Wahoo has just announced a set of new TICKR & TICKR X heart rate straps that include some modest feature updates, most notably running dynamics support in the TICKR-X, as well as multiple concurrent Bluetooth Smart connections so you can pair to apps like Zwift at the same time as other wearables or bike computers. They’ve also increased the battery life, added more storage to the TICKR X, made the pods slightly slimmer, and a handful of other tweaks. Oh, and there’s multiple colors of the base TICKR unit now.
The new straps maintain the same retail pricing as the previous straps ($49 for the TICKR and $79 for the TICKR X), though both of those straps could often be found for less over the past year or two. The older TICKR RUN edition is not being continued, since those features are basically rolled into the new TICKR X.
I’ve been using both straps for the last few months – so plenty of time to dig into them with boatloads of data. Now, if you’d like that delivered in witty video form, then look no further than the red play button below:
Else, continue using that swipe/scroll option to move your way through the rest of the article.
Oh, and as usual, these are just media loaners from Wahoo. I’ll send them back in a disinfected paper bag or something down the line. After which I’ll go out and get my own. If you found this review useful, then feel free to use some of the links at the sidebar, or, sign-up for a DCR Supporter membership, which helps support the site! Thanks!
Unboxing:
There are three different boxed versions of the Wahoo TICKR: The TICKR X, The TICKR (White), and the TICKR (Stealth). The two regular TICKR’s are the same, just different colors. Spoiler: From an unboxing standpoint, all three boxes are identical. Here’s the back of the TICKR vs TICKR X:
If we slide open the side of the box, you’ll find the pod sitting atop the strap:
Meanwhile, removing all the inside stuff we’ve got the strap, pod, some legal paperwork, and then a quick-start guide:
Here’s a closer look at the still-plastic-on pod:
Then the strap:
Then the manual you’ll pretend to read. You needn’t read it after this, it basically says wet your strap and put it around your chest.
And…that’s it! The CR2032 battery is already inside. As far as thinness goes, Wahoo advertises the 2020 TICKR in their PR materials as 10% thinner than the previous TICKR. Except, in my scientific testing – that’s clearly not the case. It’s actually thicker than their past strap:
I never really had a thick/thinness issue on the previous one, so I’ll just assume this makes me faster somehow.
Also it’s worth noting that Wahoo claims (in their PR materials) the following:
“A new, slimmer shape and integrated strap design make the latest TICKR and TICKR X the lightest heart rate monitors available at only 48g/1.7oz (pod and strap together).”
Except, this isn’t true either. I measured the previous Wahoo TICKR and it came to 44-45g (pod and strap, depending on which TICKR I used). There are boatloads of straps in the 47g ballpark, and the lightest strap I could find was a Timex Bluetooth Smart strap at 39g. Still in production is the Suunto strap at 43g. I demonstrate both of these in the video up above.
The Basics:
I get it, it’s “just a heart rate strap”. And try as I might to reduce the word count here, I probably won’t succeed. Still, I’ll try. For example, here’s a simple bulleted version of the new features for each unit:
Wahoo TICKR & TICKR X New Features:
– Made pod 10% slimmer
– Allows three concurrent Bluetooth Smart devices, unlimited ANT+ connections
– Shifted LED’s to top of strap
– Increased battery life from 350 hours to 500 hours (still CR2032 coin cell)
– Changed strap design to be flush with pod (which typically reduces chaffing for runners)
– Offered in white or grey
Wahoo TICKR X Only New features:
– Added ANT+ Running Dynamics (cadence, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time via official ANT+ HR-RD standard)
– Increased memory from 16 hours to 50 hours
(This is in addition to other TICKR-X only features like indoor cycling cadence, treadmill pace/distance, etc…)
Realistically, the only new things you probably actually care about here are the multiple concurrent Bluetooth Smart connections and ANT+ Running Dynamics if you’ve got a Garmin watch. The others are all niceties, but hardly game changers if you already own a TICKR (or any other strap for that matter).
For this post, I’ll use the straps mostly interchangeably to show them, largely based on which one looks the prettiest – since the others have two months of usage already and aren’t as crispy anymore. I discuss the TICKR X-only features specifically in the next section. Starting with the strap/pods, you’ll notice that it’s now streamlined.
In the below photo, the upper strap is the older design, the lower strap is the sleeker aero-like flush design. Obviously, it’s not aero. Or, maybe it is.
Inside the pod is a single CR2032 coin cell battery. The company says it’ll last 500 hours. Seems reasonable.
The pod attaches to the strap using dual poles. Once you attach both sides it’ll complete the connection and light up. You can ensure it shuts off by detaching one side of the strap for storage, though you don’t have to do so, it’ll eventually go to sleep either way.
The inside of the strap where the electrode sensors are looks like basically every other strap – nothing special here.
While you don’t need to set up the base TICKR strap using the Wahoo App, you can if you want. And you can use that to update the firmware when that occasionally happens. Setting it up is pretty easy. You just crack open the app and choose to add a Wahoo sensor:
After it finds it, it’ll give you the 3-second (one-page) tutorial:
Once connected in the app you can see signal strength, the exact name of the TICKR (this is how it will show in apps too), and firmware version.
The ‘Workout Profiles’ you see in the app above are purely for the Wahoo app if recording a workout in that app – there’s no standalone functionality for the TICKR X that has different workout profiles or anything like some optical HR straps have. There’s no configuration options for the base TICKR strap or anything else. What you see is what you get (and honestly, that’s simplistically great).
The TICKR & TICKR X have two LED’s at the top of them, one each red and blue:
These lights are as follows:
Slow Blue Flashing: TICKR is on and searching
Fast 4x Blue Flashing: A device/app has been found
Fast Blue Flashing: A device/app is now connected to it
Red: Each time a heart beat is detected (you’re still alive)
The LED will stop flashing though after 30 seconds. So only if you die in the first 30 seconds will the TICKR visually tell you. The more you know!
If you go to pair the strap you’ll see it listed in two different ways, depending on the exact device/app you’re using, and whether it’s ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart. For example, on a Garmin Edge bike computer you’ll see it as via ANT+ first:
Whereas a Wahoo ELEMNT/ROAM/BOLT bike computer will leverage Bluetooth Smart first:
There’s pros and cons to either preference. I typically use ANT+ because that means I can connect unlimited devices. Whereas Bluetooth can sometimes (but definitely not always) be slightly less prone to connectivity interference. Also, for me personally, with ANT+ I can enumerate the ANT+ ID’s in saved fitness files from most devices, acting as a way to double-check which sensor I recorded something with. Again, that’s a me problem – and very unlikely to be a you problem.
If you’re on Zwift with Apple TV, then you’ll see the Bluetooth Smart connection:
And now, for the real party trick leveraging the new multiple connection option, I’m concurrently on TrainerRoad on an iPad with Bluetooth Smart to the same strap:
But wait, there’s more! Now I’ll take my phone and connect to it as well using The Sufferfest App:
I’m not done yet! And here’s the Edge 530 via ANT+. See – mind blown! Or…something:
Point being, you’ve now got that flexibility for multiple connections. It’s something that Wahoo added to the KICKR/CORE lineup last fall, and prior to that we see Polar add it to their H10 strap, followed by Garmin to their HRM-DUAL strap.
Beyond that, you’ll do your workout as normal, and it’ll transmit your heart rate as normal.
In addition to baseline heart rate (BPM), it’s also transmitting HRV data. Here’s a chart using the TICKR showing the HRV data (inclusive of RR intervals) with the Elite HRV app, connected via Bluetooth Smart on iOS:
And here’s the same for the TICKR X:
And, if you’re using a newer Garmin device, you’ll even get respiration rate as well. For example, here’s my ride the other day with the TICKR X and the Fenix 6 Pro:
But mostly, you’re likely to just use it connected to any app/device you can think of. Given it follows all the ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart standards, it works with everything released in the last decade or so.
TICKR X Only Features:
Next, we’ve got the TICKR X. This is Wahoo’s higher-end strap and includes additional features that the baseline TICKR doesn’t. Specially, here’s what’s different:
– [New] Added ANT+ Running Dynamics Support (previously Wahoo did non-standardized running efficiency metrics)
– [New] Expanded storage from 16 hours to 50 hours of memory for workout saving/storage
– Measures indoor cycling cadence
– Measures treadmill pace/distance
– Shows running efficiency metrics in app
– Can set laps via tapping
– Can control the Wahoo app, even your music (when paired with phone and Wahoo app)
– Can upload completed workouts to various 3rd party platforms
To pair up the TICKR X, it’s identical to the TICKR pairing process:
Once paired though, you’ll see a ton of new menu options:
On the upper portion of the page you’ll see current heart rate, as well as running speed/cadence/steps per minute. Realistically it’s unlikely you’ll be looking at this page on your phone while using the strap normally, but it’s a good quick check of things.
Then down lower there’s three options. The first is Double Tap. This sets up what happens in a given sport, based on when you double-tap the strap. Each of them basically controls starting/stopping, lap, or music track changes. The music bits is tied to using the app/phone of course.
After that, there’s device-free workouts. This is where the TICKR X will automatically record a copy of every workout you do. It’s pretty handy, and much better than the Polar H10 implementation (which is a mess to use in reality). The workouts will simply download when you open this page up. The workouts are stored on the strap until it needs space for a new one.
Then from there, if you back out into the history, you’ll see the downloaded workouts. Note that it basically records from when you put on the strap until you took it off. So sometimes that captures more than the legit workout itself (such as time afterwards till you get to the shower/etc).
Note that as you can see above though, it will *not* store any running dynamics, cycling cadence, or anything else in offline mode. It’s purely recording heart rate. You can trim the files if you want to get rid of the non-workout bits. Simply tap the pencil icon, and then use the sliders to trim to the actual start/end points. Super-duper easy.
From there you can export out the .FIT file, as well as share/upload it to numerous platforms.
So, let’s look at the next TICKR-X feature: ANT+ Running Dynamics
This feature is only available with devices that support the ANT+ Running Dynamics standard, which only Garmin officially supports. COROS kinda went down that road with their pod, and Stryd kinda went down that road, as did RunScribe. But none really finished their journeys. I suppose in this context, given Garmin owns the vast majority of the higher end/endurance running market, that’s just fine.
So, to see these you’ll need a compatible Garmin watch. There’s a boatload of Garmin watches that have supported Running Dynamics since 2015. So, in theory, any of these watches will support it:
– Garmin Fenix 2/2SE/3/5/6 Series
– Garmin Forerunner 245/245M/620/630/635/645/645M Series
– Garmin Forerunner 920XT/935/945 Series
– Garmin Epix (yup, seriously)
– Plus other watches I’m invariably forgetting
All you’ll need to do is add it as a normal heart rate monitor:
It’ll automatically detect the running dynamics data as part of the HR-RD profile, and you can validate that by seeing the Running Dynamics data page show up (if it doesn’t automatically show up, you can quickly add it via your activity settings):
With that, you go off for a run and you’ll get the following data throughout the run:
– Ground Contact Time (GCT)
– Cadence
– Vertical Ratio
– Stride Length
– Vertical Oscillation
Note: The Wahoo TICKR X does NOT however transmit GCT Balance, whereas Garmin does.
Also as a reminder, the running dynamics profile *DOES NOT* transmit pace or distance (not even on a Garmin device). However, the TICKR-X can be paired as a running footpod instead, since it transmits that running pace data there instead:
In addition to using a Garmin watch to view the Running Dynamics data, you can also use the Wahoo app. Once the TICKR X is paired up, simply start a run, and it’ll show and record your running efficiency metrics there live:
Note that the running dynamics metrics are only recorded to the app if you use the app to start and record the entire time, the workout. You can’t use the device-free function to get anything other than heart rate.
The bigger question: How does it compare to Garmin’s data? So, I took out the HRM-TRI and ran side by side with the new TICKR-X. Well, I suppose they were atop/bottom. Either way, they were about 1” apart on my chest, and thus recorded the exact same run. Since these specific metrics are more about up/down/bounce/etc – they should be identical no matter the exact location on my chest. I recorded the TICKR-X data to a Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, and the HRM-TRI data to a Garmin FR945 (the HRM-TRI delivers the exact same Running Dynamics data as the HRM-RUN, it’s just the first strap I found).
I took this photo while running along. The differences in display brightness are purely due to the super-bright sun and me trying to get them on precisely the same angle/plane while not stopping running. They look identical in real-life. Also, the slight differences in transmission/reception rate causes differences in the exact data shown. Still, I think this basically demonstrates things nicely.
And with that, here’s the data overlaid atop each other via the DCR Analyzer (you didn’t know it does Running Dynamics too?!?):
You can see the three sets of lines (there’s a third set near the very bottom, the scale of the other two messes with it – more on that in a second. Each of those two sets are basically showing the Garmin metrics next to the Wahoo metrics – and the results are very close. There are some moments where the two diverge, but it’s hard to know which one exactly is right.
I mean, in order to do that I’d need at least a third source. Oh, right, let me enable the Stryd data I recorded too:
Umm…Ok, I guess.
Look, I’m still waiting for someone – anyone (but really Garmin) to actually put in writing in more than a single marketing-speak paragraph how to use any of these metrics for training and racing. So, until that happens I’m not going to fuss about minor differences of a few percent between them.
But, if you want to – have at it! The full data set with all of them is here. And, on your Garmin Connect account, you’ll see all those stats too:
In addition to Running Dynamics, you can use the TICKR X as a simple ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart footpod, including cadence. This means you’ll get pace shown from it, as well as heart rate and cadence. This is super useful in Zwift running, because it’s an all in one solution. Here you can see the single strap performing triple-duty:
Ok, so what about cycling cadence? How’s that? Ask and you shall receive. In my case, I decided to do a simple cadence step test to see where it might work or not work. In short – it was spot on with a pair of Vector 3 power meter pedals. Here’s that simple data set:
The only places it dropped out was below about 47RPM, and above about 142RPM. Between those two points, no issues at all – whether on the handlebars, or seated vigorously scrolling through Instagram. I don’t know why it momentarily dropped out earlier on, but everything else was otherwise fine.
One slight oddity though is that something like this would be *PERFECT* for someone going to a hotel gym, or using an app like the Peloton app, which allows you to connect to both Bluetooth Smart heart rate sensors and cadence sensors. Except, it didn’t work. While I could see the sensor and pair to it, it just showed nothing for cadence despite pedaling away:
Not sure if that’s a Wahoo problem or a Peloton problem, but I’m confident it’s technically an easy problem to fix. If either side decides to fix it.
And with that, we’ve covered just about everything there is to know about the new TICKR X. Given the similarity in data between the TICKR X and the Garmin HR straps, there’s virtually no reason to go out and buy an HRM-RUN strap these days since it lacks Bluetooth Smart connectivity (somehow, still). The HRM-TRI however is a trickier duck. That’s because that strap has storage for offloading your swim segment to your Garmin watch. Wahoo doesn’t play there with offloading to a watch, so you can’t offload that data from the TICKR-X to a Garmin watch (or a Polar watch, or a Suunto watch, or any watch). You can only download/save data to the Wahoo app and then sync that to various sites.
As such, for triathletes, the HRM-TRI is still grudgingly the only option if you want chest HR data on your Garmin. Maybe Wahoo can have their TICKR-X show-up correctly to a Garmin watch and we’d all be happy. Or Garmin could just update the HRM-TRI/RUN with Bluetooth and join 2016. Either way makes me happy.
Heart Rate Accuracy:
Next we’ll look at heart rate accuracy. While it’s easy to assume chest straps are always correct, I can easily demonstrate that isn’t the case in any given week. The primary reason a chest strap will have issues is around connectivity, usually when the skin contact area is too dry to get good readings. This typically happens more frequently in fall and spring when the weather is right on the edge and you’re wearing lighter clothes but in cooler conditions (so you end up having less moisture/sweat). Whereas in winter with multiple layers the sweat tends to stick around and form a nice connectivity layer. And of course in summer you’re likely sweating like a water fountain.
Still, it’s easy for me to show places that connectivity is the issue. You can solve that via licking the strap at the beginning of the workout (to add moisture), by wetting the strap before you head outside, or by using heart rate strap gel.
In my testing, I’m comparing it against multiple sensors and straps. In the case of another chest strap, I basically situated one strap a bit higher and one a bit lower. Both snug, and neither touching. In doing this for a decade, I’ve never seen any issues with that (as people often vary the exact placement based on comfort).
For secondary sensors, I’m wearing one optical sensor device per wrist (such as a watch), and then sometimes another one (like a Polar OH1, TICKR FIT, or Whoop strap) up higher on the arm – far enough that it doesn’t impact the first sensor. Got all that? Good! Let’s dive into it.
First up is a run I just completed. Nothing crazy here, a few sprints tossed in. For this run, here was the arrangement:
A) Wahoo TICKR X (lower chest)
B) Garmin HRM-TRI (upper chest)
C) Garmin FR245 (hand-held, paired to Garmin HRM-TRI)
D) Polar Grit X (left wrist)
E) Garmin Fenix 6 (right wrist, paired to Garmin TICKR X)
F) Whoop band (upper right arm – but data not collected here in usable format)
So in other words, nothing was near anything else. Anyway, here’s that data:
So…yeah. It’s almost identical…except the first 60 seconds. That’s where we see the TICKR X takes a bit longer to lock. Whereas the Garmin HRM-DUAL rises pretty normally over that time period. I wouldn’t expect that 45 seconds into a run I’d only be at 110BPM. So the higher value seems more likely. But at 59 seconds in, everything snaps into place.
I do know that I had both straps rather wet, because I did so right before pressing start…pulling up my shirt and licking them as a woman and her baby in a stroller with a child on a scooter rolled past. I got less than desirable looks. Hey…I did it for science!
In any case, after that 60-second marker, there’s no difference between them, save the Polar Grit X’s spikes.
Next, we’ll switch to an interval workout indoors on a trainer. This too will be hideously boring from an analysis standpoint, see, here’s the data:
Well, crap, that’s easy. The only errors here are from the Whoop strap early on, and some bumbles during recovery sections. The Polar Grit X bumps around a bit here and there too (though, fairly minor for it). This is actually a reasonably good showing from the Whoop for a higher intensity workout. It tends to do better with longer periods of time and slower builds. It doesn’t do well with short high-intensity bits.
Ok, so let’s go outside instead. Surely that’ll produce some TICKR failures that we can grind into? Look – it’s even got gravel on the route! Here’s that data. This time a Garmin HRM-DUAL strap, a Wahoo TICKR X strap, and a Polar Grit X watch.
The Garmin and Wahoo straps are as identical as can possibly be. Even when they differ – it’s just a single beat (BPM) for a second or so, which is completely normal and expected given the transmission/recording rates. The Polar Grit X doesn’t have its best showing here.
So, I guess we’ve gotta find another workout to break the TICKR.
Fine, how about another ride, with even more off-roading? More length, and more chances for vibrations to hose things up! Here’s the data. This ride technically only has three sets – the Wahoo TICKR, the Polar OH1 Plus, and the Polar Grit X watch:
As usual, the Polar OH1 is near perfectly aligned to the Wahoo TICKR. That’s expected, because, it’s virtually always that good. Though, it (the Polar OH1 Plus) did struggle slightly in the first minute to gain lock. Kinda odd for it. Beyond that, you’ll see the Polar Grit X GPS watch wobbles a bit in certain sections – missing some power surges. That’s normal for it, but it should be noted that in general for a wrist-based optical HR sensor – the above is actually a really darn good set. Considering it’s two hours in length and the ‘misses’ are mostly confined to the first 10ish minutes and some minor mistakes in the last 5-8 mins. In any case, the TICKR X appears perfect here.
Well crap. It keeps working. I know, I’ll put it on a Peloton bike! Surely some sort of competitive something or other will cause it to break, right? Here’s the data:
Oh snap! That’s what I’m talking about baby – look at that…failures! Finally. All it took was a bit of Peloton magic and boom, down goes the strap!
However, one can’t exactly blame Peloton for this one…since…umm…I wasn’t recording it on a Peloton bike. In fact, I was recording it on a Zwift session next to it, as well as on a Garmin Fenix 6. So yeah, definitely was the Wahoo TICKR here. My guess is this looks like prime ‘not-wet-enough’ data. Which, is plausible, though not super common indoors. You can see at the 9-minute marker I noticed and probably gave it another lick or three, and it snapped back into action. The flat-line data is a good indicator of that.
One could blame user error here if they wanted, but at the same time – it also shows the benefit in some cases of optical HR sensors. After that point the sensors are all the same, except Whoop of course. It’s off marching to its own drum.
But put it back on a Zwift ride and it’s like Mac and Cheese – made for each other! This time versus the Whoop strap, and the optical HR sensors of the Polar Grit X and Garmin Fenix 6 Pro. Here’s that data set:
The only errors here are those little spikes we see in the Polar Grit X (the norm for it) and a slightly rough start for the Fenix 6 Pro. But hey, in a rare show of correctness – the Whoop strap nailed it. See, sometimes it happens.
I could literally do this all day long. There’s nothing wrong with the strap. The only time you see issues is just like any other heart rate strap – when it’s not quite wet enough at the beginning of a workout. Simple as that.
Product Comparison:
Now, continuing the great Wahoo (and Apple) tradition of making it confusing to figure out which product is which because the name stays the same, I’ve dubbed this the 2020 version. Technically this is Wahoo’s 3rd heart rate strap (the first was the BlueHR, the second the original TICKR series) – plus there’s the TICKR FIT, which is the optical heart rate variant.
Since these are two different straps, I’ve compared them in two different ways via the product comparison database. First, for the base TICKR, I’ve compared it to the Polar H9 strap, the original TICKR, and the Garmin HRM-DUAL:
| Function/Feature | Wahoo TICKR (2020 Edition) | Wahoo TICKR (Original) | Garmin HRM-DUAL | Polar H9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright DC Rainmaker - Updated June 12th, 2023 @ 10:01 am New Window | ||||
| Price | $49 | $49 | $69 | $59 |
| Product Announce Date | May 7th, 2020 | Jan 6th, 2014 | Jan 30th, 2019 | January 29th, 2020 |
| Product Availability Date | May 7th, 2020 | Apr 2014 | Jan 2019 | January 2020 |
| Measurement Type | ECG | ECG | ECG | ECG |
| Typical Placement | Chest Strap | Chest Strap | Chest Strap | Chest Strap |
| Battery Life | 500 hours | 350 hours | 3.5 years | 1 year |
| Battery Type | Coin Cell CR2032 | Coin Cell CR2032 | Coin Cell CR2032 | Coin Cell CR2025 |
| NFC Capable | No | No | No | No | HR Transmission | Wahoo TICKR (2020 Edition) | Wahoo TICKR (Original) | Garmin HRM-DUAL | Polar H9 |
| ANT+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Smart | YES (Three BLE CHANNELS) | Yes | YES (DUAL BLE CHANNELS) | Yes |
| Dual concurrent ANT+/BLE | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Analog for gym equipment | No | No | No | Yes |
| Usable HR data underwater | No | No | No | Yes (with certain older 5kHz watches) |
| Bridging ANT+ to Bluetooth Smart | No | No | No | No |
| Can record activity in memory | No | No | No | No | Additional Data | Wahoo TICKR (2020 Edition) | Wahoo TICKR (Original) | Garmin HRM-DUAL | Polar H9 |
| Run Pace | No | No | No | No |
| Run Cadence | No | No | No | No |
| Run Economy/Metrics | No | No | No | No |
| Cycling Cadence | No | No | No | No |
| Cycling Power Meter Estimation | No | No | No | No |
| Valid HRV/RR data | Yes | Yes | ANT+ Yes, BLE No | Yes |
| Configurable Sport Modes | No | No | No | No |
| Displays HR Zones | No | No | No | No |
| Requires Bluetooth Smart Phone for Configuration | No | No | No | No |
| Firmware Updateable | Yes (iOS/Android) | Yes (iOS/Android) | Yes | Yes | App | Wahoo TICKR (2020 Edition) | Wahoo TICKR (Original) | Garmin HRM-DUAL | Polar H9 |
| Can show workout afterwards | No | No | No | No |
| Can sync files/workout to 3rd party | No | No | No | No |
| More Info | Link | Link | Link | Link | Purchase | Wahoo TICKR (2020 Edition) | Wahoo TICKR (Original) | Garmin HRM-DUAL | Polar H9 |
| Amazon | Link | Link | Link | Link |
| Backcountry.com | Link | Link | ||
| Competitive Cyclist | Link | |||
| REI | Link | Link | ||
| TPC | Link | |||
Then, for the TICKR X, I’ve compared it to the Polar H10 strap, the original TICKR X, 4iiii Viiiiva, and the Garmin HRM-RUN. In theory, I could add the Garmin HRM-DUAL here, but the simple version is that it doesn’t have storage (but does have Bluetooth Smart connectivity).
| Function/Feature | Wahoo TICKR X (2020 Edition) | Wahoo TICKR X (Original) | 4iiii Viiiiva | Garmin HRM-RUN | Polar H10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright DC Rainmaker - Updated November 22nd, 2023 @ 4:32 pm New Window | |||||
| Price | $79 | $79 | $79 | $99 | $89 |
| Product Announce Date | May 7th, 2020 | Jan 6th, 2014 | Jan 7th, 2013 | Sept 16th, 2013 | Jan 5th, 2017 |
| Product Availability Date | May 7th, 2020 | Sept 1st, 2014 | July 2013 | Nov 2013 | Jan 2017 |
| Measurement Type | ECG | ECG | ECG | ECG | ECG |
| Typical Placement | Chest Strap | Chest Strap | Chest Strap | Chest Strap | Chest Strap |
| Battery Life | 500 hours | 1-2 Years | 200 hours | 1-2 years | 1-2 years |
| Battery Type | Coin Cell CR2032 | Coin Cell CR2032 | Coin Cell CR2032 | Coin Cell CR2032 | Coin Cell CR2025 |
| NFC Capable | No | No | No | No | No | HR Transmission | Wahoo TICKR X (2020 Edition) | Wahoo TICKR X (Original) | 4iiii Viiiiva | Garmin HRM-RUN | Polar H10 |
| ANT+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (with firmware update) |
| Bluetooth Smart | YES (Three BLE CHANNELS) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (dual BLE channels) |
| Dual concurrent ANT+/BLE | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Analog for gym equipment | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Usable HR data underwater | No | No | No | No | YES (WITH CERTAIN OLDER 5KHZ WATCHES) |
| Bridging ANT+ to Bluetooth Smart | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Can record activity in memory | Yes | Yes | yes | No | Yes | Additional Data | Wahoo TICKR X (2020 Edition) | Wahoo TICKR X (Original) | 4iiii Viiiiva | Garmin HRM-RUN | Polar H10 |
| Run Pace | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Run Cadence | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Run Economy/Metrics | Yes (ANT+ Running Dynamics) | Yes | No | Yes (ANT+ Running Dynamics) | Only to RaceFox app |
| Cycling Cadence | Yes (ANT+/Bluetooth Smart) | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cycling Power Meter Estimation | No | No | Can pass through ANT+ PM's | No | No |
| Valid HRV/RR data | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Configurable Sport Modes | Sorta via app | Sorta | Sorta | No | Sorta |
| Displays HR Zones | No | No | No | No | No |
| Requires Bluetooth Smart Phone for Configuration | No DoubleTap only | For Running Metrics Only & DoubleTap | Yes (for bridging only) | No | Yes |
| Firmware Updateable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Via Garmin device/ANT+ Stick | Yes | App | Wahoo TICKR X (2020 Edition) | Wahoo TICKR X (Original) | 4iiii Viiiiva | Garmin HRM-RUN | Polar H10 |
| Can show workout afterwards | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Can sync files/workout to 3rd party | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| More Info | Link | Link | Link | Link | Link | Purchase | Wahoo TICKR X (2020 Edition) | Wahoo TICKR X (Original) | 4iiii Viiiiva | Garmin HRM-RUN | Polar H10 |
| Amazon | Link | Link | Link | Link | Link |
| Backcountry.com | Link | ||||
| Competitive Cyclist | Link | ||||
| REI | Link | ||||
Got all that? Phew! If not, swing over to the product comparison table dedicated to heart rate sensors to make your own chart goodness!
Oh…wait – you wanted some simple advice/comparison? Sure, no prob!
TICKR vs Any Other Strap For Basic HR: If all you need is transmission of ANT+/Bluetooth Smart heart rate data for your app/device, I don’t think there’s any device that beats the base TICKR at this price point – since everyone else is more expensive and has less Bluetooth Smart channels. It’s a no-brainer to me…however, if you don’t care about Bluetooth channels, and instead want storage or ANT+ to Bluetooth Smart conversion, then consider the 4iiii Viiiiva for about $10 more.
TICKR X vs Garmin HRM-RUN: If you don’t need GCT Balance or Garmin Running Power, then easy – get the TICKR X. No, the TICKR X will *NOT* work with Garmin’s Running Power App. This is hard-coded by Garmin to only work with their sensors, since they want to ‘preserve the fidelity of their calculations’ (summary of a very long conversation). If you don’t care about those two things, then easily get the TICKR X.
TICKR X vs Garmin HRM-TRI: This is really the hard one. First off, you’ve got the same lack of GCT Balance & Garmin Running Power compatibility, but you also don’t get any swimming data offloading to the Garmin watch. It’s still a bit fuzzy whether this is a Wahoo or Garmin limitation/gap, but the gap is there today. A Garmin watch cannot download data directly from the TICKR X, so you won’t get your swim data from it. But most newer Garmin watches support optical wrist HR swimming (albeit, it might suck). Again, this is by far the toughest one, because the lack of Bluetooth Smart in the HRM-TRI (or HRM-RUN) is infuriating.
TICKR X vs 4iiii Viiiiva: If you want device-free workouts, both do the trick, but I think Wahoo tends to do it more cleanly. On the flip-side, the 4iiii has ANT+ to Bluetooth Smart rebroadcasting. So if you’ve got older ANT+ only sensors, the Viiiiva is really the one to get. Accuracy-wise/etc they’re a wash. Though the Viiiiiva doesn’t have multi-channel Bluetooth connections, only one connection.
TICKR X vs Polar H10: Both straps are great, I’d probably give a slight edge to Polar on the strap quality aspects. The Polar H10 supports dual Bluetooth Smart and unlimited ANT+, but it also has analog too for gym machines. It has data saving on the strap, but it’s a mess to use (you have to start and stop it with the app, and it’s clunky AF and doesn’t send to all the partners Wahoo has). Also, the Polar strap is more expensive. I think if Polar cleaned up their app/offline piece, it’d be a solid contender again here (even with ‘just’ two Bluetooth channels), but to me it’s just not worth the hassle to use those features on the Polar right now.
Ok – hope this helps!
Summary:
I know, it’s just another heart rate strap. But I don’t really think that’s the case. I think that with these very minor additions, primarily in the TICKR X range, Wahoo has stepped up the bar – and options – for runners specifically. And even more specifically, for runners with Garmin watches. Realistically, I’d struggle to find a reason you’d get the Garmin HRM-RUN strap these days. In the app-driven world, it’s antiquated without Bluetooth Smart connectivity. Meanwhile, Wahoo lets you connect three Bluetooth Smart apps at once and unlimited ANT+ connections. I mean, I suppose if you *really* wanted Ground Contact Time Balance (that specific metric), then sure. But I suspect there’s no reason why Wahoo can’t add that. And I also suspect you’ve never used that metric anyway.
It’s frankly hard to find much fault in either the TICKR or TICKR X. It’s been six years since the last refresh, and the heart rate strap product line has been around nearly a decade in total. At this point, it’s a well oiled functional beast. These modest upgrades are mostly more mechanical/electronics/protocols in nature rather than pure new features. They took their existing running efficiency metrics that already mirrored what Garmin had (before Garmin had it), and just retransmitted it according to the standard. They then took the updated chipsets used for their other products and put it in here to support multiple concurrent connections. And in the process things thinned out a bit.
One might argue that Wahoo could have added more capabilities akin to the 4iiii Viiiiva, to the $79 TICKR X– such as ANT+ to Bluetooth Smart pass-through/conversion, but I think in 2020 that’s becoming less and less of an issue. Most sensors made in the last 4-6 years are dual anyway. Older non-dual sensor tech is being phased out.
Thus, if you’re looking for a dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart strap, the base $49 TICKR is probably the best all-around option right now. No strap has more connections, and it’s $10-$20 cheaper than the Garmin HRM-DUAL (which has two Bluetooth connections) – and cheaper yet still compared to Polar’s multi-connection straps. Seems a no-brainer to me.
[Review Update: Nov 2021 – Just a very quick note that some 18 months or so later, where I stand with the TICKR & TICKR-X. In general, it works as I saw during my multi-month review period. However, as time has gone on, I’ve seen more quirks and dropouts, even with brand new straps. This has been mirrored not just by comments in the review section, but also other friends that have picked up the TICKR & TICKR X. So while it floats around the DCR Cave for usage, at the moment it’s kinda become a last resort sensor, since I just can’t trust it’ll work every time. And since I need this type of data for testing to work every single time, it’s in the penalty box.]
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Hopefully you found this review useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase – so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. The reviews generally take a lot of hours to put together, so it’s a fair bit of work (and labor of love). As you probably noticed by looking below, I also take time to answer all the questions posted in the comments – and there’s quite a bit of detail in there as well.
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Here's a few other variants or sibling products that are worth considering:
Wahoo TICKR Stealth (2020 Edition)
Wahoo TICKR X (2020 Edition)
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Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below, I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible. And lastly, if you felt this review was useful – I always appreciate feedback in the comments below. Thanks!
3 x wahoo links at the bottom are broken Ray
Should be all set now! Thanks for the heads up!
Thank you for another great review!!!
Can I use Running Power via CIQ datafield with the TickrX?
Just tried it…nope.
Which, Garmin had said since the very beginning – mainly because they want their metrics to be ‘known’ (as in, what feeds into them). I disagreed at the time and even wrote about it then too.
I used to have a Tickr and liked it. When it did break I went with the Garmin because of the strap. On the tickr, the strap is held onto your body by the two contact points on the back of the device, I’ve had it come unclipped in a race and come down twice because I was breathing really hard. The Garmin has its own connector with a hook and Loop (not velcro). The HRM snaps onto the front of the strap and there is no tension on the snaps. You can get replacement non wahoo straps on amazon that will work with the TIckr if your tired of it coming undone.
Same problem I have. I do not race but it is still a PITA.
Yup…and one of the snaps on my Wahoo strap got rusted, so the Tickr fell off the strap. Fortunately, I had an old Garmin strap and the Tickr HRM (old style) snapped right on.
Nice Ray, thanks for the comprehensive write up as ever. My Tickr is probably due a new one.
But, wait, you really managed to get a Whoop band to track accurately? Share the secret….
I had it surgically implanted in my heart. It seems to work OK that way, but charging might be an issue in a few days when the battery runs out.
Hi, are you going to do a full review of the Whoop? Interested to know your opinion.
Yup, planned very very soon! I had wanted it out this week, but life got in the way.
Do the new straps also fit the older Tickr heart rate sensors? Not sure how long they’ll keep stock of older straps and use it to get people to upgrade..
Yup, they do actually – just perfectly!
I have a couple of new old style straps. Will old strap work with new sensor, I assume yes?
Yes, i validated this afternoon they’re swappable.
I had to do minor sanding to my original tickr strap to get it to work with the tickr2. Particularly the little nubs on the face with the snaps. Five minutes later it worked perfectly.
Odder question. Do the new straps work with the old detachable hard plastic Garmin pods.
Have used the Wahoo Straps as replacement for my Garmin as it’s hard to get replacement actual Garmin straps.
I’ve used the straps from various brands (Garmin, PowerCal, OG Tickr) interchangeably without any issue. If the new strap works with the old pod, it seems likely it’d work with other brands, too.
I bought a Wahoo cadence sensor for using with the Peloton app, but if this was able to do Cadence and Heartrate with that app I would probably grab it too.
Yeah, my guess is that’s it’s just a minor spec-compliance thing. Hopefully an easy fix!
Any thoughts whether they will release a Tickr Fit replacement with three bluetooth connections. I’d even settle for 2… can’t quite understand why Polar, Scosche or Wahoo can’t actually do that.
Historically it’s a chipset thing. My guess is the TICKR FIT is just beyond that threshold, looking at the date it was released and which chipsets people were using.
Polar does it, fwiw, on their H10 strap.
Polar H10 does 2 simultaneous BT connections though, not 3 like the Tickr. I may have to get the Tickr just for that reason.
I just don’t understand why a manufacturer can’t release an oHR device like Polar OH-1 with at least 2 x BT connections.
Does it also is usable as an outdoor (aka normal) cycling cadence sensor?
Did you got an anwer for that questions ? cadence for outdoor cycling
Since it can paired as a foot pod. does it compatible with Zwift run?
I haven’t tried it with Zwift run in this edition, but the previous TICKR X was compatible that way just fine.
Does it support swimming activities as well?
Is it suitable for Triathlona?
It’ll record your HR whenever you put it on, but it’s not compatible to download post-workout with a Garmin watch in triathlon mode. 🙁
Is it fair to say that with a water resistant rating of IPX7, it’s NOT suitable for swimming? Whether you can get that data onto your watch later or not, I would worry about putting it on before the start of a triathlon, swimming in it, and then expecting to have HR data from it on the bike or the run.
If I understand correctly, if you want to wear an HRM strap during an entire triathlon, your options are the HRM-Tri from Garmin (ANT+ only, supports ANT+ running dynamics, will sync HR data with Garmin triathlon watch after you get out of the water), or any of the sensors from Polar (H9, H10, OH1) that support both ANT+ and Bluetooth but don’t support running dynamics and don’t sync HR data with Garmin triathlon watches.
IPX7 is technically 1 meter deep for 30 mins. Most straps are IPX7 certified, and I’ve never killed any strap swimming with it occasionally (nor have I heard of anyone that’s certain they’ve killed one that way).
Your understanding is correct. It’s mind-boggling there isn’t an updated Garmin HRM-TRI type strap with Bluetooth Smart.
Hi Ray,
considering that recent Garmin watches have wrist HR for swimming, would TICKR + wrist HR be an cheap alternative to HRM-TRI?
Thanks for being a new DCR Supporter Pavel (oh, and make sure ya sign-in to get the nifty icon next to your name!).
As for TICKR + Wrist HR, it would indeed work well. The only ‘gap’ you’d have in that scenario vs the HRM-TRI is (beyond swimming) the lack of GCT Balance and lack of Garmin Running Power support.
Also – of note to others, I just added (a few seconds ago), a new chunk of comparisons after the comparison table with simple recommendations comparing the TICKR/TICKR X to each of their competitors and what it works or doesn’t work well for. Hope it helps!
I’ve heard rumours for quite some time that Garmin are meant to be releasing an HRM-PRO (or similarly named) strap which is meant to replace the Tri and bring in Bluetooth. Every expo and Garmin stand that I’ve seen have said that there is meant to be something in the works but not any strict news or ETA.
This comment by Ray “It’s mind-boggling there isn’t an updated Garmin HRM-TRI type strap with Bluetooth Smart” tells me that he’s not even aware of anything in the works.
Or.. maybe there is but he would be under an NDA to not say anything about it. Personally I’m sticking with the HRM Tri until the new Garmin one gets released.. and then I’ll be all over it like a fat kid on cake.
Hi,
in the product description provided by wahoo it says “IPX 7 certified” which means waterproof for up to 1m / 30min. I was about to buy the tickr x in exchange for my old garmin HRM, but now I am a bit concerned as I do swim sessions of 90+min and do long distance tri races.
any experiences here?
best regards,
S
I just bought a Tickr X, Rival and ROAM for the Triathlon facilities… I contacted Wahoo directly and they said “”If you are swimming, I would recommend using just the Rival as the TICKR is not intended for swimming though it will still provide heart rate data using the Rival’s onboard heart rate sensor.””
I don’t get it, they are equipment created for the tiathlon and the suffering is that I don’t use the band in swimming and lose a lot of time in the transition to put on the band? or should I understand the answer as “Tickr X is not intended for Tri, stick with Garmin”?
TICKR vs HRM-Run is a solved problem now, but what about TICKR vs HRM-TRI?
Sadly, unsolved problem.
Regarding thickness, is it flatter than the previous so the total thickness when laid flat on a table it stands in total less proud? Also I found the plastic on the original tickr to feel a bit cheap – has this improved?
That’s the part i measured above, its thicker.
You measured at the middle of the TICKR itself, what about where it meets with the strap? You mentioned that it’s more flush there than before. Perhaps they’re including that in their “thickness” measurement.
Still a silly thing to boast about.
It’s tricky there, as the slope is slightly different. At that center-point point, it’s plausible the difference is 0.1-0.2mm thinner on the new strap briefly (then it gets thicker again). But that’s a far cry from the 10% claims, and is again, only for that tiny area measuring less than 0.5cm across.
However, the rest of the edge connection point is far thicker because the new strap doesn’t taper like the old one does.
Question: can you measure resting heartrate with the new TickrX?
The “old” one can’t because it shuts off when your heart rate is below 70 (or something) for 5 minutes. Good for battery life, but unpractical if you want to know your resting heartrate.
Hi Ray, the best review… as always!
Just a question, what about lactate threshold (auto)-detection using a TICR-X with Garmin watch?
It works like HRM-TRI (it asks you if you want to update the heart-rate zones based on your newer lactate threshold detected) or no?
Thanks man
Last week I’ve got a prompt on my Garmin watch to update lactate threshold with the data from old-Gen TICKR. So I assume that this functionality is still there
Thanks Pavel, very usefull answer! big up
So this doesn’t solve the corrosion problem I guess. I have the old TICKR and when measuring morning HRV it makes trouble after some time of use. I have to clean the contacts, because of the necessary washing and removing. Also my old TICKR was warrantied because one of the pins used to secure the strap broke, making it unusable. Guess this problem will persist.
Other than that I’ve been happy with it, but these trouble will make me go to other brand next time I think.
Can we use the TICKR X as a run pod in ZWIFT ?
Yes. Just added a photo to the review of that.
Hi Ray,
Do yo know if the current TICKR X will receive an firmware update so you can use it with a Garmin Watch incl. Running Dynamics?
I asked, it will not. They said they investigated it and said there wasn’t enough room for the additional code.
Thanks for your reply
Hi Ray, how is the foot pod pace accuracy with the tickrX ?
I didn’t test it this go-around, but did previously and it was mostly OK. Honestly, the weather has been too nice here!
I’ll wait for a rainy day and see if anything has changed!
As an alternative, to be able to use it outside, you could pull out something old without internal cadence, like my trusty 910XT, or something without GPS (for pace/distance) for comparison.
While you are at it, I’d love to see you mix something as old as that 910XT in one of your upcoming watch reviews for GPS accuracy. Just out of curiosity how 2011 technology holds up against that of today (of course, after letting it sit outside for like 10 minutes while getting changed to get a good fix, especially for altitude 😉 ).
Thanks for all your work!
…there’s some hints in recent videos on what I’m doing on that front. 🙂
Stay tuned!
Great, thanks, I’ll see if I can find the hints (normally I just read here and don’t view the videos) and will definitely keep on reading your posts!
/personal mode on
I bought the 910XT partly based on your review early 2012. Read just about every blogpost since, but still use the same watch. It’s still going strong, does everything I really need, and my time spent on sports has mostly gone down the hill ever since. But tempted to buy something new everytime I read a review of potential successor. Sometime, I guess, sometime…
/personal mode off
Sorry for off-topic:
I’m pretty sure there was a Garmin 305 in the Karoo-Post.
Having owned that device, it was the best GPS that I ever had. Really, there is a half marathon nearby that I run every year in some difficult terrain (gps-wise) and all the devices I had since then (920XT, 935) would struggle and deviate by a good 10m to every side. When I looked at an old 305 track, that thing was rocksolid and stable.
That Sirfstar Chipset was really good, if they could just do something like that with less battery burn..
Really looking forward to that post, going to be interesting!
Does the double tapping feature allow control of laps / music on a Garmin watch or is it purely for the use of the phone app?
Just the phone app.
I don’t get HRM hardware design: why would you stack the PCB with the 2032 when you could just as well make the unit slightly longer (or wider, if you want to risk a fresh new look) and have them side by side, allowing a much flatter profile?
Hi Ray. My issue has always been syncing to its very own Wahoo Roam. Specifically if I connected to Zwift via Bluetooth, my Roam computer would not be able to read the Tickr via Ant+. Wondering if this will be fixed?
I actually validated exactly that while shooting b-roll today in the video. Except, the SD card literally filled up 5 seconds before that occurred. In any case, definitely worked here. Though honestly, that should absolutely work before. It almost sounds like the ROAM was initially paired via BLE.
I’ve been very happy with the old TickR models, and look forward to the new ones, thank-you for the review. My only complaint, with Wahoo, has been the straps. 2 of the 3 Wahoo straps have become delaminated. They’re still useable, for while. I’ve since been buying Garmin replacement straps, which are much better quality; stay tighter longer and last way longer.
OHRM vs strap questions.
Lately ive been wondering about the effects of lower cadence and HR on OHRM.
I have a polar OHR+ and it works great. My cadence is about 190 normal and up to 210 on races or hard efforts.
I seen cases where my “HR” has gone to 203 and that happen to match my cadence.
I have a friend who uses the OHR on his 945. His cadence when going easy is about 170. On races or hard efforts he can get to 190 and again his HR tends to get as high as his cadence and looks like they are matching. he is trying to figure out his max HR but it seems to be hard, because we dont know if what he is seeing is his HR or his cadence!
I know they are “fail safe” on the devises to mitigate the effect. But do they really work? Is there data to see what happens the HR matches the cadence?
TIA!
“Cadence lock” (where external light enters the sensor in a rhythmic way) is a tricky issue, as you can’t really filter it out via software, as HR of 190 or even 210 is entirely feasible for some people.
The best approach is to try to get a better seal against external light entering the sensor and minimizing movement of the watch on the wrist, by tightening the band and ensuring it is on the fleshy part of the wrist well away from the wrist bone. I find I have to have the band on my Garmin one notch tighter for running than I do for 24/7 monitoring.
Hi !
Do you know if TickrX mesure HRV ?
Thk u
I would imagine so. The old one did.
Shame there’s still no option for Bluetooth connectivity AND swim recording.
Did the Scosche Rhythm24 ever get that fabled update in the end Ray?
Sadly no update yet that I’m aware of.
I’m still a bit fuzzy on who’s fault that is. Garmin has long insisted (for many many many years) that it’s an open spec. Scosche mostly said otherwise, but they offloaded most of their work to NPE. NPE knows their stuff inside and out here (arguably better than Garmin/ANT+ in many cases/scenarios).
But I don’t know if perhaps Scosche didn’t fund that, or what. Again, fuzzy.
Great review Ray. Disappointed in the lack of GCT balance. I have found this to be the most useful running dynamic metric. Over time alignment of my lower back / pelvis drfits and this is perfectly captured in my GCT favouring one side over the other. Acts as a great injury prevention tool. The HRM-Tri/Run does the job but I really dislike the pod built into the strap. Maybe a forthcoming Garmin strap with swappable pod??
I’d suggest mentioning it to Wahoo. They didn’t seem opposed to it per se, just hadn’t seemed to come across their to-do list yet.
Thanks Ray, I’d be a certain buyer with this added. Useful actionable data, you can see where I get straightened up!
Ray, Wish you had a table for Heart Rate Sensors!
Offhand, which optical heart rate monitors offer multiple bluetooth connections. Want to replace my Scosche Rhythm24 because I need something to record on both an iPad and Apple TV.
Appreciate all you do!
I do! I just ran out of time to add it in before hitting publish.
It’ll be up here in the next hour.
For multi-connections that are optical, none offer multiple BLE (well, it’s plausible the Mio Pod does off-hand, but I’d need to double-check my own notes – but I don’t think it does).
Can’t believe they are still using poppers as the connection. I have returned 4 straps due to sweat corroding the popper and this then breaking.
Weird. Never had a strap do that. 🙁
Is there a technical reason why older Tickr-Run do not broadcast running dynamics except to the wahoo phone app?
following
Wahoo says they ran out of code space in the existing strap to be able to add all the bits needed to broadcast out via the ANT+ HR-RD profile.
Do you know if the HRV data transmitted over ANT+ is accurate?
The old TICKR HR straps do not transmit accurate HRV data over ANT+, only over BLE. This was the primary reason I decided to buy the Garmin Dual strap a few months ago, because I needed to connect to my tablet with BLE and that only left ANT+ for my headunit, but the HRV data coming in over ANT+ was leading to inaccurate Training Performance / First Beat metrics.
They talk about it a little here, I’ve also seen it discussed in the TrainerRoad forums, and there’s one other HRV app iirc.
link to help.elitehrv.com
I’ve just tested this by logging the ANT+ data to a Garmin ForeRunner at the same time as logging the BTLE data to the Elite HRV iOS app. Comparing the ANT+ HRV data to the HRV data exported from Elite HRV it’s obvious that nothing has changed from the original Wahoo TICKR: the ANT+ HRV data is inaccurate. It’s odd that Wahoo didn’t get this right in the original TICKR and it’s unacceptable that they haven’t fixed it in the TICKR V2. I’ll be returning my TICKR V2 for a refund.
On the FCC Side from January 2020 i see three new Models on the Label PDF ( link to fccid.io
): WFBTHR04, WFBTHR04 X and WFBTHR04G). So will be there something more later this year?
Because FCC has only one ID i think the Hardware from Tickr and TickrX is the same and all is done with software. Can you confirm that?
Does Wahoo use the same ANT+/BLE Chip like Garmin and Polar ?
I’m pretty sure just about everyone uses the same Nordic chipset these days.
G might be something like a colour code. (Gray? It’s actually black but maybe it was supposed to be gray in the early days?)
As much as like the new TICKR HRMs I guess I will just stick with the HRM-Tri for outside and TICKR-X for indoor… No offloading workouts to my fenix, after a swim, is a deal breaker since I already have the HRM-Tri
The TICKR X looks a good replacement for my 4iiii Viiiiva strap which has started playing up. I use it on the appleTV with zwift with a wahoo cadence sensor, as they never added cadence broadcasting with the 2017 Kickr I have.
Does the run dynamics on TICKR X work with garmin viviactive 4 ?
No, as the Vivoactive 4 doesn’t display any Running Dynamics (none of the Vivo line do).
Hi, basic question. If I use the optical sensor on the 945 for running what am I missing here?
You wouldn’t get running dynamics with just the optical HR sensor. Whether or not that’s valuable is a different question..
And that fact that wrist base optical sensors are quite lousy. My 935 is grossly inaccurate. When running it reads high by 30 bpm. Throw on an external sensor, either arm OHR or chest and do a similar run. You will be shocked how bad the wrist based HR is. Now, as DC say everyone is different so maybe your 945 is fine.
Are Garmin likely to bring out a ‘HRM Tri Dual’ anytime soon? My previous HRM Tri died after 2 years solid use, and I pulled the trigger on a Polar H10 (Which has been fantastic so far) but would be good to see Garmin update to current standards in the field!
Hey Ray.
Another great review.
Don’t you’ve any affiliate links for an European store?
Cheers.
Hugo
I have a partnership with Wiggle, but they don’t have them listed yet. 🙁
As soon as they do, I’ll post it!
Please do! I’ll check back tomorrow
Are these straps washable like the Garimin ones? My wife appreciates that feature!
Ray, maybe I missed this, but does this solve the AppleTV problem with Zwift and not enough Bluetooth connections if it broadcasts HR and Cadence? My Zwift Companion app often cuts out.
I’d also be very interested in understanding whether I can switch out my Viiiiva for getting HR and Cadence into an Apple TV with a Kickr 2017.
I’m also wondering the same thing, hopefully Ray or someone else can chime in and give us an update. I’d love to stop relying on the Zwift companion app.
I just purchased an Apple TV and installed Zwift. I have the older TickrX and my cadence along with my HR is broadcast into the Apple TV/Zwift. So yes, it fixes the issue of Apple TV not having enough bluetooth connections.
Hey Ray,
I was looking for a replacement for my 4i Viiiiva HR belt. I’m was expecting that could be that but it doesn’t do the Ant+ Bridge to Bluetooth (which I need for my PowerMeter and FootPod).
Do you have any other good recommendation for the bridge aspect?
Thx,
Steph
Hi Ray, thx for the review. To be sure : does Zwift recognize TickrX as a cycling cadence sensor ?
Yes, via both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart.
“indoor cycling cadence” not outdoor too? What’s the difference?
I’d really like to get rid of that wart on the side of my chain stay.
yea also interested on this. Why only indoor a specific reason? I mean if it monitors the movement of the body and interpolates that as cadence it should work outdoor as well. Maybe Rainmaker can shine some light on this? 😀
The main reason is because the algorithms measuring the cadence are using accelerometers to detect the subtle movements from your legs. Once you go outside there’s too much noise in most cases (vibration/movement/etc) noise to detect that. Still, I’ll give it a whirl next time I’m outside and see how bad it is (or isn’t).
Does that mean there is an hidden manual possibility to activate the “Cycling cadence” metric on a TICKR X?
It technically always broadcasts cycling cadence over ANT+/Bluetooth Smart.
That makes sense because it doesn’t know where you are. How accurate is the cadence outdoors? How much does the “noise” matter? I’m guessing that depends on the terrain, and speed(?)
Interesting, I was supposing the cadence data was only “there” or “usable” when paired to their own app on the indoor cycling mode. It’s a proper standard cadence profile that is broadcasted?
Hi Ray,
Runners here, how accurate is the stride per minutes and stride lenght compared with stryd ?
Stride length doesn’t appear to be written to the .FIT developer extensions by Stryd (or Garmin for that matter). Perhaps it’s somewhere else in the .FIT file.
As for SPM, they were within 1 RPM the entire time (TICKR X/Stryd/Garmin HRM-TRI).
Thank you Ray , you are awesome
Ray,
How accurate is the running speed compared to Stryd ?
Thanks,
K
What’s the range of measurable heart rates for these? I ask cuz i had the tickr before and could never get it below 35 when measuring my resting heart rate, and im regularly in the 30-32 range.
I don’t have a good way to test that low. My RHR tends to bottom out around 36-37bpm.
Ray, have you done any analysis on how accurate the TRICKER X is when it’s used as a run pod?
Thanks for the great review!!
Not recently. I did in the past, though honestly have no idea where I put that data.
Looks like there’s a single rainy day in the forecast next week, so I’ll schedule a treadmill run then.
Great would love to know how it compares to other run pods specifically the Stryd footpod.
Looking forward to seeing how it compares.
Hi Ray, if you’ve done that treadmill accuracy test i’ll be happy if you could share your thoughts.
I’m in a point to decide whether i’d buy a separate foot pod and a hr strap or wait for this one to arrive.
Thanks.
Hey Ray, did you ever get around to testing the treadmill pace/distance accuracy of the Tickr X or any other HRM’s with that functionality?
I’m going to be spending a lot more time on the treadmill heading into a wet BC winter, and my FR245M only offers consistent treadmill data at easy and tempo paces (I don’t know how accurate it is as I’m using gym treadmills that definitely aren’t calibrated, but I know the 245M is reading in the right ballpark from my RPE and HR at these paces). However, it falls apart at faster paces as it’s super inconsistent, and really doesn’t handle pace changes well at all meaning workouts at threshold and faster are VERY poorly recorded.
I can’t for the life of me find any foodpods here in Canada; everything including the milestone/Zwift pod, Garmin/Suunto/Polar footpods are all either sold out or listed at exorbitantly inflated prices. It seems that the only thing available is the Stryd PM, but that’s >3x my budget…
I wouldn’t mind paying the extra $ for a Tickr X or Garmin HRM Run as my 2.5yr old original Tickr is starting to fall apart, but I’ve not seen any reviews actually comment on their accuracy for treadmill running. I don’t care about running dynamics so I don’t want to spend those extra $ over a base model HRM unless they actually offer decently accurate treadmill data. Any thoughts/advice on these HRM’s or an alternate footpod that’s actually available?
“As such, for triathletes, the HRM-TRI is still grudgingly the only option if you want chest HR data on your Garmin.” Your referring only to in water swim HR data correct?
Regarding running and cycling TICKRX can be paired ant+ to provide chest HR, running Dynamics, cadence, pace, and everything except running power all simultaneously. Is that correct?
Correct. I added a screenshot up in the post showing it on Bluetooth Smart in Zwift all concurrently, but same applies to ANT+.
Wondering if the Polar Grit X is still “easily among the best out there” when I am reading your special mentions here. I felt pretty bullish on the Polar after your in-depth but now that I am looking at some of the charts here again I dunno…
It’s struggled a bit lately, mostly because there was a slightly higher concentration of outdoor rides here than my other sets.
That said, most of my issue with the Grit X is those spikey things (as noted in my review). The challenge is it just ends up looking way worse here because I’m comparing multiple straps and the OH1 Plus. So it’s sorta like comparing a perfectly formed cookies from a package with those a 2-year old made. Roughly. 🙂
I’m really surprised Wahoo hasn’t released an Apple Watch running app to go with the Tickr.
oh no, 3 days ago i bought HRM Dual :-\
Is there any update on the Garmin HRM-PRO? Some press releases for the fenix 6 mentioned it, but complete silence since! IIRC it was purported to be the HRM-DUAL (i.e. ANT+ & BT) with running dynamics support added in, which is exactly what I’m looking for.
Funnily enough, GCT Balance is the main running dynamics metric that I actually use and this doesn’t include it 🙁 I find it very handy as a crude proxy for running form, especially during intervals; if I maintain good form GCT Balance stays fairly equal, but if I let the form slip then it really skews. Knowing that my Garmin is recording this and reviewing it afterwards definitely helps keep my form in check. But yeah, goodness knows what I’m supposed to do with my vertical oscillation?!
The difference for me, compared to other HR Monitors, the Wahoo one feels like cheap plastic. It even makes sounds like it’s gonna brake, when I remove the unit from the strap.
Hi,
Thank you for sharing this information!
A point of detail: you say (in the final table) that the Garmin HRM-Run (firmware) is not updatable. This is not quite true (even if it’s been a long time that updates are not published anymore) : link to www8.garmin.com
🙂
Thanks. Yeah, I had originally named that line-item “Firmware Updateable via phone”, but then renamed it last year. The HRM-RUN/TRI are only updateable via other devices. Will update!
when Garmin Information is correct, then HRM Dual have essential more Battery Life (3,5 years with 1 hour use every day)!
365 x3,5 = ~1.277 hours
Hi Ray – I see that the TICKR provides HRV data, but do you know if it sends R-R interval data on ANT+ *and* Bluetooth? IIRC, some dual HRMs only send the R-R intervals over BT.
Hoping this will prompt Garmin to push out a HRM-Dual Run, which I was expecting to be imminent after they launched the HRM-Dual well over a year ago. That said, hopefully if they ever do they’ll now take Wahoo’s lead and allow two (or more) concurrent Bluetooth connections so I don’t have to deal with greedy treadmills stealing my BT HRM connection without asking (which I guess technically raises some data privacy issues when a person running on a treadmill near me in the gym gets my HR data on their treadmill display!)
Yup, I just checked both TICKR & TICKR X for RR data, and it shows on Bluetooth Smart. I’ve added to the review the screenshots from the Elite HRV app (towards the end of ‘The Basics’ section).
Hope that helps!
See my comment a few posts above. The Garmin HRM-Dual with Running Dynamics was publicly referenced in various press releases around the fenix 6 as the “HRM-PRO”, but hasn’t actually made it to market as yet.
Maybe Garmin are struggling/revising the product with respect to multiple BT connections; maybe they’re saving it for the launch of their next big product (next Edge 1000-series?); maybe they’re trying to integrate running power like the RD-POD… who knows?! I want one though, just so that I can use a single HR-strap for turbo trainer and running.
Fwiw…I’ve never seen a Garmin press release with the words “HRM-PRO” in them.
Hey Ray – Thanks for checking but could you check the Ant+ channel also?
The test I would do is run a HRV Stress Test activity on your garmin watch, once with the strap paired over BLE and once with it paired over Ant+. (Or even better do the test simultaneously with two different watches).
The numbers should be similar.
With the old Wahoo strap, the numbers were totally different because the Ant+ R-R intervals were whack.
How about this? I’m assuming Blacks didn’t just invent the name themselves (or write any of the copy for that matter):
link to blacks.co.uk
There have been some rumors about the HRM-Pro circulating, but no official statement from Garmin (easily checked with a quick google search). Your link is just another of those rumors having been picked up by some author. But as Ray stated: no GARMIN press release out there. So, nothing official exists.
Now, that’s not to say there wasn’t a HRM-Pro in planning (and even still might be).
Come on mate! I know next-to-nothing about consumer retail, but it’s blatantly obvious that the Garmin press-office will write a huge proportion of those product pieces and circulate them to media and retailers to be published as an advertorial. It’s not baseless rumours, it’s clearly a product that’s been rolled back on.
If it was close enough to release that it’s being referenced in press documentation then there’s a good chance Ray has used one, or at the very least heard about it, so I don’t know why he’s trying to vaguely imply that it doesn’t exist? It doesn’t help readers to make an informed purchasing decision.
Honestly, Garmin doesn’t do that. Some companies do – but really, Garmin has far better things to do than write pieces. Plus, there’s no reason too – they’re a big enough company that more than enough people will cover their stuff.
Garmin writes basically two re-distributable things with each product launch – once these things happen – stuff actually is going to go live within a week or two:
A) Press release (usually 1-2 pages long), with imagery
B) Retailer sales copy, which includes the following:
– Text to include on sales pages in usually three word-count lengths
– Imagery to include on sales pages (both product and so-called ‘lifestyle’)
– Various product comparison sheets, usually to older Garmin products (or others being announced at the same time)
That’s it. Garmin will sometimes work with ambassadors or sponsored athletes to get them product, and sometimes they’ll sell ads through various media outlets. But Garmin doesn’t do the things you noted. Frankly, they’re not coy/etc enough to do so. They’re from Kansas, and you see that risk-adverse nature through and through in how they conduct things. Again, some companies do, but I’ve never seen Garmin do that, or heard from anyone else that Garmin is doing it.
Sometimes retails will go off-script on sales copy (and they can if they want). The smart ones don’t, because they know that almost always get them in trouble when they imply/say something has a feature that it doesn’t. The sales copy (for most companies) is so tightly written as to be as crystal-clear as possible. Nobody wants to deal with returns or unhappy customers, it costs too much money.
Typically instead, leaks occur via the following manners:
A) Self-inflicted wound #1: Garmin.com for example showing a product when it’s not yet out, typically due to early staging or date changes or just a stupid human mistake.
B) Self-inflicted wound #2: Garmin (or Wahoo, usually) forgetting they pushed back a product and didn’t update the FCC confidentiality data to match that. So the FCC leaks it on their behalf.
C) Retailer highly-detailed leak: This is actually super rare these days, because retailers don’t get the sales packages (noted above) until much closer in than they used to.
D) Media leak: Again, this is also super-rare, because most media doesn’t get this info until a few days to a week out. Magazine related leaks sometimes happened in the past when companies would buy ads for new products and then the products would get delayed. But the timelines are much tighter these days that doesn’t usually happen.
E) General leak: This is when someone says something, or perhaps passes on a product presentation or such. Also pretty rare.
F) Manufacturing leak: I’ve never seen this with Garmin specifically, probably because they own their own factories and can control things far better than a giant like Apple. It also helps very few people (in the grand scheme of things), care about Garmin leaks.
If a date for a product gets pushed back after those sales/media releases are sent out, it’s usually only pushed back a week or two – never months. Which again, tells you something.
The vast majority of leaks these days from Garmin specifically are A & B above. Like, 95-98% of them. When those happen – especially item B (FCC), sometimes people assume that a product is close. Again, that’s often not the case. Many times products have been shelved entirely, are for morphed into other things. FCC approval processes are often done 6+ months in advance, and usually dependent on a lot of things going right.
Finally – I’m not here being coy. I’m being straight-forward about how the process works, while not sitting here circulating rumors for clicks.
Just a Friday semantics comment for completeness sake:
‘Next, we’ve got the TICKR X. This is Wahoo’s higher-end strap and includes additional features that the baseline TICKR doesn’t. Specially, here’s what’s different:
– Measures indoor cycling cadence -> Old X did this as well. Used it on rollers.
Thanks
Sorry, I’m referring to TICKR vs TICKR X there – where I say: “that the baseline TICKR doesn’t”
The items listed with the [new] are new in the TICKR X 2020. Does that make sense?
So I wonder, is it normal/accepted for these straps to break about every 6-12 months? So far I’ve gone through maybe 3-4 tickrs in the past few years. At some point they all started giving a (semi) stationary heart rate (strap replacement wouldn’t help). Perhaps I have very aggressive sweat :p
It’s normally abnormal.
I see it across all strap vendors, but usually very specific to an individual – whereby they just chew through HR straps like eating candy. From watching this segment for about a decade now, it seems like certain people have perspiration that more easily damages straps than others. Sometimes changing vendors helps (slightly different materials/etc…), but I wouldn’t take it as a sign that one strap is better than the other per se. Rather, just different materials that your sweat doesn’t kill.
You know somehow the elastometer based watchstraps seem to last much longer. Wonder if some manufacturers could incorporate this material into a HRM strap. Just a thought.
I really enjoy your reviews. I went through four or five Wahoo straps over about a year and half. The sensor pads would delaminated. Is this my sweat breaking down the adhesive? I’ve only seen this on the wahoo straps and not Garmin or Polar ones.
One of the lucky few that has exceptionally few issues with HRM use. Have an original TICKR X that handles all my indoor cycling needs and is pristine.
I suspect normal variation in body chemistry is one of the things involved. There are some prescription medications that will get sloughed off in perspiration too. Some casual education on sports nutrition over the winter suggests that routinely exercising with insufficient carbohydrates will increase nitrogen content of perspiration allowing ammonia build-up. Whether all products that are “sweat proof” target the same level of ammonia tolerance would be interesting to know.
Whether trace amounts of laundry detergent or bath soap are involved is another open question.
Acid rain isn’t in the spotlight as much as it once was, but it is still a thing.
True/not true. A lot of that is comfort factor, but I’ve had a Polar v800 strap break (and it was common when they were more visible in the market), sadly it’s my favorite watch strap, and you can’t get factory replacements, the generic Amazon knock-offs have poor ventilation by comparison.
I’ve also had the one-piece Polar HR strap on an earlier watch (T10 I think is the model?) and it was “all-elastomer” across the front, and the part where the strap buckle locks in to the chest piece, broke (on the chest piece itself, not the strap part) so no guarantees on those either.
I’d suggest anyone having strap issues, replace the “strap” portion (they are pretty much all sensor-interchangeable) with the H10-style strap. Has better chest sensor coverage, better “stickiness” for swimming or really sweaty conditions, and so far, mine has lasted longer than my H7, or T10 ever have, and no problems (3 or 4 years in, typically I get 2 tops before the sensor pads start losing sensitivity, or something physically breaks per above).
I think they call it the “Pro Strap” and it’s unfortunately around $35 (compared to I think $20-ish for typical?) but it’s (IMO) a much better overall strap, and as indicated, seems in my experience to be pretty durable (I was mine after every workout, just in case anyone was thinking that might be a wear concern).
“My guess is this looks like prime ‘not-wet-enough’ data. Which, is plausible, though not super common indoors”
May actually be interference or a software bug, since the original TICKR and TICKR X both do the same thing on occasion when I’m running or riding indoors, and I sweat like crazy on a treadmill.
It’s pretty rare though (in my opinion, of course) but the frustrating element is that once it’s lost track of your heart rate it doesn’t really recover it.
Wahoo makes excellent HR straps, mostly excellent trainers, a cool trainer table, and, ok, the bike computers have become meh. But great for the industry, keep Garmin honest, all that jazz.
But the one common theme is Wahoo ALWAYS introduces inaccuracy in marketing. Be it doctored photos, wind resistance claims, and here is another on thickness/weight.
This has become too consistent to be coincidence, right? Either marketing is given impossible demands, has no oversight, or there’s an intentional “any coverage is good coverage” thought process?
At end of day quality/innovation are what matter, but this is becoming a great running subplot in endurance tech.
Ray, great review and insight as always! What is your thought about the Wahoo TICKR or TICKRX compared to the features of the Rhythm 24 for both indoor and outdoor running as well as cycling including indoor on Wahoo KICKR using Zwift?
Kubios data :)))
Perhaps a stupid question, but how can a chest strap determine cycling cadence exactly? You don’t move the pedals with your chest, no?
Presumably the accelerometers are that sensitive. Garmin’s HRM-Tri & Running Dynamics pod pick up very subtle details of movement as well.
Hi Ray, how precise it is for run pace measurement? I’m thinking of Zwift runs, on a treadmill.
Specifically wondering how well can it handle pace variations? Cadence I get, but speed will change strife length, which I’m not sure it will be able to detect based on different vertical oscillations…
Comments?
Cheers, thanks
I have bought two units of TICKR X (the old model) and neither of them lasted more than a year. Even though, I only used the second one sparingly for races only. The only advantage of Wahoo HRM is their dual-band capabilities , Bluetooth and ANT+. As for the cadence (both cycling and running) features were useless since they very far off, even from Wahoo Cadence. The memory should also be utilized to record swim.
IMHO, Garmin HRM is definitely lasted longer, the longest one is Garmin Swim HRM.
Are there any apple watch apps that can record the running dynamics over bluetooth? I don’t want to carry phone with me
Do you k ow if it works with Garmins VO2 calculations on say on a garmin 935?
Hi
Many thanks for your extensive review.
As Wahoo has claimed that the other measures than the thickness are smaller, could you please also measure the length and width of the Tickr 2? It would be interesting to know because the slimmed down size is the main reason to upgrade for me. I’m already disappointed because of the thickness lie.
Many thanks in advance.
Original TICKR/X: 66mm wide, 38mm tall, ~11.5mm thick
New TICKR/TICKR X: 63.6mm wide, 38mm tall, ~12.1mm thick
What is the status of workout apps, reps counting and so on, that what advertised in the original launch of KICKR products?
If I remember correctly I’ve never been able to found (and download) the “7 minute workout” app that was advertised on the product packaging. Does the whole idea vanished?
So this made check again the availability of A Viiiiva in Europe – the possibility to bridge Ant+ to BTE is damn handy. They have an offer on Mantel, availability OK also. Now I can use my PM data both on Polar and Rouvy.
Unfortunately no direct link to amazon.nl to support you, clicking the .de brings me to a weird circa 1995-version of amazon.de that doesn’t load pictures, just basic text?
The H10 does have running dynamics. It’s just that noone except RaceFox uses it (is allowed to?).
Yeah, they don’t technically follow the Running Dynamics standardized device profile. But I’ll put a note about the RaceFox bit up there.
Do you know why Polar is not searching (or not yet?) to implement full Running Dynamics compliance?
It’d be interesting to hear your experience with longevity (of the prior models, of course). I’ve never had a Wahoo product that lasted much more than a year of normal use.
Also interesting that these don’t have “L” and “R” marked on the back, as with every other HR-strap unit I own. I guess they just expect you to honor the logo on the front 😀
Second that, I even wonder if some third-part studies have ever been performed on chest straps usage and longevity. Because one user experience will never tell as much as decent statistics.
For instance I’ve had a TICKR X since early 2016 and… well infact I’ve used quite a bunch of them. The firsts ones where each eating batteries like chewing-gums. Close to a “1 / week” ratio, even some to a “1 / activity” ratio. So I somewhat quickly asked for exchanges. The last one lasted close to two years. So this one was pretty much truly going great, it even was still using its original battery. Great running time really. But it just died recenlty, close to the day of the updated TICKR range announcement. Meh. Now that I’m well past warranty period I don’t know how wahoo customer service will act, I’m currently discussing with them.
In full retrospect I don’t know what to think. For the first exchanges (during warranty period), wahoo customer service was truly great and reactive, real kudos to them. But on the other side, I only did get to discuss with their support because their product was never really performing adequetaly in the first place.
I guess having the LED’s at the top is another cue as to which way the pod goes in.
Hey Ray,
Can I make a suggestion? I’d like to support the site by buying through your links when possible but I don’t always decide to buy when I first read the reviews. I usually come back afterwards and it would be useful for myself and similar readers to have a link to buy the product at the top of the page as well as the bottom. There may be an SEO reason that you don’t do this? Or maybe you haven’t been asked before. Anyway keep up the good work.
Thanks
Rob
Ray has a nifty “JUMP TO” sidebar that hovers on the side of page. In addition to being able to warp to the Discussion section, there is a “BUY NOW” footer that is dynamically populated.
Hi Ray, thanks for the reviews as always, I’ve recently gotten back into cycling and the videos and writeups have helped guide me on my ‘required’ upgrades.
Would like to show some support by using the wiggle links (both tickr and tickrX) but they are broken. Can you have a look?
Ps. sweet Roots tshirt!
The main issue I have with the tickr strap is that without the pod it won’t stay in place, as the pod is used to close it. This puts some additional tension on the pins that secure the pod. Sometimes during a workout, the pod will pop out of the pins and the strap will fall. This usually doesn’t happen while running or cycling, but during other high intensity sports, or for example in my case cross country skiing (or other sports where you move the arms a lot). Everyone in my cross country skiing team has the same problem.
Most other straps don’t have this issue, so for now I use a cheap strap that stays in place without the pod, and use the tickr pod on top of it. Would this also work with the new one, despite the different shape?
Are the R-R intervals accurate over ANT+? It wasn’t the case for the previous version, they were accurate only over bluetooth, which is an issue for a lot of the training metrics from firstbeat on Garmin watches.
Great review!
I am trying to figure out if I can make use of the Running Dynamics with my Forerunner 230. I know the device doesn’t support it according to your table and Garmin, but will the metrics still be available in Garmin Connect when I track my runs using my FR and the Tickr X?
Afternoon D.C,
With these new product coming out, do you think they have a new Turbo coming out? I don’t really want to spend £1000 on the KickR if in September there’s a new one due out. I’m not sure if Wahoo’s production and development has been hit by the world epidemic. Id be happy if the 2019 model lasted me a year.
Any steer?
Hi Ray,
An idea where to order it from France ?
I’ve searched on the web and found it nowhere (As I know Clevertraining don’t send to Europe ?) ?
Thanks,
Lionel
Mantel has them in stock, along as the 4iiii Viiiiva HRM at a quote suprising price.
Thanks fneuf !
I’ve ordered it. I didn’t know this website.
My TICKR occasionally drops out when on Zwift using Bluetooth. Since the TICKRX has built-in memory, if the bluetooth drops out for a minute, when it reconnects to Zwift, is the TICKRX able to fill in the gaps of missing data? As a non-runner, this would be the only real benefit for me, but I would pay the additional cost if it were able to add the missing HR data back in.
Can the X be used to record cadence for outdoor rides and mtb?
Would it connect to a Lezyne computer or something similar?
What HR strap is the best with Suunto Baro 9 in your opinion?
For me, the biggest problem with chest heart-rate straps, while road cycling, is that the wind creates static electricity giving errerouns readings (usually high). This is a known problem according to the ANT+ folks (Garmin) and some of their newer straps supposedly have remedied this, but not with me. It happens more often at higher speeds or while descending. I have tried straps from Garmin and Sigma both, neither of which corrected the problem. Do the newer Wahoo units address this issue?
Sorry I’m new to this. Is it ok to swim in the KickrX? I am going to do some open water swimming once lockdown is relaxed enough.
Personally, I find it pretty challenging to swim with a KICKR. The weight of it is a bit of a drag, plus it’s not super hydrodynamic. Also, is that with or without the bike attached?
As for the TICKR though, it’s waterproof (IPX7), which technically means 1 meter for 30 mins. Though, at lesser depths (such as where your chest would be), it’s substantially less force. Wahoo doesn’t say you can’t, and I’ve never heard of anyone having a problem with any past TICKR and swimming: link to support.wahoofitness.com
Underrated comment of the day
When’s the new SWIMMR coming?
Ray – does it work for you in salt water?
i tried mine today (2014 model) but it shows constant HR of 86 throughout entire swim.
Btw in comparison table you put capable to record HR underwater=No for tickr X – is that correct? i assume not, since then the comments about syncing to Garmin watch wouldnt make sense.
Thanks to Covid I am now exercising at home using a borrowed spin bike. I have the Garmin Vivoactive HR and I linked the HRM to the watch but it won’t give me the cadence. It’s remains blank in that field. So my question is, is that because my Garmin is older. Thank you!
What is the best HR chest strap for Suunto Baro 9? The wrist reader is not great. Thanks!
Hi,
Thanks for the review on the Wahoo HRMs. I recently purchased the Tickr X as I needed a new HRM and had been looking for a foot pod so I could capture pace/distance on a treadmill. Reading thru your review, my Tickr X doesn’t seem to behave the same way and I have a couple of questions. It may be that I’ve not set it up correctly.
I have a Garmin Fenix 5X that I am connecting to as well as the Wahoo App on my Android tablet. The 5x thru Ant+ and the Wahoo App thru BT.
1. HRV – looks like it is not avaialable on the Wahoo App or Garmin Connect? (Mostly just curious)
2. I don’t see respiration coming up; is that a limitation of the 5X?
3. Pace/distance/cadence: I get pace/distance/cadence showing up on the Wahoo app; but only cadence displays on the 5x. This stays true for when the file uploads to Connect, no distance or pace. So far after calibrating per the instructions, distance is pretty true to what the treadmill reads. Cadence tends to go away when the pace increases for some reason; it seems good up to 5.5 mph.
4. Running dynamics: The RD pages show on the 5X during the activity but only stride length appears real time. Not sure if that is what is supposed to happen. I’m not sure what I would do with this info yet, but kind of cool to have I guess. Connect shows the RD data in the app when it uploads.
4. I tried connecting with just Ant+ and didn’t get distance/pace then either.
I got the Tickr X mainly to get pace/distance on the treadmill to record to the 5X. I can get it over to Connect by transferring a file but then I’vet to copy and then upload to Connect and then delete the duplicate workout (unless I make sure not to upload to Connect). Maybe there is a better way or I’m missing something in the setup.
Great website/blog by the way. Have been reading it on and off for several years.
Thank you for your reviews!
Since I am looking into device free data collection I am very interested to use the TickrX along with my Stryd.
As far as I can remember the old TickrX (while using the offline data collection) used to store data in 10sec intervals. Is this still the case for the new TickrX?
If paired to a watch, can you still download the data from the TickrX (as you can with the Stryd)?
Do you need to activate data collection via the app or how does it work?
Do ppl use the Tickr with HRV app like EliteHRV and how do you find the accuracy?
I would rate this a ONE out of 10 .. The only reason it gets a one is multiple BT (when it works) It worked for 2 days, now the readings are all over the place! I’ve washed the strap, tried using electrode gel it just flakes. I have a cheap generic one I paid $12 for on ebay that works better. All of my garmin HR’s work better, and my Scosche is by far the best. Going to try and return to clever training for another scosche.
Hi DCR, I’ve been having massive issues with reliability of two Tickrs while running recently – overreads and underreads regularly probably more so indoors on treadmill. One distinctive trait I’ve noticed is the hr graphs are very blocky i.e. sticks at one HR for a while then suddenly increases massively (say from 134 to 165) and back again. I always wet the strap before and rinse well after. Is this likely another form of intereference? I use with a Fenix 6 btw. Thinking of swapping to Polar H10 but before i do any thoughts?
I used the Ground Contact Time Balance feature – after knee injury and surgery when starter running to see the balance and „mesure”/watch the balance if there is not any “one leg run” compensation. This way find it very useful and (because it seems to be easy) would be nice to have in tickr!
Thanks for the review. I’ve opened a support ticket with wahoo to request gct balance. They have replied with feature requests are prioritised by a ‘frequency of request- highest priority system so if this feature is requested multiple times that will raise it up the list of priorities. I suggest anyone who wants to see this added opens a support ticket with them requesting gct balance is added. I’ve also done the same for accurate hrv data over ant+.
Thanks Ray, a very timely review as my HRM RUN keeps dropping out (possibly water ingress and I was about to order a new one but as you rightly say, I’ve never used GCT so giving that up )possibly to be added in future) seems a small price to pay for the added connectivity,
Has anyone been able to find a 2020 TICKR in Australia yet (that’s been delivered)? Wahoo website has been showing ‘coming soon’ for ages and while some shops seem to allow pre-orders, it doesn’t look like they’re available yet.
Replying to myself, a month later it’s still showing out of stock everywhere – including on Wahoo Australia’s website.
Sadly one of the BIGGEST POS i’ve ever purchased. (TICKR) Even after the firmware update. On the iphone the HR is wild, with garmin 245 it won’t move sticks at certain spot. Contacted vendor where I purchased an got NO response, so needless to say I won’t be using them EVER again.
I have the old Tickr X and have an issue with run metrics not being communicated to my fenix 6x. On treadmill runs, the Garmin Fenix 6X is quite off on speed/distance, espcecially for interval runs, and was thinking to see if the Tickr X would do a better job. However, need to use ANT+ since I want my heart rate also to be communicated to the Treadmill using bluetooth.
Is this at all possible? I can make it work to my watch using bluetooth, however, then the Treadmill does not receive HR data from Tickr X.
Thanks
I have the old Tickr X and have an issue with run metrics not being communicated to my fenix 6x. On treadmill runs, the Garmin Fenix 6X is quite off on speed/distance, espcecially for interval runs, and was thinking to see if the Tickr X would do a better job. However, need to use ANT+ since I want my heart rate also to be communicated to the Treadmill using bluetooth.
Is this at all possible? I can make it work to my watch using bluetooth, however, then the Treadmill does not receive HR data from Tickr X.
Thanks
If we skip all the features, specs, bells and whistles – which is most reliable and precise HRM for today? Which has less spikes or lock issues? I have like 10year old Garmin HRM and there is spike issue and HRM lock issue. Which of these potentially is most precise in plain HR (random order):
Polar H10 (announced 2017)
Garmin RUN (the red one, not old black)(announced 201?)
Wahoo Tickr (X) (announced 2020)
The newer the tech the better it should be, in theory. However, Polar H9 has been announced in 2020, but still 3 year old H10 claims to be “it’s best ever”.
For what it’s worth, have been deceived by three tickr x, am completely pleased by my h10.
I have a Suunto Ambit3 Peak so I don’t think the advanced metrics of the Tickr X will work with the watch. But I sync to Strava, will I be able to see that advanced data there?
I have what I guess is the 2018 Tickr (came with my Wahoo Kickr). After about a year, the plastic end of the strap is starting to come apart. I also seem to have to remove and reinsert the battery every other time I use it. Wahoo graciously sent a replacement, even though it was out of warranty, but I’m have the same battery issue with it.
Generally pleased with the several Wahoo products I own, but this one is falling off that list.
Ready to switch to a different HRM
I am really dissapointed with Wahoos quality. I went through 4 kickrs before I got one that worked and now I am onto my 3rd HR rate strap. The plastic bits (connectors) eventually just break, and even after taking a lot of care I’ve had the steal button come off. Why couldn’t they do something similar to Polar..
Wahoo are generally very good with replacements, though it is getting beyond annoying.
As someone having the “old” gen1 TickrX, as the personal winner for best battery life and least signal disconnect issues (Polar H1 had 3-5x shorter battery life {and yes, I have been careful not to leave it after the training in a state, where ic could have any conductive path between the electrodes, so no idea why it was “eating batteries like candy”}),
I needed an HR strap, which would be able to connect to multiple ANT+ devices (one for my ANT+ receiver on my laptop for BKool training sessions + one for my Garmin headunit, so that the numbers are “in front of my face”, rather than 2.5 meters away on the laptop screen, which tends to be blurry at that distance for small enough text for someone with prescription glasses, without wearing them during the indoor training session for comfort reasons).
I bought the gen2 Wahoo Tickr (since I did not need the extra metrics of the TickrX, and the Tickr promised as well better battery life)
.. just to find out, that those “several minutes as a time of “flat non-0 HR signal” periods are happening rather often (like every 2-3 days, as opposed to at most once a month with my gen1 TickrX).
And yes, I learned years ago, that I need to moisture the electrodes on HR straps years ago – so I am doing that before every training session.
So I am wondering – does anyone else have a similar experience? (of the gen2 Tickr models being much worse on this subject, than the gen1’s ?)
Some examples (the tickr gen2 was bought on Jun 16th – it is less than a month old at this point)
1) 5-Jul: flat signal for 1 Minute from around Minute 18: link to strava.com
2) 7-Jul: multiple “flat signal” dropouts in the first 11 Minutes (despite or repeated effort from my side to “wake it back up” in those 11 Minutes): link to strava.com
3) 9-Jul: multiple “flat signal” dropouts in the first 6 Minutes: link to strava.com
4) 12-Jul: “nonsense signal” in the first minute: link to strava.com
I am sending this specific unit back to the seller today, though I’d be interested to know, if this is a “feature” of the entire series, or a “monday unit” – to understand, if I should re-order it again, or try some other HR strap allowing at least 2 concurrent ANT+ connections.
PS: the unit is as well suspiciously quickly losing color on the front blue “wahoo” label – for the fact, that I had it on an outside ride twice, and all other rides were indoors, without a jersey, which could rub on it.
I’m having similar but way worse issues with two Tickr units at home. It worked fine for the first month or so even throughout a 19h sweat-free sort of Everesting-ride. But on June 26th it started to work poorly and has been useless since then (though on some rides it has been working much better than others. Especially low intensity-rides)
Have done plenty of 4×4-intervals since then:
link to strava.com
link to strava.com
or yesterday with the strap so tight around my chest I couldn’t stand up straight
link to strava.com
I have experienced a similar trend of poor performance from my new Tickr. For context; I’ve owned all versions of the Tickr, from the X to the Run, and have experienced problems with all of them. At one point or another, they just flake out and either give erroneous HR readings, go “flat-line” at some random HR and stay there, or just stop working altogether.
Wahoo have warrantied two of the older TickrX when they just stopped working and I perpetually had problems trying to use them indoors on a treadmill (despite their statement and calibrations). Then they warrantied a Tickr Run when it flaked out after 18 hours of DirtyKanza in 2016.
I tried to tell myself that the Wahoo was still an improvement over the Garmin variants but am now seriously questioning my decisions.
I purchased a new generation Tickr back in June, soon after they were announced and, from reading the reviews, naively thought they had gotten their act together and worked out all the bugs.
I should have known better when I opened the App to pair the new Tickr and it immediately forced me into an update that lasted for 10 minutes while my phone (iPhone 11 Pro) tried to establish and maintain communication with the pod. Once updated; it would intermittently lose connection to the App while attempting an indoor TRX workout.
Fast forward to two weeks ago and I had an experience where it spiked to 218bpm within the first few minutes of a recovery ride, then “flat-lined” again at 125-128bpm for the duration of the ride. I contacted Wahoo customer support soon after and they went through the typical spiel of updating the firmware, wetting the strap, resetting the unit by installing the battery backward… all things which I had already tried and ruled out, as if this was my first rodeo dealing with flaky Wahoo HRMs.
So, to prove my point, I repeated the exact same route one week later with a different HRN strap, took screenshots of the ride and sent it to them. They could see the HR disparity between the two rides and agreed to replace the Tickr with a new one.
The new one arrived on Tuesday and, as soon as I paired it with the app; it attempted to update the firmware. I say attempted because, 40 minutes later; it still said “Installing”. I finally gave up, took all those screen shots and sent them to Wahoo for evidence of my frustrations.
They are now offering to refund my money in full and take both HRMs back… I remain undecided.
Ray, you said that you were calling this the ‘2020 edition’ but if you look at the battery cover you’ll see that it says ‘TICKR V2’ so it seems that this is the official name even if Wahoo isn’t advertising it as such.
Yeah, the problem is that naming isn’t anywhere either when people go to buy it. It’s the same silly logic Apple uses on iPad’s that’s super unfriendly.
I might add V2 at some point to the titles/database.
Does anyone know if these (or any other) chest HRM bands can be used for sleep analysis, perhaps with an appropriate app? I’m about to buy one principally for walking and cycling. I have no interest in buying a watch or other device at this time.
Also, for the moment I’m planning on using an old iPhone 5s instead of a dedicated bike computer, so will consider acquiring speed and cadence sensors when I’m functioning at a decent level. As such am I correct in thinking that I won’t need storage on the HRM (unless for some reason it would be needed for a hypothetical sleep analysis function)? Sorry about the noob-type question but I really am!
Thanks in advance!
Great review on the Wahoo X. exactly what i was searching for.
Why isn’t the Tickr X available to buy anywhere? Did they have a recall and pull all of them?
I found one on brands cycle. You’re right tho, it was hard to find.
Great review and analysis!
Thinking of buying the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and Wahoo Tickr X for cycling. And Garmin Forerunner 945 for running while using the Tickr X as a HR monitor. Thoughts?
I moved to the Elemnt from the Garmin 810 a couple years ago. Zero regrets.
I’ve had a disappointing experience in terms with the Tickr (specifically, I seem to have to reinsert the battery frequently to get it to work). Don’t know how different the Tickr and TickrX are.
Switched back to Garmin for HRM (Dual HRM). So far so good.
Thanks Ronald!
I’m curious why you seem to favour the Tickr X given that you’ll be using a computer and FR945. What do you see as the justifiable (in terms of price anyway) for the X? I’ve just ordered a standard Tickr which is why I’m curious 🙂
Good question Tony, just for the HR measurement for both running and cycling. However I understand your point. Is the HR monitor for FR945 enough?
Well, Kevin, I won’t be able to tell right away as my ordinary Tickr is on its way (at half the price of the X). I, too, was looking at the watches but finally decided that at the end of the day, the Tickr will be far more accurate and given that I have medical issues that prohibit running but allow cycling, I’d be better served just using the chest band plus initially my old iPhone 5s, and perhaps later as I regain some muscle mass and strength, a bike computer. Hopefully I won’t regret saving that 40 euros by buying the simpler chest band! Good luck with your own search!
Ahh ok I understand, let me know what you think of the Tickr when you have tested it!
Hi
I’m doping JuJutsu and running. When training JuJutsu I can’t were my Garmin Fenix 6. Can I use Whahoo Tickr X and easy get pulse data to my JuJutsu training session.
Thank you for your detail review. I have the TICKR X and can pair it in ZWIFT. ZWIFT shows the triple connection but when I start my run my avatar does not move. Do you have any ideas? Thank you kindly. Lou
Do you see any speed/pace values coming through?
No, only heart rate data is displayed. The avatar just stands at the starting line.
Just for info:
After some month with the tickr V2 wahoo sends me a new device.
Battery life was realy poor. After round about 60hours I got the low bat info. 10 hours later the device was dead.
All hints from wahoo support with resetting the tickr did have no effect.
But it’s great from the support to send me a new one (and I can scratch the worse one without sending it back).
Hope that more than 100hours will be possible now!
I too have suffered this ‘flatlining’ of the TickrX and am now on my 3rd one. The previous 2 have both failed after about 1 month of running/cycling.
What is weird, after about 18 minutes it will just hold the HR for a while, then kick back in. Sometimes it will do it again later on in the run as well.
Also, I find that when I first start running, there will be a massive spike up to the 160s when I am barely moving. After a bit of messing around, sometimes having to ‘forget’ the sensor and re-syncing it, it might work but isn’t guaranteed.
Have you contacted them over this, there is obviously a fundamental floor with either the hardware or firmware that needs to be resolved. If this 3rd unit fails in the same way, I will be returning to Garming and getting the HRM-TRI and I will deal with the lack of connectivity that the Tickrx gives. The main thing for me is having confidence in a product, I do not have that with the TickrX yet.
I wonder if Mr D C Rainmaker has had any issues or if he continues to use it?
I have returned my Tickr gen2 to the seller, and they accepted it as a flaw, and returned me the full cost – by the lack of counter-argumentation from their side, I expect, that I was not the only one of their customers, who had this problem. I have not re-purchased a gen2 yet – I am waiting for Wahoo to sort this out.
Until then, my TickrX gen1 works without any issues (well, with just the “issue”, that it cannot talk reliably to multiple ANT+ receivers, but for gen1 they never stated, that it would be, so I am fine with that – I am simply using my Fenix5’s wrist HR sensor as a second source of HR signal – albeit less reliable, than an HR belt).
When I spoke with Wahoo this week they certainly didn’t give me the impression that they thought it was an issue with them initially, almost felt that I was the only one reporting this issue.
I was told it could be a ‘connectivity’ issue with the chest, which after informing them that I took all the necessary steps and had used HRM for years from Garmin without these issues and sent them some .FIT files they conceded that the two units that I’ve already had were faulty and I’ve just been unlucky.
Maybe I have been unlucky, but after spending a little time today searching it seems to have come up for a few users, although it has to be noted that not every user is experiencing the same.
Will see what this third unit does. The last two worked fine for a few weeks and then weirdness. When trying to train to HR it freaking annoys me, I then have to explain to the coach that I hadn’t been running hard it was the monitor again.
“I wonder if Mr D C Rainmaker has had any issues or if he continues to use it?”
Still often use the TICKR X – in fact, just yesterday, and two days prior, and…well…pretty much every week 1-3 times a week. No flat-lining for me.
I also bought another one to have at home, just arrived yesterday actually. Will see if there’s any difference between the two.
My Tickr has been working more or less fine except for a couple of days when it absolutely wouldn’t be found by my phone app. However, your post interested me, as I use the Tickr almost every day for walking (wish I could run or ride but right now that’s not possible medically) and most days the heart rate spikes to the 160s within the first couple of seconds after syncing with the phone. After that it does seem to work alright though.
Is this what’s happening with yours or is there something else going on after those first few seconds?
TonyKnight …
” most days the heart rate spikes to the 160s within the first couple of seconds after syncing with the phone. After that it does seem to work alright though ” –
that is one of the issues, the other issue is that it will hold a heart rate, kind of freeze for a period of time.
The issue that you have – my similar experience is this: So I will start running, low heart rate for about 20 seconds then boom, up to 160s. A couple of minutes messing about, forgetting the sensor and reconnecting, licking pads, and grumbling it reads again. Although saying that, this morning I had to ‘forget’ the monitor for 5 minutes and then reconnect.
Mr D C Rainmaker, I will be most interested in how you get on with the new one on its way. I found with the two I have had so far that after a couple of weeks I start experiencing issues. The spike at the beginning of exercise only really shows itself when running (thought it was mirroring my cadence to start with) and the flatlining, well that happens on both bike and run. Weirdly I think, and I will need to double-check, but I think it happened at 128 bpm on both monitors. I have attached an image from Strava (no personal details just a graph) which shows the flatline.
Thanks K_P very clear answer. So for the moment, it looks like mine is only screwing up right at the beginning, but I will look at my metrics more closely to be sure nothing else is going on.
I do hope you get yours sorted, as like you, I wanted the accuracy of a strap, but ultimately, a good watch would probably have been far more flexible.
Good luck.
I would say, and I think Ray would be the better person to give you an answer on this, but the straps give you a much better reading than the optical on the watch (when the straps work!). If your budget only stretched to the strap, the phone will work fine in my opinion. I use the Wahoo app along with my Garmin watch sometimes, just for the woman to shout out the metrics at me 😀
Do have a look at the accuracy, I would be fascinated to hear if you have any flatlines at all. I think if you are training to pace and using heart rate just as something of interest, then it is probably not a massive issue, for me though I really need accuracy.
My TICKR X has also started to cause problems the first few minutes of a run. Sometimes iHR is fixed at low bpm, sometimes 160 bpm. I have new battery and are also using a lot of water on the strap and contacts.
Planning to test Garmin Dual instead.
Seems like a bit of a theme developing here.
I have used Garmin straps in the past, always been great, wanted to try Wahoo – not sure why just fancied a change – I am not 100% sure I made the right decision. I will work with Wahoo until this is sorted or get a refund and buy a Garmin strap instead but would prefer that Wahoo fixes these issues. The way I view this, without user feedback then companies will not be aware of issues and not be able to address them. So, with that in mind, have you provided Wahoo with your findings and your feedback?
No, I have not. But totally agree that user feedback is important. Had similar problems with my old Suunto HR strap as well. So my impression is that HR straps does not last long before they start to fail.
“have you provided Wahoo with your findings and your feedback?” – I haven’t, since I’ve returned it to the online bike shop less than a month after I bought my misbehaving Tickr gen2 – I felt, if I would try to get this sorted with Wahoo, it would get me above the 30 days guaranteed online purchase return period, which we have here in Germany. But if you do have a service ticket with Wahoo, feel free to give them the strava links I have posted above in reply #206, along with those from Eric Sjögren from reply #207 – I think they paint a clear story. I have been using HR belts for years now, thus I know how to handle them properly, just like everyone else in this thread with these problems (keep the pads wet for good contact, etc) – and, as said, the Wahoo TickrX gen1, which I still have, and was using for around 2 yrs, works just fine for me, in the same circumstances, in the same environment, with the same receivers and same amount of “electro-smog” from the fan and laptop – no such “flat-lining” there. Thus it is clear, that something was wrong with the Tickr gen2. It may be a randomly occurring issue, with some “rare-condition-entered code branch” in the FW, or simply a QA issue of the manufacturing – but it definitely is not a “we have never seen this being reported before” thing.
JK, if I too had purchased from a store I would have done exactly the same as you, without a doubt. I purchased mine directly from Wahoo, just to ensure that if I did have an issue it would be easier communication-wise. I do agree with you on either an FW issue or a manufacturing fault both of which are only ‘hit’ on certain circumstances, hoping more FW so they can release an update,
I do indeed still have an open ticket with them on this, I will certainly mention your and Eric’s findings to them and point them towards here – I know they will be aware of DC but perhaps they haven’t read the comments ? or whether they would even be interested :S This issue is certainly, as you have stated, something that they are aware off as it seems to have been present for a while.
Sorry for this bit Ray : In the nicest possible way, I hope Ray experiences the same issues in the hopes that they may pay more attention to someone who has a sizable following like Ray rather than just a user.
See the Garmin HRM-PRO has been released! Looking at the5krunner site
Although on reading what they have put, it hasn’t actually been properly released at all, just their suspicions perhaps. They state a “source” which provided the information, but that could just be a google as far as I know, although I haven’t seen a green HRM from Garmin before ?♂️
Sorry for the delayed response. My Tickr is indeed occasionally measuring ridiculous spikes right at the beginning of the use graph. Sometimes this doesn’t even show up in the measure of the average and high heart rate recorded during the exercise. Sometimes it does though. Very bizarre.
I’ve looked at the older graphs and haven’t seen any other issues such as flatlining, but there again, I’ve only used it for four weeks. Based on the multiple issues discussed here I am considering asking Amazon.co.uk for the right to return the strap to its British vendor (who sent it to me here in France where they were and still are practically impossible to find in stock anywhere). It’s either that or just hope that no further faults develop.
Tony,
I purchased directly through Wahoo themselves, can you do that from France? If indeed you did want to stick with it and return the current one.
You would think those spikes would be grounds for return. Have you tried a new battery in it, just to cross that off?
I have a new one arriving today, I expect it to work fine for a number of weeks and then go wonky, but I am hoping that not to be the case.
As you saw from Rainmaker himself, he has a new one so it will be of interest to see how his gets on.
I love that word “wonky” – haven’t heard that for a long time lol. Yes, I did change the battery and that had no effect. I could as you say try a return (still thinking about that) and then re-buy direct, but it seems that these new models are perhaps not quite ready for real utilisation. It will indeed by interesting to see how Rainmaker finds his new band.
I certainly hope that your newest version will be absolutely not wonky at all, otherwise I can see most of us turning to Garmin. Best of luck!
So got the new HRM yesterday and took it for a spin. As expected, if you see the graph, it worked without the crazy spikes and no real flat lines. This has been the same for the previous ones as well, started off working fine, and then for some reason, crazy stuff starts happening.
I will keep the forum updated as we go, if there is wonky activity then I shall of course report it.
And so the saga continues with the new one.
After the laste Firmware Update for the TickrXv2 (Hardware Version 21) to 1.11.0 i get not the right HRM indoor (outdoor not tested).
On the picture you see on the left side the TickerXv2 with 49 bpm. On the right side Tickr with 107bpm like on my Fenix.
TickrXv2 Belt was at my breast, Tickr Belt was around 15cm deeper. But changed position (don’t know a better way to wear 2 ANT+-HRM-Belts).
My Wahoo Tickr2 has been wonky at best. I’m returning it to Wahoo. Maybe I’ll give the new Garmin HRM a try when it comes out.
Todd, I have now been told that they are aware of the issues that have been reported and apparently looking into it. That was the info I got yesterday evening.
I am willing to go through the replacement process with wahoo, but a change Garmin HRM-Tri would be tempting indeed.
What issues have you been having and have you reported them to customer service.
I have also started seeing the “flatlining” issue over the last couple of weeks. For example, in this morning’s TrainerRoad over-under workout, it was fine during warmup but during the first over-under interval it started sampling at a lower rate, and had a drop about halfway through. Then it was fine for the next interval, only to have a big spike during the cool down. Attached is a screen shot from the first couple of intervals, overlayed with power.
I haven’t done anything differently than before. I also had to replace the battery after only a couple of months because it was pretty low. I think there is an issue with these initial units.
That looks similar, time to get on to Wahoo and let them know. If you have the Fit file to send them then even better. The Fit file should be able to be retrieved from the Wahoo app. If you need advice on how to get it let me know.
Thanks, I should have mentioned that I submitted a ticket this morning and sent them links to my Garmin recordings from a few recent workouts.
Wicked, I would be interested to hear how you get on.
Ray has his second TickrX now as well so it will be interesting to see if he has any issues as he reported his first to be fine.
I sent back my old strap and they are sending me a new one. Hopefully there has been a hardware change and this one will continue to work fine. I will post here again if I have problems with the replacement TICKR 1.
Alan,
I would hold your breath, just had my third which arrived a little while ago, a couple of weeks, and today flat lines.
It sucks, never have I had these problems before. Really don’t want to go back to garmin but feel I have little choice.
That should say TICK 2. @dcrainmaker, why can’t I edit?
My replacement TICKR2 from September just started giving me issues last week. I’ve opened up another support ticket and have gone back to my original TICKR. Clearly there is a hardware issue with these that needs to be resolved. I do not recommend buying these.
I second that, I now use Gen 1 for heart rate based runs as I cannot trust Gen 2, there is something wrong with the set up. To much coincidence, same issue amongst the variety of users, some have many devices which are all failing in the same way.
Hi Ray, The Tickr X affiliate URL for Wiggle is incorrect. Navigating to the correct product loses your affiliate data. I manually updated the URL when placing my order so you should get some credit for my order. Thanks for your helpful detailed review. It was being able to connect to Zwift that was the deciding factor for me.
Weird. Thanks – appreciate it, I’ll get it fixed!
Ray, I’m trying to run my Zwift workouts through my AppleTV and record HR, cycling cadence, and control my trainer. I have the Tickr X 2020 and I know it can recognise cycling cadence and should do the job. But, my Tickr X doesn’t pick up my Wahoo Cadence sensor 1AC6. I can ‘see’ the cadence sensor separately on my Wahoo app, but the cadence signal doesn’t get picked up through my Tickr X.
Am I just doing something wrong here, or is there a tech issue that you know of?
TickrX derives your cycling cadence on its own from your body movement. It will not relay cadence data from another sensor.
Hi All,
I just got a TICKR X, however I am having a lot of issues with the iOS app.
1) For starters, I cannot change any of the profile details like weight, resting heart rate, heart rate zones etc. When I delete or change them, go to another tab and then back to profile, the previous values show up again.
2) I started a 5 min workout in which I had an average heart rate of 85 bpm while sitting. The app calculated 240 calories burnt per hour, translating to 5760 calories over 24 hours, which is clearly inaccurate.
3) Worst of all, the Device Free Workouts don’t sync, regardless if they are less or more than 5 min. When I go in the Device Fee section in the tracker settings, they show up as Saved, I can click on them to download them again, which they supposedly do, but when I go to history nothing shows up.
I’ve tried removing the battery, deleting the app, restarting the phone but none of those helped. With those issues, the product is completely unusable, especially as I don’t carry my phone around while working out. Has anyone faced similar issues?
Thanks,
Denis
Denis
1. I had problems setting up the profile on the app. I eventually got it set up by switching to Imperial. I think they never tested or understood Metric system. It tries to convert metric to metric thinking they were entered as imperial and then doesn’t save the data anyway.
2. The strap is not very god. You can check resistance with a multi-meter. Was giving me rubbish readings sitting for EliteHRV app. I solved the problem using a third party strap where the conductivity of the strap was much better. Polar Pro that comes with the Polar H10 is meant the be the best.
3. I can retrieve the device free workouts. You need to wake up the TickrX again then go to the history tab and wait for them to download.
Hope that helps.
Robert
PS I’m thinking of sending my mine back and going for either the Polar H10 or one of the Garmin straps.
Hi, any of you is using the Tickr or Tickr X 2020?
I have both, one Tickr X already exchanged at Wahoo (went perfectly well).
Problem js: they work perfect 99% but sometimes HR is going up to 180 (on a normal today at 5:00 min/km and HR between 125 and 130. Ended up at an avg HR of 138 (real wound have been 128), because vor Like 1o min total of an 50 min Run, I had these hi HR readings.
Happens to 2 different Tickr X and 1 Tickr now. All 2020 version and all on newst firmware 🙁
Already reseted by hotwiring the sensor. Did not help.
Anyone have the same problems?
Perfect review as always Ray!
I want to ask about hrm straps and swimming.
I am confused a bit trying to figure which strap to use.
I own Suunto smart strp that kept using via the app (movescount) but the app does not support the stap stand alone any more.(Customer focused brand…).In my question a rep told me that is sorry for the inconvinience..
So I decided to use my mio strap slightly adjusted with an extra strap to my neck!!! very close to my Garmin FR35 (in cup) while swimmnig…
1.If you had to choose a strap for swimming without the use of watch witch would be that?
2.If you had to select a strap swimming with the use of Garmin Vivoactive 4 witch would be that?
What’s up with the TICKR X being out of stock most everywhere? This feels like hunting for Elite products halfway through lockdown all over again!
I bought my first Tickr 3-4 years ago and it was great until it wasn’t. So I just bought the new Tickr and it started giving me sporadic data after a week so they replaced it. And then it started the same thong after two weeks. I have rebooted, made sure the contacts were moist and updated firmware. Still not accurate. – so, I have heard there is a “bad batch” out there. Have you heard of sick a thing? Seems like a Garmin replacement would be ideal after so much headache. Thoughts on this?
Scott, a few reviews above mention the same thing as you are experiencing
At the fitness center I work at we have over 20 brand new Tickr gen 2 HRM units ALL updated firmware from 1.4.0 to 1.5.0 and ALL flatlining and/or freezing for about 30 seconds. My initial suspicion is that the update interval is set low to improve battery life or simply a much worse or faulty sensor compared to the Tickr gen 1, which by the way works perfectly for us on about 30 plus units for several years now.
I also noticed I can’t buy any Tickr gen 2 on, for example, Amazon (com, uk, de) anymore.
Jesper,
The issues you report have been experienced by quite a few, not everybody by any means, but enough to raise an eyebrow.
I would recommend that you get the .FIT file from the Wahoo app and send that to support along with an explanation as to the issues.
The guys there are really helpful and without your feed back they will be unaware of any issues, and with feedback we all get better products that work.
Keep us updated as to how you get on.
I got my issue with my Tickr X (2020) sorted out. @RobJ suggested I didn’t need a cadence data sensor, that it would pick up my cycling cadence from my body movement – tried that, it didn’t work.
I contacted Wahoo support and after a couple of questions and messages they replaced my 2020 Tickr X with the previous model Tickr X, under warranty.
When I set up the replacement Tickr X up on the iOS app it picked up the cadence sensor on my bike perfectly first time, and relayed both heartrate and cadence to the FulGaz app on my Apple TV.
Worked perfectly then and has been operating perfectly since I got the replacement and set it up.
Excellent service from Wahoo for me on this issue.
The problem is, you shouldn’t have to use an old model to get it to work. Also the old models are hard to find, I assume they’re not producing it anymore?
Hi Jesper,
I agree with you about using the old model to get the feature to work. I had expected to receive a 2020 model Tickr X as a replacement so I was surprised when the older model arrived.
Still it worked as it was intended.
I wasn’t able to establish with Wahoo whether this issue I had was the function of a faulty unity or a common issue in the new model.
Have you tried this with any of the Coros Watches?
Is there redundancy between having both as the new watches seem to also have advanced running metrics.
link to support.coros.com
I haven’t, but, I know that COROS doesn’t support the same ANT+ Running Dynamics standard that both Garmin and Wahoo do, thus, I can pretty much guesstimate it won’t work.
These appear to not be available online anywhere expect their website. Was their production affected by COVID, or did they pull them for other reasons?
They are back on sale, just got one this week.
Indeed, they come and go from retailers. Just high demand.
In the marketing material then it says about the Tickr X: “On the indoor bike trainer, TICKR X will report cycling cadence.”
But in the specs it says: “When paired with the Wahoo Fitness App and an indoor cycling workout is selected, the TICKR X will measure cycling cadence.”
This would presumably exclude Zwift; has anyone successfully tested the Tickr X with Zwift and had it report cycling cadence?
I want to replace my HR strap and cadence sensor with the Tickr X and my computer with Apple TV, assuming this all works with Zwift, but the specs seem to indicate that cycling cadence is only with the Wahoo Fitness App?
Hi Eriendur,
I think it should work fine with Zwift. I was also confused by those Wahoo instructions.
I use an Australian cycling app called FulGaz, and run it through my Apple TV.
I needed to use the Tickr X so I could display three bluetooth inputs (indoor trainer power, HR, and cadence) on the FulGaz app when running on my Apple TV (as you probably already know, Apple TV can only take two additional bluetooth inputs – that’s why I needed to use a Tickr X).
I did need to use the Wahoo Fitness App on my iOS device once to “tell” the Tickr X to “find” a bike cadence unit. I only needed to set it up the first time – after that I haven’t opened the Wahoo Fitness App since and it’s been operating perfectly.
I returned my TICKR X after a few months due to the problems reported by several people with high initial HR (mirroring Cadence) and flat lines.
Received the NEW 2020 version of the TICKR X and used it only a week before same issues appeared. High initial HR (typically 160 bpm) and periods with flat lines. Even bought gel for HR straps to eliminate electrostatic or dry conditions / reasons for not reading correct HR. Switched to a GARMIN HR strap and rock solid.
Two Wahoo TICKR X and non of them work!
I had an older Tickr which died, bought the new 2020 Tickr X, first ride (indoor) and I see high initial rate , then a stepwise rate for the workout – flat lines then a change in rate then mor flat until the next change. way different than the HR track with the old tickr ( now dead) , the BlueHR ( even older) or my old Garmin HRM ( Ant only)
Ticker X 2020 doesn’t work even after firmware updates. I got three 3pcs of HR monitors with the same issues. Wahoo is silent…..??
My Tickr X2 has also had the flatline issues both in Zwift and outside while hooked to my ELEMNT Roam. Wahoo sent me a warranty replacement and I’m having the same issues. Most recently they came out with a firmware update to fix this specific problem and now it’s worse than ever. My old Tickr X is still working fine.
The reason I got the new one is because pairing is tedious. I thought with 2 BT channels the new one would pair seamlessly with my MacBook or ELEMNT even if already paired with my iPhone. It didn’t help. I still have to turn BT off on my phone and then remove/replace the Tickr x battery.
I’m ready to give up on Tickrs. What is more reliable at pairing and recording accurate data?? Garmin? Polar?
I’ve decided to replace the gen2 Tickr with a Polar H10 (supports concurrent receivers via ant+ & ble), and thus far (2 months) it works reliably.
I think I am on my 4th, maybe 5th, Gen 2 tickr x, still plays up. Have the Gen 1 as well, which in my opinion is a much more stable and reliable device, certainly not 100% but performs more consistently than the Gen 2.
I would certainly be looking else where and would waste your time or money. I will be looking at moving away from the tickr and, just because I don’t want to go garmin, will go Polar. (Have no reason not to like garmin, my watch is garmin, but I like to mix things up).
*****wouldn’t waste your time or money *** ??
I also traded the Tickr X2 in for a Polar H10. The polar is excellent. It pairs quickly and provides believable/stable readings. I definitely recommend skipping the Wahoo HRMs.
I am using a Fenix 5X and Tickr X2… run dynamics were working fine but mysteriously do not anymore the last few weeks. Anybody else have similar experience?
I noticed a new Ticker X2 firmware 1.11.0 was released 12/04… updating to it has not solved the issue for me.
Weird that this function just stopped working for me.
Even when the Running Dynamics data was working it was very inaccurate to reality.
And they won’t release any firmware update log. There’s been several updates before 1.1. The 1.1 we can assume was a major update based on numbers in the version. We’ve seen slightly better performance in all of our 20-30 belts (I work at a gym) but they’re still rubbish performance. We’ve switch to cheap sensors from Magene and Cospoo from Amazon, Chinese brands but they’ve been excellent so far and at half the price.
Are you sure that you are connected by ANT+? I have written to support and their answer is, tha running dynamics are reported only through Ant+, over BT no
What is the best HR monitor for kayaking or surfski where there is exposure to saltwater. All my Wahoo’s keep having problems.
A little more digging… On my unit stride length doesn’t work if I actually run. In order to get a value I can only walk. As soon as I start running poof. This naturally screws up the ratio data, too.
what app will this work with that also has a map?
The wahoo phone app has no map!
Tickr-X gen 2 has been a frustrating experience. Many strange HR readings when running, both over and under…appears the HR reported ends up following my cadence. Lot of errors with elite HRV on signal quality…will try a new strap. Use cycle cadence but only seems to work in the wahoo app…i have a Magene s3+ But can’t use it for speed and have the tickr report cadence – wahoo app is missing the feature to select what device you want data from. Trying 3rd party apps the Tickr-x won’t report the cycling cadence. Even without cycle speed in the wahoo app when I do a brick session and switch tech from bike to run the Tickr doesn’t seem to like switching modes (bike to run) and it won’t give me my run dynamics or run cadence without playing around with it. Going to try a new strap but overall not impressed given how good wahoo products normally are.
Hi, very good post thx. IPlease what is better to use for FR935 with new Tickr-X Ant+ or BT conection for running: I need to receive running dynamics datas
Use the Ant+
Remember first to use the wahoo app to calibrate.
Even after calibration I found from my testing that running dynamics data so wrong that I returned my Tickr-X and just bought the Garmin HRM-RUN or HRM-PRO. Much more accurate & comfortable.
Ach Robj it eas very wrong tip from you. I have calibrated and after this it send unrealistic datas – before all was correct 🙁
This is exactly my experience that I just mentioned. The running dynamics is totally broken.
Dear Robj, thx for your answer, I had HRM-RUN but for 1 year I had 3 time technical problem, always was needed to return and they changed it to new one. it is because that I brought wahoo and going to try it
The Tickr X2 has proven to be a very buggy device for me. I’m on my third Tickr X2.
Issues that I’ve seen:
1) Tickr X2 remains powered on even when detached from both strap ends.
2) Tickr X2 Running Dynamics has non-existent to a handful of data points for GCT or Vertical Oscillation when paired with either a Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar or a Wahoo Rival or the Wahoo Fitness app on iOS. The data is just not there or sporadic.
3) Tickr X2 when paired with a Polar Vantage V2 results in my V2 acting really flaky with 0 pace or a frozen pace value. Or sometimes it does show a pace but suddenly loses position + pace. No idea what’s going on but it always happens over BT LE with Polar Vantage V2.
At this point my recommendation is do not buy the Tickr X2, it’s seriously buggy and I can’t tell whether it is purely firmware or also hardware.
Sean
Was able to resolve the running dynamics issue. The key is external GPS calibration with a phone and then resetting the sensor. These are the steps provided by Wahoo. However, you have to modify the steps and select the GPS outdoor calibration instead.
“Let’s try calibrating your TICKR X with your Wahoo Fitness app. To do that go to the Settings page of the Wahoo app then tap on Sensors. Then tap on the TICKR X and scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap on Calibrate. Then you can select the 2 minute calibration and follow the directions on the screen. Once that is completed unpair and forget the sensor from all of the devices and apps you have paired the sensor to then complete a battery reset (remove battery, flip, install upside down for 10 seconds, reinstall correctly). Finally once that is completed pair it only to your Rival and take it for a run. ”
It works, I’m getting Running Dynamics data now with my Rival.
Sean
Shouldn’t the wahoo straps be “NO” for “VALID HRV/RR DATA” with all the alpha 1 tests showing these straps don’t produce good data?
A minor tidbit: I got my Tickr X replaced under warranty due to the device not returning the correct HR. It would frequently ‘freeze’ the HR between 122-124 BPM, and I verified through my Apple Watch that my HR differed from the Tickr’s reported HR. After that, it would return that incorrect HR but suddenly report a flat 225 BPM for the rest of the workout.
The first Tickr X did indeed connect via Bluetooth to my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. The replacement Tickr is listed as connected via ANT+.
Any others on here contacted Wahoo support to see if they’ll add GCT Balance via a firmware update seeing they’re prioritised by a ‘frequency of request- highest priority system to raise the priority?
I’ve tested my original strap on a multimeter and the resistance readings are very high with the slightest movement breaking the connection. I’m running mine now with a generic third party strap. Early days but so far I’m getting more accurate readings.
Hope I’ve not spoken too soon!
How does the TickrX’s run cadence/indoor pace, etc. compare with a garmin footpod for accuracy? Does it need to be calibrated or does that happen automagically when used with a garmin FR 920XT, for eample.
Also, if using with an Apple Watch, will the Apple watch use the TickrX for that or it’s own accelerometers (I presume it’s own, not the TickrX’s)
I got Tickr v2 in Jun 2020 and the initial strap lasted around 4 months during training it was good but there were times when it would decide that it would stop actually monitoring HR and would slowly lower your HR despite intensity staying the same and the only fix is to unclasp the sensor, after which it goes back to normal.
After the original strap failed Wahoo sent me the mark 2 strap (the textured sensor pad) and that one didn’t fare well in cold temperature (under 7c) regardless of using gels or wetting the pads, it would work for around 10 mins then flat line for the rest of the session. It has also recently started to underreport actual HR and force an unclipping of the sensor to fix the issue.
Hi Ray,
Great review as always, quick question – which watch are you wearing in the video, it looks like a Suunto?
Thanks,
Michael
Thanks Michael! In this video it was the Polar Grit X: link to dcrainmaker.com
Cheers!
My 3rd, 2nd gen TICKR X , remains in my drawer. 3rd replacement and still giving wrong readings (spikes and freezing). On July 27 Wahoo launched a firmware update 1.13.0 that ” fixed various bugs and stability improvements”. I was hopeful that all those issues were finally solved …… I did update it and guess what …… readings of 53-55 BPM while at rest ( I was happy ! ) but after 5 seconds “jumped” to 215 BPM ….. So TICKR X went back to my drawer …
Any luck somebody with this firmware update ?
Mauricio,
I’ve had so many issues and so many replacements, I felt like giving up many times. However, I did eventually find something that helped, not perfect but stopped the stupid spikes.
So, I went on amazon and purchased some gel designed for these things, put that on and no more spikes.
I really urge you to try that and let us know the results, I think the gel was about £5, so really cheap.
Keith
Thanks for the comment. Actually with my chest straps I do use gel 100% of the times (I bought a 4 lt “medical” size !) …. But with TICKR X still the same issue… I use a Polar H10, which from time to time gives me a drop or spike that last 5-6 seconds. … Not “perfect” either but much more reliable than Tickr X. Besides running, I use it for HRV readings with HRV4 Training.
Cheers !
Let me just add that Garmin Forerunner 620 (along with Epix and Fenix 2) is a different animal compared to the other ones listed among “theoretically supported models”. I took my new Tickr X for a run with my FR 620 yesterday and got no running dynamics stats at all. It even blocked out the internal cadence meter of the watch.
From Garmin’s web: “The epix, fenix 2, and Forerunner 620 display cadence, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation when paired with an HRM-Run or HRM-Tri. These products are not compatible with the Running Dynamics Pod.”
Wow I’m glad it’s not just me having all these issue with the Tickr X. I bought mine in June as my original Tickr had started freezing all the time (6 years old), I assumed it was the strap, but a new strap was £20 and I had a voucher for an online store and during the past year I’d started running a lot, so bought a Tickr X for £60 less £30 voucher. The first set up took a while to get a HR but I put it down to it being the first time I’d used it. It has always taken a while to connect to the Wahoo app and Strava but I figure this is because it calibrates for the motion analysis. This past week on a ride it seemed a little odd connected to my Bolt, a little laggy, and my HR was jumping around a bit and going much lower than normal. Then on a run the other day it went to 110bpm and there it stayed, even running 7:30 minute miles which would put me in the high 160bpms normally. I’ve tried my old strap on my Tickr X, I’ve tried my old Tickr with the new strap and the old strap, I’ve tried new batteries, everything. Nothing works. Replacement on the way I assume as they want pictures and proof of purchase at support. Might sell it and get a Polar H10, a real shame as I love the analytics this thing gives for running, and the bonus cadence for cycling without buying a cadence sensor. Wahoo used to be so solid, but these past few years they have gone downhill fast.
I can’t get tickr X to pair as footpod on my garmin 935, as far as I see the device is compatible.
Hi Ray,
Many thanks for your great reviews. You note “you can’t offload that data from the TICKR-X to a Garmin watch (or a Polar watch, or a Suunto watch, or any watch). You can only download/save data to the Wahoo app and then sync that to various sites”
If I sync a TICKR strap to my Suunto Spartan will I be able to check if I’m in the appropriate HR Zone during a run or is that chest HR data only viewable afterwards?
I also had a terrible experience with the Tickr X 2
I bought one just after they released it, and it was super buggy, returning a very low HR for extended periods, and I tested it with my old Tickr strap, with new (different) batteries, but nothing seemed to work.
I contacted Wahoo and they sent me a brand new unit, but problems persisted. I contacted them again, and they sent me a new strap only, which in this case was different to the old one (in my first Tickr X the strap was very similar to the old strap), but it didn’t solve the problem either.
In the end, I just went back to my old Tickr, which has been consistently reliable since then.
+1 for me. I have 3 TICKR v2’s, two standard and one X. None work correctly. I shelved them all a year ago only to revisit them periodically with the hope they’d function better. Nada. Still are terrible and so I’m back to my v1 X which has worked without issue. I need to contact Wahoo just for the sake of lodging a complaint. I don’t want another one at this point.
I have now had 2 TICKR v2 straps (one a warranty replacement).
First strap started sending wild over and under readings at about 10months, wahoo kindly replaced it, and the new strap is a ribbed sensor.
The second unit also tends to stop reading during a workout, so after one such workout I decided to open the battery compartment on the unit to find a whole lot of sweat had founds its way into the unit, and some components looking corroded.
I’m yet to contact wahoo, however I use the strap at the gym and sweat alot, so the “waterproof” rating seams a bit off. If my sweat breaks them, I’d definitely not swim in them.
When on my bike, it’s less of an issue, I presume due to air flow. Maybe they need to look at the seal in the unit?
Ray, at this point, what’s your go-to basic HRM?
I have the old-version TICKR, and am getting flatline issues that moisture doesn’t seem to be helping. I sort of wonder if my batteries are an issue, but the lights are blinking. I think I need to replace it, but don’t want another that only lasts a year and a half.
Can’t recommend the Tickr because of the fragile pins on the battery cover. First lid was leaky because of a broken pin. The device stopped working because of a rusty battery from my sweat. A replacement unit (No, they don’t sell the lid as spare part!!!) was sent to me and had a 2 broken pin when i opened it for the first time after it arrived. I don’t know wether the design is stupid or if its me. But i never used too much force nor did i overturned the lid. Can’t believe they don’t have the lid as a spare part. At least the support is very generous and they sent me another device. When this arrives i have 3 working tickrs but only one with a working lid…
Is the Wahoo HR strap compatible with Suunto 9 peak?
Yup
I read the review and finally I decided to buy TICKR-X version 2 As i have fenix 6X Pro how can I pair it as a running footpod. I reaaly cannot pair it as a FP.
What are your thoughts on the Wahoo TICKR 2 X vs Polar H10?
I bought this HRM and strap last week and though I get the new, flush, design I was astonished to find that this HRM doesn’t ‘clip’ with any of my other chest straps. It seems this is less to do with the flush design and more to do with slightly different fasteners. Did you find this, Ray?
If so, it seems pretty shocking that they charge $20 for an extra strap as the only confident way you can get a second strap that will work wiht the unit. Or did I get a dodgy unit?
-Steve
replying to my own comment here as the previous comments didn’t originally load for me…and I see others saying prior straps work fine but also may need to adjustment/filing to fit. I have 3 prior straps and none fit so will look at filing but curious on views from others…did you existing straps (that worked with Gen 2) work just fine with this new Tickr?
-Steve
answering my own Q after some further investigation – many of the older straps have two small plastic numbs either side of the popper. it seems like filing this down enables these straps to work with the new Tickr (and the old one)
Any chance these might be made as rechargeable in the future like the Tickr fit? I’m a surf ski paddlers and find that the Tickr always dies on me after the first battery change. I have tried using the Tickr fit instead but it always seems to read too low.
Hi Ray,
have the same issue as others posted already, Garmin is not showing the Tickr x as foot pod, what is the trick O:)
i have a basic trainer for my bike…no power meter/power cranks/smart trainer….do you think the “X” model will really track my cadence? not sure how the technology works to sense the cadence. otherewise, i am looking at the basic TICKR. thanks for the review.
Downside of the 2020 TickerX: the latches that try to lock the battery compartment are flimsy and break off way to easily. Results in a non-lockable HRM, and sends the device to the scrap yard :'(
My Tickr started to show errors: very high heartrate and very low. Not all the time but basically at some point during every ride. I start sweating after 1 minute of cycling so contact with the body is no problem.
I bought the Tickr last fall and I’ve mostly used it indoor with Zwift.
Solution? I opened the battery cover and liquid (sweat I presume) had leaked inside and corroded the battery. From now on I’ll use some sealant on the battery cover (e.g. blue silicone) to avoid this from happening again.
Well… it’s a risk but I’ve just ordered a replacement Tickr X for my 6-ish year old device which had a rusty or leaky battery that seems to have killed it.
I am aware of the November ’21 comment from Ray, so why did I buy it? It was for the cadence that I use on my bike and running. It’s not perfect but if I’m just going to do a few drills with a rough cadence target or laps of a hill alternating “high cadence, out of saddle, freestyle”.
And I see a note about a different chipset and firmware, so hopefully this will work out okay 🤞:
link to support.wahoofitness.com
What I still really need is for some very hirsuite folks to test HR monitors – both optical and ECG!
I own at least a dozen discarded HRMs each of which worked very well initially, usually for around12 months, before reliability became an issue and a dependable replacement was required. Amongst my discards are more fickle Wahoos than a rational person should have purchased. However, after reading your positive review and having had no more luck with numerous other brands I decided to give Wahoo another go. It was only after I had ordered the new HRM that I spotted your Nov 21 update warning of the very pitfalls I have experienced many times. The new one has not yet arrived but I now accept that I will buy a replacement HRM every 12 months or so. I read your reviews enthusiastically and set great store by them. My only suggestion would be that pertinent updates are made more prominent. Otherwise, thank you very much for all that you do; it is greatly appreciated.