Ultra 2 GPS Run Tracking Accuracy

[262Runnr]

Do any runners here have experience with tracking on a Series 8 or 9 as opposed to tracking a run with the Ultra 2?
I have been using a Garmin for many years and my experience was that my Apple 6 watch always tracked longer distance than the Garmin ...actually giving me a faster pace....LOL
For the past 2 years I actually have been running with two watches and found the Garmin more accurate. My plan is to ditch my Garmin and run solely with the Ultra 2.

 

[Drock1119]

I have ran with AWU, Garmin Fenix 7X and Garmin Epix Pro. I use Stryd Pod with the AWU and it is dead on with Garmin. I ran a 10K trail race and it was dead on the distance.

 

[Duffman19]

I run mostly on trails and have used both an AW7 and an AWU2 tested against several other watches, mainly a Garmin 955 as I’ve found it to be the most accurate in multiband mode. The Ultra is definitely more accurate than the Series, but not quite as good as the 955. For me, the Apples have always tracked shorter than the 955.

However, on the road, all of the watches are very close when comparing overall distances. But, the Garmin handles current pace much better. The Apples tend to jump around a bit and seem less reliable.

If you run mainly on roads, I don’t think you’ll see a huge benefit upgrading to the Ultra. If you’re on trails, the Ultra will definitely be an improvement, but not quite as good as a newer Garmin with multiband.

 

[262Runnr]

I run mostly on trails and have used both an AW7 and an AWU2 tested against several other watches, mainly a Garmin 955 as I’ve found it to be the most accurate in multiband mode. The Ultra is definitely more accurate than the Series, but not quite as good as the 955. For me, the Apples have always tracked shorter than the 955.

However, on the road, all of the watches are very close when comparing overall distances. But, the Garmin handles current pace much better. The Apples tend to jump around a bit and seem less reliable.

If you run mainly on roads, I don’t think you’ll see a huge benefit upgrading to the Ultra. If you’re on trails, the Ultra will definitely be an improvement, but not quite as good as a newer Garmin with multiband.

I don’t run trail but the courses that I run on are generally pretty tree covered. I have noticed that the HR on the 9 series is definitely more consistent and accurate than my Fenix6 or AW6…

 

[NME42]

My S7 tracked a little bit shorter than my Garmin 945. My new Ultra 2 is close to the Garmin now but lots more consistent. Distance is almost always the same when running the same track. Impressive.

 

[WilliApple]

I want to do the exact opposite lol.

Want to ditch the Series 8 and do Corros.

 

[rbart]

Don't forget that the tracked distance is not relying only on GPS.
Apple calibrated distance is a mysterious formulae based on pedometer and GPS.
From what I see, pedometer is mainly used and the distance is adjusted with GPS data.
Don't forget that sport watches (Apple and other) are not NASA measuring tools. GPS is not able to give 100% accuracy and it's miraculous to get such precision with this piece of technology.
It's always funny to see people complaining about 2% error margin