A WATCH THAT'S HYROX-READY

The Amazfit Balance 2 strikes a great balance between fitness watch and smartwatch

- Mike Sawh

It's unfortunate that Amazfit sounds like a name you'd expect to pop up on page three of an Amazon search for a cheap fitness watch. Do not be put off by the name. Amazfit is making a name for itself by competing with the heavyweights of the smartwatch space by smartly picking its battles.

The Balance 2 promises more strength training features than most other smartwatch competition as well as dedicated Hyrox training and race modes. It does also cater for wherever else you get those fitness kicks. Whether that's smashing lengths out in the pool, tackling intervals at the track or squeezing in a Saturday morning round of golf.

When not powering through another kettlebell AMRAP session, it's also got enough in its locker to match up with smartwatches like the Apple Watch to let you ditch the contactless cards, keep an eye on WhatsApp group chats mid-workout and pile on music when you want to leave your phone behind.

Best of all, the Balance 2 does that all for a more likeable price. If you can look past that name, what you'll get here is a pretty formidable smartwatch that puts its fitness smarts first.

Design

Balance is an apt word to use to describe what the Balance 2 is like to peer down when it's strapped to your wrist. It nicely straddles both sporty and more formal attire. There's two removable silicone straps bundled in and do the most heavy lifting to tick off those exercise-friendly credentials. The matte aluminium case, textured buttons and tough sapphire glass should satisfy those that want something that's going to handle some sweat and take a few knocks as well.