Garmin Users
littlewolf3785
Posts: 2,592 Member
All you Garmin users, I am looking to upgrade my Garmin VivoFit 2 to either a Garmin Forerunner 920XT or Garmin Forerunner 235? Is one better than the other and do they work well.
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Replies
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I think the 920XT is more feature rich but a little bit older. What type of exercise do you do?0
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910XT is great for triathlon, few are accurate in water but it seems to be (hubby uses it). I'm a walker, runner, cyclist so other than a Garmin bike computer I currently just use a vivosmart HR+ and a 6201
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NorthCascades wrote: »I think the 920XT is more feature rich but a little bit older. What type of exercise do you do?
I walk, jog, run, ride bike and like to swim but can't use it when I swim.0 -
cryonchick wrote: »910XT is great for triathlon, few are accurate in water but it seems to be (hubby uses it). I'm a walker, runner, cyclist so other than a Garmin bike computer I currently just use a vivosmart HR+ and a 620
Did he have any issues using it in any water(lake, ocean, pool water)?0 -
I have the Garmin Forerunner 35 and love it. I walk, run, cross train, swim and lift weights. It works well for just about all of that and gives me a lot of information on the app. The battery doesn't need to be charged all that often, every 3 or 4 days, and the HR monitor is accurate most of the time. When it's not accurate it's generally just not working at all really but I don't mind as I kind of know where I'm at most of the time by now anyway.0
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I have used a Garmin Forerunner 235 all day and all night for 6 months. I love it. I'm a runner. Haven't tried it for anything but running (treadmill and outdoors) and walking/hiking. GPS, stationary distance calculation and wrist HR is very accurate. Had enough of waist belts.1
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Big fan of 910XT for running, cycling, and swimming. Considering upgrading to 920XT or 935, but will stick with 910 as long as it works.0
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littlewolf3785 wrote: »NorthCascades wrote: »I think the 920XT is more feature rich but a little bit older. What type of exercise do you do?
I walk, jog, run, ride bike and like to swim but can't use it when I swim.
Is it possible you'll ever want to use a power meter? The 920 supports this and the 235 does not. As far as I can tell that's the one really important bike feature that separates them. I don't run much so I can't comment on that.0 -
littlewolf3785 wrote: »cryonchick wrote: »910XT is great for triathlon, few are accurate in water but it seems to be (hubby uses it). I'm a walker, runner, cyclist so other than a Garmin bike computer I currently just use a vivosmart HR+ and a 620
Did he have any issues using it in any water(lake, ocean, pool water)?
Just realized that it's the 920 that he has, not the 910, sorry. The 920 is accurate in water, pool and open swin. However, not sure on the 910, sorry for my mistake.
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littlewolf3785 wrote: »All you Garmin users, I am looking to upgrade my Garmin VivoFit 2 to either a Garmin Forerunner 920XT or Garmin Forerunner 235? Is one better than the other and do they work well.
Google D.C. Rainmaker he does very in depth reviews on every product out there and does very honest comparisons
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NorthCascades wrote: »littlewolf3785 wrote: »NorthCascades wrote: »I think the 920XT is more feature rich but a little bit older. What type of exercise do you do?
I walk, jog, run, ride bike and like to swim but can't use it when I swim.
Is it possible you'll ever want to use a power meter? The 920 supports this and the 235 does not. As far as I can tell that's the one really important bike feature that separates them. I don't run much so I can't comment on that.
I do more of the running. The bike is more for enjoyment. I will look more into each one. Thank you for the input.0 -
cryonchick wrote: »littlewolf3785 wrote: »All you Garmin users, I am looking to upgrade my Garmin VivoFit 2 to either a Garmin Forerunner 920XT or Garmin Forerunner 235? Is one better than the other and do they work well.
Google D.C. Rainmaker he does very in depth reviews on every product out there and does very honest comparisons
Just read the review, that is a lot of info but it helped decide a lot more after I have read it. Thank you.0 -
littlewolf3785 wrote: »All you Garmin users, I am looking to upgrade my Garmin VivoFit 2 to either a Garmin Forerunner 920XT or Garmin Forerunner 235? Is one better than the other and do they work well.
ditto on DC Rainmaker's reviews.
The main features of 920XT that I wanted that weren't available in cheaper models at the time I bought mine (some, but not all, were available in some of the cheaper watches): (1) you can program in custom intervals for training, (2) you can program in a route (you can't add a basemap though), (3) longer battery life, (4) not a touch screen (no accidentally doing things, and clearer in bright sunlight).
I personally would opt for a Fenix now over the 920XT if I was buying today - same running watch features + longer battery life + features from the outdoor watch line (can add a basemap, more activities to choose from) + more aesthetically pleasing.1 -
If you mainly cycle, then you might prefer to get a wrist adapter for one of the edge models for when you run. The 920XT can't display the elevation profile of a planned course while you ride. You also don't have the option of viewing both the map and 1-2 fields at the same time like you could on an Edge. And also no basemap. (These are the 3 main things I wish I had when cycling but that aren't possible on a 920XT).1
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The 920XT does not have a specific "walk" activity. You have to select other. (This is mildly annoying if you also sync to Endomondo, Strava, etc - a walk will thus get logged as "other" in garmin connect & Endomondo, a "run" in strava-though I think this happens with any non-cycling activity, "general aerobics" in MFP,..).
Edited to add: It does have a "Hike" activity though.1 -
littlewolf3785 wrote: »cryonchick wrote: »littlewolf3785 wrote: »All you Garmin users, I am looking to upgrade my Garmin VivoFit 2 to either a Garmin Forerunner 920XT or Garmin Forerunner 235? Is one better than the other and do they work well.
Google D.C. Rainmaker he does very in depth reviews on every product out there and does very honest comparisons
Just read the review, that is a lot of info but it helped decide a lot more after I have read it. Thank you.
What did you decide? Or what are you leaning toward?littlewolf3785 wrote: »All you Garmin users, I am looking to upgrade my Garmin VivoFit 2 to either a Garmin Forerunner 920XT or Garmin Forerunner 235? Is one better than the other and do they work well.
ditto on DC Rainmaker's reviews.
The main features of 920XT that I wanted that weren't available in cheaper models at the time I bought mine (some, but not all, were available in some of the cheaper watches): (1) you can program in custom intervals for training, (2) you can program in a route (you can't add a basemap though), (3) longer battery life, (4) not a touch screen (no accidentally doing things, and clearer in bright sunlight).
I personally would opt for a Fenix now over the 920XT if I was buying today - same running watch features + longer battery life + features from the outdoor watch line (can add a basemap, more activities to choose from) + more aesthetically pleasing.
@ritzvin has a lot of great, detailed info for you.
I wanted to comment on the bold part. I've done this a whole bunch of times with my Fenix 3 (no maps) and now with my Fenix 5 (maps). It's really great to have on a bike ride sometimes.
You use a site like Ride With GPS or Garmin Connect, and plan out a route you want to ride. Then you send it to your watch. Now the watch has turn by turn directions. It'll vibrate on your wrist just before you need to turn, show you an arrow pointing left or right or straight ahead, and show you the name of the street. It'll buzz again at the turn to let you know you're making the right one. Even without a map.
If you take your bike to ride in new/scenic places, this is a great feature.0 -
NorthCascades wrote: »littlewolf3785 wrote: »cryonchick wrote: »littlewolf3785 wrote: »All you Garmin users, I am looking to upgrade my Garmin VivoFit 2 to either a Garmin Forerunner 920XT or Garmin Forerunner 235? Is one better than the other and do they work well.
Google D.C. Rainmaker he does very in depth reviews on every product out there and does very honest comparisons
Just read the review, that is a lot of info but it helped decide a lot more after I have read it. Thank you.
What did you decide? Or what are you leaning toward?littlewolf3785 wrote: »All you Garmin users, I am looking to upgrade my Garmin VivoFit 2 to either a Garmin Forerunner 920XT or Garmin Forerunner 235? Is one better than the other and do they work well.
ditto on DC Rainmaker's reviews.
The main features of 920XT that I wanted that weren't available in cheaper models at the time I bought mine (some, but not all, were available in some of the cheaper watches): (1) you can program in custom intervals for training, (2) you can program in a route (you can't add a basemap though), (3) longer battery life, (4) not a touch screen (no accidentally doing things, and clearer in bright sunlight).
I personally would opt for a Fenix now over the 920XT if I was buying today - same running watch features + longer battery life + features from the outdoor watch line (can add a basemap, more activities to choose from) + more aesthetically pleasing.
@ritzvin has a lot of great, detailed info for you.
I wanted to comment on the bold part. I've done this a whole bunch of times with my Fenix 3 (no maps) and now with my Fenix 5 (maps). It's really great to have on a bike ride sometimes.
You use a site like Ride With GPS or Garmin Connect, and plan out a route you want to ride. Then you send it to your watch. Now the watch has turn by turn directions. It'll vibrate on your wrist just before you need to turn, show you an arrow pointing left or right or straight ahead, and show you the name of the street. It'll buzz again at the turn to let you know you're making the right one. Even without a map.
If you take your bike to ride in new/scenic places, this is a great feature.
@NorthCascades
I am still leaning towards the 920XT. I did check out the review for the Fenix trackers, even though it does look impressive it is also more expensive than the FR trackers. Its a lot of information to process for both but feel I think I would like the FR better. Like I said before I don't do as much bike riding except for pleasure. I am more of a runner and swimmer.
@ritzvin
I do like to hike so that feature will come in handy for that use. Like I said I am not much of a cycler and only ride for pleasure.
Thank you both for your input and information on both. I will let you know how I really like it when I get the tracker and start using it.0 -
I have a Garmin Fitbit0
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I've got the 920 and it will work well for the things you're interested in. There is an optional quick release kit for it that turns it into a very nice, albeit little, bike computer.
Aside from the awful looks, I've been really happy with mine.0 -
I've got the 920 and it will work well for the things you're interested in. There is an optional quick release kit for it that turns it into a very nice, albeit little, bike computer.
Aside from the awful looks, I've been really happy with mine.
How does it feel on your wrist? Does it feel balky or okay to wear like a watch? I have worn some big style watches before just worried if it sits high on my wrist if it will catch more on things and do you still need to wear on your non dominant hand? Sorry for all the questions.0 -
The only time I notice the size is when I'm trying to fit it under sleeves... but the only time I do that is if I'm wearing it recreationally (not for training). With short sleeves, I don't notice it. With long sleeves, I typically wear it over my sleeves for easier access/viewing. I've never had a problem with it or felt that it was too big.1
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The only time I notice the size is when I'm trying to fit it under sleeves... but the only time I do that is if I'm wearing it recreationally (not for training). With short sleeves, I don't notice it. With long sleeves, I typically wear it over my sleeves for easier access/viewing. I've never had a problem with it or felt that it was too big.
Yep- I definitely notice it when I'm putting on sweaters with tighter sleeves. It can also get in the way of some dance moves (1 or 2 salsa leads, in particular, have moves where they reconnect by (gently) grabbing the wrist; and swing has some arm slides). Also- noticeable enough to become an annoying conversation piece (as in- "No! it is NOT one of those stupid apple watches or Fitbits").0 -
littlewolf3785 wrote: »I've got the 920 and it will work well for the things you're interested in. There is an optional quick release kit for it that turns it into a very nice, albeit little, bike computer.
Aside from the awful looks, I've been really happy with mine.
How does it feel on your wrist? Does it feel balky or okay to wear like a watch? I have worn some big style watches before just worried if it sits high on my wrist if it will catch more on things and do you still need to wear on your non dominant hand? Sorry for all the questions.
One of my coworkers has a 920XT. I can't tell you how it feels on his wrist, but, sitting across a table from him at a meeting, it doesn't stand out.
I'm going to give you some advice, you can take it or leave it, but I don't know why anyone wouldn't take it:
ALWAYS buy things like this at a store with a generous return policy. That means REI, Backcountry.com, LL Bean, CampSaver, etc.
The watch isn't cheap, and you're asking subjective questions to try and figure out if it'll be acceptable to you. Get it (if you're going to) from somewhere that will give you your money back if it doesn't work for you.
That's especially true for new Garmins, because those tend to be buggy. They've worked all the bugs out of the 920. But still.0 -
By the way, you're considering three specific Garmin watches. Is there a reason the Fenix 3 or 5 isn't on that list? A Fenix 3 is basically a 920XT with a round screen, the software is almost identical. And prices have fallen quite a bit on the F3 since the F5 became available.0
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NorthCascades wrote: »By the way, you're considering three specific Garmin watches. Is there a reason the Fenix 3 or 5 isn't on that list? A Fenix 3 is basically a 920XT with a round screen, the software is almost identical. And prices have fallen quite a bit on the F3 since the F5 became available.
On that note -
FWIW... the Fenix series is much better suited (IMO) for use outside of training... i.e. everyday wear... than is the 920. Personally I like the square face on the 920 better for training, but that's mostly a personal preference thing, and probably only an issue if you think you'll be running 4 data points on a single screen.
When I bought my 920, the fenix 3 was still relatively new and had far more issues/bugs than did the 920... otherwise I would have gone with a fenix because I could get more use out of it.0 -
Reviewing laps on the watch is much worse for the round screen. Maybe other lists, too. The Fenix can show details for whatever is centered, but anything above or below it suffers. It can show 4 fields on a page, but the font isn't very bold and I think the 920XT would be easier to read especially while running.
Also, the 920 has more buttons, and two of them are just below the face, so easier to get to. That might be important if you use the lap button on the bike a lot (like for hill repeats).
This is a Fenix 3 HR.
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NorthCascades wrote: »littlewolf3785 wrote: »I've got the 920 and it will work well for the things you're interested in. There is an optional quick release kit for it that turns it into a very nice, albeit little, bike computer.
Aside from the awful looks, I've been really happy with mine.
How does it feel on your wrist? Does it feel balky or okay to wear like a watch? I have worn some big style watches before just worried if it sits high on my wrist if it will catch more on things and do you still need to wear on your non dominant hand? Sorry for all the questions.
One of my coworkers has a 920XT. I can't tell you how it feels on his wrist, but, sitting across a table from him at a meeting, it doesn't stand out.
I'm going to give you some advice, you can take it or leave it, but I don't know why anyone wouldn't take it:
ALWAYS buy things like this at a store with a generous return policy. That means REI, Backcountry.com, LL Bean, CampSaver, etc.
The watch isn't cheap, and you're asking subjective questions to try and figure out if it'll be acceptable to you. Get it (if you're going to) from somewhere that will give you your money back if it doesn't work for you.
That's especially true for new Garmins, because those tend to be buggy. They've worked all the bugs out of the 920. But still.
To answer your question I was checking these 2 out because on my Go365 Shop these 2 are available that I can order if I do so wish to get them with the points I have earned and just pay for the tax. They do not have the other Garmin brand. I wanted to do my homework first and look into it. I'm not going to go out and purchase something and not know the information on the product or realize that it was a bad buy to begin with. I had a Fitbit before I got a Garmin and I like the Garmin products better and seem to have better features than the Fitbit. Just wanting to know peoples opinions and if there were any issues with the products that I am looking into.0 -
Wow. If I could get one of these devices basically for free and just pay the tax, I'd be thrilled!0
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NorthCascades wrote: »Wow. If I could get one of these devices basically for free and just pay the tax, I'd be thrilled!
An that's the reason why I ask if it is worth getting to use. Not going to dump my points if its not going to work. I do appreciate all the feedback.0
This discussion has been closed.
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