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235 : worth $80 (€100) more than the 230 ? ...

...assuming you already have an HRM (but who here doesn't :o) the pricing of the FR230 is pretty appealing compared to the €399 of the FR 630 for essentially the same "useful" features for running in the same form factor. For €/$ 249 you get everything you need for running and then some, VO2Max/Recovery, Steps, Phone Notifications, Access to ConnectIQ.

By the token of "useful" features I already get that from my FR610 ("Finish Time" would be better than "Virtual Partner" though) and I have other nice watches to wear. And I can get (more) advanced recovery info using a free Android app like "Elite HRV". The 235 would at least bring 24/7 HR but without HRV ability and how far is an HRM strap if you really need one?

Decisions, decisions...

0 timgrose over 9 years ago

These things always come down to what is useful to you.

TBH you get everything you need for running from any Forerunner including an FR25 (i.e. pace, distance, time, HR plus notifications) and at about half the price of any of these new devices.

0 hollyoak94 over 9 years ago

True, we could all make do with a lot less ;-)

Without lingering on that "concept" it still seems that the price difference between the 230 and the 235 is a bit high, especially in Europe. Throw in the FR620+HR Run now at €269 and it gets even more confusing!

0 martin.j.d over 9 years ago

I think the 230 is the perfect watch for most of us! I like the 225 but the HR is so unreliable and not having a bike mode is the only reason I'll pass it on for the 230. I've been bitten by the inaccuracy of the 225 so I'm not confident splashing out €299 for the 235!

0 hollyoak94 over 9 years ago

Right and maybe get the Scosche v2 BT+ANT Optical strap with support for HRV. DCR's been hinting that Valencell were working hard at implementing that feature...

0 ekutter-dnu over 9 years ago

Given that the only difference is the optical HR, it all comes down to how much you value that. This all assumes it even works well for you. Personally, if it works well, I'd be happy to pay $80 to not have to deal with a 2nd device for getting my HR. Plus the addition of 24/7 HR. I don't really care about 24/7, but do care about getting my resting HR automatically, every day.

So you need to think about the value this "always on/always there" HR gives to you. Plus, I'd only get it somewhere that it is easy to return if the HR doesn't work for you. Even if DCRainmaker give the optical HR rave reviews once he gets it, doesn't mean it will work for you.

0 KR17 over 9 years ago

Have we confirmed that the 235 is exactly the same form factor as the 230?
The official specs say it is but whether the sensor sticks out is another matter.
Anyone seen them side by side yet?

0 hollyoak94 over 9 years ago

Good point, I've seen pictures of the marks left by the 225 and while it wasn't painful apparently it was quite spectacular. It might not be to everyone's liking!