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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 chunkywizard over 9 years ago

everyone is different, I don't have a problem with cadence lock and sleep tracking works fine for me. I am old so max HR is 173 and average cadence is 180+ so I never see the issue. With sleep tracking my sleep time is set at 10.30 so I charge during the day. Basically the 235 might work for you, but oHR isnt for everyone. By the way. The sleep tracking works the same on 230 as it does on 235 so if you have an issue with one, you'd have it with the other.

HTH

CW

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Mind Changed: will be getting 235 instead.

Well, I have finally decided to buy FR235 instead of FR230. Maybe I can toy around with the OHR a bit for fun.

And technically this is the max I could reached out for and on my budget.

I really appreciate all the experiences and suggestions I received from everyone.

On another note: with this very account of mine I could login to web Garmin connect site. But not from iPhone Connect app. So I end up creating a new login as user 'Chingkhei' from iPhone connect app and that login works.
With iPhone. Quite strange.

Thanks and Regards,
Sapam

0 chunkywizard over 9 years ago

You need the web and iPhone login to match otherwise you will get 2 places your data is logging depending on how you transfer the info (BLE via GCM or USB via GE). Just be careful. I don't know why your login didn't work, it should

CW

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Ordered Orange 235

I ordered the Orange 235.

Thanks everyone for helping me out.
Sapam

0 ASmugDill over 9 years ago

Good to hear it's all settled

I ordered the Orange 235.

Good. You can easily buy a black-grey replacement watch band for it later, if you find after wearing the orange one for a while that it's too loud for your day-to-day routines and activities. I'm guessing that, unlike actual watches, watch bands alone shan't incur a 30% import duty?

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Finally I received my Garmin Forerunner 235 (Orange)

Today, I received my forerunner 235 (Orange).
This is (Asia Version) and came with 2 straps.

Orange/Black
Black/Orange

I guess, i wouldn't be needing to buy additional strap. Unless I want some other color.

I have few queries:

Should I charge the watch before using or I can use it out of the box?
Should I first connect it to Garmin Express (PC/Mac) or connect it to Garmin Connect App (iphone)

first?

Thanks and Regards,
Sapam

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Garmin express is more stable and easier to use (i have big thumbs so computer writing like putting in hr is faster for me on pc).

You can use it out of the box should habe at least 30% batt. I toyed with mine for a coiple of hr. Then put it to charge over night.

0 ASmugDill over 9 years ago

This is (Asia Version) and came with 2 straps.

Orange/Black
Black/Orange

Score! :D I thought it was only the Taiwanese retailers that offered two straps (based on what I saw on Garmin's localised web sites for each sales region).

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

BTW, when does you see the idle/walk bar/meter.
Yesterday I did see it. but haven't seen it today.
Is there any logic when its displayed?

Thanks and Regards,
Sapam

Update: the bar came back.
Any suggestion on a analog watch face?

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Now: Sapam (is) Chingkhei

Hi,

I am sending this message using my New ID: "Chingkhei", as my original ID "Sapam" was not signing in using Garmin Connect App.

I'll continue using this ID "Chingkhei" from now onwards.

Thanks and Regards,
Chingkhei (Sapam)