For those who know me, it's certainly out of character not to buy a new gadget for “insert made-up logic to justify my purchase here.” Over the years, I’ve come up with some crackers, but not every purchase has proven useful. Take my Oculus Quest 2, for example (which is looking for a new home...). Call it cabin fever during Covid, call it a geek's desire for a new toy—whatever way you package it, I managed to justify it!
Then, out of nowhere, a watch breaks the mould. Of all gadgets, this is the one I would expect to replace most often. I have the ever-reliable, ever-accurate Garmin Forerunner 235, which was a gift from my wife as an upgrade from the Garmin Forerunner 25. There’s something about this watch, which I’ve had for nearly 4 or 5 years, that just does the job I need—and does it very well.
I won’t lie; I've been tempted by every iteration of the Garmin Forerunner since the 235—the Forerunner 245, the 255, the 265—but I keep asking myself, are they really offering enough to make me part with both money and a perfectly good watch? For me, the questions being asked of the Forerunner 235 have all been answered with ease. Sure, there are bells and whistles it lacks, but realistically, we’re all just looking up our runs on Strava afterward. So, as long as the data capture is working well, should we really care about all these extra features?
The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a popular watch among runners, and it has managed to stay a favourite despite the release of newer models and competitors. Its enduring appeal can be credited to its reliable performance, user-friendly interface, and robust feature set that supports a wide range of fitness activities beyond just running. Here’s a comprehensive look at the Garmin Forerunner 235, examining why it is still considered a great watch.
Features and Functionality
Activity Tracking: Beyond running, the Forerunner 235 tracks various activities such as cycling, walking, and indoor workouts, offering versatility for different fitness routines.
Smart Notifications: It connects to your smartphone to display notifications for calls, texts, and other alerts, keeping you connected without needing to pull out your phone during a workout.
Customisable Watch Faces and Apps: Through the Garmin Connect IQ store, users can download custom watch faces, widgets, and apps to personalise their watch experience.
Training Tools: The watch includes advanced training features like VO2 max estimate, a recovery advisor, and a race predictor, which are valuable for serious runners aiming to improve their performance.
Battery Life: The Forerunner 235 boasts solid battery life, lasting up to 9 days in watch mode and 11 hours in GPS mode with the heart rate monitor activated.
Why It's Still Great
Despite being on the market for a while, the Garmin Forerunner 235 remains a fantastic choice due to its reliability, ease of use, and comprehensive feature set. It strikes a balance between advanced fitness tracking and everyday smartwatch functionalities, making it suitable for both serious athletes and casual users.
For many runners, investing in the right tech and gadgets can be pricey even at the best of times. When looking at new watches as you’re starting out, it may make sense to spend a very reasonable amout on a solid, durable watch that will serve you well for several years, rather than splurging €499 or even more on the latest version and adding pressure to perform.
Thinking of Buying the Forerunner 235?
If you’re considering the Garmin Forerunner 235, thinking it might be just the thing to kick-start your early morning runs, have a look at the range of affordable second-hand options available on eBay UK. With great prices and trusted sellers, you could score a quality Forerunner 235 without breaking the bank. Plus, by choosing a pre-loved device, you’re keeping it sustainable – win-win! Check it out below and see if the perfect deal is waiting for you:
Shop the Forerunner 235 on eBay UK
Happy running!