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Need advice in deciding between Forerunner 230 and Forerunner 235

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 Former Member over 9 years ago

Honesty, mind is wandering just like a kid in a toy store.:p

But, all your honest advice, suggestions and information are helping me keep sane and think right.
Just found out my younger brother is having anGeonaute ANT+ coded digital HRM Chest Strap which he is giving to me. So, I will now save on the HRM it seems.

After fantasizing and dreaming of having the top of the line 920xt and fenix3, I think its time for me to sit back and evaluate the reality which is practical and just.

Most likely I will not be needing the OHR as its mere a gimmick feature if I want perfect HR reading. That left me with one Choice now and that is 230. Also, if I check only the running feature of the watch. Then there is also Forerunner 15 which is really affordable. If I take out the Smart and Multisport feature in 230 and compare it with Forerunner 15. What will I miss in Forerunner 15 compared to 230 (Only on running dynamics). In the running features/dynamics does 230 has enough advancement and features that will justify the price difference with Forerunner 15.

I would again like to thank everyone for your genuine advice and I really appreciate your efforts.

Regards and Thanks,
Sapam

0 ASmugDill over 9 years ago

Since when does the FR235 support Running Dynamics?

Most likely I will not be needing the OHR as its mere a gimmick feature if I want perfect HR reading.

You cannot really expect HR readings to be perfect from chest strap HRMs, either; but they are more reliable and accurate than optical HRMs, generally speaking.

What will I miss in Forerunner 15 compared to 230 (Only on running dynamics). In the running features/dynamics does 230 has enough advancement and features that will justify the price difference with Forerunner 15.

Which running dynamics? The FR230 is not in the list of devices that support Running Dynamics from Garmin's HRM-Run, which in any case you're not acquiring, because you're getting the Geonaute HRM instead. VO2Max estimates and Recovery Advisor are not running dynamics features.

From what I've read (only superficially) just now, the FR15 will not give you cadence information from its accelerometer for running.

0 rtperna over 9 years ago

If I take out the Smart and Multisport feature in 230 and compare it with Forerunner 15. What will I miss in Forerunner 15 compared to 230 (Only on running dynamics). In the running features/dynamics does 230 has enough advancement and features that will justify the price difference with Forerunner 15.

Sapam,

I'm not sure if this will work, but I went to DCRainmaker's site and plugged in both the 230 and the 15. Hopefully if you click on this URL it will show you the differences:

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/product-comparison-calculator?type=watch&ids=31280%2C51127#results

There are a couple running features you'd miss as the poster above mentioned like recovery time, but IMO the main difference is the 230's ability to sync to your phone via Bluetooth. The 15 requires you plug it in via USB. The 15 does a lot of the Fitbit-type stuff the 230 does like steps; not sure about sleep tracking. The battery on the 230 is also much better.

But, there is a pretty good price difference. Just depends on where your priorities are. Good luck!

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

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.

Not all OHRMs suck. The Scosche RHYTHM+, worn on the upper arm, works surprisingly well- obviously can't do any RtoR stuff, but as a general HRM, it's solid. That said, I don't see the big deal about chest straps, if you take the time to adjust them a bit (but then, I don't swim).

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

It's going to be 230 Finally :)

After reviewing all options and expert opinions and advices. I am pretty much settled with 230.
Again I would like to thank everyone for the support and advice.

For 230 I have two color options .(Flipkart.com. Amazon.in has only Yellow)

Yellow (seller is Garmin)
Black (some not highly rated seller)

Garmin gives 30 days replacement .
The other seller gives 10 days replacement .

Also, from users having color band. Does these color band soil faster and difficult to maintain ?
Any advice which color ?

Thanks and Regards,
Sapam

0 rtperna over 9 years ago

I just checked US Amazon, and I see the black 230 sold by Amazon. Click on the little link on the page that says something like, "6 new starting at 249.99". Amazon should be an option in there. Personally, I kind of like the yellow one - but there are tons of replacement bands out there if you get sick of the color.

Enjoy the watch!

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Fr 235

I was also in the same boat..almost.. I went ahead and got the 235, and it has been working satisfactorily.
I had the Zephyr chest band which was acting weird lately, hence chose to go with an OHR this time.
I wear the watch most of the time, and it has been more or less well within the acceptable range (HR wise). I usually do a double chef with my Phones (Samsung S6E) HR app.
I got mine from Garmin disty directly, which worked out to be cheaper than Amazon or Flipkart.

Vijay Iyer

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

I was also in the same boat..almost.. I went ahead and got the 235, and it has been working satisfactorily.
I had the Zephyr chest band which was acting weird lately, hence chose to go with an OHR this time.
I wear the watch most of the time, and it has been more or less well within the acceptable range (HR wise). I usually do a double chef with my Phones (Samsung S6E) HR app.
I got mine from Garmin disty directly, which worked out to be cheaper than Amazon or Flipkart.

Vijay Iyer

@Vijay, can you please share me the Garmin Distributor contact details?
Sadly, they don't have any in Bangalore. :(

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Contact no

Sent you a PM.

0 unixcrab over 9 years ago

I wouldn't bother with the FR235. The cadence lock is so bad that I have to turn off the OHRM when I run. The sleep tracking is also very unintelligent. If I plug it in to charge at 8pm it seems to think that I have gone to bed and instantly went into a deep sleep. This means having to constantly edit the sleep data, making the claim that it's automatic complete rubbish.