Your ability to understand your heart rate is probably the most important skill you need to accelerate your fitness journey. It can give you insights on your health condition, metabolic rate, mode of respiration, calories burned among other things. Heart rate sensors are the principal devices to provide such data.
Today, we’ll review one of if not the best heart rate sensor, The Scosche Rhythm 24. It’s premium. Beautiful, stylish, reliable, and accurate. Welcome to the Scosche Rhythm 24 Heart Rate Monitor Black Review. The following is a breakdown of what we’ll cover:
- About the Scosche brand
- Pros of the Scosche Rhythm 24
- Cons of the Scosche Rhythm 24
- Buyers guide on heart rate sensors
- Benefits of using the Scosche Rhythm 24 heart rate sensor
- What others are saying about the Scosche Rhythm 24
- 3 alternatives to the Scosche Rhythm 24
Let’s dive in!
Scosche rhythm 24 Review
About the “Scosche” brand
Scosche industries was founded in 1980 by Roger and Scotia “Scosche” Alves. The company started in Southern California as a car audio consultant. Since then, they have grown their product list to include car accessories, chargers, audio equipment, and fitness devices such as the Scosche Rhythm 24.
Special Features (Pros) of the Scosche Rhythm 24
Tracking Abilities
Aside from heart rate monitoring, the Scosche Rhythm 24 heart rate monitor supports other functions. For instance, it can now track cadence, stride, and distance. The metrics vary with the type of exercise. You can switch between the different modes such as running, swimming, etc. This is available on the app. Changing modes adjusts the accuracy of the monitor to suit the activity.
The Scosche Rhythm 24 has internal memory. It can store workout data for later access when a secondary reading device is unavailable. This is useful in sports that don’t allow smartwatches such as football. I’m happy to inform you that Rhythm 24 supports several file formats.
Consequently, it can efficiently communicate with any device. For instance, it’s compatible with Garmin’s decade-old file format(ANT+ FIT standard) on most of their watches including the FR920XT. All this has been made possible by Scosche’s collaboration with North Pole Engineering. They are one of the best developers of ANT+/Bluetooth protocols in fitness.
This delivers a smooth experience.
Design
The Scosche Rhythm 24 has a radically different design from its predecessor, the Rhythm+. You now have not one, but two buttons. One is the good old power button. The other is used to switch between the 5 different modes- Heart rate variability, swimming, running, cycling, and heart rate only.
For running, you can track cadence and distance. For cycling, you can only track cadence. This time, the buttons have sufficient travel to avoid pressing them accidentally. There are four LEDs now. One is a battery/power status indicator. The other 3 are for heart rate zones-you can customize your zones from the Rhythm Sync app for iOS and Android.
Note that the other 3 LEDs are colored. The following is a breakdown of the corresponding zones for each color:
ZONE 1: Blue
ZONE 2: Green
ZONE 3: Yellow
ZONE 4: Red
ZONE 5: Rapidly Flashing Red
The unit looks modern with a curved view-screen on the front. There are no buttons on the side.
Seamless Connectivity
Starting with the basics, the Scosche Rhythm 24 supports both Bluetooth and ANT+. This technically allows you to connect to most devices. From android/iOS phones, smart trainers, cycling computers, treadmills, smart spin bikes, etc. What’s more, the watch supports dual bands. Meaning you can concurrently transmit data over Bluetooth and ANT+.
This allows you to simultaneously use multiple devices. For instance, you could be connected to your treadmill and your phone at the same time. Instances of intermittent connections are hard to come by in the Rhythm 24. You also get NFC+. This is exclusively meant for commercial gyms.
It helps connect the gadget to various gym equipment via Near Field Communication.
Durability and Waterproofing
The Scosche Rhythm 24 is a rugged device. The sensor module is tough and can survive multiple drops with no damage. The belt is not made of tough neoprene fabric-a durable, strong material. It’s also easy to clean and will significantly ease your hygiene routine. It also fries much faster than the strap on the Scosche Rhythm+.
Scosche’s decision to remove velcro was timely. Considering some people had issues with the velcro-it binds on the wrong surfaces and got loose over time. In this model, you have a buckle-style dual strap. It’s easy to make fine tension adjustments. Overall, the straps are durable and may maintain their pristine look for a long time.
With IP68 waterproof certification, you can take this guy anywhere. From training in the rain to swimming. It’s also dustproof and sweat proof. You can go as hard as you like without damaging the heart rate monitor.
Battery life
The Rhythm 24 gets its name from its battery life. Scosche claims you can get 24 hours of tracking time from a single charge. This is more of a minimum. Some people report more time, sometimes 30 hours! Such stamina is what you need for a triathlon or other intense workouts.
A convenient LED indicates battery status. It flashes when the battery is low. It also lights when the device is powered on. As with the Rhythm+, the Scosche Rhythm 24 gets its optical sensor from Valencell. The previous chip was from 2012. In this model, you get the latest sensor. It has excellent power efficiency among other improvements.
The LEDs are also updated, both in design and number. They consume much less power while shining brighter. The unit uses a USB charging cradle to recharge the battery in about 2 hours. On its own, this is a useful feature especially if you have experienced the hustle of swapping cells in non-rechargeable monitors.
Drawbacks (Cons) of the Scosche Rhythm 24
Price
The Scosche Rhythm 24 costs $99.99. This is a high price for a heart rate monitor. You can most definitely find cheaper models. However, the high cost is partly due to its high accuracy, utility, and design. Of course, the other part is the brand name!
Scosche Rhythm 24 Heart Rate Monitor Buyers Guide
1. Price
A premium heart rate sensor is likely to feel comfortable, connect with most devices, last long, have an excellent battery, and provide accurate results. The opposite is true for cheaper heart rate monitors. In essence, you get what you pay for. I recommend buying from reputable brands.
They have a long track of tweaking their features and quality for optimal user experience.
2. Type
Heart rate monitors can either be strapped on the chest or the arm. Chest strap heart rate monitors require direct contact with your chest near the heart. They use electrodes to detect the electrical activity of the heart. This is then converted into a heart rate. They are considered to be the most accurate
Armband heart rate monitors use LED sensors to shine light through your skin. The distortion of the light by blood is assessed and converted into a heart rate. This process requires complex algorithms. Therefore, optical monitors are considered a little less accurate than chest strap monitors.
Chest strap monitors are often less comfortable than their armband counterparts. Note that optical sensors have come a long way and are now almost just as accurate as chest straps.
3. Durability
A heart rate monitor must be made of durable materials. I recommend ceramic or hard industrial plastic on the sensor module. Neoprene or other tough polycarbonate fabrics are best for straps. Speaking of which, the strap should retain the same tension setting even on intense workouts.
Water and sweat resistance is another great feature to improve durability. It ensures that you can workout from any environment. IPX4 or higher is where your ball should roll.
4. Comfort and Fit
A heart rate monitor, chest strap, or armband, should be comfortable on the body. Snuggly but not too tight. This may restrain circulation and alter heart rate readings. I recommend clip-style, silicon buttons, or velcro straps. Check that you don’t have any skin allergies to the materials used in the strap.
5. Performance
A heart rate sensor must track all the vitals you want. Don’t expect many capabilities from these devices. They are mostly just meant to measure heart rates. However, ensure that its accurate while doing so. You can find a ton of related accuracy benchmarks on the specific device online.
It should also maintain connections throughout your workout.
6. Connectivity
As a rule of thumb, an ideal heart rate monitor should support dual-band ANT+ and Bluetooth connections. This ensures that it can most likely work with your handset or any other computing or smart fitness equipment. Ensure that the unit is compatible with your fitness app and primary device. You can check this in the manual.
NFC is only a necessity if you are using the sensor for commercial purposes at the gym.
7. Battery life
Stamina determines how long a sensor goes without needing a charge. The longer the better. It means you can workout further from the wall plug. You have two options here- a non-rechargeable/ rechargeable heart rate sensor. The previous typically gives 400 hours before replacement.
I prefer rechargeable types. They are convenient. They also save you the hustle of having to visit the repair shop often. Fortunately, most monitors use the regular USB charger docks. If you can find wireless charging, don’t hesitate to buy it!
Benefits of Scosche rhythm 24 heart Rate Monitor
The Scosche Rhythm 24:
- Is comfortable
- Is rugged and durable
- Can connect to any device
- Provides accurate readings
- Has an excellent battery life
What Other Are Saying About the Scosche Rhythm 24 Heart Rate Monitor
After scouring the internet for user feedback, I found the general response to be rather positive. Here’s a snip of what some verified buyers had to say about the Scosche Rhythm 24:
One customer said:
Another customer said
Another customer said:
Alternatives to the Scosche Rhythm 24 Heart Rate Monitor
1. POLAR H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap: chest strap alternative 4/5
The Polar H10 is a chest strap heart rate monitor. It uses silicon sleeves with dot buckles on the strap. It’s easy to adjust and can fit most individuals comfortably. The sensor uses high-accuracy electrodes to measure the heart’s electrical activity. The information is accurate and competes with full-blown stethoscopes.
The unit is made from durable polycarbonates. It can retain a fresh look for a long time. On the same note, the unit is available in 4 colors-blue, black, gray, and orange. Both ANT+ and Bluetooth are supported. This allows you to communicate with most mobile and fitness devices.
Key Features of the Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor
- Highly accurate
- Wide color options
- Snuggly and comfortable
- Water and sweat-resistant
- Supports both Bluetooth and ANT+
Notable differences between the Polar H10 and the Scosche Rythm 24 heart rate monitors
- Cheaper
- More accurate
- Has a shorter battery life
- Uses a chest strap in place of an armband
2. Powr Labs Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor Armband: cheaper alternative 4.5/5
This is a super lightweight armband heart rate monitor. It comes in a simple shell with a single button. This is used to power the device on/off or put it in pairing mode. I like the adjustable strap design used. You also get two straps=small and large. The monitor is available in one theme-black/white/grey accents.
An extra green belt is included as a perk. Wireless charging comes standard with the provided charging dock. With a battery life of over 60 hours, this thing is a true fitness junkie companion. You should have no problem with dust, water, or sweat as the sensor is rated IP67 waterproof.
All orders are backed by a free return policy. You also enjoy a 12-month warranty in case of any faults.
Key features of the Powr Labs heart rate sensor
- Long battery life
- Wireless charging
- Stable connections
- Durable construction
- IP67-certified waterproof
Notable differences between the Powr Labs and Scosche Rhythm 24 heart rate sensors
- Cheaper
- Lighter
- Longer battery life
The Wahoo Tickr Fit is one of the most popular heart rate monitors on the market. Thanks to its high accuracy. The gadget is an armband -style sensor that does few things, really well. It tracks only three things-calories burned, workout time, and heart rate. I’m impressed by its minimalist design.
In the box, you’ll find two straps-small and large, a user manual, a USB charger, and the sensor module. Only the “Wahoo” logo is printed on it. A blue multi-functional button is on the side. It powers the device on/off as well as puts it in pairing mode. A single LED flashes to indicate the device’s status.
The unit is water and sweat resistant. It’s also made of strong materials that promise longevity.
Key features of the Wahoo Tickr Fit heart rate sensor
- Minimalist design
- Reliable accuracy
- Decent battery life
- Excellent build quality
- Supports dual-band ANT+ and Bluetooth connections
Notable differences between the Wahoo Tickr Fit and the Scosche Rythm 24 heart rate sensors
- Lighter
- Cheaper
- Has fewer LEDs
- Has fewer buttons
- Shorter battery life
Conclusion
Heart rate monitors serve as a window into our bodies when working out. They help us understand how the heart responds to activities of varying intensity and form. This data can give us suggestions on how to improve our training routine for better, quicker results. It also keeps us within healthy training zones.
The Scosche Rhythm 24 is arguably the best armband heart rate monitor. It’s accurate, reliable, durable, sensitive, and comfortable to wear. It also has an excellent battery life that powers it’s seamless connections to any device. If you want a premium heart rate sensor, then Rhythm 24 is just for you!
Thanks for reading to the end. We have more useful tech and fitness content on the site. Feel free to check them out. Maintain discipline, sleep well, and eat healthy as you put your heart rate sensor to work. Stay safe guys, cheers!
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