UMVA has learned that a thrilling experiment was conducted during a recent Hyrox race, where two top-of-the-line smartwatches were put to the test: the Garmin Forerunner 970 and the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro.
The Hyrox race, a unique blend of running and functional workout stations, pushed both watches to their limits. The event consists of eight repeated cycles of 1 km runs and workout stations, featuring exercises like sled pushes, rowing, and burpee broad jumps. This intense competition demands a specialized watch that can keep up with its dynamic structure.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro proved to be a game-changer, thanks to its built-in Hyrox mode. This feature provides a seamless interface that guides users through the race, displaying icons on-screen to indicate upcoming stations. In contrast, the Garmin Forerunner 970 required a third-party app, Roxfit, to be downloaded and set up beforehand, which added an extra layer of complexity.
During the race, the Amazfit's intuitive interface and lap button design made it easier to navigate, allowing the user to focus on their physical performance. The watch's ability to automatically structure data capture and display relevant information on-screen made a significant difference in the heat of the moment.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Amazfit's companion app, Zepp, outperformed Garmin's Connect app in analyzing Hyrox data. Zepp presented a clean and organized timeline view, marking each station and run segment in sequence, making it easier to review and analyze performance.
The Garmin Forerunner 970, despite being a technically sophisticated device, struggled to keep up with the demands of the Hyrox race. The watch logged every segment as a run, making it difficult to distinguish between runs and stations during post-race analysis. This limitation highlighted the importance of a watch that is specifically designed to handle the unique demands of Hyrox.
In a surprising turn of events, the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro emerged as the winner, offering a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for Hyrox athletes. For a $300 price difference, the Amazfit's superior performance and features make it a compelling choice for those participating in this type of event.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the Amazfit's optical wrist-based heart rate readings may have limitations during certain exercises, such as sled pushes and rowing. To further optimize performance, pairing the Amazfit with a chest strap heart rate monitor could provide added accuracy and confidence.
While Garmin remains a top choice for traditional running, the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro has proven itself to be a superior option for Hyrox racing. Its specialized features and seamless interface make it an attractive choice for athletes looking to take their performance to the next level.
