[NewsPoster]

Garmin is extending its Forerunner sports watch range with a trio of new wearable devices for runners. The Forerunner 230 and 235 are similar GPS running watches that can be used to keep track of the user's pace, time, heart rate, and other functions, while the Forerunner 630 is said to be a more advanced model that builds upon the Forerunner 620 by providing more data and measurements during training.


The Forerunner 230 and 235 differ only by the latter model having Garmin's Elevate heart rate monitoring system, showing the heart rate and zone on the screen, though the 230 can also pair with an ANT+-based chest-worn strap to use the same data. Using 44-inch larger sunlight-readable displays, the watches can predict race times, offer up the VO2 max estimate, and provide a recovery timer.

Both watches can provide smartwatch-style notifications to the wearer when connected to a smartphone, including call and message alerts, music controls, and audio alerts for laps and lap times. Using the Connect IQ platform, users can also customize their watch with extra apps and watch faces, while the Garmin Connect mobile app provides activity progress, sleep tracking, trends, and connectivity to MyFitnessPal.

Garmin Forerunner 230

The watches are able to survive the elements, including water resistance to 50 meters (164 feet). The 230 has the better battery life of the two, with up to 16 hours in training mode and 5 weeks in watch mode with activity tracking and smart notifications, while the 235 lasts for up to 11 hours and nine days respectively.

Shipping in the fourth quarter, the Forerunner 230 will cost $250 on its own, or $300 in a bundle with a heart rate monitor, while the Forerunner 235 will cost $330.

Garmin Forerunner 235

The Forerunner 630 provides more physiological measurements than its predecessor, the 620, including stride length, ground contact time, vertical ratio, lactate threshold, stress score, and performance condition, along with other measurements offered by the 230. When paired with the HRM-Run, it can also measure the cadence and vertical oscillation of the runner, showing results on its 44 percent larger color touchscreen display.

Garmin Forerunner 630

As with the other two models, it can connect to a smartwatch for alerts, uses Connect IQ for customization, and Garmin Connect for data synchronization, though it is able to upload the data directly over Wi-Fi instead of relying on a Bluetooth connection with a smartphone. Water resistant to 50 meters, it offers up to 16 hours of battery life in training mode, and four weeks of activity tracking and notifications in watch mode.

Going on sale in the fourth quarter, the Forerunner 630 will cost $400, but it will also be available in a bundle with the HRM-Run for $450.