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- Comparison Forerunner 230 vs 235: the differences, which one to choose?
Comparison Forerunner 230 vs 235: the differences, which one to choose?
Forerunner 230 vs 235: what differences?
Forerunner 230 or 235: how to choose?
Where to buy the Forerunner 230 and 235?
Buy the Forerunner 235
Trader
Price (from)
Amazon
349 € 310
Rakuten
349 130 €
Commercial links. Non contractual prices. Please consult the merchant website.
Forerunner 230 vs 235: what differences?
The Forerunner 230 and the Forerunner 235 are two very similar watches. The essential difference between these 2 models is the wrist heart rate monitoring (Garmin Elevate ) and 2 additional functions that equip the Forerunner 235.
→ Read our review of Garmin Forerunner 230 and Forerunner 235 watches
Design
The 2 watches are almost identical except the color of the case and the strap. Both are offered with a silicone strap, the same size of case and screen and the same thickness. Note that the Forerunner 235, with its optical sensor on the wrist, adds a small protuberance under the case that you can feel a little on the skin, especially since the strap must be tight enough for the sensor to function properly. The strap of these watches is not interchangeable but it can be disassembled to be replaced.
The difference between the 2 watches is in the colors of the case and the strap: black and white, white and purple, black and yellow for the Forerunner 230 and black and marsala red, black and water green and black and gray. for the Forerunner 235.
The weight
We are dealing with 2 ultra-light watches (41g for the Forerunner 230 and 42 g for the Forerunner 235). The difference in weight between the 2 mounts is therefore only 1 gram, which may seem surprising given the additional weight of the optical sensor on the Forerunner 235. But Garmin had to play on the size of the battery to keep a shows both thin and light, which explains a lower autonomy in return.
Autonomy
Regarding the autonomy of these 2 GPS running watches, it is quite good in training mode with 9 to 11 hours for the model with cardio on the wrist and 12 to 16 hours for the other model (depending on the use of the Russian satellite system, GLONASS, is activated or not). There is enough to run long races even if an ultratrack mode would have been welcome for ultra trail. In watch mode, the autonomy is several weeks. There is a difference between the 2 watches linked to the optical sensor, rather goumand in energy, and a smaller battery for the Forerunner 235.
230 235
Watch mode 12 weeks 9 weeks
Watch mode with activity tracking 11 weeks 8 weeks
Watch mode with activity tracking and smartphone notifications 5 weeks 4 weeks
Watch mode with activity tracking, smartphone notifications and heart rate on the wrist 9 days
Training mode with GPS 4:11 p.m.
Training mode with GPS & GLONASS 12 h 9 h
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The heart rate monitoring
Both models have a built-in heart rate monitoring but for the sensor (heart rate monitoring), the Forerunner 230 requires a chest belt to be put around the chest while the Forerunner 235 is equipped with an optical sensor on the wrist (Garmin Elevate ) which measures the pulse thanks to a light signal. Both of these solutions have advantages and disadvantages which we explain in the next section.
Physiological measures (pulse, calories expended, VO2max, etc.)
The 2 watches display the instant heart rate, deduce the calories expended during the effort and allow to program target training zones based on the heart rate with alerts when the pulse leaves the programmed limits. They know how to estimate the VO2max. These functions require the Forerunner 230 to wear a chest strap sold as an option or included with certain models. In addition, the Forerunner 235 is capable of broadcasting heart rate data via the ANT + network to devices paired with the watch.
Activity monitoring
Garmin has equipped its 2 watches with an activity tracker which measures the total distance covered during the day, the number of steps taken, the calories expended (deducted from the activity) and the intensive minutes and which analyzes the quality of sleep .
Outdoor leisure functions
The Forerunner 235 has additional functions not available on the Forerunner 230:
Back to start : the watch indicates the direction to follow and the distance to travel as the crow flies to reach your starting point. You will know which direction to go and the distance left to travel in a straight line.
Distance to destination : the GPS watch calculates the distance between you and the target. This function is useful for adjusting your effort and finishing the race in the best conditions.
All about the Forerunner 230 and 235
To find out all the features of these 2 GPS watches for running, see our Garmin Forerunner 230 and 235 Reviews folder.
Summary table of the differences between the Forerunner 230 and the Forerunner 235
1 : Autonomy in watch / GPS mode and HR measurement
Forerunner 230 or 235: how to choose?
Are you looking for a GPS running watch and the Forerunner 230-235 range has caught your attention for its very good value for money but you do not know which model to choose between? The following tips will help you.
Garmin Forerunner 230: cheaper, more reliable for some data but less practical
The advantage of the Garmin Forerunner 230 compared to the Forerunner 235 is that it is cheaper (the optical sensor makes the difference). It offers almost the same functions. The disadvantage is that you have to wear a chest belt (Garmin offers a textile belt) for heart rate readings, if these obviously interest you. We know the disadvantages of the cardio belt: it tends to slip while running, it may not work at the start, cold, if the sensors are not wet, etc. That said, if you are not interested in the functions offered by the watch (reading the heart rate, estimating the calories expended, training in the target zone, estimating the VO2max), it is more advisable to choose this model.
Another point concerns the reliability of the data. The heart rate belt is more precise than the optical sensor on the wrist, especially for rapid changes of pace, such as the interval training. In addition, the sensor does not work underwater (if you use it for swimming). These are drawbacks to take into account.
Another advantage of the Forerunner 230: its autonomy is greater, which can make the difference for long races. If you intend to wear this watch on a daily basis, you will also have to recharge it less often.
Finally, this model is slightly more comfortable than the other because its case back is flat, unlike the Forerunner 235 whose optical sensor protrudes slightly and adds pressure to the skin.
The Forerunner 235: comfort of use
The advantage of the Forerunner 235 is to have an optical heart rate monitoring on your wrist, so you have a heart rate monitoring without the hassle of a sometimes bulky, uncomfortable or even irritating belt that tends to slip while running! Your outings are simplified and you are sure to never forget your belt! The counterpart is that the watch is more expensive.
However, the optical sensor on the wrist has certain drawbacks:
It increases the price of the watch.
It is less reliable: the sampling frequency is adapted to the effort. In the event of a rhythm change (split, etc.), the sensor detects it a little late and the results are not always usable.
It does not work underwater (swimming, etc.).
It protrudes slightly from the watch case and can therefore be felt by some people as discomfort.
The optical sensor can however be used in addition to a chest belt to take advantage of its advantages while eliminating some of its disadvantages when useful.
Also note that the Forerunner 235 has a shorter battery life than the Forerunner 230. For long runs or 24 hour use, this can make the difference.
The Forerunner 235 offers some interesting functions such as the return to the start and the estimation of the distance to be traveled as the crow flies. See if you will find these functions useful or not.
Our advice for choosing between the Forerunner 230 and 235
Before going further, check that the design of the model you are going to choose is right for you. Garmin offers different colors depending on the range.
If you are a professional or a demanding sportsman looking to optimize his training, have the most reliable data possible on the heart rate and the exploitation of the target zones (in particular for interval training) or if you have the Intending to use your watch for swimming, it may be more interesting to orient yourself towards the Forerunner 230, which is more reliable at this level thanks to the chest belt which also works underwater. If your budget is limited and you are looking for a GPS watch to run without worrying about heart rate data, choose this model without hesitation. Please note, the chest belt is generally offered as an option (therefore to be purchased in addition), depending on the packs.
If your goal is to have this data without the hassle of a belt and precision is not a concern for you (the idea being to have an order of magnitude or to follow its progress), the Forerunner 235 will be more practical. It will make your life easier.
If, after these tips, you still have a hard time making your choice, then choose the Forerunner 235: coupled with an optional chest belt, it will be a good compromise: you can use it without a belt for your regular outings or leisure and with a belt for training trips or for swimming. Garmin offers belts for running (HRM-Run), swimming (HRM-Swim) and the triathlon (HRM-Tri).
Advantages and disadvantages of the Forerunner 230 and Forerunner 235
1 : Autonomy in watch / GPS mode and HR measurement
Where to buy the Forerunner 230 and 235?
The Forerunner 230 is no longer sold since the end of 2017. The Forerunner 235 is available on the Internet (see below) and in sports stores.
Buy the Forerunner 235
Trader
Price (from)
Amazon
349 € 310
Rakuten
349 130 €
Commercial links. Non contractual prices. Please consult the merchant website.
Philippe Baudoin
Reproduction prohibited – Copyright © Sport Passion
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Photo credit: Fotolia.com, Garmin.com. This article contains commercial links
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