FR225 vs FR235 - Optical Sensor Comparison (tightness, marks, performance) ?

Unless I've missed something there is zero comparison between the FR225 and the FR235 in that review.

Unless I've missed something there is zero comparison between the FR225 and the FR235 in that review.

True but I thought you were really interested in how the 235 does.

On marks etc, one commenter says

"I can’t feel the sensor bump at all. When worn normally during the day the bump leaves no mark on your skin but when I run and make the watch quite tight it will leave an impression. At no time did I feel it or did watch feel different to me than a flat bottomed watch."

My first day (over 24 hrs) wearing the FR235, I definitely had the strap too tight. The mark stayed on my skin for a few hours. The next day I wore it a tad looser. The HRM worked fine, and no mark on my skin. I did tighten it for a run, but then loosened it again afterwards. Did just fine. Neither of the days did I feel the bump though.

In case anyone's been able to compare both I've been wondering about a few things as I really want to get a watch with an optical sensor to complement/replace my chest strap that sometimes just shows abnormal values (regardless of what I've tried, water, gel, etc...) which is confusing/worrying !

- reports indicated that the FR225 had to be worn almost uncomfortably tight to work well, is it also the case on the FR235 ?
- does the FR235 leave marks like the FR225, there are some scrary FR225 pics here http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Garmin_225 !
- in terms of actual performance people seemed happy with the FR225 whereas the FR235 is currently pretty spiky in GC but apparently stable when displayed on the watch..

Thanks !

No. FR225 don't need to be worn unconfortable tight to work well. Based on Tim's review, the 235 HR result is worse than FR225. So if you want accurate on HR rate, just keep with 225.

Bought both 225 and 235 in the last month

I bought the 225 at the beginning of November as I was too impatient to wait for what I originally perceived to be an upgrade I didnt need and too costly in the 235. Paid £182 for the 225 and was initially very pleased with all the new tech, coming from a 405 which Id used to death for 5 or 6 years. With the 235 looking like coming available last week I changed my mind and returned the 225 under the money back try out guarantee. I have to say the amound ot watch you get in the 235 justifies the extra cost. This is truly a runners and smart watch, delighted with the extra 44% display, smoother scrolling, extra features such as V02 max, race predictor, widgets, watch screens, Iveeven got the BBC football scores notifying me of every goal that goes in on a Saturday staright to me wrist.

Well made up! the V02 max it calculated after just the first 14 mile run was impressively accurate - within 1 minute of my previous weekends half marathon result, for a score of 53.

You might see VO2Max go up a bit over the next few runs ;-) On my FR230 it was perfect at the beginning and now it's a tad optimistic, hehe !

Anyway thanks for the 225 vs 235 thoughts, what about HR, do you sense any difference, both in performance (jumps in the display) and wear requirement (tightness) ?

I bought the 225 at the beginning of November as I was too impatient to wait for what I originally perceived to be an upgrade I didnt need and too costly in the 235. Paid £182 for the 225 and was initially very pleased with all the new tech, coming from a 405 which Id used to death for 5 or 6 years. With the 235 looking like coming available last week I changed my mind and returned the 225 under the money back try out guarantee. I have to say the amound ot watch you get in the 235 justifies the extra cost. This is truly a runners and smart watch, delighted with the extra 44% display, smoother scrolling, extra features such as V02 max, race predictor, widgets, watch screens, Iveeven got the BBC football scores notifying me of every goal that goes in on a Saturday staright to me wrist.

Well made up! the V02 max it calculated after just the first 14 mile run was impressively accurate - within 1 minute of my previous weekends half marathon result, for a score of 53.

235 is not accurate at all, check Tim's review. I believe you will return 235 and buy 225 back. :)

Where is "Tim's review"? I looked and didn't see it. Are you referring to TIMGROSE, or a different Tim? Thanks.

Right now I'm still happy with my 235, just want to browse through all the reviews, both positive and negative for nuggets of information.

225 v 235

You might see VO2Max go up a bit over the next few runs ;-) On my FR230 it was perfect at the beginning and now it's a tad optimistic, hehe !

Anyway thanks for the 225 vs 235 thoughts, what about HR, do you sense any difference, both in performance (jumps in the display) and wear requirement (tightness) ?

I feel the 235 was more realistic and consistent, but that may go hand in hand with the more comfortable strap, which is a slimmer and better quality feel rubber. I have a relatively very low rhr (genetic not due to any Olympic fitness ) which is showing as 37 consistently. Max heart rate on the 225 went over 200 on runs which was mad, more realistic 156 at the weekend.


I'm obviously still in the honeymoon period and a bit evangelical about the whole experience I concede