Heart rate monitors are one of the most useful fitness devices. They are compact and easy to use. Today, we will review two of the best heart rate monitors on the market.
The Wahoo Tickr Fit and the Scosche Rhythm 24.
But before that, here’s a breakdown of what’s coming up.
- A quick overview of the parent companies for each tracker, an individual review of each monitor including features, pros, cons, and customer reviews.
- This is followed by a comprehensive buyer guide on heart rate monitors.
- A quick comparison (similarities and differences) between the two.
- We’ll then go through the benefits of using the heart rate monitors before listing 10 links to useful resources on each tracker and cardiovascular health in general.
- Thereafter, you’ll get to the final verdict.
Let’s dive in!
Wahoo Tickr Fit vs. Scosche Rhythm 24 + Review: The Brand
About the “Scosche” brand
Scosche industries were 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.
About the “Wahoo” brand
Wahoo Fitness is a tech fitness company based in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 2010 by Chip Hawkins. The company makes several fitness computing devices.
Some of which include the Elemnt, Kickr, Kickr bike, and the elephant in the room, the Wahoo Tickr Fit. The company is one of the most liked and reputable in this space.
Scosche Rhythm 24 vs Scosche Rhythm + Review Comparison
Wahoo Tickr Fit Review
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Wahoo Tickr Fit is the first optical heart rate monitor from Wahoo. Let’s look at what it brings to the table in the following subsections:
Features
1. Battery life
The Wahoo Tickr Fit has the longest battery life on any rechargeable heart rate sensor. It has a tracking time of 30 hours on a single charge. Now that’s impressive.
Not only will you not have any battery issues at the gym, but you can also use it to track your sleep pattern. It will stay on all night and send HR data to a connected secondary device.
The device deploys a proprietary charging cable. On one side, it’s the standard USB( oops! No USB-C). On the other end, a charging prong with two magnetic charging pins.
These attach to the underside of the tracker and charge automatically. A red LED status light comes on to show its juicing up.
I’ll admit, I am in the ballpark of those who prefer MicroUSB charging, mostly for its wide availability. However, I soon found out that the charger design allows for better waterproofing capabilities.
So I guess we’ll just have to suck it up! Moving on, the device uses a low-power Bluetooth band which also helps to improve battery efficiency.
It’s safe to say that they nailed on the battery life! Note that you can’t use the device in any meaningful ways while it’s docked on the charger. However, due to the small size of the battery, recharge times are in the 2-hour range.
2. Design and Durability
Although the Polar OH1 debuted as arguably the lightest mainstream optical HR sensor, the Wahoo Tickr Fit treads the path closely. It’s compact and super lightweight.
I’m not sure how they managed to fit in a larger battery, but hey, it works! Before we go too far, let’s talk about the unboxing experience.
As you’d expect, the Wahoo Tickr Fit comes in a rather familiar box package from the rest of their chest strap HR monitors like the Tickr X. The box is practically weightless.
You’ll slide out a plastic tray to reveal the Wahoo Tickr Fit pod. This contains the sensor module, which has a neat “Wahoo” logo printed on the face. Adjacent to this is an LED that serves multiple functions.
A bright blue button on the side is the primary navigation tool for controlling the device.
Long press the button for about 3 seconds to power it on. The whole delay thing is meant to eliminate accidentally powering the device to conserve battery.
On the underside, wear the device in contact with your skin; you’ll find green LEDs that track your heart rate. Note that the Tickr Fit should be worn on the upper arm, preferably around the biceps.
You may position it next to the elbow, but I have found better results more upstream. You get two straps in the box- medium and large sizes. The small size has a maximum, stretched circumference of 10.2 inches compared to 14.75 inches on the larger strap. This is within most people’s arm size.
In case you are out of that cluster, you may consider the Polar OH1, which has a circumference of 24 inches. The straps attach on either side of the pod using a loop mechanism. Note that it must not go over or under the pod. Both straps have identical thickness and width.
The straps are perforated all around to improve ventilation. A velcro strap is used to adjust the level of fit on your arm. I found it to have excellent sweat-absorption properties and retained no strange odors. It’s disappointing that it’s only hand-washable. It dries relatively fast after cleaning.
A user manual and legal papers are the only other things in the box. Wahoo offers a 1-year warranty along with a 30-day free return policy. They promise to repair or replace faulty trackers at no extra charge. The Wahoo Tickr Fit can survive submersion up to 1M for 30 minutes thanks to its IPX7 certification.
You may swim in it. Just ensure that your secondary smartwatch is worn on the same arm. This is because the Tickr Fit’s low power Bluetooth/ ANT+ signal is de-amplified in water.
3. Accuracy
First off, Wahoo uses an in-house sensor on the Tickr Fit. Unlike most other HR monitors that outsource their sensors from Valencell.
While Valencell sensors boast high accuracy, they are battery guzzlers. We benchmarked the Wahoo with the Powercal HR chest strap. It had to be this way since the Powercal HR uses high-sensitivity electrodes.
Without diving into too much detail, the Wahoo Tickr Fit produced nearly similar results. However, compared to optical sensors like the Scosche Rhythm 24, which uses a Valencell sensor module, it’s lagging in accuracy. Note that the fall-out only lasted for a few seconds before catching up.
The tracker is still worthy of training with. But if accuracy is your mantra, you can find better models within the same $79 price range.
4. Connectivity
The Wahoo Tickr Fit supports dual-band Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. This means you can simultaneously transmit your HR data to two devices. Most devices use either mode of wireless communication.
These include smartwatches, sports watches, iOS devices, Android devices, cycling computers, gym equipment, and much more.
You are not getting NFC-A here, which is no big deal. Once powered on, the device automatically connects to nearby available devices. Since there’s no in-built display, the LED serves as an indicator of what’s happening currently happening on the tracker.
The following is a summary of the meaning of the different lighting modes on the LED:
| LED COLOR | MEANING |
| Blue LED slow blink | Device powered on and searching |
| Blue LED fast blink | Connecting to the device |
| Solid Blue LED | Connected to device |
| Red Flash for 2 seconds | Power down sequence |
| Alternate on and off the green LED | Device not fully charged on the charging dock |
| A solid green LED for 5 seconds | Device fully charged |
| LED flashes orange 3 times | Battery below 15% |
| LED flashes red for 2 seconds | Low battery, powering off |
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Water and sweat proof
- Easy to set up and use
- Free-return policy+ warranty
- Comfortable and super lightweight
Cons
- Only tracks heart rate
What Customers Have to Say About the Wahoo Tickr Fit
After scouring the internet for customer reviews on the Wahoo Tikcr Fit, I found the general response to be rather positive. Here’s what some verified buyers had to say about the product:
One customer said:
Another customer said:
Another customer said:
Scosche Rhythm 24 Review
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Scosche Rhythm 24 is one of the priciest heart rate monitors you can buy. Is it worth the money? Let’s dissect all of its quirks and cool features up next:
Features
1. Connectivity and Sync
The Scosche Rhythm 24 supports all wireless connectivity channels possible on a heart rate monitor- Bluetooth, NFC-A, and ANT+.
Therefore, it’s fit for home and commercial use. You can literally pair it with any smartphone, cycling computer, or gym equipment. It’s effortless to set it up and connects to “known” devices automatically thereafter!
The monitor is also compatible with hundreds of fitness apps, including MyfitnessPal, iCardio, and Strava. The tracker can send data simultaneously to up to 3 connected devices. This allows you to integrate more gadgets into your fitness routine. Thanks to its internal storage, you can now workout without having to carry your phone.
This is especially true for demanding activities such as swimming. It can store up to 13 hours of training. Later, you can sync the data to your smartphone via Bluetooth. I wish all heart rate monitors had internal memory.
2. Battery
The Scosche Rhythm 24 is only second to the Polar OH1 in terms of battery life. It uses a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. It lasts a minimum of 24 hours on a single charge. You can get more depending on the type and number of devices you are connecting to. This is ideal for everyday gym use as well as for sleep tracking.
As expected, you get a proprietary charging cradle with charging prongs that attach to the base of the Scosche Rhythm 24. Again, I don’t like it, but if it helps with waterproofing, I’m game! The other end is the regular USB, meaning you can charge it from most ports and USB wall outlets.
The battery takes about 2 hours to charge up. I haven’t noticed any deterioration in charge capacity over time. Just be sure to store your charger correctly to avoid losing it.
I try to find one spot to store all my chargers in the house. I also have specific “ charging stations” in the living and bedroom areas. Call it organizational hacks!
3. Design, Comfort, and Durability
The Scosche Rhythm 24 comes in a familiar brick/ pod design seen from earlier Scosche HR monitors like the Rhythm+. It’s not as small as the Wahoo Tick Fit but definitely close.
This time, you get 2 buttons- for power and changing modes. The Scosche logo is printed on the face, looking elegant and simple.
The unit is lightweight and rightly so. It’s not going to cause any discomfort provided it’s properly adjusted. Speaking of which, it should be worn on the forearm or upper arm for best results. Next are the updated straps.
They are now easy to buckle using velcro. Simply slide in to install or slide out and lift to uninstall.
They are perforated to improve air circulation. The material also wicks away any sweat, and you shouldn’t experience any discomfort or stain marks on your skin. You get two different-sized straps to accommodate people with smaller and larger arms. The straps are available in black, blue, and gray.
It’s both hand and machine-washable for additional convenience. The straps allow for micro-adjustments in tension levels to provide a custom fit for all users.
The fabric used on the straps is durable and retains its paint job over a long period of usage. A few accidental drops don’t appear to alter the watch’s functionality.
The Scosche Rhythm 24 is rated IP68 water, sweat, and dust resistant. It can be submerged up to 10ft. Plus, you can also swim with it, provided your smartwatch is worn on the same arm for signal transfer purposes. It’s safe to say that you’ll burn out way before this watch dies.
PS: some users have been complaining that the straps on the Rhythm 24 are a dust magnet. You may avert this by regular cleaning or find a custom strap. Note that this may not be the case for everyone.
4. Processing and Accuracy
The Scosche Rhythm 24 uses a sensor module from Valencell. It’s their latest iteration from 2018 and comes with significant performance improvements. While battery efficiency might not be Valencell’s stronghold, it makes up for it in terms of accuracy. It also responds much quicker than older versions.
Valencell claims to have improved its battery usage, and I couldn’t agree more given the Scosche Rhythm 24’s 24-hour battery life. Accuracy is nothing to worry about since the older 2012 sensor from Valencell was rated the most accurate at the time. When put side by side with the Polar H10 chest strap, the results are nearly identical.
Remember that chest strap monitors use electrodes that have better fidelity than optical sensors. So the comparison is something to count on. The heart rate information is beamed in real-time, and no perceivable delays last more than a few seconds. Dual-tone, green and yellow LEDs are used in the sensor module to measure heart rate.
This is meant to produce accurate results regardless of a user’s complexion.
5. User Experience
To begin with, the Scosche Rhythm 24 is not a simple device to use. However, it’s nothing you can’t learn. Also, the device maintains a stable connection once paired. To navigate the device, you use the two buttons on the face. Press and hold the power button to power the device on and off.
Use the multifunction button to switch through the available modes- running, walking, cycling, swimming, heart rate only, and heart rate variability. Consequently, you can get the following classes of signals from the device:
ANT+ Heart Rate, ANT+ Cycling Cadence, Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate, Bluetooth Smart Running Speed/Cadence, Bluetooth Smart, and Cycling Cadence.
There are 4 LEDs on the face( one at the center and 3 below it) that show you which mode you are currently on and other related information like battery level. The following is a summary of the meaning of the different lighting patterns on the LEDs:
| Centre LED | Tri-LEDs | ||
| Color/ Status | Meaning | Color/ Status | Meaning |
| Purple | Stand-by: no heart rate detected | Green | Battery level
3 lights- full 2 lights-average 1- low |
| Green blink | The battery is too low | ||
| Blink Blue | Zone 1 | ||
| Blink Green | Zone 2 | ||
| Blink Amber/ yellow | Zone 3 | ||
| Blink Red | Zone 4 | ||
| Red Rapid flash | Zone 5 | ||
Pros
- Hyper-accurate
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Water, dust, and sweat resistant
- Tri-band Bluetooth, NFC-A, and ANT+ connectivity
Cons
- Highly-priced
What Customers Have to Say About the Scosche Rhythm 24
No matter what’s written on the spec sheet, the user experience is what really counts, And so I went on searching what verified buyers had to say about the Scosche Rhythm 24. Here’s a sample of a few snips:
One customer said:
Another customer said:
Another customer said:
Wahoo Tickr Fit vs Scosche Rhythm 24 Buyers Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying a Heart Rate Monitor
Heart rate monitors give us the most crucial information about our health and fitness performance. They are lightweight and convenient to use. To get the best heart rate monitor for your budget, kindly consider the following factors:
1. Price
A heart rate monitor’s cost is reflective of its build quality, durability, battery life, accuracy, and compatibility with secondary devices. A high price will get you the best of each feature.
This is the way to go, especially with regards to accuracy. You better dish out high bucks and rest easy knowing you can trust the info you get from the tracker.
On the other side, lower prices are likely to land you mediocre performance, inaccurate readings, and poor longevity. However, you can still find a decent mid-ranger like the Garmin HRM-dual.
2. Comfort and Fit
It’s all about the strap since HR monitors are practically weightless. In this regard, I would recommend an elastic strap as a minimum. Most companies will give you two different-sized straps to cater to people of all sizes. The strap needs to have a solid buckling mechanism to attach to the sensor.
It should also be easy to make fine tension adjustments to provide a custom fit. Some people prefer positioning armband HR monitors on the lower forearm near the elbow—others like them on the biceps. As long as you don’t place it on the wrist, HR monitors will likely produce reliable results.
The straps need to be well ventilated and absorb sweat as it comes. This improves hygiene levels and keeps off bad odors. They should also be hand and machine-washable if possible, for obvious reasons. The strap should dry quickly to avoid interrupting your workout schedule.
You may also consider throwing in an extra, extra strap in your order. This way, you can wash one and use the other. Finally, avoid setting your HR sensor too tight to avoid constricting blood flow. It should only be tight enough to produce readings and to stay in place during high-intensity activities.
3. Type
You have two options here depending on the technology used to read your pulse:
A) Armband heart rate sensor
These are worn on the arms, as the name suggests. They use an optical sensor to read your heart rate. A green or yellow LED light is shown through your skin, and the reflected beam is analyzed for distortions. This is converted into a heart rate reading in beats per minute. They are convenient and comfortable to wear. However, they are slightly less accurate.
B) Chest strap heart rate sensor
These are worn on the chest right next to the heart. They pick the heart’s electric signals directly and convert them into beats per minute. For this reason, they are considered to be the most accurate. However, they may be uncomfortable to wear, especially for prolonged periods.
Note that optical heart rate reading technology has come a long way. Premium optical HR monitors are almost just as accurate as their chest strap counterparts. Your choice!
4. Accuracy
A heart rate sensor MUST be accurate. Otherwise, you have no business wasting your money on one. You can research the specific model to find out how accurate they are in day-to-day use. Such information is available on review sites like our own as well as on Youtube and e-commerce sites.
5. Durability
The type of materials used on a heart rate monitor should be durable and have an excellent thermal response. Neoprene and canvas seem to be the best options for this course. The sensor pod is mostly made of industrial-grade plastic or ceramic. Both of which are proven durable materials.
That out of the way, the sensor should also be water, dust, and sweat resistant. You can confirm this by checking for IP-certification on the manufacturer’s site. On your side, try to be careful in the way you handle and maintain your HR sensor if it’s to last.
6. Battery life
No compromises on battery should be taken lightly. A heart rate sensor should manage to power through your workouts. 6 hours is my recommended minimum threshold per charge. This can go as high as you can find. You may also consider coin cell HR monitors as they can power through hundreds of hours before a replacement is necessary.
Suppose you don’t mind the hustle of finding and replacing the battery every so often. I haven’t seen many HR monitors that use a MicroUSB charger. So I guess you’ll have to work with the more common proprietary charging prongs in most HR sensors. Fortunately, these have a regular USB plug on the other end- you can easily find a charging port.
Similarities & Differences
Similarities Summary
| ASPECT | SCOSCHE RHYTHM 24 | WAHOO TICKR FIT |
| Optical sensor module | ✅ | ✔️ |
| Green LEDs | ✅ | ✔️ |
| Status LEDs | ✅ | ✔️ |
| Rechargeable battery | ✅ | ✔️ |
| Waterproofing | ✅ | ✔️ |
| HR only mode | ✅ | ✔️ |
| Bluetooth-smart | ✅ | ✔️ |
| ANT+ support | ✅ | ✔️ |
| Velcro strap | ✅ | ✔️ |
| Software updates | ✅ | ✔️ |
| 3rd-party app compatibility | ✅ | ✔️ |
Scosche Rhythm 24 vs Wahoo Tickr Fit: How Are They Similar?
Both the Scosche Rhythm 24 and the Wahoo Tikcr Fit use optical sensing technology since they are worn on the arms. Both devices boast decent accuracy levels and maintain stable connections. They use rechargeable lithium-polymer batteries and have decent battery lives. You get dual-band Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity across compatible devices.
The straps are easy to install, adjust, and clean. Both are water, dust, and sweat-resistant. You can connect either device to hundreds of fitness apps with excellent performance. Both can track your heart rate and beam the information in real-time. Green LEDs are the primary transducers on the Scosche Rhythm 24 vs Wahoo Tickr Fit.
Differences Summary
| ASPECT | SCOSCHE RHYTHM 24 | WAHOO TICKR FIT |
| Battery life | 24 hours | 30 hours |
| Water-resistance certification | IP68 | IPX7 |
| No. of straps | 2 | 1 |
| No. of buttons | 2 | 1 |
| No. of LEDs | 4 | 1 |
| Internal storage | Up to 13 hours | ❌ |
| Supported modes | Heart rate only, cycling, walking, swimming, Heart Rate Variability | Heart rate only |
| NFC | ✅ | ❌ |
| Price | $99.99( Amazon) | $79.99(Amazon) |
| Color options | Black, Blue, Gray | Black only |
| Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Color of tracking LEDs | Green, Yellow | Green only |
Scosche Rhythm 24 vs Wahoo Tickr Fit: How Are They Different?
The Scosche Rhythm 24 is physically slightly larger than the Wahoo Tickr Fit. It has two buttons on the face, while the Tickr Fit has only one on the side. The Wahoo Tickr Fit is only available in black, while the Scosche Rhythm 24 is available in black, gray, and blue. You only get one highly elastic strap on the Fit while you get 2 on the Rhythm 24.
The Wahoo Tickr Fit has one status LED while the Scosche Rhythm 24 has 4. The tracking LEDs in the Scosche Rhythm 24 are green(2) and yellow(1), while the Wahoo Tickr Fit only uses 3 green ones. The Scosche Rhythm 24 is pricier than the Wahoo Tickr fit due to the act that it supports more modes.
On the other hand, the Wahoo Tickr Fit boasts an extra 6-hour battery life on the Scosche Rhythm 24.
Benefits-(Scosche Rhythm 24 vs Wahoo Tickr Fit)
1. Safety
The Scosche Rhythm 24 vs. Wahoo Tickr Fit gives you live heart rate readings. You can use this information to check that you are not overtraining and take a break. They are also useful for post-gym recovery. You may monitor your heart rate to check if it’s within the ideal resting heart rate range.
2. Motivation
You can peep into your heart rate as you train. This objectively tells you if you are within your target heart rate. You may be motivated to work out harder in order to bounce back into your target heart rate. You can also check the number of calories you are burning from your secondary computing device.
Seeing the results of your efforts in real time is what humans love the most, instant gratification. This dopamine release pumps you up. Hell, you may even exceed your goals!
3. Multiple Functionality
The Scosche Rhythm 24 tracks other metrics such as cadence and pace. This means that you can get the best from your HR monitor now that it can be used for different activities. The tracker allows you to switch modes from the basic “heart rate only” in the Wahoo Tickr Fit. These include: cycling, swimming, walking, running, and heart rate variability.
4. Better Cardiovascular Health
Heart rate monitors give you information about your heart health. In essence, all we all try to do when working out is improve the heart’s efficiency. Most fitness apps you’ll be using may store your HR data over a long period. This allows you to track how well your heart is working.
This is directly proportional to the amount of time you can maintain a high intensity activity. It’s inversely proportional to your resting heart rate. Necessary adjustments may be made to improve your level of physical fitness, thus heart health.
Conclusion
The Wahoo Tickr Fit is a great, minimalist heart rate tracker. It has an excellent build quality, accuracy, battery life and performance. I would recommend it for people who only need heart rate information and nothing else. This could be anyone who already has a smart or sports watch.
The Scosche Rhythm 24 shines in terms of accuracy, durability, battery life, internal memory, and tracking modes. It tracks more metrics than just heart rate. It’s highly accurate and reliable. I would recommend it for anyone who prefers the absolute quality and fidelity. It’s suitable for all users from beginners to pros.
Thanks for reaching the end. We have more amazing tech and fitness content on the site. Be sure to check them out. #Stay safe!
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