Upgrading 735XT to 935 or Titanium F5+

My 735XT has crossed the 2y mark, I've used it extensively (2-3 per week in the pool, open water swimming in the sea, probably an average of 7-10h per week) and it is time to think about a replacement. As a triathlete, climber, skier I've set my sights on either the 935 or the Titanium F5+. Obviously the later is almost twice as expensive.

So I am wondering whether it is worth to spend that much more money. Reasons would be:

- more modern architecture with more RAM and more CPU power, hence hopefully longer supported and when using certain CIQ datafields my 735XT noticeably slows down
- maps - gimmicky but I might end up liking it
- music - see above
- Garmin Pay - this one might actually be useful

Reasons against would be:

- price, obviously, although if I get 3y usage out of the device the difference per workout isn't that bad but what worries me is potentially losing a very expensive device and the being very, very angry
- Garmin beta tester pay is abysmal (i.e. non existent) and the 935 seems to be a mature device
- GPS issues, especially when swimming in open water

I am leaning towards the titanium version because it is quite a bit lighter (and a lot better looking IMHO). The 5s+ unfortunately is out of the equation because for me the battery won't last a full IM.

What do you guys, as people who have obviously chosen the F5+, think?
  • I came from a 235 and 920XT... I really like my F5+ (sapphire, not titanium) and would recommend it.

    I experienced the GPS issues regarding OWS, but these were resolved for me in a recent Beta. I've had several recent OWS including Augusta 70.3 last Sunday that were spot on. I think this has now been addressed for everyone with the GPS software update that came out yesterday, but I haven't heard any reports, good or bad

    My only complaint is that some, including me, are experiencing an issue with battery life. I'm currently getting about half the battery life I was expecting from a full charge. This is being actively investigated by Garmin. (I've had some email exchanges and sent in files from my watch along with details of my day-to-day usage.) Hopefully this is just software related.

    I like the maps and often use the turn-by-turn navigation for bike rides. It works well. Searching around the maps on the small screen is a bit tedious, but it works.

    I've loaded the watch with about 350 songs (~2.3 GB) that I listen to on occasional solo runs. I like it and have had no issues. Some have reported experiencing drop outs of the headphones...but not me. (I'm using Plantronics Backbeat Fit Bluetooth headphones with the watch on left wrist).

    I use Garmin Pay often...that is useful to me.

    I don't use a lot of Connect IQ, but what I have loaded works well.

    I can't argue about it being in a state of quasi-Beta right now. I'm always looking for the next Beta or FW to (hopefully) improve upon the watch's performance.

    Otherwise the watch is fast and looks great. I think it is a bit overpriced, but it is worth it to me. I'm really enjoying it.
  • Take note also of the weight. If you come from 735xt, which only weight barely 40grams, 935 wouldn't be a big suprise (being only 49grams). Fenix 5 plus weight is 86grams (non-ti) or 76grams (titanium version). You might want to try in store first to see if you like the double added weight
  • I came from a 235 and 920XT... I really like my F5+ (sapphire, not titanium) and would recommend it.

    I experienced the GPS issues regarding OWS, but these were resolved for me in a recent Beta. I've had several recent OWS including Augusta 70.3 last Sunday that were spot on. I think this has now been addressed for everyone with the GPS software update that came out yesterday, but I haven't heard any reports, good or bad

    My only complaint is that some, including me, are experiencing an issue with battery life. I'm currently getting about half the battery life I was expecting from a full charge. This is being actively investigated by Garmin. (I've had some email exchanges and sent in files from my watch along with details of my day-to-day usage.) Hopefully this is just software related.

    [...]

    I don't use a lot of Connect IQ, but what I have loaded works well.


    That is quite reassuring, thank you. My gut reaction to battery issues was: Check your CIQ Apps/Data Fields since I've had a case where a single CIQ Data Field - after an upgrade - was able to eat through my battery in less than 2h (during an activity). But since you don't use a lot of CIQ stuff something else might be going on.

    And only semi-related: How many CIQ Data Fields can I add to an activity and how many Data Screens can an activity have on the F5+?

  • Take note also of the weight. If you come from 735xt, which only weight barely 40grams, 935 wouldn't be a big suprise (being only 49grams). Fenix 5 plus weight is 86grams (non-ti) or 76grams (titanium version). You might want to try in store first to see if you like the double added weight


    Jup, thanks for pointing that out - I am aware of this and that is another reason why I am seriously considering the Titanium version despite the addition price tag over the base F5+. It is just something I have to live with I guess, but since I do wear mechanical watches when not wearing my Garmin I am used to a bit of additional weight on the wrist. It'll just be interesting during swimming.
  • Or just wait.... for the new 935+ or 945
    https://forums.garmin.com/forum/into-sports/running/forerunner-935-aa/1387992-timing-of-935-plus


    That would be my perfect watch but if I have to guess I'd say it won't materialize - much like there never was a 920XT HR after they introduced the F3 HR.
  • That would be my perfect watch but if I have to guess I'd say it won't materialize - much like there never was a 920XT HR after they introduced the F3 HR.


    Do you mean there will not be a successor to the 935? Of course it will. The question is when and by what. Its 1,5 years sine 935 was released so it should be time for an upgrade.
  • That is quite reassuring, thank you. My gut reaction to battery issues was: Check your CIQ Apps/Data Fields since I've had a case where a single CIQ Data Field - after an upgrade - was able to eat through my battery in less than 2h (during an activity). But since you don't use a lot of CIQ stuff something else might be going on.

    And only semi-related: How many CIQ Data Fields can I add to an activity and how many Data Screens can an activity have on the F5+?



    You are limited to two CIQ Data Fields for an activity.

    Regarding the number of Data Screens, it let me add eight custom screens (up to four fields each) that is in addition to the standard set of available screens for a total of nineteen screens.
  • Do you mean there will not be a successor to the 935? Of course it will. The question is when and by what. Its 1,5 years sine 935 was released so it should be time for an upgrade.


    I think there will be a successor following the 9xx life cycle:

    910XT: 3y
    920XT: 3y

    So I expect the 945 in 2020. All I am saying is: I don't expect a mid-cycle update like the F5 to F5+ update for the 935.
  • You are limited to two CIQ Data Fields for an activity.

    Regarding the number of Data Screens, it let me add eight custom screens (up to four fields each) that is in addition to the standard set of available screens for a total of nineteen screens.


    Are you sure about the two CIQ Data Fields per activity? The 235 allows one CIQ Data Field and the 735XT three - I would've expected a significantly higher number for the F5+.