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Need advice in deciding between Forerunner 230 and Forerunner 235

Former Member
Former Member over 9 years ago
Hello,

I am planning to buy a running + smart watch; and after going through all available options (TomTom, FitBit, Mio etc) I am pretty much settled between these two:
  • Forerunner 230
  • Forerunner 235


I am currently using chest strap Bluetooth HRM with my iPhone. And definitely using chest strap is not convenient. But knowing its accuracy it cannot be ignored. And I do need to use the HRM with either chestStrap or Watch, as I prefer running with the HRM information available and would want the data to be reliable enough. My primary activity is running only.

Obviously, having HRM sensor on the wrist, saves a bit of discomfort using the chest strap HRM. But, if the watch inbuilt HRM got really poor accuracy then, I believe the chest strap HRM weighs over its discomfort.

One thing I would like to know from experts is:
  • Is the 235 HRM so inaccurate that I should opt for chest strap HRM for running.
  • Is the 235 HRM's current issues Hardware or Software?
  • How far can the 235 HRM performance improve with future software updates? Will it bring in more features and measures with software updates in future? Or the hardware has hits its limit.


For me on the price front the 235 is about 20% more expensive than 230.
If I get 235, i'll not be in position financially to further invest in Garmin HRM Chest Strap.
But, If i get 230, i'll have to buy the Garmin HRM Chest Strap, which will make the package a little more than 235's cost (about 3% more expensive than 235).

I am very interested in knowing if there is even a slight hope in the performance of the 235 HRM in future, and will it eventually justify not having the Chest Strap HRM for running altogether.

I'll really appreciate if I can get a volume of advice/suggestions on which one I should go for and why?
My heart says 235 but by head says 230, and my wife says None. Totally confused situation, so i need to choose the best option for me (obviously not None).

Just for Information, where I live the 230 is available in Black, and 235 is available only in Red and Orange. Other color options not available. And I also intent to use this as my day-to-day watch also.

Thanks and Regards,
Sapam
  • 0 over 9 years ago
    If monitoring or training by heart rate is of importance to you, I would definitely go with the 230. I train by heart rate and therefore wanted a watch that would provide as close to accurate heart rate readings as possible. I purchased the 230 bundled with the HRM. Some people have mentioned that chest straps can be uncomfortable. I guess that is a matter of opinion. I had never worn a chest strap until this latest purchase. I had some reservations based on what I had seen in reviews regarding comfort. However, after several dozen runs up to 10 miles, I am in no way bothered by how it feels. I have also not noticed any heart rate spikes like others have mentioned. It seems like a very solid product in my opinion.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 9 years ago
    I really appreciate the suggestions and advice and find them extremely valuable information, which will surely help me in making the choice easier.

    Though the garmin website in India shows Black, Red and Orange for the 235, unfortunately the Black is not available in the stores.

    These things (actually everything) is expensive over here.
    • Forerunner 230 - Rs. 22,990 ($342)
    • Forerunner 235 - Rs. 27,499 ($409)
    • Garmin Premium HRM - Rs. 5,299 ($79)


    Just wondering will i really miss the OHR ( say the 24x7 ) if I get 230. Or should simply get 235 and forget that it has an OHR and maybe feel good/happpy whenever Garmin finally fix the OHR system on the Watch. Either way I think I need to get the ANT+ chest strap.

    Regards,
    Sapam


    If you don't mind the chest strap and training workouts are your major concern, go with the 230. I've had my 235 since the initial release in the US and I've seen several updates come and go with no improvements made with 24/7 monitoring. It's my belief that Garmin has moved on from the 235 and I don't think any updates regarding 24/7 monitoring will be made. Do I have any inside information on this? No, just my opinion. One of the biggest reasons I chose the 235 was for the 24/7 monitoring. In hindsight, I would have gone with the 230 if I had to chose between the two, but I most likely would have looked elsewhere. Live and learn I guess.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 9 years ago
    Now My head is really spinning between 230 and 235.

    Another question here about 235.
    • Deos the sensor area that is raised at the bottom like a button, gives any discomfort when wearing 24/7?
    • And how does the OHR sensor perform (in 24/7 HR tracking) if worn at normal wrist watch position comfortably?



    From what I have been learning it seems for running (varying intensity like interval) I need to use a chest strap anyway be it 230 or 235. And my running definitely involve Interval training too, and i am using the instantaneous HR to manage my easy pace between intervals. Definitely a stuck HR will not help me out here.

    Also, lets assume I decide to go for 230.
    How will 230 compared to TomTom Spark HR + Audio?
    They both are about the same price in India. And, am also aware of the issues plagued with the TomTom OHR ;).

    Thanks and Regards,
    Sapam
  • 0 over 9 years ago
    I wouldn't recommend the TomTom Spark

    Deos the sensor area that is raised at the bottom like a button, gives any discomfort when wearing 24/7?
    Not from pressure per se. I do find it causes build-up of moisture on my skin from time to time, so I tend to swap on which arm I wear it now and then.
    And how does the OHR sensor perform (in 24/7 HR tracking) if worn at normal wrist watch position comfortably?
    It'll depend on the shape of your wrist, I suppose. Generally it is recommended that oHRM watches are worn slightly further up the arm than you would a normal watch, away from the wrist bone. I wear my FR235 as high up my forearm as I would normally allow my chronograph to slide, but tighten it just enough to not allow it to slide down towards the wrist. The trueness of the HR readings when worn while not working out is not that contentious an issue for 24x7 HR tracking; most people who complain about it complain about the frequency at which readings are taken, especially during inactive/sleeping hours.
    How will 230 compared to TomTom Spark HR + Audio?
    I had a TomTom Spark Cardio+Music, which I've since returned (and got the FR235 instead, for almost the same spend) due to lack of operational reliability. I've written plenty about it on the TomTom discussion forum. Let's just say I wouldn't be recommending it to anyone as the product stands now.
  • 0 over 9 years ago
    How much do you care about pinpoint heart rate accuracy?

    If you're a serious athlete, you are going to want a chest strap. There is just no substitute. That said, personally? I find the optical heart rate monitor in the 235 to be sufficient for my needs, at least enough so where it's worth the convenience of not dealing with a chest strap.

    I find the watch comfortable to wear; on the wrist, it feels similar to an Apple Watch or a slightly larger Fitbit. I sleep with mine for the sleep tracking functionality, and never have an issue with it being uncomfortable. You can't feel the optical "hump" underneath the device. People who do wear it far too tight, I think.

    As an aside, I am beyond thrilled with this watch. It has all the best features of Fitbits and the Apple Watch combined into one device, and is a killer running watch to boot. I have a difficult time seeing any runner not being happy with this device.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 9 years ago
    As usual my mind want to expand the scope and see whats best I can get, considering what I want to use for couple of years down the line.

    So, for it seems the OHR is mere a experimental implementation. And if I really want accurate HR monitoring then the Strap are the only way to go. So, I still have to get the Garmin HRM-Run or similar.

    Considering that if I go for 325 + Garmin HRM (not HRM-Run) then the package is costing me Rs. 32799 ($490)
    At this price range I seem to have ventured into another territory altogether.
    • Garmin Forerunner 920XT with HRM-Run - Rs. 35,000 ($523)
    • Garmin Fenix 3 with HRM-Run - Rs. 37000 ($553)


    So, technically my mind is in a soup. Will I be happy with 235 with all its pros and cons in future. Or, bite the bullet, save a little more and get either 920XT or Fenix 3 with the HRM-Run.

    This is going to be my first Sports-Smart watch, and definitely a watch after 2 decades. That is the reason am being so choosy here. I again appreciate all your efforts in enlightening me with various reasoning and facts.

    Thanks and Regards,
    Sapam
  • 0 over 9 years ago
    So, technically my mind is in a soup. Will I be happy with 235 with all its pros and cons in future. Or, bite the bullet, save a little more and get either 920XT or Fenix 3 with the HRM-Run.
    There is no perfect device and there never will be. The best ‘solution’ option that is available to you today, on balance of everything, will most likely not remain the best option known to you in eighteen months' time, given new offerings in the market and possibly changing requirements on your part. Of course, you'll probably consider the new options that arise then to not be feasible, simply because you won't have the budget after buying this now. My advice to you would be to choose what will meet your core requirements today and in the foreseeable future, while minimising your financial commitment, so that you'll sooner be in a position to upgrade to whatever better products are available in the future.

    At the end of the day, happiness is in how you choose to frame something in your mind. If you buy a Fenix 3 now because it's the next class of sports watch up, and Fenix 4 gets released with new features – or FR240/245 gets released with almost all of Fenix 3's features (and then some) – in twelve months' time, will you still be happy, especially given the Fenix 3 was meant to be your lasting, premium solution and certainly not cheap?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 9 years ago
    So, technically my mind is in a soup. Will I be happy with 235 with all its pros and cons in future. Or, bite the bullet, save a little more and get either 920XT or Fenix 3 with the HRM-Run.


    You'll hate me for this, but when everyone was losing their minds with excitement over new 235 (which absolutely would be the best thing since sliced bread, and not hopelessly buggy, like all new Garmin devices), Amazon themselves were selling the 920XT+HRM-Run bundle for about the current price for the 235 on its own!

    I paid £259, and considered it a much better deal- it's actually a relatively stable and reliable device, compared to the 235 or the Fenix 3. It may be butt ugly, but the battery life is great, and it's extremely comfortable- and it has a really solid, proven feature set. I really feel like I dodged a bullet by the initial supply problems, back when I was eyeing up the 235.
  • 0 over 9 years ago
    You'll hate me for this, but when everyone was losing their minds with excitement over new 235 (which absolutely would be the best thing since sliced bread, and not hopelessly buggy, like all new Garmin devices), Amazon themselves were selling the 920XT+HRM-Run bundle for about the current price for the 235 on its own!

    I paid £259, and considered it a much better deal- it's actually a relatively stable and reliable device, compared to the 235 or the Fenix 3. It may be butt ugly, but the battery life is great, and it's extremely comfortable- and it has a really solid, proven feature set. I really feel like I dodged a bullet by the initial supply problems, back when I was eyeing up the 235.


    Well, that's nice if you don't mind running with a chest band... I had one for a while and in the end I used it for a week and never anymore. Hate those things and only more 'hassle' to start running.

    But yeah, if precise and reliable hr monitoring is necessary then a chest-band is the way... The OHR is a nice gimmick (the way it is done in garmin devices at least) which can add information but shouldn't be counted on.
  • 0 over 9 years ago
    • Garmin Forerunner 920XT with HRM-Run - Rs. 35,000 ($523)
    • Garmin Fenix 3 with HRM-Run - Rs. 37000 ($553)


    So, technically my mind is in a soup. Will I be happy with 235 with all its pros and cons in future. Or, bite the bullet, save a little more and get either 920XT or Fenix 3 with the HRM-Run.


    The issue I have with the Fenix is it's a *big* watch. Absolutely massive. In person, it is shockingly big. The feature set is unbeatable, but it is not a watch I would want to wear all day.

    The 920xt, sizewise is somewhere in between the 235 and the Fenix, at least eyeballing it (I've never tried one on), but feature wise appears to be a 235 with some advanced running and swimming features. Personally, I'd look at the 920xt over the 235 if swimming was very important to me, or I ran competitively and wanted the advanced running training features the 235 doesn't have (ground contact time, etc). There is also the obvious aesthetics issue, where it very obviously looks like a older running watch and doesn't look like a smartwatch like the Fenix or 235.

    I went with the 235 over Garmin's other options because I am a casual enough runner where I don't need the advanced features the other watches offer, it's smaller than the others so it's more comfortable to wear all day (and when I sleep as well). If you only wear the watch while you're training, IMO that opens your options up quite a bit. Just for reference, I run about 800-1000 miles per year, I run 2-3 long races (one or two half marathon, one full marathon) and a handful of shorter ones for fun with friends. My race pace is about 8:30 to 9 minute mile (depending on length), long run pace is around 10 minute mile. So I'd call running my primary hobby, but not enough so where I am in any danger of winning my age group (did take 3rd place on a full once... sure, there were only 3 people in my age group, but I still have the trophy! LOL).

    Hope this was helpful! I honestly think you'll be happy with whatever you choose. I'm thrilled with this 235, but the whole Garmin ecosystem is really impressive. They've come a long way since my last Garmin watch, which was a 305.