One of the best ways to improve your fitness results is by understanding what is happening in your body as you workout.
A heart rate monitor is a device that tracks your heartbeat per minute as you workout. From this, you can tell if you are working out in the aerobic or anaerobic zone, caloric expenditure, and cardiovascular endurance.
There are hundreds of heart rate monitor models. However, the Wahoo Tickr Fit is among the best you can buy. It looks and performs really well.
In this article, we’ll dissect the device in detail. Welcome to the Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor Review. Here’s what we’ll cover in the subsequent sections:
- About the Wahoo brand
- Pros of the Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor
- Cons of the Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor
- Comprehensive buyers guide on heart rate monitors
- Benefits of using the Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor
- What others are saying about the Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor
- 3 alternatives to the Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor
Welcome!
Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor Armband Review
About the “Wahoo” brand
Wahoo fitness is a tech company based in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 2010 by Chip Hawkins. They make an array of products-smart bikes, indoor trainers, cycling computers, metric accessories, and heart rate monitors like the Wahoo Tickr Fit. The company has enjoyed success in most of its product lines.
Customers love them for their constant innovation and decent pricing on fitness products.
Special Features (Pros) of Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor
Battery life
The TICKR FIT has a rated battery life of 30 hours on a single charge. Some users report more than that. Meaning you can comfortably recharge it once a week. This extends the longevity of the battery. It also means that the only thing you might run out of is energy, lol. This capability can be attributed to its minimalist design.
The gadget has only one sensor, the optical heart rate calculator. The absence of other sensors such as an accelerometer or GPS sensor maximizes the power efficiency of the device. The unit also has a status LED and Bluetooth network card. All of which are relatively low power electronics.
The majority of chest straps use coin cells, non-rechargeable batteries. Therefore, you have to replace it every time it runs out of juice. I’m not a big fan. That’s why I like the FIT’s rechargeable battery. And the charger is something to be excited about. It’s magnetic and accurately clips on the underside of the monitor.
The other end is the regular USB port. Consequently, you can charge it up from your PC or most other wall plugs. Overall, I like how they handled the whole power thing.
Design
The Wahoo TICKR FIT is simple, clean, and minimalist. You only get the best of what you need. For instance, the sensor is housed in a single tab with the “Wahoo” name imprinted. For some reason, I prefer fewer writings on any gadget. Next, you have two straps. The smaller one measures 10”*1” and the larger one measures 15”*1”.
The straps are also adjustable after installation. Regardless of your forearm size, you are likely to find a snuggly fit. A durable, flexible, anti-stain material is used to make the belts. This improves their longevity and ease of maintenance. They are also perforated all the way to improve ventilation.
This eliminates odors from sweating. The joint on the straps is rock solid with no instances of breakage or looseness. A single multi-functional button is found on the side. It’s well-planted, blue and has great feedback. An LED blinks with regards to the connection status. Blue when powered on/paired and red when powered off.
The actual optical sensor is hidden in a recess below the lower surface. The monitor might still work even when the undercover is broken/cracked.
Connectivity
Both Bluetooth and ANT+ are available on the TICKR FIT as with most other Wahoo heart rate monitors. ANT+ is the most common wireless connectivity technology used in stationary spin bikes, modern road bikes, and other gym equipment. ANT+ has one significant advantage over Bluetooth- it can connect one device to multiple other devices.
On the other hand, Bluetooth dominates the mobile computing space. Both iOS and Android devices will use Bluetooth to connect to this monitor. All connections are super fast and reliable. Simply long-press the power button to turn on the device and put it in pairing mode. Over 50 fitness apps are compatible with this device.
You can easily find and connect to the monitor from the UI(user interface) of the app you are using. It is also just as simple to disconnect-a red LED turns on to confirm this. Note that the device beams data in real-time. This is partly because it has no internal storage. However, the information can be copied across all supported apps or to PC.
The unit tracks calories burned, heart rate and time spent working out. The metrics can then be viewed in summary or infographic forms.
Durability
The TICKR FIT is IPX7 certified water-resistant. It can survive immersion up to 5 feet. I wouldn’t recommend swimming in it. This is because the back and forth motion might force water into the device. However, it works well under light showers and also resists sweat.
The body, sensor, lighting, and straps are of the highest quality. All components work well every time. You should expect a long service life for this thing.
Accuracy
Electrode heart rate monitors are considered to be the most accurate. Thanks to their ability to directly pick the heart’s electrical signals. Chest straps and hospital monitoring equipment use this technology. Armband heart rate monitors, smartwatches, and sports watches use optical sensors. The TICKR FIT is a perfect example of such devices.
Optical sensors such as the TICKR FIT have to go through multi-stage computations to find the heart rate. This puts them below their electrode counterparts in terms of accuracy. However, benchmarking the best chest strap with the TICKR FIT gives rather impressive results. The graphs are very similar with a few minor discrepancies here and there.
Convenience
Chest strap heart rate monitors are a little intrusive for some users. You may experience congestion while running. The TICKR FIT was born from the need for something more comfortable. It can be worn on any part of the arm with adjustable tension. The straps always deliver a good fit.
This is important to ensure no ambient light penetrates between the sensor and the arm. Such may affect the accuracy of the monitor. It’s also lightweight and feels great on the arm.
Drawbacks (Cons) of Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor
Has fewer features
There’s a trade-off between comfort and performance. As previously mentioned, the TICKR FIT can only do three things. Most other chest strap heart rate monitors and sports watches can do way more than that. For instance, provide cycling analytics, GPS data, and position awareness( accelerometer).
Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor Buyers Guide
Heart rate monitors help us understand what is happening in our bodies when training. This information can drastically improve your workout style and arrangement for the best results. Consider the following factors before investing your hard-earned money in a heart rate monitor:
1. Price
The type of material, design, battery technology, and connectivity mode are some factors affecting the price of a heart rate monitor. A pricey monitor will provide accurate readings, have excellent stamina, and last long. The contrary is true for cheaper ones. Either way, you get what you pay for.
2. Type
Heart rate monitors can be categorized into the following two broad classes
-
Optical heart rate monitors
These use a green or red LED to shoot light into your blood vessels. It then measures how much light is distorted as it reflects from your body. Differences in wavelengths are then computed into beats per minute. Most smartwatches, sports watches, smartphones, and armbands use this technology. It is considered less accurate though.
-
Electrode
These pick up electrical signals from your heart. For this reason, they have to be in direct contact with your chest. The signal is converted into an electrocardiogram from where the number of beats per minute can be extracted. They are bulky and a little uncomfortable for some people. However, they are very accurate and reliable.
3. Fit
A heart rate monitor should hold on to whichever position you strap it. This eliminates the instances of accidental drops while working out. That said, it should not be too tight either. This may affect your heart rate readings. The straps should also be adjustable to accommodate all arm sizes.
4. Accuracy
A heart rate sensor should give reliable results. Otherwise, it’s of no use. The brand and price of a heart rate monitor can help you gauge its accuracy. Chest strap monitors are considered to be more accurate than optical monitors.
5. Battery life
The longevity of charge on a heart rate sensor is important. As a minimum, it should last you through a day(12 hours). Note that heart rate sensors are low-power devices. This is why most models can comfortably exceed 24 hours. Also, some heart rate monitors use non-rechargeable cells.
In that case, ensure that the cell can last for a while before needing replacement. It should also be locally available. Fortunately, some brands like the Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor provide free cell replacements for 1 year. For rechargeable models, confirm that the charger is compatible with your current USB ports.
6. Connectivity
A heart rate monitor should seamlessly connect with your mobile devices and fitness equipment. As a rule of thumb, pick a heart rate monitor that supports both Bluetooth and ANT+ technologies. This ensures that you can use it with any device-newer or older.
7. Durability
A heart rate monitor should have a solid build quality. This means that it should be made of tough materials that can survive drops and extreme temperatures. It should also have some form of waterproofing certification. This comes in handy when you wish to work out in the rain or when you are sweating profusely.
You can rest easy knowing that most heart rate monitors are either IPX7 or IP67-certified water-resistant.
Benefits of Wahoo TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor
- It only weighs 0.1 pounds. This makes it convenient to use as it adds no noticeable burden to your already stressful workout.
- It connects with both iOS and Android devices. The connection is seamless and stable. ANT+ and Bluetooth chips are included in the unit.
- It’s one of the most accurate optical heart rate monitors. Side by side with chest strap monitors, the output graph of the TICKR FIT is almost identical. Consequently, making the gadget reliable.
- It looks clean and sporty. The tracker’s housing is well built and feels premium. You can rock the TICKR FIT with any gear and you’ll look fantastic.
- The TICKR FIT is made of durable sensors and armband materials. It can survive extreme conditions and accidental drops.
- It’s easy to clean. The armband is made of a special rubber/gel composite. It can be hand washed and dried quickly.
- It’s super easy to use. Only one button is available on the device. It powers the device on/off as well as puts it in pairing mode.
What Other Are Saying About The Wahoo TICKR FIT heart rate monitor
Customer feedback counts on any product. They help you to level your expectations and value proposition concerning the price. After scouring the internet for user reviews, I found the general response to be rather positive. Here is what some verified buyers had to say about The Wahoo TICKR FIT heart rate monitor:
One customer said:
Another customer said:
Another customer said:
Alternatives to the Wahoo TICKR FIT heart rate monitor
1. Scosche Rhythm 1.9 Armband Heart Rate Monitor – 4.5/5
The Scosche rhythm 1.9 armband is very similar in construction and pricing as the TICKR FIT. It features a smaller sensor module with the Scosche logo. It’s available in black and blue. Each unit comes with 2 straps-large and small. It looks and feels premium. You also get a rechargeable battery along with a decent battery life.
It features a high-speed processor that allows the simultaneous use of both ANT+ and Bluetooth. It is IP67 water-resistant- it can be submerged up to 1M deep.
Key features of the Scosche Rhythm 1.9
- Accurate
- Lightweight
- Good battery life
- Available in two colors
- Supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth
Notable differences between the Scosche Rhythm 1.9 and the Wahoo Tickr Fit armband heart rate monitors
- More color options
- Smaller sensor module
- High water-proofing rating
2. Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor – Cheaper Alternative 4.9/5
The Garmin Heart rate monitor is sleek and sporty. It features an ultra-flexible strap with a slot to accommodate the sensor module. It uses both ANT+ and Bluetooth to transmit data. Speaking of which, it tracks 6 different workout metrics-cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, ground contact time balance, stride length, and vertical ratio.
It is IPX7 certified water-resistant. It can survive submersion up to 1meter and also resists sweat. The straps are snuggly and easily adjustable. Overall, it boasts an excellent build quality.
Key features of the Garmin Heart rate monitor
- Small
- Water-resistant
- Super lightweight
- Supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth
- Great construction and build quality
Notable differences between the Garmin Heart Rate monitor and the Wahoo Tickr Fit
- Cheaper
- Smaller and lighter
- Tracks more metrics
Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap – Chest Strap Alternative 4.5/5
This is a dual-band heart rate monitor. It supports Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+. In place of an armband, you have a 26”*38” adjustable chest strap. The device is accurate and works with most fitness apps. It can also be connected to GPS-enabled fitness devices. It’s comfortable and lightweight when adjusted properly.
All orders come with a free return policy. You also enjoy a 1-year warranty!
Key features of the Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
- Lightweight
- High accuracy
- 1-year warranty
- Free-return policy
- Supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth
Notable differences between the Powr Labs Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap and the Wahoo Tickr Fit heart rate monitor
- Bulkier
- Cheaper
- Higher waterproofing rating
- Uses a chest strap in place of an armband
Conclusion
Heart rate monitors give us the most vital fitness information. By understanding your heart rate, you get a clearer picture of your progress. The Wahoo Tickr Fit is one of the best heart rate monitors. It has a great build quality, fit, comfort, accuracy, and battery life. Confirm that your heart rate monitor is connected before starting your workout.
Try cleaning your straps regularly to maintain proper hygiene. Thanks for reaching the end. If you liked this article, feel free to go through more, just as amazing, fitness and tech content on the site.
#Stay safe.
Also Read:
- Apple AirPods Pro Review You Can Actually Trust
- Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Earbuds Review
- Best Peloton Bluetooth Headphones: What I Wish I Knew!
- AfterShokz Aeropex Review: Open-Ear Wireless You Can Trust!
- Jaybird Vista True Wireless Earbuds Review [MUST READ]
- Garmin 935 vs 945: The Ultimate GPS Watch Comparison Guide!
- Zwift vs Peloton: Which is Better and Why? [A Complete Guide]
- Best Jump Rope for CrossFit: What I Wish I Knew!