Straa and Training Peaks.
Will I feel the Coros Performance Pod While Running?
No. I’ve run just over 100 miles with the Coros Pod and it’s neer inhibited my run. I even raced with it once and it didn’t fall off or bop around. I highly recommend it for someone who wants the features of a GPS watch but doesn’t necessarily want a watch on their wrist.
If you’re interested in the Coros Pod, it’s available here.
You can read more gear reviews here.
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Questions for you:
Do you have a stronger side?
What is your favorite piece o running technology?