Fitness Editor

Felix Yoder

Felix reviews smartwatches the way other people use them - for weeks at a time, in the field, against real reference equipment. A former sports science researcher turned consumer-tech writer, he treats every review as a comparison study: GPS tracks logged against a dedicated Garmin, heart-rate readings cross-checked with a chest strap, sleep data sanity-checked against a polysomnography device borrowed from a sleep lab. He cares less about which watch has the longest spec sheet and more about which one survives an actual marathon training block. He's been on the same wrist size for 35 years.

Areas of expertise

GPS accuracy field testing Battery-life benchmarking Sleep tracking analysis

Author reviews

athlete

running smartwatch

Review

KineticOne Surge

Built for serious runners. Running dynamics that rival dedicated GPS watches, in a smartwatch you'd actually wear to the office.

May 18, 2026

design

minimalist smartwatch

Review

NorthBeacon Lyra

The smartwatch that doesn't look like a smartwatch. A genuine design object first, fitness tracker second - but the fitness side still holds up.

May 18, 2026

battery

outdoor smartwatch

Review

AuroraTime Field 2

Two weeks of battery with everything turned on, military-grade durability, and the best multi-day hike battery we've seen at this price.

May 18, 2026

fitness

flagship smartwatch

Review

PulsePeak Vanta 5

The most complete smartwatch we tested. Stellar fitness tracking, two-day battery, and a display that holds up in direct sun.

May 18, 2026