Chinese running gear

[kbernstein]

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/01/amazfit-active-2-hands-on-99-sportswatch-with-mapping.html

Found this a few days ago. Sounds like an everything killer on paper. Definitely following this release

[amacal1]

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/01/amazfit-active-2-hands-on-99-sportswatch-with-mapping.html

Found this a few days ago. Sounds like an everything killer on paper. Definitely following this release

Dang. That's a lot of nice looking watch for not a lot of money.

[raisinberry777]

Dang. That's a lot of nice looking watch for not a lot of money.

With these Chinese watches though, it's when you have to dig a little deeper that you run into problems. I bought a Huawei GT 3 in October 2022 for around 120 USD based on similar promises.

The hardware is excellent for the price (great screen, good battery life, accurate HR sensor, accurate GPS), but the software leaves a lot to be desired. Native Strava syncing is only supported in certain countries (not Australia), and when it does work, it doesn't transfer heart rate or cadence (though reportedly it has recently started including heart rate). Cycling activities transferred to Strava don't include power. For a one-sided power meter, the power number is halved. It advertised having HR broadcasting as a feature - it doesn't actually include this. The Android app requires installing the Huawei store. Transferring a map is a pain in the arse to the point where you're unlikely to bother with it most of the time (compared to Garmin where I can just star the route on Strava and it automatically syncs). If I answer a call using the device, I can only use the mic/speakers on the device (and not my Bluetooth headphones that I have connected).

If the Amazfit can iron out these smaller issues then it could be a great product, but looking at DCRainMaker's initial remarks, he's had these kind of issues before. Sadly, most of the Chinese device manufacturers don't seem interested in fixing bugs in existing devices.

I really hope they can manage to do a great device here, but I'll certainly be waiting for more in-depth reviews.

[JonMS]

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/01/amazfit-active-2-hands-on-99-sportswatch-with-mapping.html

Found this a few days ago. Sounds like an everything killer on paper. Definitely following this release

I had the original Amazfit Pace for two years, it was my first fitness watch. They are a sub brand of Xiaomi which is HUGE in china for all sorts of products. The Amazfit line of watches is very good and you can't really go wrong with any choice. I have since moved on to the Garmin Fenix line but the Amazfit Pace is the reason I got into wearables.

[kbernstein]

With these Chinese watches though, it's when you have to dig a little deeper that you run into problems. I bought a Huawei GT 3 in October 2022 for around 120 USD based on similar promises.

The hardware is excellent for the price (great screen, good battery life, accurate HR sensor, accurate GPS), but the software leaves a lot to be desired. Native Strava syncing is only supported in certain countries (not Australia), and when it does work, it doesn't transfer heart rate or cadence (though reportedly it has recently started including heart rate). Cycling activities transferred to Strava don't include power. For a one-sided power meter, the power number is halved. It advertised having HR broadcasting as a feature - it doesn't actually include this. The Android app requires installing the Huawei store. Transferring a map is a pain in the arse to the point where you're unlikely to bother with it most of the time (compared to Garmin where I can just star the route on Strava and it automatically syncs). If I answer a call using the device, I can only use the mic/speakers on the device (and not my Bluetooth headphones that I have connected).

If the Amazfit can iron out these smaller issues then it could be a great product, but looking at DCRainMaker's initial remarks, he's had these kind of issues before. Sadly, most of the Chinese device manufacturers don't seem interested in fixing bugs in existing devices.

I really hope they can manage to do a great device here, but I'll certainly be waiting for more in-depth reviews.

The big asterisk is that you had a huawei watch. A smartwatch, not explicitly designed and marketed for athletes. Amazfit is different in that they are made FOR runners. Not having strava integration or butched power numbers would be a dealbreaker to most people, it just can't have these issues. Amazfit is established and while some nitpick about the software, the fitness basics will obviously work. You can take them for granted

[raisinberry777]

Amazfit is established and while some nitpick about the software, the fitness basics will obviously work. You can take them for granted

Except that that's not necessarily the case - see this recent review on the software from the Amazfit T-Rex 3:

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/01/amazfit-t-rex-3-gps-watch-depth-review.html

Likewise, you can also connect to various Bluetooth sensor types, including heart rate sensors, running power meters (e.g. Stryd), cycling power meters, cycling speed sensors, and cycling cadence sensors. To pair sensors, you’ll swipe down from the top, then tap the Bluetooth icon on the second page, and then choose ‘Workout Accessories’. From there, you can start your pairing.

That said, it’s been hit or miss for me. The JetBlack Victory Smart Trainer paired without problems, yet the Quarq RED power meter (2024) pairs and connects sometimes, and fails other times. Frankly, I’d have expected the opposite – since Quarq Bluetooth power meter pairing has been around for roughly a decade now. And even once paired with the JetBlack Victory and showing power on the watch and in the app, it fails to send that power data to Strava (but does export it at least to the .FIT file, via the exporter in the app). Again, it’s yet another example of a half-finished feature.

And maybe it's just me that wants these types of features, but other major companies - both Chinese and not (Garmin, Suunto, Coros etc.) manage to do it just fine, and have done for many years. It's the half-baked nature of it that annoys me - it's there in the .fit file, so why doesn't it end up on Strava?

There's also this from him in the comments in that T-Rex 3 review:

Yulp.

Ultimately it’s tough, I could write an entire post on quirky little things. Certainly, I can nitpick on most companies, but there’s just a lot of headscratchers here that are mostly own-goals from moving too fast.

I expect the basics to work. Any cheap watch can do the basics. But it's when these Chinese companies go on a feature box-ticking exercise without making sure the features work properly that you tend to see issues.

[raisinberry777]

These "onemix" brand of shoes look interesting, I can see the Nike similarity in a few of the shoes. About to pull the trigger on a "pace beam" pair. Just waiting for some new years deal to start. Will be nice to compare them to ASIC Nimbus shoes which have a similar solid section running down the middle of the shoe.

Any thoughts on those Pace Beams? I'm considering getting some myself.

[kbernstein]

Update on the insoles: they were ultimately too "thick" and would compress my arch too much on longer runs. I'll put them in my cycling shoes instead, and I've put the hoka insoles back. The shoe itself is still flawless. The left one was squeaky for a week, not sure if something hadn't dried properly but it's gone now. They now have 150km plus 2-3 hikes. I tried the speedgoat 5s again and it felt weird. I would say I now prefer the onemix for every situation; road, trail, hikes..
The naked belt copy is still great too. 2 strong "would buy again in a heartbeat" items

[amacal1]

Thanks for your review. I ordered 2 different pairs of OneMix shoes. One was a cheaper pair for shorter runs and maybe inclement weather runs, and a nicer pair with carbon plate. Both of them together cost less than even my 'affordable' pair of Brooks shoes. I figured, why the hell not?! I'm not expecting much from the cheapest pair, but the nicer one looks promising. As long as it fits well enough, I suspect it will be at least as good  and likely better than anything I've had before.

I should have the first pair (cheapest) later today and I'll probably do a short run.

[amacal1]

Any thoughts on those Pace Beams? I'm considering getting some myself.

It turns out that the ones I bought are probably the Pace Beams. Ali express vendors are nuts, and this is the kind of stuff they do that shoots themselves in the foot. Different product listing, slightly different description, but same "model number" (I think) and the same pictures and ultimately the same description. So, yeah, I think I bought the pace beams, inadvertently.

That's the "nicer" pair I bought. The other, cheaper, pair I bought seems to have no name, but it's the one with "stress ball" written on the heel. I took the cheaper pair for a run the other night and they seemed fine. They fit comfortably, they had a high, large, comfortable sole with a rounded heel, and were as light as any other shoe I've run in, despite the size. I has happy to have the padding, and I seemed to run as fast (or faster) as my usual 2mi run. I had about a 30sec per mile pace increase at no increase in HR, so I can at least say that they didn't slow me down at all. I'm not sure I can say they made me faster, but it was all in the neighborhood of "good". I'm happy enough for $35!

The Pace Beams came in last night. I tried them on and they fit comfortably, but I did not go for a run yet. This is my first pair of "super shoes" (if you want to call them that) and I am blown away by the feel of them. That carbon fiber sole plate is a helluva thing! I can't believe how much bounce it gives, just from walking around. I'm intrigued how it will translate to a run, but I can't imagine it will be bad. If nothing else, I like a stiff sole so I expect I'll be happy enough, as long as there are no hot spots and as long as they hold up well. As for "holding up well", my $70 or so Brooks shoes are noticeably less comfortable to run in after only 100mi, so there's not a high bar to clear for these $70 "super shoes". As long as they don't fall apart on my foot in the next 4-6mo, then I think they'll be worth it.

[kbernstein]

It turns out that the ones I bought are probably the Pace Beams. Ali express vendors are nuts, and this is the kind of stuff they do that shoots themselves in the foot. Different product listing, slightly different description, but same "model number" (I think) and the same pictures and ultimately the same description. So, yeah, I think I bought the pace beams, inadvertently.

That's the "nicer" pair I bought. The other, cheaper, pair I bought seems to have no name, but it's the one with "stress ball" written on the heel. I took the cheaper pair for a run the other night and they seemed fine. They fit comfortably, they had a high, large, comfortable sole with a rounded heel, and were as light as any other shoe I've run in, despite the size. I has happy to have the padding, and I seemed to run as fast (or faster) as my usual 2mi run. I had about a 30sec per mile pace increase at no increase in HR, so I can at least say that they didn't slow me down at all. I'm not sure I can say they made me faster, but it was all in the neighborhood of "good". I'm happy enough for $35!

The Pace Beams came in last night. I tried them on and they fit comfortably, but I did not go for a run yet. This is my first pair of "super shoes" (if you want to call them that) and I am blown away by the feel of them. That carbon fiber sole plate is a helluva thing! I can't believe how much bounce it gives, just from walking around. I'm intrigued how it will translate to a run, but I can't imagine it will be bad. If nothing else, I like a stiff sole so I expect I'll be happy enough, as long as there are no hot spots and as long as they hold up well. As for "holding up well", my $70 or so Brooks shoes are noticeably less comfortable to run in after only 100mi, so there's not a high bar to clear for these $70 "super shoes". As long as they don't fall apart on my foot in the next 4-6mo, then I think they'll be worth it.

Piques my curiosity too. I don't see any with "stress ball" written under them, can you confirm which model is the cheap one you have? https://onemixofficial.com/collections/mens-shoes
Many of their models look extremely similar to one another, I'm not sure they really are different. Might buy a carbon higher end model if your review is good, as I'm already really happy with the cheaper meeto

[amacal1]

Piques my curiosity too. I don't see any with "stress ball" written under them, can you confirm which model is the cheap one you have? https://onemixofficial.com/collections/mens-shoes
Many of their models look extremely similar to one another, I'm not sure they really are different. Might buy a carbon higher end model if your review is good, as I'm already really happy with the cheaper meeto

It looks like I have the Bumper Elite. Where it says "O-Suspension" on the side,  mine says "Stress Ball". I saw one other one that looked the same on the One-Mix-Official store on Ali that said "O-Suspension" but it claimed to have a carbon plate (and I believe that was incorrect, because the photos were identical to the Bumper Elite pictured here and it does not claim to have a carbon plate). 

edit: see below. It's the Bumper Elite, but it says "Stress Ball".

[raisinberry777]

Piques my curiosity too. I don't see any with "stress ball" written under them, can you confirm which model is the cheap one you have? https://onemixofficial.com/collections/mens-shoes
Many of their models look extremely similar to one another, I'm not sure they really are different. Might buy a carbon higher end model if your review is good, as I'm already really happy with the cheaper meeto

I've got some Pace Beams on the way. Have experience with a few other carbon shoes (ASICS Magic Speed 3, Puma Deviate Nitro 2, Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2) so will be interesting to compare. Current favourite uptempo training shoes (the Deviate Nitros) have worn out and I haven't been able to find a good sale on new ones so thought I'd experiment this time around.