There are various brands of watches that work with Stryd: Garmin, Suunto, Polar, and the Apple watch. Each manufacturer makes great watches, and personal preference often determines what is the best choice. As Stryders ask us at times, this article provides a high-level overview of the pros and cons of each watch when using it with Stryd. We do not recommend any specific watch, and the list below likely is not complete.
Garmin
Pros:
Can record all Stryd metrics
Completely automated flow to get data into PowerCenter
Automatic adjustment of power zones on the watch.
Many Garmin watches can get pace and distance from Stryd as well as the GPS map
Possible to fine-tune the accuracy of Stryd by setting a calibration factor
Execute power-based workouts from Stryd and third-party platforms (TrainingPeaks, Final Surge, 2Peak) directly onto the watch using Stryd Zones data field
Cons:
Initial setup more complex
COROS
Pros:
Can record all Stryd metrics
Completely automated flow to get data into PowerCenter
All COROS watches can get pace and distance from Stryd as well as the GPS map
Possible to fine-tune the accuracy of Stryd by setting a calibration factor
Native power fields and zone information
Easy setup
Structured, power-based workouts from TrainingPeaks
Cons:
Not possible to import structured, power-based workouts from Stryd or Final Surge
Wahoo
Pros:
Can record all Stryd metrics
Completely automated flow to get data into PowerCenter
Wahoo watches can get pace and distance from Stryd as well as the GPS map
Native power fields and zone information. Wide variety of native data fields, including advanced metrics like watts/kg, % of CP, Ground Contact Time, etc.
Automatic sync of Critical Power and power zones with the Stryd ecosystem.
Easy setup
Structured, power-based workouts from TrainingPeaks
Cons:
Not possible to fine-tune the accuracy of Stryd by setting a calibration factor
Not possible to import structured, power-based workouts from Stryd or Final Surge
Polar
Pros:
Uses Bluetooth to connect to Stryd, which is more reliable.
Easy setup (requires PolarFlow to setup)
Can set a calibration factor to fine-tune Stryd accuracy and can get pace, distance and GPS map.
Native power fields.
Cons:
Cannot record all Stryd metrics, only power (and pace, distance, and cadence)
To get advanced metrics in PowerCenter, Stryders need to upload data from Stryd with the Stryd app on the phone (offline sync).
Not possible to import and execute power-based structured workouts.
Apple watch
Pros:
Uses Bluetooth to connect to Stryd, which is more reliable.
The Stryd app is amazing! Records all metrics (including HR and GPS map) and data flows automatically into PowerCenter.
We can quickly address issues as they come up
The Stryd App, On Apple Watch, can now get power-based workouts from Stryd and third-party platforms (TrainingPeaks, Final Surge, 2Peak).
Cons:
Inherent Apple watch limitations: need to raise wrist to activate the screen, limited use of buttons (need to use touchscreen), battery life.
Suunto
Pros:
Uses Bluetooth to connect to Stryd, which is more reliable.
Easy setup.
Some Suunto watches (Spartan / 9) can get pace and distance from Stryd as well as the GPS map
Native power fields.
Cons:
Cannot record all Stryd metrics, only power (and pace, distance, and cadence in for Spartan / 9)
To get advanced metrics in PowerCenter, Stryders need to upload data from Stryd with the Stryd app on the phone (offline sync).Ambit series of watches can only get power from Stryd (or only pace and distance)
Cannot set a calibration factor to fine-tune accuracy.Not possible to import and execute power-based structured workouts.