GEAR REVIEW: Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Watch

For those of you who simply like to, well, just run; this watch gets the job done. Nothing too fancy, the Garmin Forerunner 35 has been around for almost two years and still claims its spot as one of the most popular simple GPS watches out there.

With the appeal of a small square face, it takes a different look than the other advanced watches who stick to the classic circular face such as the Forerunner 235 and 935. This appeals to those with smaller wrists and want something a little less noticeable and lightweight.

WHAT IT DOES

Unlike the Forerunner 35’s predecessors – the Forerunner 10 and 25 – the 35 steps up its game with an added optical wrist-based heart rate sensor that monitors 24/7. So no more need for a heart rate strap.

While on your run, Garmin’s GPS will track how far and fast you are running, with the option to do intervals or a run/walk workout. For those of you looking for a bit more feedback than just a watch that tracks your runs, you will also get training status and stats such as VO2 Max. If you forget to start your watch on a run or walk, Garmin’s Move IQ will auto-recognize your activity and add it to your daily calendar on Garmin Connect – and it will even be added to your watch activity history. Or, if you are a gym goer, Cardio Training is a fitness option along with run outdoor, run indoor, bike, and walk.

Daily, the Forerunner 35 will monitor your sleep, count your steps and distance traveled with a “move bar” goal, calories burned, and intensity minutes throughout the day. It is a perfect everyday watch, as it also displays the time on its home screen automatically.

While it does not come with an option to change faces through the Garmin Connect App, the 35 gives two face options: analog and digital. It can also pair to your phone using bluetooth, making it possible to read your smart notifications, check the weather, control your music, and find your phone.

WHY THIS WATCH IS FOR YOU

The Garmin Forerunner 35 is a great option for those who don’t want to break the bank but still stay active. At a $169.99 price point, this beats the next step up for the Forerunner 235 at over $200. Garmin’s simplest GPS watch is great for the runner just getting started and wants to get out there, run, enjoy, and see themselves improve by looking at time, pace and mileage. Whether you are tracking on race day or a nice jog along the river, put the Forerunner 35 on your wrist and you are all set to go.

TL;DR

The Forerunner 35 is lightweight and easy to use; a great basic GPS watch at a good price point. Perfect for new users of GPS tech, or everyday athletes that want a little bit of information to try and get stronger or faster.

The Garmin Forerunner 35 is available in all Marathon Sports locations.