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Viable 935 alternates? Apple Watch maybe?

kitenski
over 7 years ago
Seriously wondering about my 935, it's still under Wiggle returns timescale, and I'm starting to see more issues. I've spoken to Wiggle today, they would swop it but out of stock and no ETA for new stock!

Does anyone have a view on credible alternatives to look at whilst I make a decision? Has anyone else used the Apple Watch? This website seems to think it can do most of what I want https://theapplewatchtriathlete.com/

Anything else to look at?

My requirements

Ability to wear all day long, with smart strap options for work meetings
Swim - ability to log kicking drills + able to pause in between sets
Swim - open water support
Run - treadmill and outdoor. Ability to follow workouts, ie 4 x 2km @ 4:20-4:30 pace
Bike - able to link to P1 power meter and Tickr HR belt
Navigation - be able to run or hike a new route both on/off road and have it give me turns and a map
Daily RHR measurement, and sleep tracking

935 Issues

Crashing on 2nd indoor activity - https://forums.garmin.com/node/1301120
Alimeter broken - https://forums.garmin.com/forum/into-sports/running/forerunner-935-aa/1296909-serious-issues-with-barometric-and-altimeter-defective
Freezes, shows updating then wakes up - https://forums.garmin.com/forum/into-sports/running/forerunner-935-aa/1301504-fr-935xt-freezing-and-showing-updating-during-sync-during-an-activity

What I like about 935

Does everything on my requirements list
Weight
Week long battery life
Performance metrics
Ability to follow workouts easily
  • 0 over 7 years ago
    In the same boat but actually considering going from my AW Series 3 cellular back to Garmin (FR 935);
    The AW is nice but I am doing the London marathon in a few months and have been thinking about getting something "better".

    I have been extremely happy with the combination of AW3 with cellular and Stryd with their awesome support for the apple watch.
    However, I do sometimes miss the more robust training metrics capability of the FR935 and the fact that it is a "proper" sports watch that can be used for hiking and other activities. Yes, the AW does have a barometer but I do not consider it a serious watch for hiking/climbing.

    I can buy the 935 for £380 from Clever Training UK and am certainly weighing the pros and cons...

    Thanks,
    Nick
  • 0 over 7 years ago
    In the same boat but actually considering going from my AW Series 3 cellular back to Garmin (FR 935);
    The AW is nice but I am doing the London marathon in a few months and have been thinking about getting something "better".



    Thanks for the quick reply, I guess the grass is always greener on the watch you don't have!!

    What do you think the 935 could do better?

    Interesting Wiggle are out of stock and clever training also say 5-7 days (which I read as out of stock!)

    Regards,

    Greg
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 7 years ago
    Here's a link to DC Rainmaker's comparison chart. The Apple Watch 3 seems quite limited to me, but maybe this chart will help you decide.

    https://www.dcrainmaker.com/product-comparison-calculator?type=watch&ids=81409%2C72457
  • 0 over 7 years ago
    Here's a link to DC Rainmaker's comparison chart. The Apple Watch 3 seems quite limited to me, but maybe this chart will help you decide.

    https://www.dcrainmaker.com/product-comparison-calculator?type=watch&ids=81409%2C72457


    cheers, doesn't let you glance at screen for length times or even amount of lengths during swims so that cancels it out straightaway!!
  • 0 over 7 years ago
    I see what you mean about the AW3. It seems like it is focused on new runners who don't run or do other activities for more than 5 hours between recharging. Cycling support is very limited.
    - 5 hr battery life
    - GPS fix slow and unclear whether it can preload EPO
    - No ANT+ support
    - No speed/cadence/power sensor support either BLE or ANT+
  • 0 over 7 years ago
    Garmin 935 = sports watch with some smart functions
    AW3 = smart watch with some sport functions

    Plenty of discussion about the merits of AW3 compared to different devices, most of which hold true for AW3 v 935 - https://forums.garmin.com/search?q=a...only%22%3A1%7D

    As for the problems with the 935 you and others are seeing, especially since the most recent update? I don't see most of them. A bit of a hiccup immediately after the update, but otherwise now working fine. But then, I've always kept mine free of add-ons. It's still as it came out of the box.

    BTW, I have an AW3 too. I use it for daily tracking instead of the 935. I use the 935 for my sport activities.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 7 years ago
    Maybe just swap it for another 935? I have absolutely no issues with mine.
  • 0 over 7 years ago
    As for the problems with the 935 you and others are seeing, especially since the most recent update? I don't see most of them. A bit of a hiccup immediately after the update, but otherwise now working fine. But then, I've always kept mine free of add-ons. It's still as it came out of the box.

    BTW, I have an AW3 too. I use it for daily tracking instead of the 935. I use the 935 for my sport activities.


    Some of my issues, ie elevation have been going on for months now. The crashing on doing >1 indoor activity is a "known issue" but has also been going on for the past few sw releases.

    The only add-on I have is the Garmin power for running, even reset it twice over the weekend to see if it would help.


  • 0 over 7 years ago
    I personally think that the apple watch 3 (cellular, stainless steel with milanese loop) has quite a few advantages, especially when used with a Stryd sensor.

    1) Better looks by far- can be worn both at work and at the gym
    2) Sapphire crystal glass ie more scratch resistant
    3) No need to bring my phone along- get calls/texts from people I have preselected+can call anyone I need in case of an emergency
    4) MUSIC on the watch itself
    5) Much better quality screen (but much shorter battery life)

    In other words, I think that the Apple watch in its current state is an awesome tool for any runner, who doesn't typically do super long runs. I used the AW during last year's Windsor HM and ended up with more than 70% battery left, which means that it would easily survive a full marathon.

    Now, if one is a triathlete or is serious about hiking and even cycling, the AW is not as good an option. I am really torn between keeping it or going for a FR935 as I am itching to get back to a more serious training tool.

    BUT! AW3+Stryd is a winning combination that I am very reluctant to leave behind.
  • 0 over 7 years ago
    Owned an Apple 3 watch for three days (returned). The basic Apple watch 3 GPS/cell ($400.00) does not have a sapphire screen...scratches easily. GPS acquisition takes a good 7 or 8 minutes every time with no indication as to when connected. Keep your fingers crossed and start running!