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FR935 vs F5 build quality

acousticbiker
over 8 years ago
Like some others, I am a recent F5 owner now reconsidering whether I may instead go with the FR935 for its lighter weight and thinner profile. Less clear, though, is build quality of the 935. Can anyone who has handled both watches comment on build quality? A few items I'm wondering about are:

  • Lens material (Garmin website says glass but others here have said plastic - if glass, is it the same as the non-sapphire F5?)
  • Back of the watch (looks different and cheaper than the F3/HR)
  • Buttons (in addition to feel, there seems to be debate over whether they are plastic or metal)
  • Stock strap (is it the same as came with the F3HR?)
  • 0 over 8 years ago
    I just don't get this issue with build quality because it's plastic vs metal. How many forerunners have you ever heard of having any quality issues because they are plastic? And looks wise, unless you actually pick it up and look close, no one is going to know if it is metal vs plastic if they are both black.

    I'd personally be willing to spend more for the 935 than the Fenix because of the smaller/lighter size due to the plastic.
  • 0 over 8 years ago
    I'd personally be willing to spend more for the 935 than the Fenix because of the smaller/lighter size due to the plastic.


    The FR935 could probably command a higher price (than its current pricing, that is; I don't mean more expensive than the equivalent fēnix‑5 variant) if it achieved physical lightness by the use of some exotic or “technical” materials for construction. (Carbon fibre? I'm not sure if that's suitable for devices requiring water pressure rating of 5.ATM or 10.ATM. Kevlar?) That the casing is perceived as made of plain ol' “plastic” hurts the perception of build quality (or at least what is of “value” in a tear-down analysis).
  • 0 over 8 years ago
    > How many forerunners have you ever heard of having any quality issues because they are plastic?
    Excellent point - the question comes up every time this sort of thing is discussed.
    However I don't recall any reports of "failures" from "normal" usage.

    Of course if you drop it from a height or crash into a wall it might not end well but what does?
  • 0 over 8 years ago
    The FR935 could probably command a higher price (than its current pricing, that is; I don't mean more expensive than the equivalent fēnix‑5 variant) if it achieved physical lightness by the use of some exotic or “technical” materials for construction. (Carbon fibre? I'm not sure if that's suitable for devices requiring water pressure rating of 5.ATM or 10.ATM. Kevlar?) That the casing is perceived as made of plain ol' “plastic” hurts the perception of build quality (or at least what is of “value” in a tear-down analysis).


    Exactly. It is all in the "perceived" quality. Quality could mean all sorts of things but I suspect most people would equate it to durability. I wonder if they had even just done the plastic to look like carbon fiber weave (I believe I had a Polar that did this once) if that would have impacted perception.

    As to durability, it'd be interesting to see a report of how the metal body of the Fenix (or something like the apple watch) holds out long term to the 935.
  • 0 over 8 years ago
    Of course if you drop it from a height or crash into a wall it might not end well but what does?


    Well, you did ask…

    As a schoolboy, I had this stupid habit of taking off my Casio G-Shock when I got home and then tossing it across the room into the tray where I kept my wallet and stuff, sometimes even deliberately throwing it against the wall so that it'd fall into the tray on rebound. That watch lasted five years (and was still working then, but the strap broke from progressive tearing across the rubber-like material).

    I'm sure a few Garmin customers would like their trail running/mountain biking watches to be that robust.
  • 0 over 8 years ago
    > How many forerunners have you ever heard of having any quality issues because they are plastic?
    Excellent point - the question comes up every time this sort of thing is discussed.
    However I don't recall any reports of "failures" from "normal" usage.

    Of course if you drop it from a height or crash into a wall it might not end well but what does?

    For me the issue with plastic has less to do with durability and more to do with aesthetics. I often wear my Garmin as a daily-wear watch and I would prefer something with build quality more akin to the standard Apple Watch. Even if keeping the body the same, a more premium bezel and screen would be welcome options.

    That being said, the 935 design for me is a step in the right direction as compared to the 235/735.
  • 0 over 8 years ago
    Quality could mean all sorts of things but I suspect most people would equate it to durability.


    I'm sure actual/expected durability factors strongly into it. However, one ought to remember that build quality is not just about the manufacturing process, but also the materials used in construction. A titanium or platinum casing on a watch may not outlast an iron or copper casing, but I'd wager most consumers would immediately attribute a higher build quality to the former; wouldn't you?
  • 0 over 8 years ago
    I often wear my Garmin as a daily-wear watch and I would prefer something with build quality more akin to the standard Apple Watch.


    Fair enough, but what I don't need my running watch to do is to present like a premium gents watch, in the sense of not being anywhere near the same league of an Omega, Tag Heuer or even Longines watch to go with everyday wear, any more than I need my black running shoes to go well with my trousers (even though I can wear them together as casual “daily wear” of what some may consider questionable taste).

    Having someone question my taste in apparel and accessories is not the same thing as having someone question the build quality of said apparel and accessories, and I don't think the design of the Forerunner need cater to people who cares about appearing refined, sophisticated or even just “moneyed”.
  • 0 over 8 years ago
    For the drop test I'd put my 920xt over my Fenix 3 in a heartbeat. The extra weight and glass on the Fenix series seems a bit more fragile IMO.


    All that said, I've made extensive use of the F3 over the last 2 years and wear it 24/7 and other then a new strap has stood up very well.
  • 0 over 8 years ago
    hotels gartenweg

    What cracks me up on this topic is the fact it's a technology-based watch, with a limited lifespan... 5 years, max (prolly closer to 2-3 for most). It's not like investing in a premium watch which will (should?) last a lifetime...

    Not judging anyone for wanting a 'nice' looking watch, as I also wear mine 24x7 (shirt and tie at work) and want something "all purpose".