I use it for running and this replaced my old TomTom Runner which was a basic but very decent watch over the years. This Garmin Forerunner 235 is several leagues above.
I've only had it a few days but tested it out thoroughly before writing this review and so far I'm very happy. It took a bit to work out the in and outs of setting it all up and linking to my Strava account but now it's all configured how I want it, I'm very happy indeed.
It looks really smart and is comfortable on my wrist despite having the heart monitor on the back. I used several websites/feeds and videos online to get it all set up as the manual you get is just basic and a start up only.
One thing: If yours seems dead when you get it, like mine was, i.e. just showed Garmin logo on the screen and would not respond to anything even when plugged into your PC, you need to reset by pressing the off (top left) button for 15 seconds approx until it goes blank altogether, then you press the same button for a second or two and it should restart no problem.
If I was to give any slight criticism; during day the screen can in a certain light be a bit on the dull side. I countered this by adjusting the background to white with green/orange numerals. This looks much better for me. Also I find that too much info is hard to read when you are running, so it is best to set up different screens, so you can just have your pace for example and distance. That's the info I find most useful when running, but you can change the screens to show whatever you want. It also does 'lap times', i.e. time splits, which I like, so during your run you get a bleep or buzz each KM or mile, whatever you want and you can see it all in the history bit post run if you want to. There is a short online tutorial on this You know where to look ;)
The battery life is amazing. I was used to charging up my old TomTom every day. This Forerunner 235 has lasted all week on one full charge and is still over 50%. It does all I want for my runs. I like that you can adjust so there is one, two, three or even four data-sets on screen. Eg pace, time, distance, heart rate, cadence etc. And the apps are good too.
The Bluetooth is super fast and no probs at all with GPS. I went onto my Strava account and linked it easily to my Garmin Connect account, so it auto uploads my workouts first to the app which looks good then up to Strava as well.
I got this for a very good price, 'used' but it looks as good as new. Definitely justifies 5 stars for me as the slight issue over the dull screen can be overcome and in poor light or darkness the backlight is very good and you can set it so it comes on when you flick your wrist, which when I'm running it does.
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Stay on pace for your next personal record with Garmin Forerunner 235
Wrist-Based Heart Rate
Forerunner 235 uses Garmin Elevate heart rate technology. An optical sensor measures heart rate 24/7 at the wrist, giving you the option to run without a strap. Its colourful gauge identifies your heart rate zone and beats per minute in real time.
On and Off Road Running
A built-in accelerometer captures distance and pace data when you’re running on an indoor track or treadmill. Forerunner 235 estimates VO2 max, recovery time and predicts your race times for several distances when used with the heart rate. Receive audio prompts for lap times.
Activity Tracker
Once you’re done running, it doubles as an activity tracker, counting your steps and calories throughout the day. It also reminds you to move after sitting for more than an hour.
Forerunner 235 is compatible with GPS and GLONASS satellites to locate your position quickly and precisely whether you’re running deep in the woods or near tall buildings.
Customise your Forerunner 235 and stay connected
Customise Your Watch and Your Training
No two runners are the same, and neither are their goals. Set yourself up to reach yours by downloading advanced workouts and training plans to your Garmin Forerunner 235 from Garmin Connect. Customise your watch face with any photo from your mobile device. Simply download the free Garmin Face-It App, choose an image from your photo library, add the time and set it as your watch face. You can also customise your data fields, and download widgets and applications all for free at Connect IQ.
Smart Notifications
See incoming email, text messages, call alerts, calendar reminders and more on Forerunner 235, from your compatible smartphone.
Garmin Connect
Concise, easy-to-understand charts, graphs, maps and more let you view your activities, track progress toward goals and wirelessly upload and share relevant data directly with the online Garmin Connect network. So, you can compete with friends or family members on weekly step or running challenges — and compare your results in real time, using the LiveTrack feature. You can also use the Garmin Connect Mobile app’s wireless connectivity links to receive current weather conditions, forecasts and smart notifications right on your Forerunner 235.
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| Customer Reviews |
87
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2,340
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189
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1,739
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| Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitor | - | ✓ | - | - |
| Running Metrics (indoor/outdoor) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cycling Metrics (indoor/outdoor) | Outdoor only | Outdoor only | Outdoor only | ✓ |
| Advanced Running Dynamics (with HRM-Run) | - | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lactate Threshold (with HRM) | - | - | ✓ | - |
| Triathlon Mode | - | - | - | ✓ |
| Connect IQ Compatibility | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Music Control / Audio Prompts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Smart Notifications | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery Life | 5 wks. smartwatch / 16 hrs. training | 9 days smartwatch / 11 hrs. training | 4 wks. smartwatch / 16 hrs. training | 5 wks. smartwatch / 24 hrs. training |
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