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Clearer Vision, Sharper Reactions: The Athletic Advantage

Adnaan MohamedAdvertorialLeave a Comment on Clearer Vision, Sharper Reactions: The Athletic Advantage

In elite sport, marginal gains often separate podium finishes from pack chasers. Training plans are fine-tuned, nutrition is measured to the gram and equipment is upgraded season after season. Vision, one of the most important performance tools, is frequently overlooked.

Prescription sports eyewear is changing that conversation.

Designed specifically for high-intensity movement, these glasses combine vision correction with impact protection and glare reduction. Whether on the bike, the track, the court or the fairway, athletes are discovering that clearer sightlines translate into sharper decisions and improved outcomes.

Adele Camarena, Associate at Spectacle World, says vision plays a far bigger role than many realise. “Up to 80% of sensory input in sport is visual. Clear, corrected vision affects reaction time, coordination, balance, and decision-making. For athletes, milliseconds matter, and vision can be the difference between victory and second place.”

Built for Performance

Unlike everyday eyewear, prescription sports glasses are engineered for movement. Wrap-around frames enhance peripheral awareness, helping athletes track opponents, judge speed and anticipate space. Secure-fit designs with non-slip grips and ventilation systems ensure stability during rapid acceleration and sudden changes of direction.

Brevan Robinson, Director at Mullers Optometrists, highlights the functional advantage. “Prescription sports glasses let you clearly see the road ahead, spot hazards, and navigate safely. Multifocal options provide clear vision up close, whether checking your watch, reviewing performance data, fixing a puncture, or marking your golf card. One pair of spectacles delivers sharp vision at every distance.”

Leading brands such as Maui Jim, Oakley and Rudy Project have developed high-performance lenses and durable materials capable of withstanding demanding sporting environments. Robinson explains, “Brands like Maui Jim, Oakley, and Rudy Project use high-performance lenses and materials stronger than standard eyewear. They provide both vision correction and protection in one.”

Advanced Lens Technology

Modern prescription sports sunglasses offer more than clarity. UV protection safeguards long-term eye health and reduces the risk of conditions linked to prolonged sun exposure. Polarised lenses reduce glare reflected off water, tar and artificial turf, while photochromic lenses adapt automatically to changing light conditions.

“UV lenses protect long-term eye health and help reduce risks of cataracts and macular degeneration. Polarised lenses cut glare, and photochromic lenses adjust automatically to changing light conditions,” Camarena explains.

Athletes can also customise lenses with sport-specific tints, advanced coatings and tailored prescriptions, including progressive options, inserts and direct glazing. According to Camarena, “Enhanced peripheral vision improves reaction time, opponent detection, ball tracking, and spatial awareness.”

Supporting Young Athletes

Prescription sports eyewear is equally valuable for junior athletes. Lightweight, flexible frames provide durability and comfort, supporting coordination and confidence while protecting developing eyes.

Robinson emphasises the importance of early protection. “UV protection is as important for youngsters as it is for adults.”

Investing in Vision

Clear vision supports endurance and concentration. When athletes see clearly, cognitive processing becomes more efficient, reducing fatigue and sustaining focus during long training sessions and high-pressure competition.

Camarena sums up the broader benefit. “True luxury lies in the removal of limitation. Prescription sports sunglasses are where medical science, performance technology, and design excellence converge, empowering athletes to perform at their full potential. When you see at your best, you compete at your best, and sometimes that margin is what earns the trophy.

“Athletes invest heavily in training, nutrition, and equipment; vision deserves the same priority. Prescription sports eyewear performance technology that shapes outcomes, enhances safety, and supports success. With brands such as Maui Jim, Oakley, and Rudy Project combining technical innovation with distinctive style, champions never have to leave their vision to chance.”

Robinson agrees that vision should rank alongside any other piece of performance equipment. “Athletes often invest in the latest gear, coaching, and training routines, yet overlook their vision. Prescription sports eyewear is as critical as any other piece of equipment. It protects your eyes, improves performance, and ensures you can focus on winning every time.”

For athletes seeking a measurable edge, clearer vision may be one of the most effective upgrades available.

For more information visit www.mullers.co.za and https://spectacleworld.co.za/

He left Mexico on a bicycle – Two years later, Africa is his road

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on He left Mexico on a bicycle – Two years later, Africa is his road
By Adnaan Mohamed

Gustavo Vuela Tercott doesn’t travel through the world, he pedals into it. Two years after leaving Mexico on a bicycle, Africa has become his road, his classroom and his proving ground.

Like a rider chasing the horizon with no finish line in sight, Gustavo has turned endurance into a way of life.

The Mexican adventurer is currently cycling around the African continent as part of his Vagabundo del Mundo project. It’s a journey driven by curiosity rather than speed. Already, his wheels have traced the entire West African coastline from Morocco to Namibia, stitching together cultures and climates one relentless pedal stroke at a time.

Cape Town became his latest milestone on Monday, 26 January 2026, and not just any day. Gustavo rolled into the Mother City on his birthday, after leaving Langebaan and sleeping over in Melkbosstrand, the final kilometres ticking over like the closing metres of a long stage.

He was welcomed not with fanfare, but with something far more meaningful, a homemade birthday cake, presented by Eugene Dryding, one of the many strangers-turned-friends his journey has gifted him.

Gustavo is currently staying with Eugene in Heathfield, in the Southern Suburbs, giving both rider and bike a brief recovery window.

That moment of celebration had its roots far north, deep in Namibia.

Keith Linderoth, Gustavo Vuela Tercott and Eugene Dryding when they met on the road in Namibia Photo: Bridget Linderoth

On Sunday, 28 September 2025, Cape Town couples Keith and Bridget Linderoth and Eugene and Audrey Dryding were midway through a six-week road trip through Namibia. Having departed from Khowarib Lodge in the Kunene Region, they were heading towards Palmwag Lodge when they noticed a lone cyclist moving steadily against the vastness of the landscape.

They stopped.

Water, cold drinks and food were offered, simple gestures that often mean everything on a long ride. Eugene took down Gustavo’s details, and what began as a roadside pause turned into an ongoing connection via Instagram and WhatsApp, a digital lifeline stretching across borders and months.

That thread finally led to Cape Town, and a birthday welcome that symbolised the quiet kindness Gustavo says defines his journey.

Gustavo at the Waterfront in Cape Town with Table Mountain in the background. Photo: Keith Linderoth

The ride itself began two years ago when he fulfilled a childhood dream that demanded movement rather than comfort. Since then, Gustavo has crossed more than 20 countries, discovering that the road is both unforgiving and generous.

It has tested him severely.

Five bouts of malaria forced him off the saddle. Typhoid fever threatened to end everything. Each illness was a brutal climb, but none proved steep enough to stop him.

Along the way, he has seen empty spaces of luxury, glossy but hollow, and places of deep poverty overflowing with happiness. More than once, he admits, he lost himself- only to rediscover who he was further down the road, often with help from people he never expected to meet.

Gustavo’s journey along the west coast of Africa

Asked when he felt the most fear, his answer surprises.

It was not sickness, danger or isolation.

It was the moment he crossed the Strait of Gibraltar.

That narrow stretch of water, as he approached the Moroccan shore, marked the true beginning. It was the point where the comfort zone disappeared and the unknown opened up like an unmarked descent.

Since then, every turn of the pedals has been an act of faith. Gustavo rides not to escape the world, but to understand it, slowly, honestly, and entirely under his own power.

Train smarter and go further with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Train smarter and go further with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series

The pursuit of performance never stands still, and neither does Huawei. The new HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series, unveiled in Paris on September 19 and now available in South Africa, combines elite-level sports intelligence, refined design, and exceptional battery endurance. With up to 21 days of power, professional-grade training modes, and precision health analytics, it’s built for athletes who expect more from every session.

At its core, the GT 6 Series is an athlete’s companion, engineered to go further, last longer and measure smarter. It combines advanced sensor technology, AI-driven insight and world-first performance metrics inside a watch that looks as good in motion as it does at rest. Whether you are chasing personal bests, cycling across continents, or fine-tuning your recovery, this is the watch that keeps up.

https://youtu.be/u5i_La6Lcw4?si=ww2EUjrb6JxNQ4AB

Smarter sport science

Huawei has drawn on years of biomechanical research and data modelling to make the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series a true training partner rather than a passive tracker. With more than 100 workout modes, it adapts to every discipline from everyday fitness to elite-level competition.

Four outdoor modes take the experience further: Cycling, Trail Running, Golf and Skiing. The headline innovation is Cycling Virtual Power, a world-first system that estimates power output using speed, incline and body data. Developed through thousands of simulations and advanced wind-resistance modeling, it delivers accuracy comparable to professional power meters. Riders can also measure FTP (Functional Threshold Power) and track virtual cadence, offering a full performance profile directly on the wrist.

For runners, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 introduces high-precision GNSS tracking, altitude trend charts and a grade-adjusted pace algorithm that converts uphill and downhill effort into equivalent flat-ground speed. Routes can be synced from phone to watch, and smart route sorting ensures favourites are ready to load instantly.

Golf mode now includes vector maps and interactive course data for more precise play, while skiing mode delivers detailed slope analytics for safety and improvement. These intelligent systems turn raw data into real-time insight, giving athletes the feedback they need to perform at their peak.

Recovery and wellbeing redefined

Performance is only half the story. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series also helps athletes recover, rebalance and refine their overall wellbeing. The new TruSense health management system uses multi-sensor data and AI modelling to analyse both physical and emotional states.

TruSense now tracks 12 emotional dimensions, up from three in previous generations, and combines them with continuous cardiovascular monitoring, recovery analytics and sleep mapping. It shifts health tracking from reactive measurement to proactive guidance, helping users manage stress, improve rest and maintain consistent energy levels through every phase of training.

Designed for strength, built for style

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro blends durability and elegance with the precision of a high-performance instrument. It features a raised timing bezel and a 1.47-inch AMOLED display, which is 5.5% larger than its predecessor and reaches a peak brightness of 3000 nits for perfect clarity in full sun. Constructed from sapphire glass, an aviation-grade titanium body and a nanocrystal ceramic rear cover, it offers both resilience and refinement.

The 46 mm edition is available in three distinctive versions: a brown woven composite strap with timeless appeal, a silver titanium strap with a clean modern aesthetic and a black fluoroelastomer strap with a sleek athletic edge. For smaller wrists or lighter style, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 is also available in 41 mm and 46 mm editions, maintaining all the same power and precision in a more compact profile.

Endurance engineered

Battery life has always been the test of true performance, and Huawei has mastered it. The new high-silicon stacked special-shaped battery increases capacity by 65 per cent over the previous generation, creating one of the most efficient power systems in the industry.

The GT 6 Pro and 46 mm editions deliver up to 21 days of battery life with light usage, while the 41 mm edition achieves 14 days under typical conditions. Even with dual-band full constellation mode engaged for extreme GPS accuracy in mountain or city terrain, it provides 40 hours of continuous operation. 

This combination of silicon efficiency and intelligent software optimisation makes it one of the longest-lasting performance watches on the market.

Seamless connection to your world

The GT 6 Series integrates effortlessly across Huawei, iOS and Android smartphones. Using the HUAWEI Health app, athletes can track progress, review data and adjust goals through an intuitive, unified interface. Notifications, calls and music control are handled instantly, keeping focus where it matters most — on performance.

The complete athlete’s smartwatch

With its blend of precision engineering, AI-driven insight and endurance, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro is more than a smartwatch. It is a performance instrument designed for athletes who demand reliability, accuracy and style in equal measure.

From long rides to high-altitude runs, from the gym to the boardroom, it adapts to every challenge and outlasts every competitor.

Available now from R169 per month over 36 months or from R4,999 at selected retailers nationwide. 

Clean Choices, Real Impact

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Clean Choices, Real Impact

How PURA Soda is Supporting the Next Generation of South African Cyclists

In the early mornings at Faure Stadium in Paarl, a group of determined young cyclists take to
the track – training, learning, and building a future on two wheels. At the heart of their journey
is the DSV SHIFT Academy, a grassroots development programme that’s helping rewrite the
story of youth sport in South Africa.

Founded in 2021 by Olympic cyclist Malcolm Lange, the Academy offers free, structured
training to over 30 riders aged 12–18 from previously disadvantaged communities. Many are
already competing at national level, but for Lange, it’s not just about performance. It’s about
creating long-term opportunity and using sport as a tool for growth, discipline, and self-belief.

This year, support for the Academy is being bolstered by a partnership with PURA Soda,
whose involvement reflects a broader shift towards conscious corporate support in youth
sport.

At a time when growing minds and bodies are exposed to highly processed, sugar-heavy
drinks, there’s growing awareness around the role of clean-label refreshment – particularly
for young athletes. Products made without artificial colourants, additives or preservatives offer
a better alternative for those pursuing active, health-focused lifestyles.

It’s this shift, away from excess and towards balance, that aligns with what programmes like
DSV SHIFT are trying to instil in their athletes: smart decisions, strong values, and a focus on
the long game.

“When brands like PURA support local, grassroots programmes, they’re not just ticking a
CSI box,” says Lange. “They’re helping to build a future generation of healthy and
confident citizens who are equipped to lead beyond the sporting world.”

While PURA Soda’s presence at the Academy may seem small, it’s part of a bigger movement, one that prioritises the needs of developing athletes and reinforces the importance of
everyday choices, both on and off the bike.

As conversations around youth sport, health, and corporate accountability continue to evolve, partnerships like this offer a compelling case for what real impact can look like, where the product isn’t the story, but a small, meaningful part of it.

Stockists
Available at major retailers including Checkers, Spar, Pick n Pay and Clicks, with prices
ranging from R14.99 to R16.99 per can.

New MTB Challenge Puts Underberg on the Map

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on New MTB Challenge Puts Underberg on the Map

Running Man Adventures (RMA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Sani Pass Time Trial (SPTT), a new mountain bike challenge set to take place on Saturday, 25 October 2025. Entries for this unique event opened Wednesday, 2 July 2025, visit www.sanipasstt.com to enter.

Nestled in the breath taking Southern Drakensberg, Underberg is a renowned natural backdrop for various adventure activities, hosting major events such as the Sani2C, the Drak Challenge Canoe Marathon, RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg and Sani Stagger endurance races. The introduction of the SPTT further solidifies the region’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

SPTT offers a truly distinctive experience: a 21km ascent of the iconic Sani Pass, often referred to as the “holy grail of all Southern African mountain passes” and the gateway to the “Roof of Africa.” The race will commence from Premier Resort Sani Pass at an altitude of 1450m, culminating at the finish line on the edge of Lesotho at 2876m, involving an impressive climb of nearly1500m.

“The South African MTB calendar is definitely crowded, but there’s nothing quite like a time trial up the Sani Pass, so we feel we’re offering something truly unique,” says Spurgeon Flemington, owner and race director of Running Man Adventures. “We also wanted to provide a race where the challenge is very real, but the time commitment isn’t excessive, allowing riders to enjoy a fantastic weekend on their bikes without needing extended leave or time away from family.”

This pure time trial format will see riders setting off at timed intervals with a strict no-drafting policy. The clock will stop as each rider or pair crosses the timing mat at the summit. The return journey down the Pass will be an untimed neutral zone, encouraging participants to safely take in the magnificent surroundings of the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site, with its unparalleled vistas and thin air.

First-timers to Sani Pass can expect to be immersed in a special landscape, while experiencing the extreme challenge of the ascent. The route comprises 13km of tar to the South African Border Post, followed by 8km of lung-busting gravel to the summit.

The Sani Pass Time Trial will feature four race categories: MTB, E-Bike, Gravel Bike, and Single Speed, with options for riders to compete solo or as a team of two. The inaugural event on Saturday, 25 October 2025, will see the first riders depart at 07:00, with the last by 09:00. Start times will be allocated once entries close, with Single Speeds leading the charge, followed by Gravel Bikes, Mountain Bikes, and E-Bikes. All riders are expected to be back by 13:00.

Premier Resort Sani Pass will serve as the race base, hosting the start, finish, prize-giving at15:00, and a celebratory spit braai and after-party for all entrants. On-site accommodation at the hotel will be available for booking two weeks after race entries open.

“It’s always motivating to bring people from all over SA and beyond to share in the beauty of the Southern Drakensberg,” adds Flemington. “All our events are growing, and the future looks bright as we strive to continue offering transformative experiences for athletes from around the country.”

Team South Africa’s Sunday Results

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Team South Africa’s Sunday Results

Sunday was a busy day for Team SA, featuring events in athletics, cycling, and golf.  Star sprinter Akani Simbine reached the final of the men’s 100m when he won his semi-final in an impressive 9.87sec, He then went even faster for a lifetime best 9.82, but had to settle for fourth, for the second successive Games.

Athletics:
Men’s 100m, Semi Finals & Final
South African sprinter Akani Simbine reached the men’s 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning his semi-final with an impressive time of 9.87 seconds. In the final, he achieved a personal best of 9.82 seconds, finishing fourth for the second consecutive Games. Simbine had been the fifth fastest qualifier after his semi-final win and a recent 9.86-second run in London. He had predicted that a sub-9.80 time would be necessary to win gold. 

Long Jump Qualification:
Jovan van Vuuren’s leap of 7.70m was unfortunately not enough to be in the top 12 distances to qualify for the next round. Cheswill Johnson was also not able to get through to the next round, with a jump of 4.49m.

Women’s 400m Hurdles – Round 1
Rogail Joseph ran a personal best time in her heat, finishing 2nd. She automatically qualifies for the semi-final on Tuesday, 6 August.

Zeney Geldenhuys finished third in her heat, achieving automatic qualification for the semi-final on Tuesday, 6 August..

Men’s 400m Round 1
Lythe Pillay finished his race in 7th position, which was not enough for automatic qualification for the semi-final. He will run in the repechage race on Monday, 5 August.

Zakhiti Nene finished 4th in his race, which was one position outside of the automatic qualification for the semi-final.
He too will be running in the repechage race on Monday, 5 August.

Men’s 100m Semi Finals
Shaun Maswanganyi finished 5th in his semi-final heat, achieving a season-best time. However, his position and time were not good enough to qualify for the final.

Benjamin Richardson ran a time below 10 seconds, clinching 3rd position. His position and time were also not enough for him to qualify for the final.

Women’s 800m Semi Final
Prudence Sekgodiso finished 2nd in her heat, gaining automatic qualification for the final. The final will be run on Monday, 5 August.

Golf: Individual Stroke Play – Round 4
Final results: Christiaan Bezuidenhout finished in 16th position overall on 10 under par, shooting -2 on the final day. Erik van Rooyen finished in 17th position on 9 under par, shooting -1 on Sunday. Eventual winner, Scottie Scheffler, finished at -19, shooting -9 on the day.

Cycling: Women’s Road Race
Ashleigh Moolman Pasio finished the race in 33rd position, while Tiffany Keep did not manage to finish the race.

Team South Africa’s Thursday Results

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Team South Africa’s Thursday Results

Team South Africa finished the day with brilliant results on Thursday, including Tatjana Smith securing herself a silver medal! 

Swimming:
Women’s 200m Breaststroke – Final

Tatjana Smith made Olympic history by winning a silver medal in the 200m breaststroke at the Paris La Defense Arena. The South African superstar finished just 0.36 seconds behind American Kate Douglass. This was Smith’s second medal of the 2024 Paris Games, having already won gold in the 100m breaststroke.

Smith now ties with Chad le Clos as the greatest South African Olympian, each with four medals, but she surpasses him with her two golds and two silvers. She also joins Japan’s Kosuke Kitajima as one of the only four-time breaststroke medallists in Olympic history.

Despite leading at the 50m mark, Smith was overtaken by Douglass, who secured the gold with strong turns. Smith’s impressive performance earned her a well-deserved silver.

Kaylene Corbett, finished seventh and has been instrumental in Smith’s success.

Tatjana Smith has announced her retirement after becoming South Africa’s most successful Olympian at the 2024 Paris Games. The 27-year-old, who always emphasized that swimming doesn’t define her, is looking forward to life outside the pool. 

Married late last year and approaching her thirties, Smith said, “I’m looking forward to my life outside of swimming.” Smith wants to be remembered for bringing people joy, not just her achievements.

Men’s 200m Individual Medley – Heats
Matthew Sates finished 6th in his heat, and 21st overall. His position was unfortunately not enough to qualify for the next round.

Men’s 200m Backstroke – Final
Pieter Coetze finished 7th in the final on the evening. His effort was not enough for a medal, but he did set a New African Record, with a time of 1:55.60

Golf: Men
Scores after Round1: Erik van Rooyen Tied 6th (-4), Christiaan Bezuidenhout Tied 29th (-1).

Erik van Rooyen had a strong first round at the 2024 Paris Olympics, shooting six birdies and an eagle. He was poised to finish with a 65, just two shots behind leader Hideki Matsuyama, but a double bogey on the 18th hole dropped him to four-under 67.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout, in his second Olympics, finished with a 71, recording three birdies and two bogeys. Both golfers noted that the course favored making birdies with accurate drives and aggressive approaches.

Van Rooyen’s round included a notable eagle on the 9th hole and a stretch of four birdies in six holes from the 12th to the 17th. Despite the tough finish, he was pleased with his performance and optimistic about the upcoming rounds.

Hockey: Women – Pool B
Team South Africa’s women had a close loss against Spain, going down 1 – 0 in the team’s penultimate match.
Team South Africa next faces the United States of America on Saturday, 3 August.

Cycling BMX Racing: Women’s Quarter Finals
Miyanda Maseti finished 8th in her Quarter final run. The position does not allow her to progress to the next round.

Archery: Men’s Individual 1/32 Elimination Round
Wian lost to Kim Je Deok, the double gold medallist from Tokyo, with scores of: 25 – 29 | 25 – 29 | 29 -30. Wian finished 33rd overall

Surfing: Women’s Third Round, Heats
Team South Africa’s Sarah Baum was eliminated in the heat in round 3 of the competition by USA’s Carissa Moore.

So Much More Than Just a Watch!

Roxanne MartinTried & Tested3 Comments on So Much More Than Just a Watch!

The HUAWEI GT3 RUNNER Reviewed

Avid trail runner, open water swimmer and photographer by profession, Barbara Cole, was more than willing to test the new HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner and share her views on it with us.

Unboxing & First Impression

The watch really has a super-premium look and feel, and it really struck me how light it was when I first took it out the box. Wearing it around my training crew only reinforced my first impressions, with so many comments of how slick it looked, and again, how light it was. You don’t realise you are wearing a watch until you look at your wrist. The only wish-list item I would ask for is that the watch came with interchangeable watch straps, so you can change it to match different looks, and add some colour, but that’s just me.

Design

The watch looks great, but it is still tough enough to handle some proper wear and tear, showing that it is manufactured using premium and robust materials. I love that you can tailor-make the face of the watch with multiple faces that you can download off the app, and I had a lot of fun with this feature. I also love that one of the watches features like your heart rate analysis are a simple touch away off the main screen, while your current heart rate is shown all the time.

The only problem I experienced, which is more of a pet-hate for me, was that I had to deliberately lift my arm every time I wanted to see the time. Personally, I would prefer an option to show the screen all the time, albeit on a dimmer light, but still playing around to see what I prefer.

User Experience

I absolutely love the user experience of the watch in terms of the touch screen. It’s amazing, and makes it so easy to navigate between settings, as well as being super responsive, too. With one button on the side of the watch to access the main menu of options, it was super easy to navigate between all settings. You very quickly get used to how the touch screen operates. And if you’re like me, you aren’t a manual reading type person, you will still easily be able to find your way around the watch.

I found the set-up incredibly easy, downloaded the app to my phone, and linked the two easily. The only issue I did have was linking the device to my Discovery App in order to track my activities for Vitality, but to be honest, I don’t think it’s a Huawei issue.

Workout Modes Used

I’m currently nursing an injury, so not actively running, and thus I used the following modes:

  • Indoor Swimming
  • Indoor Cycling
  • Open Water Swimming
  • Outdoor Walk

What I loved

I loved the open water swimming mode! It picked up my heart rate so quickly and read it accurately, even in the water. What was super interesting here was that it recorded my distance in steps, too, adding to my daily step goal, so I’m definitely not complaining! I am concerned about long-term wear and tear from the salt water, but this watch seems to be built for it.

The detail in terms of each session that you can look at on the watch after a session is incredible, and then the extension into your app on your phone is there if you want to find out more, giving you a wealth of stats and figures after a workout. The options in terms of workouts available is also pretty impressive, with just about every activity I could think of.

Battery Life

This was excellent! They say you’ll get 14 days on the lowest energy mode, and on average my battery life was around 10 to 12 days, including workout modes, which I used most days. So, using all the features of the watch, still got me to just under two weeks. What was also great is that it charges very quickly, going from 5% to 95% in an hour on the wireless charger.

Health Integration Features

Sleep Tracking: I really like this feature, and although I am not one to sleep with my watch on, when I did so, the watch was very accurate in terms of sleep time and patterns. It was also insightful for me to see the level of detailed feedback you get from the watch when downloaded into the app, explaining sleep cycles and how much REM sleep versus Deep Sleep you get, and what this means.

Stress Management: This is not really a feature I would normally pay much attention to, but it was interesting to see that it did correlate to times where I was more stressed. I think the extension of this is how you then manage your stress levels, so that your Central Nervous System is not stressed continually at a level that is detrimental to your health.

GPS Accuracy: The watch supports five satellite systems, which should make it very accurate, but when I did compare it, in one open water swim, to another watch, the readings were slightly different. That said, the Huawei does recalibrate all the time, so I would imagine it would be more accurate overall, and the important point to note here is that it did accurately track the route I followed.

Fun Features I Enjoyed

  • Barometer
  • Compass

Last Thoughts

Overall, I really love this watch! The one obvious drawback, though, is that it’s not supported by STRAVA, and I think that’s pretty important, particularly with who their target market might be in terms of being performance-driven. Hopefully this is something that is addressed in the near future. The other drawback is that some features don’t work with an apple iPhone system, and the watch is better with an Android system.

On the whole, I think a watch like this can contribute to one making better decisions for yourself in terms of your health, as well as being more aware of how your body is reacting to daily situations, and what steps you need to take to counteract any negative impacts on your health. If a watch was a motivator to get moving, this would be it!