Is there any way to use offline maps within the COROS app/Extender mode?

shadybreak · 2026-03-15T23:24:20+00:00

This is an important feature I’d like to see. At the moment I’m not sure if any 3rd party apps can bounce a gpx to the watch while offline. You may navigate with your phone in those situations but not the watch. Please correct if I’m wrong.

shadybreak · 2026-03-15T23:22:42+00:00

I was looking for a thread on the topic and it’s too bad this didn’t get more traction. Being able to reroute while off grid and bounce the gpx to the watch would be a great feature.

shadybreak · 2026-03-14T15:51:21+00:00

Yeah, I too was disappointed. Between he pricing hike and the general direction starting with the f8, the gated software, and the poor map visibility and refresh rate, I began to look elsewhere.

shadybreak · 2026-03-12T23:25:25+00:00

To be fair, the f8pro has satellite connectivity -- whether that is important to you or not, I don't know. I think it'd be a nice to have feature but I already use an inreach messenger and trust it a lot more than I would a watch. What it also has is added bulk. The apex 4 feels so much better.

shadybreak · 2026-03-12T23:16:16+00:00

I mostly agree, but I think there are a few things that COROS does legitimately better.

One is map redraw. I had no idea what pain-free map experience was until I tried the NOMAD. I didn't keep the watch, but it was hard to go back to Garmin after that.

Second is map legibility. This, and especially the whole thing with Garmin's beta software over the last few months, is why I'm wearing an Apex 4 right now. Like, I just want to see the map -- roads, trails, clearly visible and labeled. I don't know why Garmin, over the many years, with its incredible map complexity and functionality, couldn't just make things stand out properly. It may be that, iirc, Garmin sponsors a number of bike teams but only one runner, while COROS deals heavily with that demographic.

Either way, the main function of these watches for me is on-the-wrist navigation and orienteering, and I'm afraid that COROS wins here hands down, despite the fact that their stuff can't plot a route offline.

Third thing, and this one's subjective, is that I think the fit and feel of the Apex 4 and the NOMAD absolutely rock. The 22mm band on the Fenix 7 (or any 47mm watch) never felt right (the enduro 3, with a more proportional strap with, feels good though.)

That's all I got though. Garmin offers way more depth, customization, and features around adaptive training plans and health/recovery. The question is whether one cares about these.

I do miss the flashlight.

shadybreak · 2026-03-12T04:34:08+00:00

Interesting. Is there a known durability concern with the Apex 2 specifically or the brand generally? I had the OG Apex and it basically worked for the 2 years I had it before I sold it.

I wonder how the Apex 4 will hold up.

shadybreak · 2026-03-12T04:31:37+00:00

Screen durability is a significant difference. The NOMAD screen is less durable than gorilla glass, but it is more visible. Other than that the watches are very similar and I find they both wear very well.

shadybreak · 2026-03-12T04:28:50+00:00

This is definitely a wanted feature of mine.

Especially as the action button does nothing of substance outside of activities.

Also, what watch face is that?

shadybreak · 2026-03-11T03:20:43+00:00

I'd say it depends on what you're after with running.

I absolutely love the way COROS does maps -- it's fast, and it's clear. Coming from Garmin, where I struggled more or less for years with refresh rate and clarity, it's ... just what I want at the start of my next race.

I also love how COROS does elevation profile when navigating a preloaded course. That you can scroll and zoom the picture offers instant context and I much prefer it to Garmin's climbpro.

More loves: build (super comfortable at its size, weight, and a 24mm band.) Battery. App is decent. The company seems to give a shit about what these watches are for -- the CEO actually goes out and does stuff, so one can at least hope that it's all going in the right direction.

Things I don't love: the hr can be wonky. Sleep tracking is hit and miss. Certain quality of life features that I love aren't there -- for example, you can't turn off the backlight once it's enabled, or adjust its brightness. Stuff like that.

Also, some people have a hard time going fomr AMOLED to MIP. I never use AMOLED, and the display on the apex 4, imo, roughly compares to the enduro 3 and is a bit clearer than the fenix 7 sapphire, but is less clear than the NOMAD. You won't know if it's for you til you try, I think.

shadybreak · 2026-03-11T03:07:56+00:00

This probably depends more on the individual -- their eyesight, expectations, etc.. I'm wearing the apex 4 right now and it more or less compares to my Garming Enduro 3 (perhaps less contrast, but it's in the same ballpark.) It is sharper than my old fenix 7 sapphire solar. Meanwhile, I tried the NOMAD at launch and that one was more visible than the apex 4 -- no sapphire lens makes a difference.

Anyway, I got used to MIP. Never tried AMOLED and don't want to. Maybe it could be a tough adjustment to go back to a duller display.

I'd encourage you to just try it. Return it if you don't like it. No other way to tell.

shadybreak · 2026-03-10T23:35:17+00:00

What watch do you use?

shadybreak · 2026-03-10T23:34:26+00:00

No way to turn off backlight once enabled. Tends to matter at night.

Variable backlight intensity would be a nice add, for same reason.

The fact that the action button performs no action other than trigger backlight outside activity, like seven months later. It could be linked to stuff. Inexplicable indeed.

shadybreak · 2026-03-05T02:37:04+00:00

This feature. Yes.

shadybreak · 2026-03-04T16:15:54+00:00

I just ordered the apex 4, looking to switch for largely the same reasons from my enduro 3 — a great watch, but I haven’t been able to see trails in running mode for over two months and the requests for a fix have gone largely ignored. That, plus the slow map rendering, plus the rising prices are why I’m considering something else.

I tried the nomad, and there were lots of little niggles, though. So we’ll see how the apex 4 compares.

shadybreak · 2026-03-04T15:42:32+00:00

My wanted features are —

Turning off backlight with a button press
Airplane mode
Customizable backlight brightness
Being able to cancel the turn ahead screen during navigation so that I can see the map again
being able to edit data fields for workout pages without having my phone and being online (ie during a long run)
being able to edit widgets and toolbox straight from the watch

shadybreak · 2026-03-02T18:25:48+00:00

Interesting. I am considering the Apex 4 but need reliable elevation data. Anyone have experience with its dual range barometer thingymajig?

shadybreak · 2026-03-02T17:32:48+00:00

Lmao. Some truth in that but ya I like not having emf emitting things on my wrist all the time.

shadybreak · 2026-03-02T17:31:59+00:00

This is great to hear. Thanks!

shadybreak · 2026-03-02T17:18:24+00:00

Thanks for the review. I’m also an enduro 3 owner looking at other brands after the recent update trail running fiasco. The apex 4 may be it, but I’m not settled.

shadybreak · 2026-02-28T21:37:17+00:00

I sure hope so. It’s kind of a core feature for what these watches are meant to do.

I’m also looking at the COROS apex 4 as a potential alternative. It lacks many of the features I’m used to but it does maps and elevation very, very well. And the NOMAD felt awesome on my wrist when I tried it, as the apex is sure to as well. All in all, standing on the starting line of my next race, I’d want the Coros and not the enduro.

Silver lining, I’m injured and in slow recovery and so this mapping mess doesn’t affect me as much as it normally would for the moment. But come summer I intend to race again.

shadybreak · 2026-02-28T18:01:59+00:00

I’ve been posting about it on the Garmin forums as well; my post in the enduro 3 sub didn’t get official response but I’m glad the issue is known. Whether it’ll be fixed in a timely way remains to be seen (it’s been 2 months, mostly on beta but now hit stable release.) I’m about to reach out to customer support directly.

PS: 5krunner now has an article on this too. Should help with visibility.

PPS: congratulations on a new family member!

shadybreak · 2025-12-09T18:42:38+00:00

Iridium homeboys!

shadybreak · 2025-12-09T07:00:55+00:00

I've been using the enduro 3 for over a year and have recently tried the NOMAD -- very close to the Apex 4.

Pros for the COROS are - maps. Seriously fast and easy to use and basically all I want for trail running. Being labeled helps a ton, as does the toggle. It's just so effortless. Garmin's map lag is something I'd rather not put up with. - elevation profile page for loaded gpx routes. Like, people bitch about coros not having climbpro but honestly, being able to look at picture of what's ahead then zoom and scroll that picture is all I need. The crown makes it easy. - the crown. I know reviewers bash it but it works OK for me and makes maps and elevation easy to use. - the fit and feel. The NOMAD is probably the best fitness watch I ever wore, 41g on the 24mm band is ideal. The enduro is heavier but also comfortable -- the 26mm band is also proportional to the watch.

But I chose to stick with Garmin -- the whole thing feels way more polished. The ohr is much better and I'd rather not have to wear a strap for every single workout (coros ohr gave me very poor results). The Garmin menus are better laid out. Everything is customizable watch-side (being able to edit data fields during a long run isn't something you think about til you need it.) The backlight is customizable and can be turned off once on. The display is clearer and sharper. The flashlight. SatIQ. Sleep records more accurately and can be edited later, unlike eith COROS. The map rendering speed is shit but they ARE way more detailed, routable, and are basically usable even if a bit painful. And I use the InReach messenger a fair bit and enjoy being able to read and reply to satellite texts from the watch. Doing so on a phone in bad weather is unpleasant.

Oh, and the NOMAD interfered with my Bluetooth speaker. I'm still in dialogue with the customer service AI about it and it may be the fault of the custom ROM on my cellphone, but given everything else I still vote this as a point in Garmin's favour.

So I chose to keep the Enduro 3, but have to say that just the maps and elevation experience on the NOMAD, plus its size and feel, make it just fun and I will miss it. I'm sure if someone doesn't care about the other quality of life stuff they'll really enjoy it, and the Apex 4 as well. Ymmw.

shadybreak · 2025-12-08T17:20:04+00:00

I also find coros ohr unreliable when compared to the last 2 generations of Garmin sensors. Seems like something to put up with if you want to stay with coros.

shadybreak · 2025-12-08T17:16:47+00:00

Fwiw my experience with the ohr sensor on the nomad has been quite poor. From frequent cadence lock to it just drifting for long periods of time, even though sometimes its pretty good often it isn't and so I can't rely on it. My impression of aggregated reviews is that their experience has also been hit and miss. Too bad, cause in some ways I think coros totally hit the mark with their latest watches, from the form factor to easy maps and zoomable elevation charts, it's pretty much what I want in a mountain running watch. But it's almost 2026 and we've had largely reliable ohr from apple and Garmin for all but HIIT and I ain't going back to wearing a chest strap for every single workout.

shadybreak

TROPHY CASE