19.10.2017

The FR235 is extremely lightweight. You’d find it hard to believe that the guys at Garmin managed to squeeze in vibration motor, accelerometer, GPS + GLONASS, audio and a decent rechargeable battery, all sealed to 5ATM water resistance.The charging cable is proprietary and features a clamp design that ends off with a USB end. I love the big display that really brings out the beauty in the custom faces you can find on Garmin Connect IQ.The strap is exchangeable and I was surprised to learn that there’s actually a black/volt Nike exclusive version on top of the marsala, black gray, frost green. The slightly stretchy strap is full of ventilation and fitting holesWhat I particularly like is that the FR235 looks good enough to be worn during and outside training.With a brightly coloured strap, it could even look like a trendy time piece that doesn’t scream “FITNESS TRACKER!”--HR recording--I compared the HR data to that from a Polar H7 Bluetooth Smart HRM and the comparison is shown in the attached pictures. The 2 HR graphs are not identical as you can see the numerous peaks in the HR graph of the FR235. That being said, I thought the FR235 gave a pretty good estimate in smart recording mode; meaning the HR/GPS data is not recorded every second, it can range from once per second to once every 6 seconds thereabouts. The eventual file size is smaller and usually the recorded data is sufficient for the average user.When the recording mode was switched to every second, the FR 235 performed superbly. While the data is not quite that of the Polar H7, it’s getting really close.I understand there are users out there who are not getting the same response from the FR235 that I am. Optical heart rate sensors are tricky and dependent on many factors. I have to stress that I’m speaking from personal usage as an individual.--Training—There are 4 activity profiles.1. RUN2. RUN INDOORS3. CYCLE4. OTHERSYou can’t remove any of them though you can hide them if it’s not used much. The cool thing about the FR235 is that all 4 modes can be individually customised.For example for outdoor runs, I would like the GPS function to be available but all smart notifications to be turned off. But for indoors runs on a treadmill, I would like the GPS function to be turned off and all forms of smart notifications enabled. So the FR235 allows you to set your preferences for all 4 activity profiles.Besides the activity profiles, there’s also training tools you can tap on such as:1. Training calendar2. Intervals3. My workouts4. Finishing timeFeatures like training calendar and my workouts require that you log into Garmin Connect web and do some planning. The FR 235 allows the user to set interval distance, duration and time right from the watch device. As for finishing time, you just need to set a distance and go about your run while the FR235 will display roughly how fast you can complete the distance based on the current pace.The screen during activity tracking can be set to a total of 5 screens of which 2 can be further split into 4 data fields each. So in total you’re getting 4+4+1 (Heart rate) +1 (HR Zone gauge)+1 (Clock)= 11 stats to view during tracked activities. And these can be set differently for every activity profile.--Smart notifications—The FR235 allows you to expand and read smart notifications or set the mode of alert, be it audio, vibration or both.--Physiological stats—After a run of more than 10 minutes, the FR235 will give you a VO2 max estimation. The recovering advisor will also list the number of hours you need to rest before the next hard workout. The data is analysed by First Beat, a Finnish company that also provides similar service to Samsung, Garmin, Suunto, Sony and many more.There’s also a predicted finishing time for 5k, 10k, half and full marathon based on your performance in tracked 10 minutes.--All day activity tracker—The FR235 tracks steps, distance, calories burned, sleep, all day HR and intensity minutes but it doesn’t track number of stairs climbed due to the lack of a barometer. It is also compatible with 3rdIf you’ve been sedentary for too long, the FR235 will alert you through an audio beep or buzz that it’s time to get up and”Move.”--Others—There are a lot of avenues for customization and if you’re willing to invest the time, you can really tweak the FR235 to your personal preference.I was able to set alerts during a tracked activity session to buzz when I go beyond a certain HR. Also I set the auto pause function to kick in when I slow below 10km/hr; could be waiting for the traffic lights and so on.The FR235 also connects to ANT+ foot pod , heart rate monitor and Garmin’s VIRB action cameras.If you’re looking for chest strap accurate HR readings, then opt for the FR230 and buy a chest strap. Otherwise the FR235 is a serious contender on anyone’s list of GPS fitness watch to consider.Pros:• 24/7 fitness tracker. Tracks steps, distance, calories, sleep.• Measure all day heart rate and heart rate during tracked activity sessions• GPS+Glonass enabled with smart or per second tracking• Vibration and audio enabled for smart notifications, alarms, move alerts• Expand and read full messages on FR 235 display• Pick up phone calls only• Heavily customisable• Garmin Connect IQ compatible for apps and watch face downloads• VO2 Max score, Race time predictor, Recovery advisor• Automatic laps for 1km/1 mile or customized• Auto pause during tracked runs• Interval run features• Water resistant to 5 ATM• Big screen that is not touch enabled• Sunlight readable screen with back light• Connect IQ compatible• Reads lap number and time from Garmin Connect mobile app from connected smart phone• Shows weather and calendar events from smart phone• Water resistant to 5 ATMCons• Navigation on the FR235 takes getting used to• No virtual pacer feature

14.4.2020

I've been running with a watch for a while. I went from a Pebble 2 HR (RIP) to a Garmin Vivosport which I had issues with the non-replaceable strap tearing, and then decided that I would go for a more fit for purpose watch.I decided on the FR235, being the most used running watch on the market currently, I thought it would be a safe place to put my money. To which I am delighted to say that it is. Though depending on the price it's up for, there may be some better options.I bought the watch for only £130 during the Prime Day sale 2019 and since then, it has assisted me on a few races, my first marathon and over 200 training runs. The watch is comfortable and looks great,it has a good blend of looking sporty but also subtle, it doesn't look out of place in the office either. I decided on the Marsala Red edition which in my opinion looks best of the 3 options though note that in the pictures the red accent comes across as a browny-red burgundy colour, in reality it is more of a cherry red.It lacks some of the features that the newer or more premium Garmin watches have, however, most of these features can actually be added via the Gamin app store, Connect IQ. If you're just after the basics, this watch definately has all you need and more.The watch is very accurate in it's workout tracking, featuring both GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking which a plot of your route is visible on your phone when you return from your run. I have compared the satellite tracking to a friend's newer FR245 model and to our surprise, the tracking was actually more accurate on this model. This however could change over time if Garmin choose to update the watches.The watch is very customizable, you can choose all of the real time data that you're interested in during your run and place them on the two display fields for use while you're out, some of these include: Speed/Pace, Average Speed/Pace, Duration, Distance, Current HR, Average HR, Altitude (though this is a software metric), HR Zones, Calories, Steps, as well as hundreds of other custom data fields that can be downloaded. It's also worth noting that the always on display can be customized with a photo off of your phone and made to be your watch face which is really nice and makes your watch unique.Sleep tracking is ok, if you're coming from using a FitBit or even a Pebble watch like I was, it is a fair few steps behind. Some nights it aces the sleep tracking and others it can be vastly off. It's worth noting that this watch only features basic sleep tracking so transitions between light and deep sleep, no REM tracking. You can use the Sleep with Android app on this watch though if you're really interested in improving your sleep patterns.Overall, if you're looking for a running watch that masters all of the basics, this is your safe bet. There is also the FR735XT which is very similar to this watch and sometimes in sales can come close to the price of the 235 but most of the features on the 735XT are aimed towards triathletes so you may not need them.

30.4.2017

I bought this to replace my old Garmin Forerunner 610 which was getting more and more unreliable. First impressions were good, the GPS gets a fix very quickly (something the 610 struggled with), even inside the house. The GPS seems to be more accurate too, I ran a half marathon and it measured 13.1 miles very accurately and many other runs have been very close to the actual mileage. Its very easy to use and the notifications are a bonus (if you havent used a smartwatch before), it would be good to be able to setup a couple more custom screens though.There is a BUT, a very big BUT..... DO NOT RELY ON IT FOR HR TRAINING. Whilst the heart rate monitor does generally work well it has let me down on several occasions,the main one being that it will suddenly jump to 90% Max HR (for me around 170 bpm) for a few minutes and then drop back down again to what you were at before. This can be in the middle of a long run when you are cruising along at 65-70% Max HR, it will jump to 90% for a mile or two and then drop back to 70%. This has happened on the last 3 of my long runs. It also has a habit of spiking to 90% max for shorter time periods. It wont track HR very well when you do short intervals too. It seems to be ok at times though and it can be useful when your training and cant be bothered with a strap, but the minute you need to rely on HR for a particular session then forget it, its too unpredictable so I'd always get the HR strap out. Ive found the resting HR a bit dodgy too, I can inexplicably have high RHR and low RHR days for no reason, generally for me it seems to average at 45 but in the past week its varied from 38 to 50 and I simply dont trust it as I feel fine (i.e. if it hit 50 then I might think Im getting ill)The recovery advisor is useless too, if your doing back to back hard days then you must be confident enough to know your body well enough, you dont need a watch saying whether you have 15 or 25hrs to recover, if like most people you do a hard day followed by a recovery day then whats the point of it telling you how long it will be before you can run the same run you jut did? it will reset and state the recovery time for the last run, so after the recovery run the recovery time from your hard effort the day before is ignored.....yes you might argue that its an indication so if your recovery run is telling you you need more recovery time than usual, but then you should learn to listen to your body and know how to run your recovery runs (most do them too fast anyway).....its a gimmick that you just dont need....as is VO2Max....its totally out for me and Ive had a test on a treadmill.Oh and one last thing......BE CAREFUL WITH THE RACE PREDICTION TIMES...... I think the calculations are done to give you a big pat on the back and dangerously set expectations. Its trying to suggest I can do a 2:43 marathon, that would be a 20 min PB and Ive been trying to break 3hrs for nearly 5 years now!

5.4.2020

Although originally being released in 2015, the Garmin Forerunner 235 running watch is still a fantastic running watch to this day.I purchased this watch originally in 2016 and still have it. It is still working perfectly.I am a very keen runner, and have participated in many running events across the country including vitality 10k, Asics 10k, hackney half, oxford half to name but a few.I also have done the Brighton and Chicago marathons.Not considered in any way as a professional, I only required the basic measurements for my run together with a good app.I originally used run keeper to track my runs, but with this watch and its app it can automatically sync with run keeper once you complete your run.This also means you do not need to run with your phone anymore.

1.10.2018

For a year or so, I had a Samsung Gear Fit 2. This was a great watch, but in that time I really developed a love for running and I realised that it didn't really meet my requirements.Fast forward to a week ago, when I decided to purchase the 235. After weeks of comparing countless products (Polar M430, Fitbit Ionic) on amazon, comparison websites, reddit. I landed on this one.For me, it's faultless. There are complaints about the heartrate monitor, but unless I'm collapsed on the floor clutching my chest, I don't really pay attention to that.At first I was worried about moving from a smart watch to a fitness watch because of the loss of functionality. As it turns out though,

23.9.2019

As the headline states, I've had this fitness tracker for more than a year now and generally speaking I'm happy with it. I wear it every day. No scratches or marks on the watch front. The watch strap itself is showing signs of wear with a bit of tear in the rubber, but I think it's still good for some time yet.I use this fitness tracker to monitor my running and walking activities. Running in cities or in the country side, it generally manages to get a GPS signal fairly quickly and once it has a signal it tends to keep it.The feedback you get from the smartwatch via the app is good. It shows me the route I ran and gives me other information such as average stride distance, maximum speed, duration,

8.8.2019

After hankering after buying a fitness watch I finally took the plunge and bought the 235 when it was heavily discounted; It has proved to be a good buy.I have had no issue with the HR monitor as whenever I've manually checked, it has been spot on.Things like the sleep tracker and step counter are fine. I've done a couple of tests on the step counter and it's okay for a wrist based device.The menu/setup can be a little opaque, but once you know where everything is then it's fine.The battery life is fine for casual running and day-to-day use. The GPS obviously drains the watch faster than normal, but that it only active when activities (or specific apps) are in use.

23.8.2016

Early days yet, but so far I am really liking this. I am wearing it every day and using it for cycling rather than running and even without ANT sensors it's great, can't wait to get my cadence sensor on the bike and have it reading that too.Applied the latest firmware as soon as it was out of the box, not experienced any battery life issues (day 3 of wearing it and with one 2 hour cycling activity and I still have 70%)Screen brightness I have seen people complain about...yes it's dim, yes the backlight is dim too, but it doesn't wash out in sunlight and it's on all the time...it isn't retina quality like your iWatch but that's fine for the intended function.SmartWatch apps,

20.11.2018

This is a brilliant product. I bought just to track runs but have ended up wearing it 24/7. The features one by one:Heart rate monitor: when it comes to accuracy, the wrist-based optical HRM gives the same reading as the one on the machines in the gym. The only downside is that it tends to drop about 50bpm during very sweaty gym work.User interface: the buttons are easy to push but never get depressed accidentally. The controls are really intuitive and logically laid out. It is really built for wearing on your left arm for operation with your right hand though. The options for what to display (distance, cadence, heart rate) are really nice. For night-time running the screen usually lights up with a flick of the wrist,

27.2.2019

This watch is fantastic! I use it for running and wear it daily. It is light weight.The GPS is accurate. It is easy to read whilst running. It is user friendly. The battery life is great really. If I don't run and therefore use GPS its lasts more than a week. If I run 4 hours in a week (and use the GPS) the battery life will last about a week. However, I do turn it off at night (I do not wear it in bed as the sleep monitoring is not a feature I am interested in).I have been genuinely pleased and impressed with this watch.It has been a superb buy and I would recommend it to runners (I have not used it for any other sports therefore I will not comment on it).The negatives......I cannot think of one.

21.4.2019

I bought this watch to help me track my running. I wanted the heart rate monitor, stopwatch and gps tracking to accurately measure distances. Job done easily on all three of these factors. What I hadn’t realised was that the Garmin Connect app for iPhone complements the watch so well it has become invaluable to me. I’ve manually checked my heart rate and it is accurate for me. The amount of information the app gives on an activity is excellent.The watch also allegedly counts your steps. As with all step counters that you wear on your wrist, this has to be taken with a huge pinch of salt. Shake your hand or wave your arm and you get a few steps. I drove 25 miles home yesterday and the driving motion recorded about 400 steps.

28.11.2018

Firstly the watch is extremely lightweight and is very comfortable on the wrist. Button layout is simple and ergonomic. Takes a while to get to grips with the layout and what does what (wish the instructions were a little more detailed) but the internet has all the answers you could possibly need. The IQ Store that's available to you has an unreal amount of apps, watch faces and other widgets. FACE IT by Garmin is a brilliant app to add any photo you want to the watch face. The steps are rather accurate and it also gives you the option to make them more accurate by calibrating your stride length to a specific distance which I was royally impressed with.

8.3.2019

Very easy to connect to things that display the information the watch can't. The amount of what this thing can do is a bit mind boggling and bizarrely there isn't a YouTube post out there that properly addresses it. I'm 11 hours in and am trying to figure out the best 'widgets'.A good start with 'Connect' which took care of things. One major blip was that I set the watch up as metric but the phone went into groats, furlongs and pounds. Even the Brits measure their Fish and Chips by the kilo so Garmin need to think about who they really want to sell to.Very, very comfy to wear and the display is perfect in sunlight, unlike the Fitbit rip-offs.Garmin are very conservative with their products so this,

5.6.2019

Part of the failure of this watch to inspire me was my own fault, buying at a time when I meant to get back into running, but never really got going, and part was the release of the Galaxy Watch, which trumped this in all but the features I wasn't really using.As a fitness watch, it's a typical Garmin product, meaning it's reliable and fully featured when talking about running or cycling. As of now, the 235 does not have support to use the Galileo satellites, which are in my opinion much more accurate than GLONASS or GPS alone. This may be how the 235 now starts to show its age, as its successor the 245 apparently does have support for this, as does the Fenix 5.Battery life was average,

30.7.2018

I've owned this for a week now and I'm very pleased with my purchase.The GPS seems pretty accurate and takes about 2 seconds to connect before starting my run. I'm not sure how accurate the Elevation feature is, but it seems pretty spot on from my general feel. I know one of the reviewers said they struggled to read the screen, but I can't see how that could be an issue, to me the numbers are clear and the white background and black figures during run mode make it even clearer.I'm never really interested in the Heart Rate statistics, so it's probably a valid criticism that it's not accurate; but in my 10km race yesterday my average heart rate was a bit higher in the last 5km than the first 5km and for me this made sense,

Garmin Forerunner 235 - Reviews

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