Garmin - Forerunner 35

I've really liked all of my Garmin watches! Check out anything from the Forerunner line, like the Forerunner 55. And highly recommend getting a refurbished/used one to save money, if that's an issue for you. You can get the 55, 45, or 35 for a pretty good deal refurbished/used.

I would look for a used or refurbished Garmin Forerunner 35 or 45 (whatever you can find for cheapest). Also just to note, GPS is what allows watches to accurately measure distance and pace, so you’ll want a watch either GPS. However for the ultimate cheapest option, if money is really limited, consider just using a running app on your phone instead.

You're welcome! And yeah I agree, using a phone is super cumbersome. Having a watch is so much more convenient! Even though they can be pricey, I think they're a good investment. And the longevity of Garmin Forerunner watches is quite good in my experience. And also they stay fairly valuable as long as they still work, so if you eventually decide to upgrade to different model, you can still sell your old one!

you've been lucky with the battery. The Forerunner 35 is now at an age where the battery capacity is diminishing and the battery isn't readily replaceable. Before buying a used Forerunner 35, be sure and look at a photo of the battery charge indication on the watch face - if you don't see all or almost all the segments lit, don't buy it. My Forerunner 35 now only shows one segment lit after charging

You are me 8 years ago. I went from C25K to Strava on my phone, which got me through my first race. After completing it I bought a Forerunner 35, which I would wear only on runs or long walks. It did everything I needed it to, and I only upgraded it this summer when I decided I wanted a fulltime smart watch. I now have a vivoactive 6, which is much more attractive for daily wear. I think they've discontinued the 35, but the 55 would be equivalent.

I have a Forerunner 35 that I got for free from a friend who upgraded years ago. Still works great and still has a decent battery life (almost too great, I’ve been eyeing new models but can’t justify it when my watch still works). If you want something inexpensive just for running highly recommend an older model garmin. One note. If you want to monitor your HR the watch doesn’t have consistent or good performance. It will connect with a separate monitor.

I have a FR 35 and a FR 955 both work great. I got the 955 at launch in a contest. It’s a watch that has way more features than I think anyone can use.

I run a forerunner 35; I really miss having 4 data fields though, but then, I'd need a cadence meter. But if you want "GPS as in mapping" it won't work for you. I suppose my pricing is also deceptive because I had an old ant+ HRM lying around

Sounds to me like you would get along well with Apple. I gave up a Garmin 35 for a Series 9 and I’m completely happy with the S9’s fitness and other medical features.

I had a Garmin Forerunner 35 for ages. Had all the basic functions I wanted, and kept going for years. The heart rate monitor eventually died, and could not be mended or replaced, so I upgraded to the Forerunner 955 (then the top of the range) and I’ve been completely happy with it. I was dithering about getting a Fenix, but decided against it because it looked wrong on my wrist (they are chunkier) However when I was trying to decide based on the specs, I couldn’t tell them apart. I don’t think there’s a wrong choice here

Forerunner 165 is an excellent watch, and I love it. I upgraded from the FR 55 model. I currently own three FR watches: 35, 55, and 165. I was previously an Apple Watch user.

I'm on my 3rd Garmin. They are the OG of running watches and do a great job. My first Garmin FR35 is still ticking and would easily last through another marathon. I just wanted a watch that tracked more activity profiles including triathlon so I upgraded. A good resource for you might be DC Rainmaker who reviews all sorts of wearables. I would say to stay as far away from fitbit as you possibly can. They were never great and google has run that line into the ground.