Hey Folks, considering either a 230 or 235, but wondering how the indoor run function works. Is it reliable for distance?
Will either the 230 or 235 do this? Hows the step counter, does it work decently?
Thanks!
Ron
The only difference between the FR230 and the FR235 is the optical heart rate monitor. Otherwise they are essentially the same watch. I own a FR235 and really like it.
In regards to the indoor run setting, in my experience this worked very well regarding distance. The treadmill and the watch were within 0.01 miles of each other. I was very impressed. I should add that my first indoor run was after I had completed 20+ outdoor runs, so the watch had ample time to learn my stride length at different speeds.
If you do any hiking or walking tracking with the 'Run' mode... it totally wacks out the indoor running from my experience. Made my pace off by more then 3-4 minutes compared to treadmill. (+.5mi off per mile!)
So make sure not to make that mistake.
If you have a very consistent cadence to pace rate relationship.... then it will work well maybe However I have a very high cadence and it doesn't change much with pace.... so regardless of pace on the treadmill my watch will say a very similar pace. IE... it doesn't work for me. Unless the entire run is a consistent 'easy run'. Also if you never get distracted with watch hand (adjusting speed, checking phone, mopping sweat....) all of which make the watch think you have stopped or slowed down. Usually for each mile of trying to run normal i am off by .1-.2 miles... intervals... .3 or so. My wife is having the same issues (although her cadence is more 'normal' i think)
I just edit the distance in the 'workout' afterwards on the website - so it is correct - no biggy, still tracks my cadence, time and heartrate(sometimes....!)
Oh and how is the step counting, ( daily count) that work ok?
It does. I moved from a fb to a VVF, then a fr15, then a VVA, and now also have a 230 (and still use the vivoActive). And the fb was off (based non garmin device testing), and the Garmins have been good!
It does. I moved from a fb to a VVF, then a fr15, then a VVA, and now also have a 230 (and still use the vivoActive). And the fb was off (based non garmin device testing), and the Garmins have been good!
Cool, so does it just measure up and down movement like those phone apps? How about indoor running, someone on another forum mentioned a foot pod..?
Hey one more question :) A review said the screen was too dim indoors? Does it have a light?
Cool, so does it just measure up and down movement like those phone apps? How about indoor running, someone on another forum mentioned a foot pod..?
Hey one more question :) A review said the screen was too dim indoors? Does it have a light?
1. You set up your stride length so it'll eliminate "false" steps. You also have to take 10 steps before it records to prevent minor movements to be counted as steps.
2. It will self calibrate for indoor running without the need for a foot pod, after you've completed a couple outdoor runs.
One more verification question... So the HR on the 235 isn't that accurate I'm seeing from posts on here?
Oh and how is the step counting, ( daily count) that work ok?
All oHRM aren't that accurate and that includes the FR235. It does a good job with your resting HR and normal daily activities. Most people have issues (myself included) while doing workouts such as HIIT, where there is a lot of HR fluctuations and wrist movement. The FR235 will also pair with a chest or arm strap. This is what I use during all my workouts for more precise HR readings.
Hey, reading tons of reviews, so many are complaining about the screen, can you honestly read the watch like in the house? I want to wear it all day and night to track activity, get notifications, HR, etc. But many say the screen is horrid, honest opinion on the screen?
