Sensors
The built-in barometric altimeter (more accurate than GPS elevation) separates the FR935 from the previous FR735XT. It’s also equipped with GPS, GLONASS, a compass, gyroscope, accelerometer and thermometer for extremely accurate readings. We compared the FR935’s accuracy to the Garmin Edge 520, Polar V800 and Garmin Forerunner 310XT, and there were only slight variances in distance and the elevation profile. Given the FR935’s specs and build, we’ll assume it was the most accurate of the four.
Connectivity
The FR935 is Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ compatible and, unlike its predecessor, it’s Wi-Fi equipped as well. Set up your Wi-Fi connection through Garmin Connect, and the watch will upload your workout data faster than you can rinse your bottles.
The FR935 is compatible with the Varia suite, Shimano Di2 shifting, and muscle oxygen sensors. We didn’t test these features, but we’ll take their word for it.
Just like the FR735XT, you can use Connect IQ to download new watch faces, data fields, widgets and apps. Want a cool party trick? You can use the FR935 to turn on music from your smartphone and switch songs. It’s especially convenient mid-workout when your phone is in your jersey pocket.
Activity Profiles
The FR935 not only tracks your swim, bike and run workouts, but it also includes activity profiles for skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, golfing (TruSwing), and snowboarding (or build your own). If you do more than just triathlon (blasphemy!), this watch covers almost all the bases.
Battery Life
The FR935 boasts an impressive 24-hour battery life in GPS mode (with one-second sampling) and a 50-hour battery life as an activity tracker. Switch to UltraTrac mode (no HR monitoring), and you’ll get an impressive two-week battery life. Even after multiple long rides, we still had plenty of juice. Battery life during an IRONMAN would be a non-issue, even for the 17-hour finishers.
TrainingPeaks and Strava Live Segments
Just like the FR735XT, the FR935 has Strava Live Segments available for both running and cycling. You’ll be able to compare your current effort with your PR or leaderboard rankings in real time as you shoot for that elusive KOM. We had some spotty reliability issues with this feature, but when it worked, it added a fun dynamic to our favorite local rides. A future software update will likely smooth this out.
The new TrainingPeaks app takes your scheduled workouts and sends them directly to your watch to follow in real time—simplifying the interaction between your coach, computer and scheduled workout. This will roll out across several different Garmin models, but comes preloaded in the FR935. Say goodbye to workouts written with Sharpie on your arm.
