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The Garmin Forerunner 235 Review

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Rudy Fitzsimmons
Masters Degree in Exercise Science
Lydiard Certied Coach
Expert coach for 50K
Coaching new runners to ultramarathoners full-time since 2000.
Successful with athletes of all ability levels

For many years, Garmin Company has manufactured top notch running watches in its forerunner series of watches. Its latest invention is the Garmin
forerunner 235 running smartwatch which has a running metrics and tracking activity system, an inbuilt GPS and heart rate monitoring system. In
particular, the heart rate monitoring system is an improvement to the old Mio Globals heart rate sensor as it features a new Elevate wrist HR
technology.
In a nut shell, Garmin has out done itself coming up with this spectacular smartwatch, the Garmin forerunner 235. This brief article will review this
amazing product and give you clear insights why I consider it to be the best smartwatch for people looking for reliable running watches.

9.1
TOTAL SCORE

Superb activity tracking

The Forerunner 235 is denitely a masterpiece. Garmin is one of the top ve producers of such devices. This year alone, it has
come up with about seven new devices for the market. The only question on people's mind is why it took so long for them to
deliver this masterpiece to the market.

FUNCTIONALITY

10

LOOK, FEEL AND DESIGN

9.5

SOFTWARE

BATTERY LIFE

RUNNING METRICS
PRICE

10
9

Add your review

Product

Specication

Photos

Garmin Forerunner 235

WRISTBASEDHEARTRATE-Forerunner235utilizesGarmin'sveryownwristbasedheartratesensorthattracks24/7.LARGER
SCREEN-A44%largerscreenthanthe225butthesamephysicalsize....

$329.99$328.00

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The Garmin forerunner 235 review

Garmin 235 is an improvement and follow-up of the well received GF 225. This watch features similar look as the forerunner 225, but is better and
improved. I have only being using the GF 235 for only a few weeks so far and I have never regretted purchasing it as it has never disappointed me.
Having said that, lets have a look of some of its amazing features that make this smartwatch standout from other running watches.

Features and specs of Garmin forerunner 235

Garmin Forerunner 235 Features

Exercise recording pro le

The Forerunner 235 smartwatch has 4 pre-set training proles: General, Bike Mode, Run Indoors and Run. Once you try a mode out and feel that it
doesnt t you, theres an option to hide the preset prole. Each of these modes can be further customized in terms of setting a dierent alarm, or even
GPS activation.
This smartwatch is not tted with a barometer for getting elevation. This is based on GPs data.
Product

Specication

Photos

Garmin Forerunner 235

WRISTBASEDHEARTRATE-Forerunner235utilizesGarmin'sveryownwristbasedheartratesensorthattracks24/7.LARGER
SCREEN-A44%largerscreenthanthe225butthesamephysicalsize....

$329.99$328.00

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The Garmin Forerunner 235 smartwatch can track a lot of running data, including Heart Rate, Elevation, Laps, Speed and Pace, and Running Dynamics.
You can also transition between graphical data interpretation instead of numbers, as it will allow you to know everything in just a glance.

If one is tracking their session, they can gather a lot of useful data. This includes:
Lap
Elevation
Pace, Speed
Heart Rate

Running dynamics
In case there is no GPS available, this smartwatch is tted with an accelerometer. It will help you estimate the amount of distance run. Its accuracy
grows over time as you use GPS more often outdoors.
How does this smartwatch measure indoor running? Quite good, if I might say so myself. The built-in accelerometer estimates the distance run, getting
more accurate with the GPS-activated runs. Treadmill running becomes almost an impressive 95% accuracy once you do a few test runs with the
Forerunner 235.

Running metrics and sports tracking

Forerunner 235: Getting Started with Your Wrist-based HR Running Watch

As we have seen, the Garmin Forerunner 235 oers four workout modes:
running,
indoor running,
cycling and a
general mode for other activities.
These modes can be accessed very quickly by pressing the main button found on the top right, although you have to wait for a short while as the device
searches for GPS connection. This should take less than fteen seconds.
Garmin shines in this area, as it is relatively quick to get GPS positioning in place as compared to the other running devices. This smartwatch was able to
outperform other similar products such as the Fenix 3. You wont lose the rhythm, especially if youre already warmed up and ran a few laps.
In addition, it also features sport tracking feature to help you get more information about your workout. It features a part tness tracker with a
smattering of tness skills. Although it fall short of metrics captured by the Forerunner 630, GF 235 oers metrics about:
Pace
Distance
Time
Calories
Max heart rate,
Average heart rate
Training eect
Cadence
This pro running smartwatch oers accelerometer, GPS and VO2max sensors.
Product

Specication

Photos

Garmin Forerunner 235

WRISTBASEDHEARTRATE-Forerunner235utilizesGarmin'sveryownwristbasedheartratesensorthattracks24/7.LARGER
SCREEN-A44%largerscreenthanthe225butthesamephysicalsize....

$329.99$328.00

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This is line up of features is great especially for elite athletes who wish to monitor the eectiveness of their exercise routines.
Run tracking collects important information such as calories burned, time elapsed, distance and pace, and the more specic gamut of health-tracking
information such as the Training Eect, cadence, average and maximum heart rate. The comprehensive reading will more or less tell you which of the
ve is the perfect t.
All these metrics are in fact used by many athletes, and will serve you well if you need data on where to improve. Press the power button once to have
the smartwatch start tracking your workout, then select from the four pre-set proles.
To start workout and track you metrics, you need to press the power button one. This triggers the screen enabling you to select your desired activity
prole. It is there whether you will select to run either outdoors or indoors, cycle or perform other workout. Once you have set the mode, this amazing
smartwatch will begin looking for satellite connection and in a jiy, the GPS connection will have locked. After, the connection is set up; the watch will
take you back to the main data page and start recording your workout.
Note: you can access metrics in all modes by simply tapping the up and down button on the screen and setting the mode you desire.

Heart rate monitor

As we have seen in the beginning of the article, Garmin has moved away from the old Mio Globals optical heart rate sensors. The company decided to
replace the widely use Mio Global optical heart rate monitor with their own technology. Unlike its predecessor the GF 225 and the Garmin Vivo smart
HR, the Garmin forerunner 235 is the only optical heart rate sensor HRM in Garmins line of products that oers every second recording. The 235 is able
to record instances when pace, direction or heart rate changes.
The HR reading ranges from once a second to once every six seconds.

A) HR in smart recording rnode.In this setting, this smartwatch records just the key points where there
is a change of heart rate, pace or direction. This way, the size of the recorded le is smaller allowing you
to store a greater number of activities before having to sync with a mobile device.

B) HR in every second recording mode. In this setting, the Forerunner 235 records the heart rate
reading in every second.

When compared to other sensors that have per second monitoring, the GF 235 does fairly well. From HR monitoring tests done the Forerunner 235
performed outstandingly more than the Garmin Connect and the Polar H7.

With Garmin ditching the Mio Global optical HR sensor for the built-in Elevate HR sensor, the Forerunner 235 nally allows you to track your heart rate
without the inconvenience of a chest strap.
According to its manufacturers, Garmin forerunner 235 records key points where there is a change in direction, pace or heart rate. In addition, the le is
smaller allowing the user to store more activities before he or she needs to sync with his or her PC or mobile device. But, the proof of the pudding is in
the eating. I took time to nd out it accurateness by comparing its heart rate (HR) readings against the readings on my trusty Polar H7-Smart Bluetooth
chest worn Heart Rate monitor over two settings; the smart recording and per second recording. The readings were as very accurate. Quite excellent
for a running smartwatch, wouldnt you say?
You can export the per-second data using the Garmin Connect and see how well it records heart rate. Granted, it does have a few inconsistencies, but a
smartwatch this advanced should be given top marks as it was able to perform outstandingly.
Product

Specication

Photos

Garmin Forerunner 235

WRISTBASEDHEARTRATE-Forerunner235utilizesGarmin'sveryownwristbasedheartratesensorthattracks24/7.LARGER
SCREEN-A44%largerscreenthanthe225butthesamephysicalsize....

$329.99$328.00

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GPS

The GF 235 running smartwatch features an improved in built GPS system. Unlike other previous Garmin running watches that took ages to get locked
to the satellite, the GF 235 is very quick to get GPS lock. The forerunner 235 consistently lights quick to get its GPS connection compared to other
watches such as the Fenix 3 running watch.

Garmin Connect

GarminConnectisyouronlinetrainingtooltostore,analyzeandshareallyourfitnessactivities.Readmore

Yes, all the functions of the smartwatch are accessible on the Garmin forerunner 235 watch. But, with the help of Garmin connect feature, you can
upload your workout data on the Garmin connect account on your Mac or PC (if you install express software) for deeper analysis and evaluation
allowing you perform your best.
This Web tool is quite impressive and lled with detailed tools for setting routes, building workouts and getting the most from your data In addition, the
Garmin Forerunner 235 is also compatible with the Garmin Connect mobile application that is available for Android and iOS. The mobile application is

designed for analyzing daily activity data and for digesting post workout data.

LCD screen (1.23 inch) with a 215.180 pixel resolution

The Forerunner 235 has a 1.23-inch color LCD screen with a resolution of 215 x 180 pixels. With this amazing screen, the Garmin forerunner 235 does a
good job displaying time. The screen is not only big enough for easier viewing, but also has color resolution that displays the stats perfectly. In addition,
it features dierent stats such as pace, running distance and heart rate zones on its screen.

Look, feel and design

Like other GF running watches, the Garmin forerunner features a unique design. Although its body is plastic build, its body looks and feels nice. On its
body, you will nd the same ve buttons as its predecessor the forerunner 225 running watch. But, on the GF 235, Garmin opted for better materials
for the buttons. You can feel that the buttons are softer and easier to use.
Generally, the Forerunner 235 smartwatch looks good and feels strong; even as it maintains the same design found in the rest of Garmins line of
running watches.
Even though its appearance is just like all the other Garmins running watches, this one is a masterpiece. Weighing only 42 g, it is a running watch you
put in and forget that it is on you This is unlike the cumbersome Fenix 3. Perhaps the downside is how this weightless running smartwatch feels a little
imsy.
Its physical appearance is nice and it feels strong too. Forerunner 235 comes with a rubber strap with buttons and numerous holes for adjustment. The
rubber strap is a better material, soft and easier to t. The excess strap can be a bit of a nuisance, however. The Garmin Forerunner 235 manages to
combine functionality and lightweight. It comes with ve buttons and the screen is 44% larger than that of the 225.
Display is perfect enough to display time and running metrics like distance, time, and heart rate. The Forerunner 235 doesnt have built in memory, so
dont expect to load it up with music. However it oers a very procient heart rate tracking in a persons physical exercise engagements.

Battery life

Garmin forerunner battery life is very impressive, lasting for more than a week on a single charge. On my rst day using the watch, I ran over 5 miles
without putting a dent on the battery. Garmin Company promises a battery life between 8 to 10 days when using the watch normally. Unbelievable!! I
had to put this to the test. Unfortunately, my watch could not fulll this promise but it was not disappointing compared to my previous running watch. I
was able use the running smartwatch for 3 days without having to charge it, and all the functions were switched on quite impressive.

Noti cations

Noti cations

The Forerunner 235 also can also displays notications and calendar updates from connected smart phones. Meaning, it allows you to view calls and
other messages straight from your wrist without having to pick your phone.

Final Verdict
As I sum up, The Garmin Forerunner 235 is denitely a power packed smart running watch for elite athletes who are serious about athletics and their
health. If you are looking to keep t and analyze your workout progress, the Garmin 235 is the running smartwatch you need. Well, thats what is on my
sleeve concerning this amazing watch.
Product

Specication

Photos

Garmin Forerunner 235

WRISTBASEDHEARTRATE-Forerunner235utilizesGarmin'sveryownwristbasedheartratesensorthattracks24/7.LARGER
SCREEN-A44%largerscreenthanthe225butthesamephysicalsize....

PROS:

CONS:

Great design

Short battery life

Cross platform compatibility

Low level waterproof

Easy to use

Only one color

Microsoft Health app, accessed through the Microsoft Health

Dashboard
Syncing with other tness apps
Precise sensors (GPS, the amount of oors a user has climbed,
heart rate, measuring the VO2 max)
Strength training and workouts designed by tness pros
Cortana (Microsofts Siri)

SPECIFICATION

$329.99$328.00

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SPECIFICATION
PHYSICAL & PERFORMANCE
Physical dimensions

1.77 x 1.77 x 0.46 (45 x 45 x 11.7 mm)

Display size, WxH

1.23 (31.1 mm) diameter

Display resolution, WxH

215 x 180 pixels

Color display

YES

Weight

1.5 oz (42 g)

Battery

Rechargeable lithium-ion

Battery life

11 hours training, 9 days watch + activity tracking + notications + heart rate

Water rating

5 ATM

GPS-enabled

YES

GLONASS

YES

High-sensitivity receiver

YES

Smart notications (displays email, text and

YES

other alerts when paired with your

compatible phone)
Vibration alert

YES

Music control

YES

Find my phone

YES

VIRB control

YES

Watch functions

Includes date and alarm

MAPS & MEMORY

History

200 hours of activity data

Product

Specication

Photos

Garmin Forerunner 235

WRISTBASEDHEARTRATE-Forerunner235utilizesGarmin'sveryownwristbasedheartratesensorthattracks24/7.LARGER
SCREEN-A44%largerscreenthanthe225butthesamephysicalsize....

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