Garmin Forerunner 235, thoughts

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Ramboss

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#191714 13-Feb-2016 19:19

I am thinking of getting the forerunner 235, mainly for run training on road also I do a lot of trail runs.
I know reading from reviews that the optical HRM is iffy, but that doesn't concern me I'm not to into heart rate training and what it gives will be fine for me.
My major concern is GPS reception on trail runs, eg under heavy tree cover.
If anyone has one or has any thoughts would love to hear from them

SheriffNZ

677 posts

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#1493189 16-Feb-2016 12:36

I haven't got one (although I'd like to get one). My only suggestion, if you haven't spotted it already is reading this review (http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/11/garmin-fr230-fr235-review.html) and then potentially hitting the author up with a specific query if his review doesn't answer your question.

Handle9

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#1493227 16-Feb-2016 13:36

I haven't got a forerunner but both my wife and I have the Garmin Vivoactive. We've never had any issues with the GPS when we've done trail runs and it's very good on road as well. Certainly way more convenient that using a phone, especially as I run in the mornings and don't want to use 20% of my batter life before going to work.

SheriffNZ

677 posts

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#1493247 16-Feb-2016 14:09

Handle9:

I haven't got a forerunner but both my wife and I have the Garmin Vivoactive. We've never had any issues with the GPS when we've done trail runs and it's very good on road as well. Certainly way more convenient that using a phone, especially as I run in the mornings and don't want to use 20% of my batter life before going to work.

I've recently started using my phone as a tracker as I've got into Strava in a big way. At the moment I use my phone but I'm in the market for a GPS watch (although I'd like a 235, my budget stretches more to the 25). One of the main reasons for getting a watch is the ease of running in the rain without the concern of destroying my phone.

minimoke

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#1498797 24-Feb-2016 21:07

Sorry cant help as Ï've got a TomTom (with HRM) which I decided on after looking at other watches on local market (inc Garmin) . But just on Strava - also a very positive user. Tom Tom uploads to quite a few apps (Strava, Runkeeper, MapMy Run, Endomondo, Nike and Jabone). From there I can upload into MyFitnessPal to offset runs against calories. So much data off one wee watch!

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#1498846 24-Feb-2016 22:09

Handle9:

I haven't got a forerunner but both my wife and I have the Garmin Vivoactive. We've never had any issues with the GPS when we've done trail runs and it's very good on road as well. Certainly way more convenient that using a phone, especially as I run in the mornings and don't want to use 20% of my batter life before going to work.

I've got a vivoactive as well which I quite like but have a couple of niggles:

- It's ugly. Not very stylish

- GPS is suppose to last 10 hours but mine died after 8.5 hours on a trail run. That was with everything switched off (bluetooth, vibration etc ...). With my next ultra I plan to carry a USB powerbank and charge the watch while I'm using it.

redmouse

69 posts

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#1506419 5-Mar-2016 11:39

I've had one for a few days. No running yet but I've been on a couple of cycle rides. So far I really like it. The HRM seemed to work well, showed quite a difference between cycling into the the wind and cruising along with a gale behind me :) GPS seemed to be fine, but I was on the open road. You can turn on GPS+GLONASS which might help if your GPS coverage is marginal.

Day to day, it's light and comfortable, I like the activity tracking and Garmin Connect seems way better than the last time I used it. I'm a little bit worried about scratching the plastic screen, I've ordered a screen protector.

I sold my Apple Watch to buy the 235. I miss the nicer screen and the ability to play music while I'm running. But I think having GPS, better activity metrics, sleep tracking, days of battery life and an always on display more than make up for the things I lost.

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Ramboss

202 posts

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#1508345 8-Mar-2016 17:57

I ended up getting the Forerunner 235, am really happy with it. Haven't done to much activity tracking, done a few runs GPS works great. Have done one trail up through Pirongia and didn't have any problems with GPS

SheriffNZ

677 posts

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#1508364 8-Mar-2016 18:36

Glad to hear it (read while cooling down after a good run with a Forerunner 25).

mudguard

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#1508499 8-Mar-2016 21:27

I have a Forerunner 310XT which is a bit older. It consistently reads more KM and less elevation totals than my phone (using Strava). So I would say it's more accurate. I use mine exclusively for mountainbiking and it's mounted on my handlebars rather than my wrist.

I ride under pretty dense bush at times and I've not had a ride where it's lost coverage. My phone on the other hand... It is nice having a dedicated device to track my k's (for goals and maintenance) and it's waterproof too which is a bonus. Sadly no KOMS but I've picked off a few mates which is the main thing.

jacwlg

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#1518860 24-Mar-2016 10:51

good choice, Garmin's GPS is top class.

I started with Edge 520 on my bike, then bought forerunner 25, really happy with them too.