Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor

I’ve used a chest strap to monitor my heart rate whilst cycling for years. It has been comfortable and reliable, giving me useful data in real time, but I thought an arm band would not get so sweaty and would be easier to keep clean.Sadly I was disappointed with this product. I tried it over six long rides (6 hrs+) in several different positions and at differing levels of tightness, so think I gave it a fair test.My main grumble is that it is not reliable (in the scientific sense of that word). Sometimes it stops giving a reading and at other times the readings do not correlate with my perceived exertion. So, I can work hard to maintain my speed on a climb, to the point where I am breathing more heavily, but this wrist strap will indicate that my heart rate ... MoreI’ve used a chest strap to monitor my heart rate whilst cycling for years. It has been comfortable and reliable, giving me useful data in real time, but I thought an arm band would not get so sweaty and would be easier to keep clean.Sadly I was disappointed with this product. I tried it over six long rides (6 hrs+) in several different positions and at differing levels of tightness, so think I gave it a fair test.My main grumble is that it is not reliable (in the scientific sense of that word). Sometimes it stops giving a reading and at other times the readings do not correlate with my perceived exertion. So, I can work hard to maintain my speed on a climb, to the point where I am breathing more heavily, but this wrist strap will indicate that my heart rate remains steady for a good while, only rising after an appreciable delay. I also suspect that it ‘rounds out’ the peaks and troughs of my heart rate as well.I think there are two underlying problems with this design:a) it sometimes fails to detect my pulse at all. This might be my fault as I have very skinny arms.b) I wonder if it counts your pulse over too long an interval. So, if it counts your pulse over (say) a 30 second interval, then inevitably the readings are delayed, and not in real time, but it will also give you an average heart rate over that time, rather than a more precise reading.Cumulatively this means I can’t trust the data. I’m going to go back to my chest strap.

The TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor works great! It syncs quickly and holds a charge through several workouts. I charge it after four workouts of about an hour each. It would run longer, but I don’t want it to run out of battery life during a workout. The batteries could last for several more hours. It keeps an accurate heart rate based on what my fitness watch indicates. I doubt both devices measure the same incorrect heart rate. The TICKR FIT fits comfortably on my forearm. It does not have to pushed up so high on your arm that it is uncomfortable. Position it up your forearm until it is lightly snug. I forget it is there it is so light. I hold back one star for possible durability issues. I have only had the TICKR FIT for about two weeks. I used the Wahoo heart ... MoreThe TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor works great! It syncs quickly and holds a charge through several workouts. I charge it after four workouts of about an hour each. It would run longer, but I don’t want it to run out of battery life during a workout. The batteries could last for several more hours. It keeps an accurate heart rate based on what my fitness watch indicates. I doubt both devices measure the same incorrect heart rate. The TICKR FIT fits comfortably on my forearm. It does not have to pushed up so high on your arm that it is uncomfortable. Position it up your forearm until it is lightly snug. I forget it is there it is so light. I hold back one star for possible durability issues. I have only had the TICKR FIT for about two weeks. I used the Wahoo heart monitor chest strap in the past. I had two of those devices, both lasted fewer than six months. Everything Wahoo does is high quality and their costumer service is excellent, I felt god about ordering the TICKR FIT. I will move my rating to five stars if the it is durable.

There is always time for Wahoo. The straps on my TICKR keep breaking in the same way as the snap device would become unglued and remain on the unit. It happened again and again. Twice ,I simply bought a new TICKR. I was able to re-glue the older TICKER (my second ) but that would only last a ride or two even though I was very careful removing it after a ride. I called Wahoo and spoke to Liam (? I think) and he was extremely kind and send me three new straps… FREE . Before they arrived, I bought another TICKER after Christmas on sale but never had to use it because the three straps arrived and I was able to get my 3rd and 2nd TICKR working again like new. Have not tried the oldest TICKR (1st) yet. Now I have a TICKR at our home and one at our cabin in Blowing Rock, ... MoreThere is always time for Wahoo. The straps on my TICKR keep breaking in the same way as the snap device would become unglued and remain on the unit. It happened again and again. Twice ,I simply bought a new TICKR. I was able to re-glue the older TICKER (my second ) but that would only last a ride or two even though I was very careful removing it after a ride. I called Wahoo and spoke to Liam (? I think) and he was extremely kind and send me three new straps… FREE . Before they arrived, I bought another TICKER after Christmas on sale but never had to use it because the three straps arrived and I was able to get my 3rd and 2nd TICKR working again like new. Have not tried the oldest TICKR (1st) yet. Now I have a TICKR at our home and one at our cabin in Blowing Rock, NC so I don’t have to pack one every weekend and also a BRAND new backup that is still in the box plus a back up strap. You guys are the best and it’s like doing business with friends. If you are ever in Blowing Rock when the heat of Atlanta is unbearable, give me a shout.