Source
r/Garmin•
codevil

Which Garmin?

I started looking at Garmin since it’s the most reasonable alternative to Apple watch in terms if price, but the options are quite overwhelming. Which model can do the following?

  1. Set a distance for a run
  2. Actually track my distance so far, without a phone paired
  3. Report HR as I run so I could gauge my current pace
  4. Time the whole run

That’s about all I need from a running watch, no music or watch faces. I’m looking at the Forerunner 35 and the Vivosport but I can’t tell the difference—and then there are plenty of other Vivos.

Thanks!

Posted Feb 24, 2019, 8:10 PM UTC

27
Janalon•

I asked a similar question several months back...

https://www.reddit.com/r/running/comments/9u8vat/need_help_picking_the_right_garmin_running_watch/

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I picked a Garmin Forerunner 235 and have been quite content. I don't regret choosing the Garmin over the Apple Watch. Actually, I've enjoyed the Forerunner way more than my wife enjoys her new Apple Watch. It does everything I need, and has none of those bonus features (i.e. Spotify, Apple Pay) that I don't need. To be honest, I prefer Garmin Connect over many other health apps, and it syncs nicely with Apple Health, Strava, and My Fitness Pal.

2
Janalon•

One small note- a co-worker has a Vivosport. I believe it doesn't give you advanced running stats. For example, my watch can calculate for V02 Max and hers does not.

2
Dlinefivenine•

I think all the running watches they sell with a wrist HR will work. Apple price wise - 235, VA3

2
5itronen•

All somewhat newer models except the Vivofit lines and the Vivosmart lines do that, only the Forerunner 230 and the Fenix 3 without HR are exceptions.

2
CptUSA201•

Forerunner 235. You can program the distance in your workouts on Garmin Connect (I even set a 1/2 way mark for when I do out and back courses). Can't do this with the FR 25/35. If you're following a particular training plan, you can program it into the watch using Garmin Connect on your computer and take the guess work out of what you wanted yo do next in your workout.

It will track your distance, time, cadence, pace and HR, all on one screen with the appropriate data field. I use SingleField, downloaded at no cost from Garmin IQ Connect. This is not available for the 35. The FR 235 does not track your vertical oscillation and other stride data like some other models.

The 235 has more options for different activities that the 25/35.

Either the 25/35 or the 235 will collect the data without your phone being connected. If paired with your phone, it will upload your run data to Garmin Connect once your phone is back in range and syncs.

I've previously owned a 25, 230 and now the 235. Very happy with the 235. I've yet to have any issues with HR reading, but I'm a steady pace runner. I run few intervals at this point, but some who do interval training have reported issues with the optical HR detection reading accurately. I still keep my chest strap HR monitor in the drawer for when these issues start to pop-up.

2
codevilOP•

Thanks for the insight. To be clear—if I wanted to run 10km, for example, the 25/35 requires that I do that with a phone/computer? I can’t set the distance from within the watch?

2
CptUSA201•

You can monitor the distance from the watch, but you cannot set the from within the watch. You could, however, use AutoLap to notify you for every mile or kilometer you cover.

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