Garmin Forerunner 935 review: the new GPS watch dedicated to running and triathlon

If you are looking for an ultra-complete, intuitive, light and easy-to-use watch that is perfect for running or triathlon (while being multisport), the Forerunner 935 should delight you. It is the latest watch dedicated to these activities that Garmin has just released in 2017.Read this Garmin Forerunner 935 review to discover more about Forerunner 935.

If not a lower price, a plastic bezel instead of metal, a significantly lighter weight and a smaller size, the Forerunner 935 is almost the carbon copy of the much sought-after Fenix ​​5 or Fenix ​​5S. We describe the few differences below to help you choose your sports watch. The Forerunner 935 is in fact based on the Fenix ​​5 and replaces the Forerunner 920XT which already dates from 2014. The suffix “XT” has disappeared so as not to limit the specificity of the watch to the triathlon only (triathletes have anyway the habit of the number “9” which marks the series of Garmin triathlon watches).

A great autonomy for this multisports watch

Perfectly suited to the practice of running and triathlon, this GPS watch is also multisport and will therefore be able to accompany you in many other activities (paddle sports, golf, hiking, skiing, track racing, etc.). Its great autonomy (24h in GPS mode or 60h in ultraTrac mode!) Makes it completely compatible with activities such asUltra-marathon, theUltra-trail or theIronman.

Note that for races exceeding 60 hours, the Forerunner 935 can be recharged without being stopped, which is good news, but the less good news, tells a reader, is that you have to remove the watch from the wrist to do it! Indeed, the charging cable plugs under the case and vertically … Garmin has apparently not thought of this category of sportsmen, one of the crippling criteria for the choice of a watch is precisely that it must be able to be recharged during the race! You will therefore have to recharge the watch during breaks or deprive yourself of the HR measurement on your wrist while recharging with an external battery. On this aspect, the Fenix ​​3 is more interesting since the recharging is done using a clamp that can be easily inserted by loosening the watch strap by a notch or two.

Numerous measurements and an in-depth analysis of your performance

Packed with electronic sensors, including heart rate measurement on the wrist thanks to the GarminElevate system, and very rich in features, the 935 has been designed to provide you with the maximum amount of information about your activity and optimize your training. It analyzes your performance by comparing it to your previous outings and tracks your progress.

Compatible with belts HRM-Tri, HRM-Swim, HRM-Run or the small sensor Dynamics Pod, it measures and analyzes your biometric data (stride length, right-left balance, vertical oscillation, dancer time, etc.). Hard to beat !

A smart health connected watch

The Forerunner 935 is also a smart health connected watch: it allows you to receive SMS, call and email notifications, share your activities on social networks or even control the music on your Smartphone. It gives access to the weather, calendar, and many other functions. It can synchronize your data on a cloud via its Wi-Fi connection. Its LiveTrack and Group LiveTrack functions also allow you to keep an eye on the position of your partners in the race or that your friends follow you on the internet.

Design

Elegant, customizable, light and comfortable, The Forerunner 935 is designed for daily use with activity tracking (number of steps, distance, intensive minutes, climbed floors, calories expended, etc.). Its strap is easily interchangeable, without tools, thanks to the QuickFit quick-attach system. You can wear it with a light silicone strap for sports or, for the city or the office, a more chic leather or metallic bracelet.

Unlike the old models (XT) whose screen is square, this one has a round screen. It is of a beautiful design, fine and very light (49g against 67g at least for the Fenix ​​5 and 98g for the Fenix ​​5X) and a comfortable color screen of 240 x 240 pixels readable in full sun thanks to transflective technology.

Specifications of the Forerunner 935

Weight49g

Housing dimensions47 x 47 x 13.9 mm

Display dimensions30.5 x 30.5 mm, 240 x 240 px (glass)

Autonomy2 weeks (watch) / 24h (GPS mode) / 50-60h (UltraTrac)

GPSGPS & GLONASS

MultisportsYes

Recommended activitiesRunning, triathlon (also supports Fenix ​​5 sports: skiing, rowing, golf, hiking, etc.)

Activity trackerYes

ConnectivityiPhone, Android, Windows. Wireless data transfer Wi-Fi, ANT + and Bluetooth smart

Heart rate monitoringYes, optical

AltimeterYes

BarometerYes

CompassYes

ThermometerYes

Weather forecastStorm alert, weather trend, barometer

Waterproof5 ATM

Othersmart health connected bracelet, breadcrumb / GPS track, return direction, sunrise / sunset hours, 64-color screen, LiveTrack, Group LiveTrack, calendar. Compatible with Running Dynamics Pod, Stravia, Varia

Differences from the Forerunner 735XT, Forerunner 920XT and Fenix ​​5

A significantly more complete watch than the Forerunner 735XT or 920XT

The Forerunner 935 brings a lot of improvements compared to the previous models (model 735XT for running and 920 XT for triathlon) because Garmin designed this new product on the basis of Fenix ​​5, the latest and very complete outdoor watch from Garmin range (see our description and opinion on the Fenix ​​5). So we have more or less a Fenix ​​5 with a few adaptations, including the material of the bezel and the case, the size and the weight, the battery life and of course the price.

A cheaper Fenix ​​5?

So why not offer a single watch, the Fenix ​​5? It should be understood that the Fenix ​​5 is more oriented towards outdoor watches, so it must be robust to any Review. Its metal bezel and case and a sapphire crystal (depending on the model) add to its weight. Not to mention the Fenix ​​5X which has integrated mapping. It is therefore heavier but also more expensive. The “advantages” of the Fenix ​​5 are therefore in fact disadvantages for athletes who are more oriented towards running or triathlon.

By considering activities essentially oriented around those of triathlon (swimming, cycling, running), Garmin can offer a more suitable and cheaper watch.

That said, the Fenix ​​5 brings other advantages, including the size of the case (small for thin wrists, large for the model mapping Europe).

How to choose between Fenix ​​5 and Forerunner 935?

If your sports activities are limited to running and triathlon, including the marathon, the ultra-marathon, the trail, the ultra-trail or even the Ironman, the Forerunner 935 should do the trick. It is on the one hand cheaper than the Fenix ​​5 but it is also much lighter. Its autonomy is also greater than the Fenix ​​5S or 5X. It has Wi-Fi (only available on the Sapphire models of the Fenix ​​5).

The disadvantage of the Forerunner 935 compared to the Fenix ​​5 is that it is less robust since it is entirely made of plastic while the Fenix ​​5 has a case and a bezel made of stainless steel. This feature shouldn’t really be a problem for activities like swimming, running, or biking, however. In addition, the Fenix ​​5 is available in 3 case sizes, which can make a difference for thin wrists (female in particular).

For a detailed comparison between the 2 watches, see our article: Fenix ​​5 vs Forerunner 935: which one to choose?

and that one of the objectives is to attract more athletes, including people with thin wrists (mainly women). The innovation of the Fenix ​​5 is indeed to be declined in several sizes of cases (and not only of bracelet).

The Forerunner 935 therefore brings together the same functionality as the Fenix ​​5 or Fenix ​​5S (see the differences between the Fenix ​​5S, 5 and 5X) and many new features compared to the Forerunner 735 or 920 XT.

Many additional features to the 735. But identical Fenix ​​5 or 5S

Looks more like Fenix ​​5. Cheaper than fenix 5. The case is made of plastic and not metal, thinner, smaller (Fenix ​​5 for overperactive people). 935: triathlon

Battery automation (14h vs 24h between 735XT and 935)

Wifi (spahhire on Fenix, all on 935)

Ideal triathlon, running, ironman

Wifi, barometric altimeter

case sizes (5S) and autonomy

Garmin Forerunner 935 features

The Forerunner 935 is very complete since it rigorously offers the same functionalities as the Fenix ​​5S or 5 (the 5X model bringing in addition the topographic maps and cycle paths of Europe, the centers of interest, and more than 40,000 routes golf all over the world (see our description and review on Fenix ​​5). Here we describe the main functions of interest to triathlon and running enthusiasts.

A “real” multisport watch

The Forerunner 935 is a real multisport watch in the sense that it is possible to switch from one activity to another without having to stop recording for the current activity, choose and start the next activity. A press of a button is enough to change activity. The watch also calculates the transition time between 2 activities (for example in the triathlon).

It also offers functions created specially for the activities offered. For example, if you practice skiing, it counts the number of descents. For swimming, she can detect the type of swimming and your efficiency. For golf, it displays the course in color, can calculate the shooting distance, is compatible with TruSwing , etc. For paddle sports, it counts the number of strokes. For hiking, it guides you, displays the track, allows you to return to your starting point.

Download your training plans

This watch allows you to create personalized workouts or download them for free via the application TrainingPeaks, for example a 12-week training session to prepare for a cycling competition. These workouts are visible in real time on the watch. After the trip, just send them to your Smartphone or PC for a detailed analysis, see the progress against the goals you have set.

An advanced analysis of your performance to progress

To help you progress in your sport, the Forerunner 935 analyzes all the data from its sensors and provides numerous indicators to optimize your training and competitions and best prepare for your future outings.

To benefit from even more precise and advanced data, it is compatible with the Running Dynamics Pod, this small accessory offered by Garmin to measure certain biometric data such as stride length, cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, aerobic / anaerobic distribution, etc. This sensor is already integrated in the chest belts offered by Garmin for swimming and triathlon (HRM-Tri and HRM-Swim). These measures are also available for cycling and swimming. From this data, the watch is also capable of estimating VO2max, your physical condition, your lactic threshold, and other data useful for your training. It can also predict your running time (for example at the marathon) according to your current form (race prediction function).

A very interesting function of the watch is that it compares your performance with that of the previous few sessions to see your progress and know if your training is optimal. It can assess, for example, whether the exercise was effective or, on the contrary, too much or not enough. She also estimates the time of rest necessary after a trip for a good recovery. You thus have an excellent visibility on your training, when to rest, on what to work to progress, etc.

Activity monitoring

For daily use, the watch tracks your activity 24 hours a day: distance traveled, number of steps taken, intensive minutes, number of floors climbed, calories expended, etc. And if you have a Garmin smart health connected scale, it will indicate your weight, BMI, body fat, etc.

Virtual Racer, Partner

These functions allow you to train against yourself or against someone else while being motivated.

Function Virtual racer allows you to run against yourself according to a route already completed and available in the memory of the watch or according to a route recorded by a Garmin user (available from the Garmin Connect site). The watch then displays the differences (advance or delay) compared to the other runner. One can thus measure oneself, try to improve one’s times or even compare oneself with other sportsmen with a view to preparing for a competition. It is also a good source of motivation (see how to motivate yourself to do sport

Function Virtual Partner used to define a race pace in order to maintain a speed target.

Group LiveTrack and LiveTrack: to follow your partners in the field or on PC!

Function Group LiveTrack allows a group of athletes (up to 50) with a Garmin Fenix ​​5, Forerunner 935, Quatix 5 or future models, and a smart health connected smartphone to know the position of each member of the group. This function is useful for meeting during a bike ride for example.

Garmin also offers the function LiveTrack which allows someone to follow you on the Internet. To do this, you need to connect your Fenix ​​to a Smartphone with an Internet connection. This feature is available on all Garmin GPS watches.

Assistance to cyclists with the Strava segments and the Varia range

Available on the Forerunner 935, the Strava segments allow cyclists to see live the results of a mountain bike race or outing, their position in the rankings and compare their current performance with their personal bests.

The watch is also compatible with most cadence, speed and power sensors (Garmin Vector pedals, ANT + power meter), and the systems Varia radar, Varia vision , Various lights.

You thus have useful information on the power developed, pedaling (velocity, efficiency, balance, fluidity, etc.) and various data such as time spent in dancer for example. The riding also knows how to evaluate your FTP (with optional accessory).

Watch customization

This triathlon watch can be personalized via the Connect IQ app. There are many dials, widgets, etc. to choose from. or even display your favorite photo as wallpaper with the free FaceIt app.

Useful accessories

At the moment, Garmin watches are not able to measure the heart rate on the wrist underwater. In addition, for interval training, the measurement by optical sensor is not reliable.

To overcome this problem and produce an accurate reading, Garmin has designed belts dedicated to swimming (HRM-Swim), in the triathlon (HRM-Tri) and running (HRM-Run).

The HRM-Tri and HRM-Run belts have an accelerometer for measuring and analyzing your stride: cadence, stride length, ground contact time and right / left balance, vertical oscillation and vertical ratio. You can also benefit from these measures without a belt by purchasing the Running Dynamics Pod, a small accessory that attaches to the belt.

If these accessories interest you, know that Garmin offers a very economical triathlon pack including, in addition to the Forerunner 935 watch, an additional black strap, an HRM-Tri belt, an HRM-Swim belt and a triathlon quick assembly kit.

Sports offered

The Forerunner 935 offers a multitude of sporting activities in addition to swimming, cycling and running. Hiking enthusiasts will be able to walk serenely off the beaten track thanks to the GPS track, the TrackBack function to retrace their steps and the numerous information available (position, altitude, weather trend, etc.). Golfers will be able to download golf courses and be assisted on their course. Water sports fans will find tools and measures useful for their activity.

As the sports activities and main functions offered by the Forerunner 935 are the same as those of the Fenix ​​5, discover them in our article on the Garmin Fenix ​​5 outdoor GPS watch.

Garmin Fenix ​​5: a high-end multisport GPS watch

One of the most complete on the market with integrated mapping on the 5X model!

Our opinion on the Garmin Forerunner 935

Garmin is known for its expertise in sports watches dedicated to running and continues to impress us with its latest innovations. This triathlon and running watch is no exception to the rule and really has everything to seduce sports experts in the field, even if its price is relatively high.

The fact that Garmin designed the Forerunner 935 on the basis of the Fenix ​​5 places it above the lot of previous models (Forerunner 735XT and 920XT for running and triathlon). This choice makes it possible to offer very interesting new functions while optimizing the watch (weight and autonomy in particular) for the sports to which it is mainly dedicated. .

We really appreciate the large number of useful metrics it offers but also the in-depth analysis and interpretation of these data for concrete use by both the expert and the neophyte. It will be a great help for those who wish to improve their training, measure their progress or simply find more pleasure in their favorite sport.

Another very important point, especially for long-term competitions such as ultra-trail, ultra-marathon or Ironman, this watch offers great autonomy (24h in GPS mode and 50 to 60h, depending on whether measure or not the heart rate, in UltraTrac mode) while being very light. The downside, as we raise above, is that the watch must be removed from the wrist to be able to be recharged during a long race (without having to stop recording).

It is also pretty, even if the design of the Fenix ​​5, with its brushed metal case and its stainless steel bezel, is more chic.

We may regret the absence of an on-board MP3 player with wireless transmission for runners who like to listen to music while training. The Tom Tom Runner 3 running watch offers this possibility, but its functionality is not at all comparable to the Forerunner 935.

Where to buy the Forerunner 935 and at what price?

The Forerunner 935 is available online (see below) and in specialty stores. Garmin offers the watch alone or in a very economical triathlon pack including an additional bracelet, a quick triathlon mounting kit and two chest belts (HRM-Tri and HRM-Swim) for a reliable measurement of heart rate underwater and during split sessions.

[content-egg-block template=offers_logo]

AB SMART HEALTH REVIEW