If you don’t have time and just want hear the key points of this article, here they are:
In my opinion, the Forerunner 235 is a GPS heart rate monitor watch tailored for runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. Its GPS feature with GLONASS capabilities, built-in heart rate monitor, and activity tracking functions make it a valuable tool for tracking and optimizing performance. It’s also quite versatile, with smartphone notifications and customization options, which could attract tech-savvy users. However, individuals who aren’t overly active or who don’t require heart rate monitoring or GPS tracking might find it excessive. Also, without an altimeter, it may not appeal to hikers or mountain bikers. Its water-resistance is limited, and the battery life might not suffice for extended training sessions or multiday outdoor adventures. Lastly, its sporty digital look might not attract lovers of traditional watch designs. Personally, I find the Forerunner 235 a well-rounded device designed for a specific user base. However, as with any device, its value will depend on individual needs, preferences, and lifestyles.
Quick links:
Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Heart Rate Monitor Watch Review: Who is it for?
In my humble opinion, the Forerunner 235 is designed for a specific group of individuals. This isn’t just any ordinary watch, but a specialized GPS heart rate monitor watch. So, who do I think would find this watch most useful? I believe the target user for the Forerunner 235 would be runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts who value precise, real-time data to track their progress and performance.
I say runners because the Forerunner 235 has been optimized for this activity. From the product details, it’s clear that this watch is perfect for those who run, whether it’s casual jogging, marathon training, or competitive racing. The integrated GPS function with GLONASS capability enables more accurate tracking of distance and pace, which I think is crucial for any runner.
Next, the heard rate monitor on the wrist. I think this is a key feature for athletes who need to monitor their heart rate continuously, without the inconvenience of a chest strap. The heart rate data can aid in estimating VO2 max, recovery time, and race times for several distances, providing valuable insights for training and performance optimization.
The Forerunner 235 also seems like a great companion for the everyday fitness enthusiast. The activity tracking functions, such as step counting, calories burned tracking, and distance measurements, can be beneficial for those who want to stay on top of their daily physical activity. Moreover, the move bar with vibration alert could act as a useful reminder for those who tend to sit for prolonged periods which in my view, is a nice touch.
Despite its running focus, I think this watch can be used by anyone who values health and wellness. The easy-to-read color graph that shows your heart rate zone, the ability to receive smartphone notifications, and a battery life of up to 9 days in watch/activity tracking mode or 11 hours in training mode, make it a versatile everyday watch.
Also, the smart device notifications feature could be helpful to people who are always on the go and need to stay connected. It’s also worth noting that the Forerunner 235’s water-resistant depth is 50 meters, hinting at utility for swimmers or individuals who engage in water-based activities.
Finally, I see that the customization options are quite vast, including widgets, watch faces, apps, and data fields. This means that the Forerunner 235 could appeal to tech-savvy users who enjoy personalizing their devices or who require certain apps for their training regimen.
In conclusion, the Forerunner 235 seems like a well-rounded GPS heart rate monitor watch that could potentially be a great companion for a wide range of individuals – from serious athletes and runners to everyday fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users. That’s just my two cents based on the features and technical specs provided.
Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Heart Rate Monitor Watch Review: Who isn’t it for?
Now, let’s talk about who I believe might not find the Forerunner 235 as appealing or useful. First off, if you’re not overly active or if you don’t engage in activities that require heart rate monitoring or GPS tracking, then this watch might be a bit of overkill. It’s a specialized piece of gear that seems designed for those who regularly engage in physical activities, particularly running. I think that if you’re someone who just uses a watch to tell time, this device might be more than you need.
Moreover, it doesn’t feature an altimeter. An altimeter measures your altitude and is quite beneficial for hiking, mountain biking, or any other activities that involve a change in altitude. If you’re an outdoorsy person who enjoys tackling mountains and trails, you might find this feature lacking in the Forerunner 235.
Also, based on the technical specs, it seems that the Forerunner 235 is not designed for high-intensity water sports or diving. Although it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, it doesn’t mean it’s suitable for all water-based activities. So, if you’re an avid diver or engage in water sports activities that require deep submersion, I think this watch might not be the best fit for you.
The battery life could also be a point of concern for some. With 11 hours in training mode, it might not last for extended training sessions, endurance races, or multiday outdoor adventures where recharging might not be possible. So, if you’re an ultra-marathoner or a long-distance cyclist who spends hours on end training, or if you’re a backpacker who spends days out in the wilderness, the battery life might be a limitation.
The watch’s data exchange is through Bluetooth, which I believe might be a limitation for individuals who prefer WiFi, especially when it comes to larger data transfers. If you’re someone who likes to sync your workouts to cloud services frequently and smoothly, this aspect might be a bit of a letdown.
Lastly, from a purely aesthetic point of view, it’s not a traditional-looking timepiece. If you’re someone who prefers a classic, timeless watch design, you might not find the Forerunner 235 appealing. It has a sporty look and digital display, which might not go well with formal attire or suit your style if you’re into more traditional watch aesthetics.
These are just my thoughts, though. Everyone is different, and what doesn’t work for one person might be perfect for another. It all depends on your individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle. After all, the Forerunner 235 is a specialized tool designed with a specific user-base in mind, and it’s important to consider these points before making a decision.
Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Heart Rate Monitor Watch Review: Conclusion
In my opinion, the Forerunner 235 is a GPS heart rate monitor watch tailored for runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. Its GPS feature with GLONASS capabilities, built-in heart rate monitor, and activity tracking functions make it a valuable tool for tracking and optimizing performance. It’s also quite versatile, with smartphone notifications and customization options, which could attract tech-savvy users. However, individuals who aren’t overly active or who don’t require heart rate monitoring or GPS tracking might find it excessive. Also, without an altimeter, it may not appeal to hikers or mountain bikers. Its water-resistance is limited, and the battery life might not suffice for extended training sessions or multiday outdoor adventures. Lastly, its sporty digital look might not attract lovers of traditional watch designs. Personally, I find the Forerunner 235 a well-rounded device designed for a specific user base. However, as with any device, its value will depend on individual needs, preferences, and lifestyles.