I am an avid cyclist who has used chest straps with electrode paste for years. This product pairs instantly with Garmin and Peloton and iPhone apps. Accurate, stays in place, comfortable. Rechargeable, long battery life. What's not to like? I won't be going back to the chest strap.
I ordered this after another HR chest strap broke on me. I always have the same issue with them, eventually they fail because sweat gets inside them. What made me try the TICKR FIT this was the following: 1) It's a sealed unit, less likely for sweat to get into it. 2) The battery life compared to the Scosche Rhythm+ (the Rhythm 24 wasn't available when I ordered it). 3) My overall good experiences with other Wahoo devices.
A couple of things. Firstly, wearing it is way more comfortable than a chest strap, so that's a plus. I would however say that that the responsiveness to changes in HR seem a bit slower than a chest strap. Pairing it with my bike computer has been trivial and it doesn't need to be charged very often (I have charged it once since getting it, last week I road over 170 miles using the strap and it's still about 50% charged according to the phone app).
Overall the HR ranges seem to match well what I was getting using chest straps, but I will say that on my first ride I did get weird couple of minutes where my HR dipped into the 70s, I assume an problem with it locking on (my HR was likely around 140bpm at the time). I only noticed this once.
All in all this seems like a solid device, certainly preferable to a chest strap for comfort, and I hope more robust against sweat ingress than my 4 previous chest straps which all failed due to this issue.
This is my 3rd optical hr monitor- used primarily for running (daily) and sometimes cycle (weekly). the Mio Link and Scosche Rhythm+ were my other two, each lasting 2 years. The Mio had the most durable strap- that stayed on when swimming- but would pick up cadence and had only an 8 hr battery. The Scosche was a bit more reliable, sometimes but seldom picking up cadence, and bands would last about 6 mos, and easily replaced. Battery life 7hrs. I've had this Wahoo for a few months now and it's the smallest, most comfortable, the band- unlike prior comments, seems to be holding up well, it has yet to pick up my cadence and seems to be spot-on with my HR. And- the best part- is the (spec) 30hr of battery life. So far- my best optical HR monitor yet. Now my HR monitor will last for any Ultra race, an IM, or a 2 week vacation without bringing the charger. Nice!
I am an avid amateur cyclist and was very frustrated with chest heart rate straps that slipped down, quit working, needed batteries changed every few weeks, and/or were just plain uncomfortable. My husband suggested and armband monitor and I went with the Wahoo, based on its 30 hour battery life. (I have done 10 hour bike races and needed the longer life.) I will never use a chest strap again!! The armband TICKR is very reliable, comfortable and yes, the battery does last 30 hours or longer. The armband slips off the mechanism with ease so I can wash it occasionally. I average 250 miles (12 hours per week) on the bike in the summer and I charge this about every 10-14 days--but my charging is proactive--it has only died once when I couldn't find the charger! Highly recommend.
I’ve never really liked wearing chest strap heart rate monitors so when I saw the new TICKR FIT I was intrigued.
Honestly tho I was hesitant to buy this TICKR FIT given the number of negative reviews about the strap, but I decided to give it a shot anyway given the very positive track record I’ve had with Wahoo.
I’m glad I took the chance. I really like wearing this thing. It’s definitely more comfortable for me than a chest strap, and it seems just as accurate. I like that it comes with two band sizes so I can wear it on my wrist if I want sometimes instead of on my upper arm. I’ve tried both locations and they’ve both worked just fine for me.
I’ll admit, I’ve only had it a week and we’ll see how the straps hold up over time. I checked with Wahoo and the strap is covered by the same 1 year warranty as the device- so if I do have strap issues I know Wahoo will step up and replace them during this first year. Hopefully that won’t be necessary but I know Wahoo stands behind their products.
Feature Product
- Ultimate precision - TICKR FIT uses the latest in optical heart rate technology to give you accurate heart rate and calorie burn for up to 30 hours
- Integrated with Bluetooth and ANT+, TICKR FIT connects to smartphones, tablets, GPS watches and bike computers by Wahoo, Polar, Garmin and more
- Made using performance materials capable of withstanding intense activity. Comfortable and secure to wear on the forearm
- LED lights make it easy to see if your device is connected and working. Rechargeable battery lasts up to 30 hours
- Apps - TICKR FIT works with popular fitness apps - Wahoo Fitness, Strava, MapyMyFItness, Runkeeper, Nike+ Running, Apple Health, Cyclemeter and more
- See workout data while you exercise, including vital metrics such as heart rate and calorie burn when connected to a smartphone or ANT+ device
Description
The sticker fit heart rate armband comfortably provides accurate heart rate and calorie burn data. Equipped with Bluetooth and ANT+ technology, thicker fit pairs with fitness Apps, smartphones and GPS bike computers and watches. Adjustable for both the forearm and the upper arm, waterproof and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 35 hours.
The best most reliable HR monitor I’ve used (I’ve owned and operated both the Wahoo & Garmon chest strap HR systems in the past). It’s been very consistent in recognizing and recording my HR during my cycling activities. I’ve worn this around my upper bicep and this has made much of the difference I think in comparison with my earlier chest strap monitors. I was always having to fiddle with the chest strap devices when they ceased to record after some time into my rides. They were much more uncomfortable in comparison with the arm band of this device.
Major problem with this is that the mastery of the arm band started separating and shredding after a month or so. It can’t handle too much sweat before whatever is used to bind the layers gives away.
I was worried about the quality of the strap. Numerous reviews indicate that the strap disintegrates after a few weeks, especially after it gets wet. Even the wahoo website has terrible reviews on the replacement straps they sell for 15 Euros!
The heart rate monitor itself is superb. I got around the strap problem by removing it altogether and tucking the monitor under the sleeve of my cycling jersey. The monitor is lighweight and is splash proof, so its no sweat when it comes to sweat! Any cycling enthusiast will know how snug cycling jerseys are. The monitor stayed in place throughout my ride, provided constant heart rate readings and it was comfortable enough for me not to notice it was there (remember to remove it when undressing!) The strap may be a deal breaker if you have to wear the monitor with the strap on, or if youre a heavy sweater. I think the strap wont last long as it feels flimsy (unlike the Wahoo chest strap which feels durable)
Overall, its a good monitor but I cannot give a 5 star rating to reward bad strap design.
Update: After 3 months of use, I think I've gotten the hang of how to avoid the drop outs. I think it is a matter of how tightly you wrap the band around your wrist. Not too loose or too tight. I think I've gone a few weeks with more solid performance. Will update with more use.
Long lasting is the reason I chose this. From what I read of other reviews, I can confirm that occasionally the heart rate seems to drop off, in which case I nudge it and eventually it returns to normal. I haven't quite figured out how to avoid that, but it doesn't happen every time, and it's not like I absolutely require accuracy to each second. Mostly I use this with the Peloton cycle and their floor exercises. It is comfortable to wear on the wrist.
One of the other knocks I read is that the coating of the band will wear off. I'm just planning to replace the band when that happens, if necessary.
So the convenience of not having to worry about recharging this so frequently makes this worthwhile. I would give it 5 stars if not for the rate drop issue. If I find a solution for that, I post it later.
Bought this TICKR HR monitor for use while road cycling in the mountains, as well as in spin classes. I primarily chose Wahoo because I already use their speed/cadence sensors on my road and TT bikes, and have their app on my phone. It works like a charm! Pairs quickly, is comfortable to wear and does not lose signal. I've been wearing it like a watch on my left wrist and am super impressed with how it consistently delivers accurate HR info. You're supposed to wear it on your forearm or upper arm but I find that the wrist is more comfortable and delivers the same results. Really excellent little product for the serious cyclist / spinner.
Great concept to eliminate nasty chest straps. It is extremely light, comfortable to wear, and easily adjusted. I wear it on the upper arm underneath my cycling jerseys. While it is no apparently intended for this position, it works great with the LEDs on the inside of the arm. Paired easily with the Wahoo Element bike computer.
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