Sooooo - Mr Cheeky doesn’t want his Garmin (I know, he’s nuts), so my natural desire to acquire more gear took over and now I am in possession of my trusty Forerunner 235, and a swanky, rather aloof, Vivoactive 3.
I’m thinking (not sure yet) about giving my daughter the Forerunner, as she’s training for the London Vitality 10,000 in May, but do I want to let it go? She may not even want it. I know she won’t like the colour of the strap! 🙄😅
Also, If I take over the Vivoactive, I really will be Cheeky “All the Gear and No Idea”’Chipmunks! 😅
Anyone got any pros and cons on either watch? They’re both currently linked to my phone and I’ve been having a tiny play with the new one. Will it be overkill, or will I end up loving it? Will I want my Forerunner back?
Help, dear VRBs! 😩😩
Written by
cheekychipmunks
Half Marathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
That’s interesting, thanks roseabi. 👍 Secretly it’s saying what I’m thinking .... that the Forerunner is perfect for someone who predominantly runs ........ 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
I have a Garmin 220 and love it but I know I don’t use half of the functions (bit like my washing machine. I tend to use only a couple of cycles) but it gives me what I need. Would you actually use the features on the Vivoactive Munks? I can’t comment on that one but I prefer the colour of the Garmin if that’s any help 😏🙄
I love my Forerunner IP, and yes the colour of the strap is fun isn’t it? The Vivoactive does all sorts - and I don’t - so I think my mind is being made up the more I think about it! 🙄😅
I have a Forerunner 235 as well. I’m happy enough with it. My main gripe is the lack of a dedicated walk setting: you have to log walks as ‘other’ then change it to ‘walk’ on the app afterwards. I walk about as much as I run so I find that a pain. But for running it meets my needs well.
I downloaded one of the IQ apps for walking Arthur. Actually it’s called Hike. It’s pretty basic, just giving distance and speed, but it’s worked well for me on my dog walks, and it’s easy to use. 😀
Gave it a try walking back from running club. A bit odd looking on the screen but does the job perfectly well, went straight to Strava as a walk with no edits required by me.
I have the Vivoactive 3 one button with a side slider its about 2 years since it came out the 235 have been out over 4 years the choice is yours but the face size on the 235 is massive so if you have small wrists it will look BIG 😂
Thanks Kev. They’re pretty similar in size on my wrists actually. I am leaning towards keeping my trusty Forerunner though - I like the bright strap, and frankly I really don’t need all the bells and whistles on the Vivoactive.
I got a brightly coloured fabric strap for my Vivoactive 3. The velcro type attachment means you can get the tension just right and it doesn't feel so icky when you got hot and steamy in the summer months.
I have the Vivoactive 3 and have had it for nearly two years. I am still trying to work out how it works (not very tech savvy). I find it straightforward for recording runs and its link to Garmin connect is ok, but struggle to link it to the Garmin on my bike. It is a smart watch to wear and I love the big dial and the fact that it light up when you touch the screen (great for telling the time in the middle of the night).
Thanks S&R, I’m conflicted because I like the ease of use of my Forerunner, but I’m not tempted to wear it all the time as it’s quite obviously a sports watch. The Vivoactive is smart enough to wear all day - maybe not with a posh frock though!!
I guess I could wear the Forerunner for running and the Vivoactive at other times. In other words sit on the fence! 🙄😅
I wear my vivoactive all the time. On the very rare occasions I have a posh evening frock on I will change it for a dress watch (can't see the time on that one though so have to ask if I need to know!!)
I have the vivoacive 3 and I am a big fan. I love that it looks like a watch and I find it has everything I need (including the ability to control the music app on my phone via bluetooth). I've never used the Forerunners, so I can't compare, but I definitely have had no complaints in the year I've had my vivo3.
Thanks SF. Who knew it would be so hard deciding? I guess it’s what you’re used to.
I’m going to try a run with the Vivoactive - maybe this weekend’s PR - and see how I get on. Useful about controlling the music on your phone, I must admit. That’s something the Forerunner can’t do which I’d find handy. 👍
I find it good for recording walks as well. I have three "default" activities on mine, Run, Walk and Cycle. I did set up a whole set of different workouts (mainly runs of different distances and times) but I rarely use those, I just start and stop at the beginning and end of each activity and leave it at that.
That’s why I’m struggling to wonder whether I need all the extra features of the Vivoactive. My Forerunner records runs and walks and yoga perfectly well, and that’s all I need it for. I’ll still give it a test run though. 😀
Ohhhh that's the twin of Garmo on the right! I love him. He's ugly, but he's very motivating. I sometimes think about upgrading him to something a bit less gaudy, but I'd feel so guilty. He's been a good pal. I'd not wear him for anything except running, but I don't need to track my life. I'm not one for fitbits and steps and stuff. Is the Vivoactive much more fancy?
These are both Garmin models Myfi. 😀 I’ve had the Forerunner, and absolutely loved it, for over a year. I also love the funky strap. 😀
It’s just that my husband’s Garmin Vivoactive 3 is surplus to requirements so I commandeered it. I’ve realised it does way more than I’ll use it for though, so I’m more than likely going to be sticking with my trusty Forerunner 235. 😀 They’re great watches aren’t they? 👍
Yes they are! Although I must admit to my ignorance , I didn't realise Vivoactive 3 was also of the Garmin family. See I only have eyes for my Forerunner 25😍🤣🤣🤣
I agree with you though, some of them have way to much on them and I wouldn’t have need for all of the info.🤗🤗x
That’s what I’m thinking! 🤦♀️ I used it for yoga this morning though, and it was very straightforward. I’m going to wear it at PR this weekend too. Who knows? It’s a shame it’s not a no brainer! 😅😅
Lol, I couldn't answer for you as I ummed and aahed myself, only bought my watch a few weeks ago and there wasn't much more than a tenner between them so was really just down to choice.
Though the vivo does more and is a more modern colour touch screen I decided I wanted a running watch rather than a sports watch so I went with the Forerunner 235.
They both have great reviews though so if you fancy a change why not 🤷♀️
Well Run46, I just wore the Vivoactive for yoga and it was easy as pie to use. It also showed me a couple of text alerts on the screen, so I’m liking it so far. I think I’ll stick with it for a few days and see how I get on! I wish it was clear cut! 😅
If you are an android user it will let you send canned replies straight from the watch. Isn't (or at least wasn't) something that iPhone let it do though). If I've got my headphones in, I can also answer calls from the watch without having to fish around in numerous pockets trying to find it, or dig it out of my running belt.
I use an iPhone SF, but I know about the call answering capability. I don’t tend to answer calls (unless urgent ones) whilst running. That’s a step too far for me! 😅
I get messages on my 235 too but not sure if I can reply...or need to see them that urgently!
If you do yoga and it measures the stats for that then there's a plus for the vivo.
I only run and walk plus stretching obvs, and I already wear a fitbit 2 flex for steps, sleeping etc which is nice and slim so I have that on all the time along with my bracelet watch.
I just needed a running watch and had no intention of wearing whatever I bought all day but if you do other forms of exercise and like the vivo enough to wear it all the time as it's a bit nicer looking then it may be for you...and then your daughter can have the 235!
But tell her she's got to swap with you if you change your mind in a month 😆, aren't decisions just the worst!!!
Hahaha yes they certainly are the worst - if only it was cut and dried, but it’s not. My daughter doesn’t want either watch (what?? 😳) - so I’ll keep both and take my time deciding which to wear regularly! 😅
I have a vivoactive3 Cheeky - I got it because I wanted to track my swimming as well as my joffling but I can’t say it’s my favouritest thing in the world! If you’re happy with the info you get from your Forerunner, I think I’d be inclined to stick with it and very generously donate your Vivoactive to a very worthy cause!! Happy running!
I suspect you’re right OGR. I used it for my yoga just now and it was easy, plus it gave me a couple of handy text alerts - so the experience so far has been positive. I’m completely in 2 minds though. My daughter wants neither (really??), so I’ll stick with the Vivoactive for a few days then decide.
One thing is for certain, the battery life is shocking compared to my Forerunner, so that could be a big factor to consider. 🤔
Oh how weird, I definitely replied to your comment a few hours ago Sarararara! But it’s gone! 🤔🤔🤔
I’m not sure about the adaptive training plans, but they’re not something I’d use. I’m going to play with the Vivo for a few days and see how I get on. 😀
I love my Vivoactive 3,I hate running without music! I only ever use the running and music functions, plenty of superfluous apps on it which I'll probably never use, but it works for me.
Mine isn’t the music version Dannybhoy, but I carry my phone anyway so I would still play mine through it that.
I’ve worn it all morning and have done yoga and gone for a short walk. It’s surprisingly easy to use, in fact slightly easier than the Forerunner, so I’m really conflicted.
One thing I’ve noticed is the battery life is miles inferior to the Forerunner. That would last a week to a charge, and the Vivo is down to 66% in 24 hours with not much use. We’ll see! 🤔
My battery lasts about at least a week. I only connect it to my phone when running or syncing. This is the first smartwatch I've ever used, so far it's good, wouldn't mind being in your position cheeky, a choice of two 😊😊
I took to wearing my fitbit in the outside of my clothes and same as you when I wore on my skin washing often and changing wrists.
I hope with the Gatmin I dont have the same problem but also I think that you can change the straps so i can try and get a fabric one.....alternatively I guess a full body skin transplant might work! Allergies are the worst!
Interesting, I am allergic to all these rubbery straps too, long-term they bring me out in horrible welts. I don't know if it's the material itself, or just the way it stops my skin breathing and collects sweat (gross), but I also had trouble one time when I latexed over my eyebrows to be Vampira at Halloween, so I do suspect it's something in the material. I only wear my Garmin for running anyway, so never longer than maybe theee hours, and so it doesn't give me any bother—but didn't realise other people had this issue too!
Well I’ve been using both and I have to admit the Vivo is fantastic - but I’m drawn back to my lovely Forerunner. I know (most) of its controls, and I don’t even use all of its features, so the Vicoactive is definitely overkill. But I’m keeping it for now ..... just in case! 😅
Seriously, unless you specifically want zillions of other workouts and just want running most of the time, you can’t go wrong with a Forerunner. There’s a 245 out now. Have fun choosing, and let us know which one you end up with. 😀
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
It’s Friday and It’s Pom Pom Time Again; The calm after the storms!!
Final Trail run and a new piece of kit
Unsure if I should be upset or cheesed off
Quick run before work 🔆