The best tool is the one we own, use, know, etc.
My data watch story:
I raced Mtb bikes 1996-2001, competitively. National level 1997-1998 races. Trained / raced with a Polar HR watch and chest strap , and Alta altimeter watch.
This is a 3 person team 24 hour race in 1997, that’s me on right wearing chest strap.
I actually got involved with the R&D guy for Alta on his both sensor hardware & firmware development, he sent me watch with revision and I’d give feedback.
Way back then, I realized them as great tools to know body stress level relative to course challenge, etc
I de-coupled from tech 2000 and just rode / raced tech “naked”.
Fast forward to late 2010’s ish, I was a Boy Scout cub master and wore a scout green $30 watch, then wife got me an Apple Watch 2 fall 2016 as bday gift.
It was cool to integrate with my phone.
Had the series 5 & 8 afterwards.
Gave the 8 to my son when I got my AWU2 Dec-2023.
For me, the AWU2 integrates all of my exercise lifestyle, and just other stuff. Workout tracking, reads my bikes crank watt sensor, can corollate to HR.
Knows altitude changes very accurately, I love HR no chest strap needed. The fact I can also see a txt or phone on it and choose to ignore or answer is great.
Answering my phone , letting whomever know “I’m on my batwatch” brings a giggle from them.
Yea - geeky stuff for 62 yr guy.
I have countless friends in the garmin / polar / wahoo / etc (non Apple) ecosystem. We talk after rides, at the bar, etc, I hear their rationale - multi day battery life seems to be the only valid one imo.
Geeky stats !!