When it comes to rugged smartwatches, the Gard Pro Ultra stands out as an appealing option for adventurers, fitness enthusiasts, and those who demand both style and resilience in a timepiece.
Its robust features like waterproofing, extensive health tracking, and a comprehensive range of sports modes make it seem like the ultimate companion.
But, as I’ve learned from extensive personal experience and feedback from other users, this smartwatch has both high points and definite drawbacks that are worth knowing before making a purchase.
Let’s go through everything you need to know to help you decide if the Gard Pro Ultra is the right fit for you.
My Experience with Gard Pro Ultra
The Gard Pro Ultra is marketed as an outdoor-ready smartwatch that promises a military-grade build quality. Constructed with an aluminum alloy casing, it has been tested for temperature extremes, dust resistance, and even water pressure.
On the face, you get a large 1.43-inch circular display with a high-resolution 466×466 screen, designed for vivid visuals and high legibility outdoors.
Battery life is touted as a big selling point here, with a standby time of up to 30 days and active use lasting up to a week on a full charge.
For anyone who enjoys the outdoors, the idea of a smartwatch that can handle multiple terrains and weather conditions is enticing. It also offers over 100 sports modes covering popular activities from running and cycling to yoga and rugby.
With Bluetooth 5.2 for call and message notifications straight to the wrist, the Gard Pro Ultra seems equipped for seamless connectivity.
Plus, its compatibility with both Android and iOS allows easy pairing and access to apps like FitCloudPro for health and sports tracking.
Pros & Cons of the Gard Pro Ultra
Pros
- Sturdy Build and Ruggedness: The Gard Pro Ultra’s primary strength is its durability. Having used it in various outdoor settings, I can say it holds up well in rugged conditions. Its IP68 waterproof rating is particularly useful, providing peace of mind if you’re planning activities near water. It has successfully withstood accidental submersion, proving it can handle unexpected spills, showers, and even pool sessions without a hitch.
- Battery Life: One of the more impressive aspects of the Gard Pro Ultra is its battery life. While many modern smartwatches struggle to last beyond a couple of days on a single charge, the Gard Pro Ultra often stretches beyond a week with moderate use. It’s a relief not to worry about charging every night, especially when out on extended adventures.
- Extensive Sports and Health Tracking: The range of 100+ sports modes is another big draw, particularly for fitness buffs looking for versatility. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or cycling around town, the Gard Pro Ultra has a specific mode tailored for each activity. Furthermore, it offers health metrics such as heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking. The customization options are also a nice touch, allowing you to select preferred modes easily through the connected app.
- Bluetooth Calling and Notifications: Receiving calls and message notifications on your wrist can be a game-changer for those who need to stay connected without constantly checking their phones. While on a run or working out, the convenience of answering calls or reading quick notifications is undeniably helpful.
Cons
- Lackluster Watch Face Library: One downside that stands out, especially for users who enjoy personalization, is the limited and often unattractive watch face options. The built-in faces aren’t very appealing, and the store selection available through the app doesn’t offer much improvement. You can only load one watch face from the store at a time, which further restricts personalization.
- Complicated User Interface and Poor Instructions: I’ve found the user interface on the Gard Pro Ultra to be hit-or-miss. Simple tasks like switching between screens or settings can be confusing, with many users reporting glitches or unresponsive moments. The instruction manual also leaves a lot to be desired, with instructions that are difficult to follow or lack clarity. This can make the initial setup and regular use a bit of a headache, especially for those not already familiar with smartwatch tech.
- Accuracy of Health Metrics: Another notable drawback is the accuracy of certain health metrics, especially the heart rate and step tracking. While the watch has some impressive health tracking capabilities, I noticed that the readings were inconsistent compared to other dedicated health devices. Step counts, for instance, tended to be inaccurate, and heart rate monitoring often fluctuated without reason, which may cause frustration for those who depend on these features.
- Customer Service Issues: A recurring complaint from many users, myself included, involves the customer service experience with Gard Pro. The company’s responses can feel slow, and in cases where refunds or repairs were needed, users have had difficulty getting prompt assistance. For any device with a premium price tag, efficient customer support is crucial, and unfortunately, Gard Pro doesn’t appear to excel in this area.
Gard Pro Ultra Vs. with Other Brands
When evaluating the Gard Pro Ultra, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against similar options on the market. Here’s a quick look at comparable alternatives.
1. Garmin Instinct 2
Garmin is a well-established name in the outdoor smartwatch market, and the Garmin Instinct 2 is a formidable competitor to the Gard Pro Ultra.
Like the Gard Pro, it has a rugged build and offers GPS functionality along with an extended battery life. However, Garmin’s Instinct 2 surpasses Gard Pro in terms of interface usability and accuracy.
Garmin’s software is polished and reliable, making it easy to navigate even in challenging conditions. Additionally, the health and fitness metrics on the Instinct 2 are generally more accurate, with comprehensive GPS support.
Why Garmin Instinct 2 might be better:
- Reliable GPS and health metrics
- Better customer support and community resources
- High durability with an intuitive user interface
2. Amazfit T-Rex Pro
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro offers similar ruggedness and a solid array of sports modes. It also features an impressive 18-day battery life under normal use, which can stretch even further with conservative usage.
Its display isn’t as high resolution as the Gard Pro Ultra, but it’s still easy to read in bright sunlight. Where Amazfit stands out is its affordability, coming in at a lower price point than Gard Pro Ultra while offering comparable durability and health-tracking accuracy.
However, like the Gard Pro, Amazfit’s software could benefit from further refinement, especially in the accuracy of certain metrics like sleep tracking.
Why Amazfit T-Rex Pro might be better:
- Affordable price point for comparable durability and features
- More reliable performance metrics
- Long battery life with simple interface
3. Suunto Core
The Suunto Core is another strong competitor that prioritizes durability and outdoor functionality. Known for its barometer, altimeter, and compass features, it’s highly practical for those who engage in outdoor adventures and activities.
Although it doesn’t boast as many health-tracking features as the Gard Pro Ultra, the Suunto Core makes up for it with enhanced accuracy and reliability in its navigational tools.
In terms of build, it’s exceptionally rugged and handles tough environments well, making it an excellent choice for mountaineering, hiking, and other extreme sports.
Why Suunto Core might be better:
- Superior outdoor navigational tools (altimeter, barometer, compass)
- Proven track record of ruggedness and durability
- Trusted brand with responsive customer support
Why Gard Pro Ultra might still be appealing:
- More affordable than Suunto Core
- Broader selection of sports modes and health-tracking options
Also Read: My Thoughts on Carbinox X-Ranger Watch
Maintenance Tips for Gard Pro Ultra
To maximize the performance and longevity of your Gard Pro Ultra, here are some essential maintenance practices:
- Regularly Clean the Watch: After extended outdoor use, dust, sweat, or other residues can accumulate on your watch. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the screen, casing, and straps, avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the waterproofing. Regular cleaning will help maintain the watch’s appearance and functionality.
- Avoid Extreme Heat: Although it’s built for rugged environments, exposing the Gard Pro Ultra to extreme heat for prolonged periods can degrade the internal components and battery. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods, and try to store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Charge Carefully: Overcharging any device can reduce battery life over time. Use the supplied charger and avoid using third-party cables if possible. Try to charge your watch only when necessary, and unplug it once it reaches 100% to prevent strain on the battery.
- Protect the Screen: While the screen is scratch-resistant, using a screen protector can help keep it free from any minor scratches that could occur during outdoor activities. Just make sure the protector is applied carefully to avoid any bubbles or obstruction in visibility.
- Update Firmware and App: Keep your smartwatch updated by regularly checking for firmware updates through the companion app. Firmware updates often improve the watch’s overall performance, add new features, and help eliminate bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Gard Pro Ultra is produced by Gard Pro, a company focusing on outdoor and sports smartwatches designed to withstand rugged environments. Gard Pro markets its watches as durable, budget-friendly alternatives to pricier outdoor watch brands.
Yes, the Gard Pro Ultra is IP68-rated waterproof, making it resistant to splashes, rain, and accidental submersion. It can handle swimming and light water exposure but is not designed for deep-water activities or diving.
The Gard Pro Ultra 2 does offer GPS capabilities. This feature is especially helpful for outdoor enthusiasts who require location tracking and navigation. However, keep in mind that some users report mixed accuracy with the GPS compared to more established brands.
Gard Pro’s exact headquarters location is not widely publicized, and customer support can be limited. For inquiries, it’s best to reach out through their official website or contact them through authorized resellers.
Final Thoughts
In the end, if you’re looking for a tough, affordable smartwatch with solid battery life and ample sports modes, the Gard Pro Ultra is worth a shot. However, consider your priorities carefully, especially if accurate health tracking and responsive customer service are high on your list. It might just be the right fit for casual outdoor use, but if you’re after premium features, then investing in a Garmin or Suunto might be worth the extra expense.
