Training Status and Load
While it can take a few weeks to populate and optimize your data on the device, this software from FirstBeat is a great way to monitor your training efforts and progress. Each workout recap is split between anaerobic and aerobic, and you’ll be given recovery hours after each workout. The FR935 will show changes in VO2 max estimates and also estimate your optimal training load based on your history and metrics.
As any good triathlon coach has probably told you many times over, there is such a thing as a junk workout. This feature kept our workouts focused and beneficial—without the angry emails from Coach.
Garmin Connect
Like the majority of Garmin’s fitness watches, the Forerunner 935 is smartphone compatible and can be paired to the Garmin Connect app. From there you can wirelessly download a workout, change your settings and keep track of your daily step count or sleep patterns.You can even display weather and get smart notifications sent directly to your device.
This was a huge plus for us—we’ve had trouble in the past connecting previous Garmin models to our smartphone and app. They seem to have fixed the problem, and the watch now reliably syncs seamlessly with our phone. Kudos.
The FR935 is also LiveTrack and GroupTrack compatible—allowing friends and family to see progress in real time, and allowing athletes to keep tabs on each other’s training progress.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is essentially a plastic-bodied Garmin Fenix 5. It has all the connectivity and training features desired by even the most elite triathletes, and it’s housed in a sleek and stylish (not to mention more affordable) package. The battery life and accuracy were huge bonuses in our book, and we found ourselves using this watch on a daily basis throughout our testing process.
The best part? Given the low profile and nuanced layers of running data available in this model, the watch is perfect for dedicated runners, too. I, for one, will not be missing my HR chest strap, I can tell you that much.
While pricey, you certainly get what you pay for when it comes to this premium multisport watch and activity tracker. If the Forerunner 735XT left something to be desired, the Forerunner 935 addresses all the issues and shortcomings of its predecessor.
The black Garmin Forerunner 935 is available for $499.99, and the force yellow tri-bundle (HRM Tri, HRM Swim, Quick Release Kit and additional black strap included) is available for $649.99.
Learn more about the Garmin Forerunner 935, here.
