I recently became a parent. For the first time, mind you. And being a techy, I almost immediately started researching baby tech when I found out I was pregnant. There are lists of baby monitors available in the market, and finding one that suited our needs was… a long and tedious process.

Now I’m a parent of a newborn, and the R14,000 Owlet Baby Monitor Duo 2 caught my attention due to its intriguing combination of video monitoring and wearable tech. The setup is almost like an Apple Watch for your infant (from birth up to 18 months), paired with a camera monitor to ensure your little one’s stats are good.

The full kit

The Owlet Baby Monitor Duo 2 arrives in two separate boxes — one for the Cam 2 and another for the Smart Sock 3. The packaging is well-designed and includes all the necessary components for installation.

Setting up the Cam 2 is relatively straightforward, whether you choose to mount it on a wall or position it on a flat surface. The magnetic base offers flexibility, but opting for the wall mount option requires a bit more effort. The pairing process, while generally smooth, may encounter occasional hiccups, especially during the QR code scanning step.

I should note here that you’ll need a WiFi network in your home, and that the system won’t work sans power. So if you’re opting for a WiFi baby monitor, you’ll need backup power of some sort, as well as continuous internet connectivity.

Owlet emphasises the devices’ security and privacy, assuring users of a secure, encrypted WiFi connection. It’s still a good idea to ensure security on your home WiFi network as an additional layer of defence. You don’t want creeps poking around in your baby’s room via the baby monitor.

Constant check-in

Equipped with 1080p HD video, night vision, and a wide-angle lens, the Cam 2 promises crisp and clear visuals. In practise, the video quality is impressive, capturing every detail with clarity.

However, we did experience a decrease in video quality during real-time use, particularly when streaming over WiFi. This issue could be attributed to transmission limitations rather than inherent camera capabilities. But it happened more than a few times in our testing.

It is nice to have the live feed on your phone though. Most people will have their smartphones with them at all times, so it’s super convenient.

That happens in the Owlet app, which serves as the central hub for monitoring your baby’s activities. It’s user-friendly and provides access to nursery streams, temperature/humidity readings, and two-way audio communication. Despite occasional lags in loading times and video quality fluctuations during motion or sound detection, the app offers essential features for remote monitoring and gives you peace of mind.

One notable feature of the Owlet app is its customisable notification settings. Users can tailor alerts based on sound, motion, or room comfort preferences. This is a very good idea. We found the default notification settings overwhelming as they’ll notify you of every movement and sound (newborns can be pretty active when they sleep).

We suggest fine-tuning the notification parameters to strike a balance between staying informed and avoiding unnecessary interruptions.

Baby’s first Fitbit

The Smart Sock 3 adds an extra layer of monitoring by tracking vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep.

Setting up the Sock is straightforward, guided by the app’s instructions. The soft fabric and sensor design offer a comfortable fit for your baby – it shouldn’t be uncomfortable for long-ish sessions on their foot during sleep.

It gives you real-time sleep quality indicators which offer valuable insight into your baby’s sleep patterns. From heart rate variations to oxygen level fluctuations, the app supplies a comprehensive overview of the baby’s sleep quality and metrics.

The app will alert you if the baby’s oxygen drops below a healthy range, transmitting the data via the base station which doubles as the sock’s charging port. This base station is essential for communication between the sock and the app.

And even when the app goes offline or WiFi disconnects, the base station still receives readings from the sock and alerts if anything goes wrong. You just won’t have real-time access to stats or the video feed in the app.

Owlet Smart Sock 3 and Cam 2 Verdict

The Owlet Baby Monitor Duo 2 presents a compelling proposition for parents looking to monitor their baby’s vitals and physical health. While the Cam 2 offers standard features found in its competitors, the addition of the Sock 3 sets it apart as a pretty solid sleep-tracking option.

As the technology evolves and user feedback offers improvements, the Owlet system has the potential to become a staple in modern parenting. The only serious consideration is the price. Almost R15,000 for a baby-compatible tracking system might seem like an overspend but that’s only a thought you have if it’s not your newborn being watched over.

Any active person will tell you using the right gear is crucial. If you’ve ever worn gym trainers on a run, you’ll know not all tekkies are created equal. And while Puma’s third Velocity Nitro running shoes might have ‘running’ in the name, their versatility surprised us.

Looks the part

The Velocity Nitro 3’s sleek silhouette gives off a streamlined, performance-driven vibe and while they might not be purpose built for sprints, if the vertical spoiler on the heel is anything to go by these probably won’t make you slower.

Adding to that is the Psychedelic Rush colourway. The vibrant colour is a definite head-turner and will not only add a pop of personality to your runs but could also make you feel like you’re flying through the streets.

If you’re going to be at it for an extended period, comfort should rank high on your list of running shoe must-haves. Luckily for our feet, the Velocity Nitro 3’s neutral design caters to a wide range of foot types, providing great support without feeling restrictive.

Fits like a… well-fitting shoe

Puma has added its PWRTAPE design to the Nitro 3’s dual-layer breathable mesh upper. This improves structure and support around the foot while the ample cushioning remains consistently comfortable whether you’re logging miles on the road, doing a speed session on the track, or hill repeats. This particular upper design also keeps the foot well aerated and is great for the warm weather. Thicker socks might be necessary as things cool down.

The Nitro 3’s ample cushioning comes courtesy of a double foam layer in the midsole. A soft and bouncy nitrogen-infused Nitro foam layer, which can be seen through a little window on the outsole, sits on top of a firmer and more protective EVA-based foam. Puma has included the latter to add some underfoot stability and the former so the name makes sense. The firm heel support increases the stability of the shoe and the new stretch flat laces hold firm with no slippage.

Read More: Puma Deviate Nitro Spectra review – At the end of the rainbow

Underneath, Puma has stuck with a PumaGrip rubber outsole. It provided good grip over a mix of terrains without issue and without adding noticeable weight to your feet. Puma reckons it should be good for about 800km (yes, shoes wear out like car tires), so it’ll be a while before you need to think about replacing them. Unless you really like running.

Puma Velocity Nitro 3 verdict

The Velocity Nitro 3 is a running shoe that proved to be rather versatile – not that we’d recommend them for hiking, more that we’d recommend them to any sort of runner. They’re suitably equipped for a range of running speeds and distances over just about any terrain, for newcomers and veterans alike.

At R2,600 they’re surprisingly affordable too, considering their comfort, versatility, and performance. If you’re serious about your running game and looking for a seriously comfortable yet versatile shoe for everyday runs, races, or quality sessions, the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 ticks every box.

In case the abbreviation and pictures weren’t a giveaway, it’s a heart rate monitor that’s designed to fit snuggly below your bosom and attach itself to a sports bra. We’ve tried our fair share of heart rate monitors, with and without sports bras, but when it comes to the former, the Garmin HRM-Fit is a great choice.

Health stats without the chaffing

Garmin has nailed the design with the HRM-Fit. Its sleek, compact profile sits comfortably against your body so it doesn’t interfere with your workouts. The soft, adjustable strap and three snap clips ensure a snug fit for people of all shapes and sizes without causing any irritation or chaffing, even during intense exercise sessions.

Whether you’re hitting the gym, riding a bike, pounding the pavement, or tackling a challenging trail, this heart rate monitor stays in place without any slippage, providing accurate stats throughout your workout. We loved that it allows for freedom of movement without the restriction of a band around your body.

However, you’ll want to make sure you have a tight-fitting medium- or high-support sports bra to ensure it sits flush with your chest. It won’t do much good if it’s allowed to dangle and flap in the wind or you finish your run with it around your waist.

It is, of course, water (and sweat) resistant up to 3 ATM so you don’t have to worry if it will survive a bit of sweat or the odd downpour but it wasn’t designed to be worn in the pool or submerged. There’s the Garmin HRM-Pro for that.

Accurate data right from the source

One of the standout features of the Garmin HRM-Fit is its accuracy. Powered by advanced sensor technology, it delivers precise heart rate data, allowing you to optimize your workout with real-time feedback.

Additionally, it seamlessly connects with various Garmin devices, and of course Training Peaks and Strava, to provide comprehensive health and activity tracking. You aren’t locked into the Garmin ecosystem, though, as it does support pairing with third-party devices too.

Battery life is a crucial factor for any fitness gadget, and the Garmin HRM-Fit doesn’t disappoint. It uses a small coin-sized CR2032 battery so you don’t have to remember to recharge it after every workout. In fact, with the quoted battery life of up to 12 months, you can pretty much forget about keeping it alive until it shouts at you for a new battery. Thankfully, swapping it out is as easy as snapping it onto your sports bra.

Garmin HRM-Fit verdict

In terms of value, the asking price of R3,400 is higher than other heart rate monitors on the market but the Garmin HRM-Fit is still an excellent investment for sports bra-wearing fitness enthusiasts seeking reliable heart rate monitoring.

Its unique design, coupled with its robust features and durable construction, make it a standout choice. Considering its accuracy, comfort, and compatibility with Garmin devices, it’s a worthwhile addition to any fitness arsenal. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a casual exerciser, this device delivers on its promises, empowering you to reach your fitness goals with confidence and precision.

What is Adventure Racing?

Adventure Racing (AR) is a grueling and exhilarating multi-day endurance event that challenges mixed teams of four to race through rugged terrain using a variety of outdoor disciplines such as trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, abseiling, and more, all whilst navigating an unmarked wilderness, strategically seeking out checkpoints (CP’s) laid out by the race course director, using only a topographical map and compass. The essence of adventure racing lies in teamwork, strategy, navigation skills, and the ability to adapt to unpredictable conditions.

The Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS), comprising some 69 regional races held around the world, uniting the world’s best endurance athletes, culminates in the AR World Championship. The first took place in 2001 in Switzerland and this year the AR World Champs found its way to African soil for the very first time. The 2023 Adventure Racing World Championships held in the scenic landscapes of the Kouga Region, South Africa, hosted by Expedition Africa, marked a monumental gathering of 109 teams, with a vibrant mix of 436 athletes representing 36 nations.

It wasn’t just a test of human endurance but also a proving ground for the Garmin Enduro 2 with its Adventure Race function and importantly, its exceptional battery life.

The race covered a staggering 839km, encompassing 10 legs, a 56km trek, 181km cycle, 80km trek (including an abseil), 10km trek, 65km kayak, 3km trek, 224km cycle, 64km trek, 124km cycle, ending with a 32km trek to the finish. The actual distance covered at the end depended on how accurately a team navigated the route, with most teams ultimately exceeding 900km.

The Garmin Adventure Race Activity

In terms of the ARWS Rules of Competition, GPS devices capable of displaying position, maps, routes, distances, or any other location information that may assist a team with navigation, are not permitted. However, Garmin (with its Adventure Race activity) is the only multisport GPS-enabled watch that is sanctioned and approved to be worn during an ARWS race.

Garmin offers adventure racing functionality in several watches within their extensive range of multisport and outdoor watches. The Garmin Enduro 2, designed with adventure in mind, incorporates features such as navigation, real-time performance metrics, and the dedicated Adventure Race function. Other models which include the Adventure Race feature are the Fenix 6 and Fenix 7.

A participant is required to have the watch registered with the race director before the start of the race so that it can be verified at the end of the activity to ensure it was only used to record the adventure race.

Once activated, the Adventure Racing activity will not show you a map or a track of your activity, permit the use of any Connect IQ apps, or allow access to any other features that would help you navigate the course except for the compass and altimeter features which continue to function while recording the activity.

All of the activity metrics, heart rate, speed, distance, etc., as well as your GPS position and route are still recorded in the background, allowing review of your path and activity data after the activity has ended and been uploaded to Garmin Connect or third party app such as Strava. This is great for those, like me, fascinated with delving into all of the data and allows checking of the actual route against the intended course set by the race organiser.

Once in the Adventure Racing activity, the watch sets alerts, laps, calibrate the compass, and stop the activity through the Action Menu by pressing the Start/Stop button and selecting an item. It shows a data page in the activity that gives your start time, and time passed since the start of the activity. It will stop the recording when the activity is saved, and a new activity must be started if you stopped the activity by mistake.

The following features are allowed to be accessed during an Adventure Race activity.

Data Fields

• Compass
• Elevation (autocalibration is disabled)
• Heart Rate
• Lap Time
• Rest Timer
• Time of Day
• Total Time

Functions

• Alarm Clock
• Eat/Drink Reminders
• Bluetooth and ANT+ Sensors (paired sensors will only report allowed data, such as heart rate, during the activity. Other data will be available in the activity summary after saving and syncing the activity.)

Features that are disabled during the activity are grayed out in the menus and the watch shows the message Adventure Race Active if you try to access these features. The disabled features will not resume functioning until the activity is stopped and saved or discarded.

An important part of adventure racing is managing sleep deprivation and choosing when and for how long to sleep or nap, where strategic naps can be a game-changer. Having access to the alarm during the race turned out to be crucial as you don’t need to worry that you are going to oversleep.

The watch resumes activity after a restart if you choose to do so. It will automatically prompt you to Resume or Save after a restart.

Design and Build

The Enduro 2 boasts a rugged design that reflects its commitment to endurance sports. The fiber-reinforced polymer case is paired with a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass DX lens, ensuring durability in challenging environments. Its adventurous spirit is further accentuated by the stainless steel or diamond-like carbon (DLC) titanium bezel options, providing a mix of strength and style.

It features a water resistance rating of 10 ATM and robust construction that can withstand shocks, ideally suited for the unpredictable nature of adventure racing. The rugged conditions of the AR World Champs really showcased the Enduro 2’s durability. It withstood bumps, scrapes, and challenging weather conditions with ease, emerging from the race unscathed and ready for its next adventure.

A favourite feature of the watch for me is the Enduro 2’s nylon and Velcro watch strap, with lightweight and breathable construction. Transitioning between different disciplines or adjusting the fit on the go was hassle-free and the secure fit ensured that the watch stayed in place during intense activities without any discomfort or irritation. The strap was durable, resisting abrasions and maintaining its integrity throughout the race.

Another great feature is the watch’s flashlight function. Although I did not want to use the light too much so as to preserve battery life, this came in really handy during the nights as I was able to turn on the flashlight at a push of a button if I did not have my headlamp or bike light nearby. You can also adjust the brightness and switch between a white and red light.

Battery Life

For me, the standout feature of the Enduro 2 is its remarkable battery life. With solar charging and customizable Power Manager, the watch can last for weeks using the Ultra Trac mode, even in the most demanding scenarios.

Power Glass Solar Charging Lens

At the heart of the solar charging function is the Power Glass lens, seamlessly integrated into the watch face, without compromising the watch’s aesthetics or adding unnecessary bulk. In fact you don’t even know it is there. This specialised lens is designed to convert sunlight into energy, effectively transforming natural light into a power source for the watch. The Enduro 2’s solar charging is remarkably efficient even in less-than-optimal conditions. This means that, whether you’re racing under the sun or navigating through overcast skies, the watch continues to charge and extend its battery life.

The Enduro 2 will not stop the Adventure Race activity when the watch is plugged in to charge the battery unless the watch is plugged into a computer. Even though the battery life is remarkable, over an expedition-length adventure race like the AR World Champs, you will still need to charge the battery at times. I was able to do this at one of the race transitions after two and a half days of racing when the battery life was still at 50%. I charged the watch a second time at about the seven-day mark when the battery was fully depleted. The watch died just as I was plugging it into the charger and I was very happy to see that the activity resumed without any hiccup as the watch restarted.

Garmin Enduro 2 verdict

Having faced the rigors of the Adventure Racing World Championships 2023, the Garmin Enduro 2 surpassed expectations. We clocked 196 hours and 44 minutes of racing, just over 900 kilometers and 16,412 meters of ascent, with more than 48,000 calories burned. For adventure racing enthusiasts seeking a durable and reliable companion, this watch is a standout choice. With its robust design, comprehensive Adventure Race functionality, and exceptional battery life, the Garmin Enduro 2 proves itself as a trusted partner capable of enduring the most challenging adventures.

• Richard Brown raced in the Truffle Hunters team at the 2023 Adventure Race World Championship

A Modest Look

The Watch GS 3 comes in a circular black low-carbon steel case, with two buttons, and two removable 22mm silicone rubber straps. The simple design, monotone colour, and rubber straps make the Midnight Black look sleek but unremarkable; it’s not exactly a design that jumps out at you from across the room. Other GS 3 designs include Classic Gold and Ocean Blue, which not only have a more vibrant colour but also include Nappa leather straps instead of black rubber, giving it a classic look that better complements casual to formal dress.

The Honor GS 3’s crown jewel is its 1.43 AMOLED display with a 326 ppi resolution, with a stylish curved bezel. It displays vibrant colours and deep blacks, allowing small text to remain highly legible even in bright conditions. The toughened glass doesn’t easily scratch even after a few bumps and falls.

You can customise the lower button to instantly open any function you set it to, though the Watch does not support third-party apps, meaning your music is limited to what you can fit into the 4GB storage or your stream from your phone. The 451mAh battery boasts a total of fourteen days of regular use on a full charge, reduced to 30 hours with GPS used consistently. A mere five-minute charge will give you a full day’s functionality and the GS 3 reaches 100% in an hour.

Health is Wealth

A central theme to the Watch GS 3 is an emphasis on health and wellness. One of its best features has it detecting when you’ve already begun exercising and automatically start tracking your progress. And while the Midnight Black’s rubber strap lacks ideal style and comfort, it’s great for someone who plans to primarily use this wearable tracker while active.

From the home screen, you can access six modes by swiping: the heart rate, stress, and weather monitors, a music player, and a summary of your daily activity. Pressing the lower of the two buttons (which is also customizable to any function) will take you to the Workout menu, which includes over 100 exercise modes.

If you don’t like your current home screen display, the Honor Watch GS 3 comes with around thirteen built-in watch faces, and you can download hundreds more via the Honor Health app. A quick installation of the Health app on your phone gets you real-time updates on your health like heart rate, distance travelled, and a calories burned estimate. Take this last estimate with a grain of salt though, as it only operates on distance travelled.

Read More: Honor 90 5G review – Guest of honour

So if you’ve spent all day lounging at your cubicle but have been doing bicep curls non-stop, all that activity will be lost on the sensors, making ‘calories burned’ relevant mostly to outdoor runners, hikers, or cyclists. In the long term, the app tracks your sleep, stress levels, blood oxygen (even warning you when it’s low), VO2Max, and overall fitness age. If you find all this information a tad overwhelming, you can access pre-made workouts geared toward your personal fitness status and goals.

Better tracking tech

Two elements of innovation allow the GS Watch 3 to track data with increased accuracy: an eight-channel heart rate sensor, supported by an AI-enabled algorithm, determines your heart rate with (a claimed) 97% accuracy and its dual-frequency GNSS makes tracking your movements more accurate by having a second sensor that activates when Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is lost for whatever reason. As far as software and processing are concerned, there is a slight lack of fluidity in response that is expected from higher-end processors, though this is barely noticeable during daily use, and is standard for a mid-budget smartwatch. And if you like to swim, the Watch GS 3 boasts a rating of 5ATM – it can survive beneath as much as 50m of water.

Beyond health and wellness, the watch comes with a slew of features for everyday life such as a compass, torch, and barometer. Sliding up opens the notifications tab, though unfortunately, this is only for WhatsApp, Skype, Gmail, Twitter, and Honor Health. The AMOLED screen, and clear speaker and mic make answering calls and messages on the go a breeze.

Honor Watch GS 3 Verdict

The Honor Watch GS 3 is not currently available for sale in much of Africa. Egypt is the only African country you can purchase it, where it’s currently retailing for around R3500. That’s a pity. It comes with many of the fitness features that you can find on high-end watches, without sacrificing much on things like battery, processing power, and screen quality. A great mid-budget smartwatch for someone with versatile needs, its plethora of features it does offer makes it great value for money.

Very few iPhone owners are going to give up their smartphones for a watch – as would be the case with other Android manufacturers which only let their watch connect to their phones.

So one of Stuff‘s iPhone-owning triathletes was able to really test the stylish Watch GT4 – using it with their phone as they would with their Garmin 6S Sapphire.

Easy on the eyes

Huawei seems to know the market for ladies’ watches is as much focused on style as it is on functionality. One of the first things that catch the eye is the watch’s aesthetics. The smaller 41mm model has a slim pendant design, with a gold bezel and white leather strap. If you’d prefer something different it also comes in an all-black design with a black rubber strap or a light gold frame with a pale gold Milanese band.

Want something larger and ‘rugged’? The 46mm Watch GT 4 has a striking octagonal design and is available in the same all-black stainless steel case with black rubber strap, a silver stainless steel body and brown leather strap, or a slightly different silver stainless steel case with a few green flourishes to compliment the green woven composite strap.

The array of features on offer is tailored for both athletes and weekend hackers. We found it a valuable companion for those crazy people who push their limits in triathlons. The round 1.32in AMOLED display features a 466×466 resolution with a crisp 352ppi (pixels per inch) pixel density. This makes text and graphics clear and easy to read. The 46mm model bumps the screen size up to 1.43in with the same resolution and a slightly reduced 326ppi. You can customise the watch faces of both models with a range of options from classic to modern, digital or analogue.

A wrist-based picture of health

Downloading the Huawei Health App took three minutes on our iPhone. Once paired, it mirrored the phone’s notifications for calls, messages, and apps. It offers a few glanceable ‘service widgets’ for its health-tracking functions, productivity-focused tasks, and quick workout mode selection. Being able to control your music is useful for workouts.

The built-in GPS accurately records your outdoor activities, including running, cycling, and open-water swimming. The watch carries an IP68 rating and can withstand up to 50 metres underwater. If you plan to do a lot of swimming then it’s probably best to avoid the white or brown leather straps. We doubt they’re made of real leather but didn’t want to risk ruining the strap.

As a triathlete, you need a watch that can seamlessly transition between different sports modes. The Watch GT 4 allows you to monitor and track your performance in each discipline, giving you accurate insights into your pace, distance and heart rate. If running, swimming, or cycling aren’t your preferred method of self-torture, there are plenty of other sports modes supported, including Padel, as we discovered.

The SpO2 sensor gives insights into your blood oxygen levels, which can be crucial during high-intensity workouts. It is also useful for recovery periods.

Sleep and recovery are always important for athletes. Huawei has included its TruSleep 3.0 technology to record sleep patterns. Sleep Breathing Awareness also shows up in the Watch GT 4. It’ll look out for abnormalities in your breathing while you’re asleep. After showing you your sleep time, and habits, it also offers suggestions on how to improve your sleep quality.

The Watch GT 4’s battery life is impressive. Huawei reckons the 41mm model will last up to a week on a single charge with the 46mm variant extending that to two weeks. It does specify the usage conditions for those timeframes in the fingerprint and quotes a more modest 8-day and 4-day lifespan under ‘regular’ use for the 46mm and 41mm models respectively. If you’re fond of the Always-On Display, you can expect closer to 4 days and 2 days.

The only downside is the lack of support for some third-party apps, specifically Strava and Training Peaks, if you want to download programs from a coach. As they say “if it isn’t on Strava you didn’t do it”.

These are expected to be added in the near future.

Huawei Watch GT 4 verdict

The Huawei Watch GT 4 offers a great balance between style and substance. It has an elegant design, impressive health and fitness tracking features, and a (potentially) long battery life. These make it appealing for anyone looking for, either, a fashionable smartwatch to go with their active lifestyle, or for an athlete seeking a fashionable yet capable smartwatch.

Both 46mm and 41mm models come with a R7,000 price tag and are available from Huawei’s online store or physical shop from today, 06 October.

Impressive things right now are also good. That’s just what the Apex 2 Pro supplies. It bloody better, at its R13,000 price point. This wearable is a multidisciplinary gadget but we… are not. This review is mostly based on its run tracking and features but we’ve got no doubt that biking, hiking, swimming, and whatever else you do to sweat will result in similar performance. That’s a very good thing.

Armed and ready

This is definitely a fitness watch, though it’s not as absurdly bulky as other contenders we’ve seen. Ours arrived in black, with a nylon strap that brought to mind cheaper waterproof watches from the 1990s. Said strap is just a little cocky. It’s emblazoned with the phrase ‘Experience Perfection’. Calm down there, buddy.

It may have something to brag about, though. Once it was secured in place, nothing short of an actual shark would tear it from your wrist. Okay, maybe a traffic accident would do the job as well. Taking a tumble at the midpoint of an ultramarathon? Yeah, the Apex 2 Pro will come off better than you will. Even the screen will take less damage.

The Pro’s body is a 46mm case encircling a 1.3in 260 x 260 colour touchscreen. It lacks the punchy colour reproduction of an OLED but the display will handle all but the brightest of days. If you’re clever about your screen settings, perhaps it’ll even step beyond that particular challenge. The case has two basic physical buttons on either side of a dial that is used for menu navigation. It’s also used to unlock the watch — long-pressing on the knob notifies this device that you’re able to tweak settings. After that, any mistakes are purely human error. Like, say, erasing all of your training data instead of saving it. Yeah, that’s all your fault.

Another wearable, another proprietary charger. We’ve long since given up on anything like consistency when it comes to charging wearables but it would be nice to be surprised. The Apex 2 Pro features a small three-pin connector that plugs into the underside of the watch. If it breaks, you’ll have to replace it. You’re not going to find anything lying around your home that’ll get the job done.

Learning curve

Once you’re set up — a process that took us longer than we would have liked — it’s time to start learning how this thing actually works. If you’re coming from Garmin’s ecosystem, this is actually a step down in complication. The Apex 2 Pro is somewhat user-friendlier but you’re still being asked to take in loads of new tracking data. If you’re scaling up from a Fitbit, for instance, and don’t have a coach to explain what’s going on then you’re probably going to have some homework to do. The app itself also takes some getting used to but it’s worth taking the time to delve into it. Even if you’re just bumbling around, it won’t take long before you’re downloading training programs that you’re totally going to use this time.

The app tracks everything. That’s the usual stuff, like steps, distance, elevation, heart rate, as well as more specific data like cadence and stride length, if running is your exercise of choice. It goes even deeper, with VO2 max and performance data on hand (kinda — it’s mostly in the app). Threshold power is another tracking metric and, if you really must have an excuse not to work out, there’s also a muscle heat map and recovery data in the app, based on your last workout. It said we should rest for at least 48 hours and it’s awfully cold this morning so… okay, fine, we’ll go for a run. You don’t have to nag.

Performance review

Having your performance metrics on hand means it’s easier to create workouts that will elevate your performance instead of just faking it until you strain something. There are a broad range of pre-made workouts that can be downloaded. Via QR code, mostly, and that’s not always the most accurate system. We had a few workouts that just wouldn’t agree to be downloaded and with no other options we had to opt for something else we weren’t going to take seriously either. There are options for getting off the couch for the first time as well as intensive training programs for tackling (or shaving minutes off of) a marathon. If you do decide on something custom, you’ll find the creation options from Coros are powerful enough to hit all the notes you’re after.

If the Coros Apex 2 Pro sounds like it’s all about the workouts, you’d be entirely correct. Yes, it’ll transmit emails and messages to your wrist, and even notify you of phone calls but that’s where those features end. You’re not going to set it up as a payment device — it lacks the hardware for that — and there’s no option to stream music using the watch either. There’s storage, if you’re fine with porting over MP3 files. 32GB of space is plenty for workout playlists but we didn’t bother. Our phone was around anyway and using Spotify is far more convenient.

No, you’re here for the fitness tracking, coaching suggestions, workout support, and battery life. Didn’t we mention that yet? The Apex 2 Pro is a battery wonder. It’ll run for a month if you don’t use any of the workout features — filtering emails doesn’t count as exercise — and it’ll go for a solid 70+ hours with the GPS enabled. That’s far longer than we (or you) can work out in a single session so as long as you don’t forget to charge it, it’ll outlast anything you have in the tank. Okay, maybe David Goggins can beat this thing but we have no shot at it.

Coros Apex 2 Pro verdict

If you’re looking for something outside the world dominated by Garmin to see what other brands can do, the Apex 2 Pro is a decent introduction to your options. It’s sturdy enough to survive any of the workouts it’s capable of tracking and smart enough that it’ll help you to build yourself to that same level of toughness. As a fitness support tool, it’s worth the cash. The lengthy battery, broad GPS support (it covers all available options), offline maps and (sort of) uncomplicated app make it all the more attractive as a workout companion. But since it lacks streaming and NFC support, it doesn’t quite offer the perfection it brags about on the nylon wrist strap.

Slick, subtle, simple

The lightweight Huawei Watch Fit is probably one of the more subtle smartwatches out there with that 1.64in AMOLED display in a 21g body. The fully touch 256 x 280-pixel display looks crisp and at certain angles like it covers the entire watch face. It takes close inspection to see the pixels and bezel. Barring the straps and the screen, the body is made entirely of plastic which should explain its weight. The only protrusions are one side button, which takes you to the menu, and a small rear bump where you’ll find the sensor. The indentations on the back are two magnetic points for charging and, at the narrow edges, watch strap clips. A screwdriver is necessary to remove the clips and replacement straps can be bought for R190.

The interface is easy on the eye and easy to navigate. Swiping the screen to either side gives you quick access to, your heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep score, weather, and your activity goals. The heart rate monitor came in handy when we first received the watch at the Huawei wearables launch. We realised the following morning that all we had to do to start the workout was press the button to open the menu. Your workouts and records are found there along with some other handy apps like the remote shutter and find phone. Apps like the timer, torch, and do not disturb are found in the pulldown menu. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The interface is prone to a few lags. Not a major issue but we’ve double pressed start for our timer which extended our workout time.

From zero to hero

There aren’t many workouts supported at first glance but they should cover most options. Running, cycling and swimming will handle most workouts like football, water polo, or a triathlon. Jump rope, Elliptical, and Rowing round out the rest and you can track general calories and heart rate with the “Other” feature. The preset running courses offer basic walk/run courses for beginners, long slow runs for experienced runners, and HIIT for more focus on power. These make exercise very accessible and engaging at different levels. 

The Huawei Watch Fit’s Health Clover is a fun feature for a more holistic approach to health. The three leaves of the clover measure your steps, your sleep, and your mood. Steps and sleep are pretty intuitive and don’t take much conscious effort. Just set goals, strap the watch on your wrist, and fill your leaves. Conscious effort is required for the “mood” leaf though. To fill it you need to perform the breathing exercises you can find in the menu. While a one-minute breathing session won’t necessarily immediately improve your mood, it is a healthy habit that the clover can help you build.

The activity goals measure your movement by calories, exercise by minutes active, and hours spent standing. When you check your app you’ll find a detailed breakdown of your steps,  distance travelled, and your climb if you went hiking. Beyond that, you also have achievement medals for reaching different milestones with special medals for completing various campaigns offered in the app. This offers fun ways to work out with friends, provided all your friends have Huawei watches.

The Huawei Health App is not only how you get the most out of the watch, but it’s necessary to activate the device. That wasn’t an issue for us since our Huawei Mate 50 had the app preinstalled. If you don’t have a Huawei smartphone you’ll have a few more hoops to jump through. Make sure that you have the Huawei App Gallery downloaded and that you download the Health App from there. Don’t skip getting a Huawei ID or you may search for the watch and never find it. The location feature rather relies on it. 

The power of value

The Huawei Watch Fit’s battery promises up to ten days of battery life, which is not what we experienced. We only got to about five days out of it with normal use which was two or three logged workouts that used GPS and “Always on display” turned off. That’s not too bad when you can switch on power-saving mode to stretch your charge, but you don’t get that here. Getting from 0 to 100% charge doesn’t take you longer than 50 minutes if you connect it to Huawei’s 66w charging brick. Make sure you leave the watch face down when you charge it otherwise the charger may disconnect. That’s less than ideal.

It’s worth considering if it’s still worth buying the Huawei Watch Fit since its successor just launched. The Huawei Watch Fit 2 is currently on special on the Huawei website at R2 600 (usually R3 500). The main differences at a glance are a larger screen, Bluetooth calling, and app downloads. Our major concern is battery life since there’s no mention of an improved battery to support these new features. The Watch Fit is available for as low as R1 650 (in pink) and we believe that saving the R950 on the older model offers you the best value. Your own needs obviously vary — if you’re not after on-wrist calls, spending less money may be the path forward for you.

Huawei Watch Fit verdict

The Huawei Watch Fit is an easy watch to recommend to someone just starting their fitness journey. It’s lightweight with a crisp AMOLED screen and a design that doesn’t draw too much attention to itself. It has engaging fitness features that track your health and activity in a fun and colourful way. Huawei’s Health App is a good companion that expands on all the watch’s tracking. We would have appreciated some more battery life or a power-saving mode but five days off a one-hour charge is hard to complain about. If you’re thinking of getting the Watch Fit 2, we’d consider pocketing the R950 saving and getting another pair of straps for this one instead.

As chunky as it might seem, it’s made mostly of plastic so it’s much lighter than you’d expect at a first glance. For some that may be a turn-off, but rugged watches aren’t cheap, so one that makes high-end tracking accessible is always welcome. As great as accessible adventuring sounds, never forget the golden rule about stuff, where there is savings, there is compromise.

Chunky but not clunky

As chunky as the Amazfit T-Rex Pro may seem at first glance, it’s actually a remarkably comfortable watch to wear even with small wrists. Coming in at only 60g, only a gram more than Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Watch 6 classic. There was a time we genuinely looked around the entire Stuff office in search of the thing. Obviously, that means it was hiding on our wrist the entire time. In our defence, we were wearing a long-sleeve.

Closer inspection reveals the reason for the lightweight frame (for a rugged watch) is the materials used for the device. It’s entirely made of plastic, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it was made of metal due to the metal-spraying process it underwent during manufacture. Throw in the 15 military-grade tests that Amazift claims can resist heat, cold, humidity, salt spray and water submersion up to 100 metres. We had no plans to go to the Kalahari desert or Antarctica but we did play an entire national ultimate frisbee tournament and swam at the beach with no issues. 

The silicon “skin-friendly” strap is also worth mentioning. The holes that go all the way across the strap mean that any size wrist should be able to don the Amazfit T-Rex Pro without any hassles. When we say all the way across the strap, that includes the point where the strap meets the watch face. Unfortunately, this does present the possibility of it breaking if it hooks into something while going at high speeds. If you’re able to recover the watch after a breakage, don’t worry. There’s a wide range of strap options available at GeeWiz.

Inside the metal-spayed bezel is a 1.3in AMOLED touch screen. It’s surrounded by 4 textured buttons that offer an alternative to swiping on the screen. The clickiness of those buttons has a satisfying balance of soft and sharp. On the back, you’ll find the sensors surrounded by a light plastic with a matte texture that left our wrists a little drier than usual. If it wasn’t obvious, that’s a plus. The slight protrusion does have a proclivity to collect dirt in the crevice. It’s not a major issue, but if you like keeping a watch on 24/7, you’ll want to wipe it down regularly. 

Occam’s smartwatch

When it comes to internals, the T-Rex Pro’s operating system is relatively simple. Swiping up, down, left or right on the screen opens different menus and pressing and holding lets you swap watch faces. You can also navigate with the buttons. ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ do your scrolling with a button to ‘select’ and another to go ‘back’. When it comes to water sports, the screen automatically locks and the buttons become how you navigate through the watch.

The RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) is the same one used in medical pacemakers and air traffic systems. As mentioned in our BIP 3 Pro review, the simple operating system is one of the areas that makes AMazfit’s watches come in at such an attractive price tag. 

As simple as the operating system may be, that’s not how one would describe the Amazfit T-Rex Pro’s list of features. The first app you’ll see on the app tray is your PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) score which measures one’s heart rate in response to physical activity. The higher your heart rate and the longer you maintain it, the more PAI points you get for the day. The goal is to accumulate 100 PAI points in 7 days as that is “associated with a 25% risk reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality and 50 PAI/week provides 60% of the benefits.” This helps make the fitness experience feel more holistic because it’s measured over a week instead of event by event. 

While we’re on fitness, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro also offers 100 workout options with each of the workouts tracking relevant metrics. Climbing, for example, tracks your altitude. Skipping has a skip counter and football pauses the tracking at half-time. You can also add alerts to the workout to remind you to drink water, notify you at each kilometre on a run and more.

Unfortunately, a surplus of workouts and sports options doesn’t always mean they’ll be perfect. In some cases, we felt the workouts left a lot to be desired. The “Frisbee” workout function only measures calories burned and your heart rate when things like distance ran and halves would have been nice to have while in play. 

Adventures also have a handy companion in the Amazfit T-Rex Pro. Its positioning service combines GPS with your choice of BDS, GLONASS or Galileo positioning services which gives you more accurate location tracking. The barometer means you can track air pressure when on high-altitude hikes. Add a compass and the aforementioned 10 ATM grade and you have a companion at any altitude or depth.

All of the data tracked on the Amazfit T-Rex Pro is logged on the Zepp app, which you have to download before activating the watch. That dependency can be frustrating, with another instance being that the watch’s ‘Find my phone’ feature requires the app to be running to work. Otherwise, the app is pretty comprehensive and intuitive. It’ll log everything from the watch and log stuff like your height and weight. You know, regular fitness app stuff.

Run fat watch, run

Being a great companion is one thing, but being a present one is another story. That’s where the Amazfit T-Rex Pro shines. Because RTOS isn’t trying to be a smartphone on your wrist it won’t absolutely decimate your battery life. Under normal use conditions, which include utilising the always-on display, periodic workouts, and having power-saving mode turned off, the Amazfit T-rex Pro managed to last us five days at a time. In power-saving mode along with sporadic workouts, it went from 100% to 89% over a span of just over six days. 

A powerful battery isn’t only useful when going to remote locations, it’s also helpful if you’re the type to forget chargers when travelling around the place. When it comes time to use the charger, it won’t be for long. An hour takes you from 0 to 100%. The charger is magnetic with a very thin cable with a shape that the watch’s back bezel into quite snug with a standard USB-A end.  It won’t be a major issue if the cable doesn’t move around too much but does feel fragile.

Amazfit T-Rex Pro verdict

All in all, the chunky but lightweight Amazfit T-Rex Pro is a solid pick if you’re looking for a strong reliable smartwatch to track you and your workouts. While its body is mostly plastic, the 15 passed military-grade tests and 10 ATM-grade ratings do give us the impression that it could take most of what you throw at it.

The RTOS in the watch isn’t state of the art but that can be seen as a positive since it doesn’t put strain on the battery. There are some gaps to be found with some of the 100+ workouts, not tracking the stuff we’d have liked it to. But that’s just personal preference. Despite the Amazfit T-Rex Pro’s shortcomings no matter where your adventure takes you you’ll still feel like you got value for your R3300 spent.

Sporty Look

The Garmin 965, unlike its predecessor, comes only in one size, with a screen that measures 47.2mm. Athletes with smaller frames will find the watch is almost wider than their wrist. Initially, we thought this would be uncomfortable during the Comrades Marathon, but the larger watch was incredibly comfortable, and everything was just bigger and so much easier to see at a glance.

The other distinction between the Forerunner 965 and the Forerunner 955 is the titanium bezel which has been added without bringing significant extra weight to the 965.  At only 54g the 965 remains sufficiently lightweight. The watch comes in a grey titanium and a standard titanium bezel. The grey titanium watches have either a black or funky yellow strap, while the titanium bezel ships with a white strap. All are priced the same (a wallet-walloping R14,000) and, like most Garmin watches the straps are interchangeable.

The watch features a touchscreen and five control buttons. Three are arrayed on the left and two on the right, making it simple to use and navigate.  Garmin has made it easier for users to pause their runs by enlarging the start/stop button on the top right.  From a runner’s perspective, fiddling with screen-touch prompts when you’re at the start line of a race can cause misstarts, stress, and an elevated level of annoyance at your all-important run tracking. The touchscreen is automatically disabled during activities, or you can turn it off entirely and just use the physical buttons.

Screen Face Lift

Garmin’s premium running watch has been given a facelift. It features a bright, beautiful AMOLED screen with a 454 x 545-pixel resolution. This bright screen enables you to see clearly in all light levels, as it automatically adjusts to ambient conditions. The data was clear and easy to see during the Comrades Marathon, particularly at the start when it was dark and in the latter stages of the race when fatigue was setting in.  The clearer display was also large enough to fit more metrics on the screen and was easy to see at a glance, even in bright sunshine.

The Forerunner 965 supports up to six custom data fields per page and has no limit on the number of custom pages you can create per sport profile. There are additionally various stock graphical pages and gauge pages, like heart rate gauges, Stamina data pages, or a run power data gauge.

Battery Life

The Forerunner 965 lives up to Garmin’s reputation for offering devices with long-lasting batteries. The Forerunner 965’s battery life is equivalent to that of the Forerunner 955 even with the brighter screen. It has a battery life of up to 23 days when used only as a smartwatch. This drops to a 31-hour battery life when used solely for GPS and without any audio functions. It’s important to keep in mind that turning on the always-on display reduces the battery life in smartwatch mode to seven days. This still makes the Forerunner 965 a great option for multi-day excursions when you have no access to a charger as you’re basically choosing how long you’d like it to function for.

Morning Report

The new device also includes Garmin’s Morning Report, which gives you a summary each morning of how well you slept, how well you’ve recovered, and how hard you trained the day before, as well as extra information like the day’s weather. The report can be fully customised, and it gave us good luck messages in the run-up to Comrades before hiding any negative readiness data (because who sleeps well the night before a race?).

Sports Mode and Fitness Features

The Forerunner 965 supports a wide variety of sports modes. It’ll will keep you covered whether you’re exercising, swimming, cycling, playing golf, or engaging in a variety of other activities. Run, Treadmill, Bike, Pool Swim, Open Water Swim, Triathlon, Strength, Yoga, and many other modes are available, with precise information on distance, pace, heart rate, and other important metrics for each activity thanks to GPS and sophisticated sensors. The Forerunner 965 includes more sports modes than you will probably ever need. In fact, you’ll probably ignore most of them, but it’s reassuring to know that should you ever take up any of the activities your wristwear will be able to track it.

The Forerunner 965’s improved running dynamics offer comprehensive measurements, including cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and more. Running athletes can use these measures to examine their form and make adjustments to improve their performance and lower their risk of injury. The watch also supports more complex fitness routines, such as custom workouts, interval workouts, and training schedules which are created using Garmin Coach. With these characteristics, the Forerunner 965 is an invaluable tool for coaches and runners at all levels.

Maps and Navigation

With the Forerunner 965’s integrated GPS and GLONASS satellite navigation, the distance of our Comrades Marathon participation was accurately recorded. Additionally, the watch includes navigational tools like course direction which was useful for planning new shorter routes during the taper week of Comrades.  The colourful AMOLED screen, which is used to display the maps, makes them simple to read and navigate. The functionality of the watch is further increased by Garmin’s Connect IQ platform, which gives you access to a huge selection of individualized apps, data fields, and watch faces.

Garmin Forerunner 965 verdict

The Forerunner 965 is one of the most premium Garmin models in the market right now. It provides high-end features, offers reliable performance, and supports a robust sporty design. Its vast range of health and fitness functions, advanced running dynamics, and numerous sports modes make it a worthwhile investment for serious athletes even though its price sits far above that of entry-level running watches. The Forerunner 965’s lengthy battery life and sturdy design won’t let you down even during ultra events like the Comrades Marathon and it excels at providing precise health and fitness information. Whether you’re training for a marathon or are ready to start taking fitness more seriously, you’re going to want to check out the new Garmin Forerunner 965.

This review was written by Lianne Rey and edited by Brett Venter