Garmin Forerunner 235
ABabilonia
Posts: 622 Member
Does anyone have the Garmin Forerunner 235? I am essentially looking for a Smartwatch for running. I am training for a 10K. I currently have the FitBit Blaze, and although I love FitBit and this device has been with me throughout my 50 lbs. weight loss journey, I think that it's time to get a new gadget. Since I've been running more, running with a phone (just to synch the FitBit with the GPS) it's just uncomfortable. I essentially looking at the Forerunner 235 for budget reasons. If you have this gadget, please let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance.
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Replies
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I have a different Garmin watch, and used to have a Fitbit. This is worlds better.2
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I have the 225 for running, it's fab, I love It!2
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I have a 735XT, so the same form factor and GPS package, but broader range of data collection and multi sport.
They're light, easily readable, quick to acquire a position and they'll connect to a range of accessories.
Garmin equipment is generally very good, but they do tend to go through a public beta. The 235 is a mature, stable device so that shouldn't be an issue.1 -
I was going to get the 235, would be my third Garmin device. But they just released the Vivoactive 3 and that will suit my needs better so have it on pre-order. But basically I don't think you can go wrong with Garmin.3
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I've had my 235 since it was released. I love it, and I've never had any issues. Unlike my older Garmin it gets the GPS signal instantly. I have super small wrists, and it fits comfortably.2
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Thanks for the feedback everyone
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MeanderingMammal wrote: »I have a 735XT, so the same form factor and GPS package, but broader range of data collection and multi sport.
They're light, easily readable, quick to acquire a position and they'll connect to a range of accessories.
Garmin equipment is generally very good, but they do tend to go through a public beta. The 235 is a mature, stable device so that shouldn't be an issue.
I was watching this one too. Does this model have wrist HRM?0 -
ABabilonia wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »I have a 735XT, so the same form factor and GPS package, but broader range of data collection and multi sport.
They're light, easily readable, quick to acquire a position and they'll connect to a range of accessories.
Garmin equipment is generally very good, but they do tend to go through a public beta. The 235 is a mature, stable device so that shouldn't be an issue.
I was watching this one too. Does this model have wrist HRM?
It does. In practice the only useful data point from always on HR is resting heart rate. Personally I find it overinflates background calorie estimation.
I find it accurate enough for running but got the set with the HRM Tri and HRM Swim. I use an Edge 520 for cycling though, as what mounted is of limited value in that situation.1 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »ABabilonia wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »I have a 735XT, so the same form factor and GPS package, but broader range of data collection and multi sport.
They're light, easily readable, quick to acquire a position and they'll connect to a range of accessories.
Garmin equipment is generally very good, but they do tend to go through a public beta. The 235 is a mature, stable device so that shouldn't be an issue.
I was watching this one too. Does this model have wrist HRM?
It does. In practice the only useful data point from always on HR is resting heart rate. Personally I find it overinflates background calorie estimation.
I find it accurate enough for running but got the set with the HRM Tri and HRM Swim. I use an Edge 520 for cycling though, as what mounted is of limited value in that situation.
Thanks. As long as it's accurate enough for running I'll be a happy camper (runner).0 -
I was looking at the 235 also (and then the Vivoactive 3, which I was pretty much sold on), but I ended up buying the 935 just over a week ago. The 235 will be a big improvement over your Fitbit and should work great for your running.
If you want a thorough, in-depth review of the 235 before you buy, check out DC Rainmaker's review of it. It will answer questions you didn't even know you wanted to ask, lol.4 -
I was looking at the 235 also (and then the Vivoactive 3, which I was pretty much sold on), but I ended up buying the 935 just over a week ago. The 235 will be a big improvement over your Fitbit and should work great for your running.
If you want a thorough, in-depth review of the 235 before you buy, check out DC Rainmaker's review of it. It will answer questions you didn't even know you wanted to ask, lol.
Great review, thanks for the link.0 -
I was looking at the 235 also (and then the Vivoactive 3, which I was pretty much sold on), but I ended up buying the 935 just over a week ago. The 235 will be a big improvement over your Fitbit and should work great for your running.
If you want a thorough, in-depth review of the 235 before you buy, check out DC Rainmaker's review of it. It will answer questions you didn't even know you wanted to ask, lol.
What did you like on the 935 to get you to spend the extra bucks? I have a VAHR and am looking at the VA3.
Thanks.0 -
Love my 235, it's my everyday watch now too rather than just my running watch.1
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I use the 230 same as 235 but no wrist based hrm. I really like it easy to use and as accurate as anything else I've ever tried. I opted for the chest strap bundle as its more accurate for running and I just don't care about my pulse rate any other time of the day.0
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I got one back in June. My Charge HR bit the dust after getting caught in a rainstorm. So I started looking at waterproof options and since I primarily run I decided on the Garmin 235.
So far I really like it. It's quite a bit larger than the Fitbit, but it's also easier to read. It's great for running - you can see your splits and mileage as you run. It gives you a ton of data once you finish too.
Overall it gives me fewer steps and far fewer calories than the Fitbit did, but I'm not too concerned. I wasn't sold on the accuracy of the Fitbit, rather I used it as a guideline for moving more.
The Connect app isn't as nice as Fitbit, but they seem to be actively trying to improve it. It's enough for me, I like to track my steps and workouts and it does both.1 -
I got one back in June. My Charge HR bit the dust after getting caught in a rainstorm. So I started looking at waterproof options and since I primarily run I decided on the Garmin 235.
So far I really like it. It's quite a bit larger than the Fitbit, but it's also easier to read. It's great for running - you can see your splits and mileage as you run. It gives you a ton of data once you finish too.
Overall it gives me fewer steps and far fewer calories than the Fitbit did, but I'm not too concerned. I wasn't sold on the accuracy of the Fitbit, rather I used it as a guideline for moving more.
The Connect app isn't as nice as Fitbit, but they seem to be actively trying to improve it. It's enough for me, I like to track my steps and workouts and it does both.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, FitBit seems to be a little inaccurate and I'm not too concerned about calories or steps either. At this point I'm more worry about pace and miles (at least for now), so I'm sold on the Garmin Forerunner 235. Thanks everyone.0 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »I was looking at the 235 also (and then the Vivoactive 3, which I was pretty much sold on), but I ended up buying the 935 just over a week ago. The 235 will be a big improvement over your Fitbit and should work great for your running.
If you want a thorough, in-depth review of the 235 before you buy, check out DC Rainmaker's review of it. It will answer questions you didn't even know you wanted to ask, lol.
What did you like on the 935 to get you to spend the extra bucks? I have a VAHR and am looking at the VA3.
Thanks.
The training load feature works pretty well. I think the 935 has a barometric altimeter? It supports power meters too, and has longer battery life. I don't know if the VA series can do turn by turn? I considered the 935 and it has a lot to love, but wound up with an F5X instead.0 -
ABabilonia wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »ABabilonia wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »I have a 735XT, so the same form factor and GPS package, but broader range of data collection and multi sport.
They're light, easily readable, quick to acquire a position and they'll connect to a range of accessories.
Garmin equipment is generally very good, but they do tend to go through a public beta. The 235 is a mature, stable device so that shouldn't be an issue.
I was watching this one too. Does this model have wrist HRM?
It does. In practice the only useful data point from always on HR is resting heart rate. Personally I find it overinflates background calorie estimation.
I find it accurate enough for running but got the set with the HRM Tri and HRM Swim. I use an Edge 520 for cycling though, as what mounted is of limited value in that situation.
Thanks. As long as it's accurate enough for running I'll be a happy camper (runner).
I find my 225 is usually within 50 cals of the bodyweight x 0.63 x distance calculation for calories burnt.1 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »I was looking at the 235 also (and then the Vivoactive 3, which I was pretty much sold on), but I ended up buying the 935 just over a week ago. The 235 will be a big improvement over your Fitbit and should work great for your running.
If you want a thorough, in-depth review of the 235 before you buy, check out DC Rainmaker's review of it. It will answer questions you didn't even know you wanted to ask, lol.
What did you like on the 935 to get you to spend the extra bucks? I have a VAHR and am looking at the VA3.
Thanks.
Honestly, the biggest thing (vs. the VA3) was having the five hard buttons instead of one button, touch screen and the 'swipe' function on the side of the case. I've worn an Apple Watch for the past two years and the touch/swipe gets a little fiddly/finicky - especially with wet fingers (not sure if that's the case with the Garmin, DC Rainmaker said he had no problems with it except the screen going a little crazy when he got it wet). I just like the idea of hard buttons to push.
Battery life on the 935 is longer, the workout pages are a bit more customizable and the 935 offers more training info (training load/productivity, etc.) - not features I need, because I'm not that 'hardcore' of an athlete, but I am finding them insightful. And I like numbers, lol.
The VA3 looks like a great watch, the price point is considerably lower ($299 vs $499) and it will be more than enough for most people in terms of functionality. It even has things the 935 doesn't (i.e. contactless payment and rep counting in strength workouts are two that come to mind immediately). I just liked the 935 a little better. I liked both the VA3 and the 935 better than the 235 because of their ability to track multiple sports, but if I was primarily a runner that wouldn't have been as much of an issue.NorthCascades wrote: »The training load feature works pretty well. I think the 935 has a barometric altimeter? It supports power meters too, and has longer battery life. I don't know if the VA series can do turn by turn? I considered the 935 and it has a lot to love, but wound up with an F5X instead.
Yes, the 935 does have a barometric altimeter. It does rudimentary mapping just like the 'regular' (non "X" model) Fenix watches - you can create routes in Garmin Connect, upload them to the watch and it will navigate them, but they won't be overlaid on a visible map like the F5X. According to DCR's review, the 935 is the (non-"X") Fenix's guts in a polymer case instead of metal - with the addition of wi-fi, which only certain Fenix models have.0 -
I had a Fenix 3 before this. It's has the same breadcrumb trail mapping as the 935. I've used it to navigate me through unfamiliar territory on the bike and in the backcountry on foot. I save waypoints for things like where to find water, good camps, etc, or use Ride With GPS to plan a course and send it to the watch.
We're supposed to get fire season ending rains starting later today. My watch has been going crazy with storm alarms lately.0 -
I have an alarm set for half an hour before sunset. Most days I don't need it, but when I'm backpacking it means make camp immediately if I haven't already, when I'm skiing it means rush back to the car, and when I'm out for photos it means get ready. Always found that a really useful feature.2
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NorthCascades wrote: »I have an alarm set for half an hour before sunset. Most days I don't need it, but when I'm backpacking it means make camp immediately if I haven't already, when I'm skiing it means rush back to the car, and when I'm out for photos it means get ready. Always found that a really useful feature.
Great idea! I've used the navigation functions on the 910XT to keep from getting lost, but never thought to use the sunset alarm.1 -
ABabilonia wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »ABabilonia wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »I have a 735XT, so the same form factor and GPS package, but broader range of data collection and multi sport.
They're light, easily readable, quick to acquire a position and they'll connect to a range of accessories.
Garmin equipment is generally very good, but they do tend to go through a public beta. The 235 is a mature, stable device so that shouldn't be an issue.
I was watching this one too. Does this model have wrist HRM?
It does. In practice the only useful data point from always on HR is resting heart rate. Personally I find it overinflates background calorie estimation.
I find it accurate enough for running but got the set with the HRM Tri and HRM Swim. I use an Edge 520 for cycling though, as what mounted is of limited value in that situation.
Thanks. As long as it's accurate enough for running I'll be a happy camper (runner).
Depends on what kind of running workouts you do. Wrist based (every single one) is bad at quick changes. So if you do a lot of intervals by heart rate and they are quick intervals, you'll have issues. So if your workouts consist of repeat 100m or 200m, going from z2 to z5, you're going to have issues. If your workouts are repeat 800m going from z2 to z4, that's a much smaller issue. Just look at DCRainmaker's review of the 235, the issue is always the transitions0 -
scorpio516 wrote: »ABabilonia wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »ABabilonia wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »I have a 735XT, so the same form factor and GPS package, but broader range of data collection and multi sport.
They're light, easily readable, quick to acquire a position and they'll connect to a range of accessories.
Garmin equipment is generally very good, but they do tend to go through a public beta. The 235 is a mature, stable device so that shouldn't be an issue.
I was watching this one too. Does this model have wrist HRM?
It does. In practice the only useful data point from always on HR is resting heart rate. Personally I find it overinflates background calorie estimation.
I find it accurate enough for running but got the set with the HRM Tri and HRM Swim. I use an Edge 520 for cycling though, as what mounted is of limited value in that situation.
Thanks. As long as it's accurate enough for running I'll be a happy camper (runner).
Depends on what kind of running workouts you do. Wrist based (every single one) is bad at quick changes. So if you do a lot of intervals by heart rate and they are quick intervals, you'll have issues. So if your workouts consist of repeat 100m or 200m, going from z2 to z5, you're going to have issues. If your workouts are repeat 800m going from z2 to z4, that's a much smaller issue. Just look at DCRainmaker's review of the 235, the issue is always the transitions
In DCR's review of the Fenix and 935, he claims that Garmin has greatly improved the accuracy/tracking of their OHR technology in the latest generation. But the point stands about the 235.0 -
I am already putting a bug in DH's ear for a VA3 for Christmas. I have a Fitbit, but reading enough threads on Garmins have sold me.3
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I have the more basic Garmin Forerunner 25. I'll probably upgrade eventually, but at the moment it does everything I need. I love Garmin products. My ancient Forerunner 205 died fairly recently, but I saw a guy at this weekend's race who was wearing one, so they do last forever.0
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GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I am already putting a bug in DH's ear for a VA3 for Christmas. I have a Fitbit, but reading enough threads on Garmins have sold me.
And we will welcome you to Team Garmin with open arms! I am SO excited for my VA3. My workouts are going to get intense for a while.......2 -
Slight OT aside. Just Googled the 101, man that was a beast! Shows how far we've come with the technology.0
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VintageFeline wrote: »GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I am already putting a bug in DH's ear for a VA3 for Christmas. I have a Fitbit, but reading enough threads on Garmins have sold me.
And we will welcome you to Team Garmin with open arms! I am SO excited for my VA3. My workouts are going to get intense for a while.......
A new toy does have that effect, doesn't it? 0 -
VintageFeline wrote: »GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I am already putting a bug in DH's ear for a VA3 for Christmas. I have a Fitbit, but reading enough threads on Garmins have sold me.
And we will welcome you to Team Garmin with open arms! I am SO excited for my VA3. My workouts are going to get intense for a while.......
A new toy does have that effect, doesn't it?
Oh yes.
Wait, are we still talking about watches......2
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