While sports watches remain the easiest way to get heart rate measurements, if you want the most accurate results, a chest strap is the way to go. Wahoo's heart rate strap has been the TICKR, but Wahoo engineers wanted to not only change to a rechargeabl…
While sports watches remain the easiest way to get heart rate measurements, if you want the most accurate results, a chest strap is the way to go. Wahoo's heart rate strap has been the TICKR, but Wahoo engineers wanted to not only change to a rechargeable battery, but improve accuracy at the same time. With that, I have been testing the all-new Wahoo TRACKR Heart Rate chest strap on all the usual terrain and it's been a signifiant improvement to the TICKR.
Wahoo TRACKR Heart Rate Chest Strap Features:
Advanced heart rate detection algorithm
Thin, flexible strap with wide sensor area
Hook loop closure with double snap attachment
Internal rechargeable battery with 100 hrs battery life
Magnetic charging port
ANT+ and multi-Bluetooth connectivity
IPX7 waterproof rating (1m depth for 30 min)
MSRP: $89.99
Worn underneath a base layer for a morning ride.
TRACKR delivers improved measurement and data sharing
While riding, I typically broadcast my heart rate from the Polar Pacer Pro smart watch. This has been a reliable and easy way to use the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM V2 as the measurement hub on road and gravel rides. Sometimes it's a little clunky to start and it creates a duplicate workout on my watch and the head unit. As an alternative, I have used Wahoo TICKR X extensively, but battery life was abysmal and always needed a new coin cell every time I hoped to use it.
It's pretty obvious that the rechargeable battery is tops on my list of TRACKR features. Using a simple magnetic charging port, the TRACKR charges up with ease, but is yet another unique charging cable to keep around. They couldn't just go with USB-C because of the IPX7 waterproof rating that allows it to be used while swimming. I have yet to attempt to test the full stated 100-hour battery duration, but it sips battery power and is easy to recharge.
The TRACKR pod (top) is smaller and rechargeable.
To make it easier to use, the TRACKR pod features a multi-color LED that displays sync and battery strength indicators. With those LED's, you can expect the following functions:
Pairing: Blue slow flash, fast flash and solid
Charging: Red/orange/green flash for various charged levels and green solid when fully charged
Battery Strength: Orange or red LED when low
After topping it off, I went right outside to use it on my first ride. I attempted to find the TRACKR Heart Rate on the ELEMNT Roam V1 but it never appeared as an available device. I tried several times and gave up. But, because I didn't want to completely un-kit myself, I just paired the heart rate from my watch and kept the TRACKR on to test how it feels on a ride. That initial ride was better than expected and I knew that once I sorted out the pairing issue, I would get along just fine with it on my chest. Deep breaths are natural and it sits nicely throughout a challenging ride.
The front snap closure is actually more convenient on the old TICKR.
Back home, I was determined to sort out the pairing issue, so I charged it up again and proceeded to pair it to the Wahoo iOS app. After that, I can easily it with all Wahoo head units, Zwift and MyWhoosh. With the Wahoo App, I can also see the battery percentage as well, And, pairing it with multiple devices is simple and consistent.
The new TRACKR Heart Rate is built to do a singular task -- measure heart rate. As such, don't expect any onboard memory, pace tracking, steps or running power. In talking with the Wahoo team, the primary focus of the TRACKR's development was accuracy. Knowing that, I have tested the Polar Pacer Pro's wrist-based heart rate measurement against the TRACKR. After several side-by-side tests, the overall average and max heart rates captured with each are consistently identical or within a beat or two. However, through the course of a ride, the TRACKR's heart rate remains smoother and more consistent, as you can see below.
The TRACKR's heart rate measurement is much smoother (click to zoom in).
For both cycling and trail running, the TRACKR has proved to be an accurate and comfortable heart rate tracker. I have preferred using it for cycling, since it works well with the full Wahoo ecosystem with one exception. Using the TRACKR with the Wahoo app for activity tracking has resulted in a quickly-depleted battery on my iPhone 13 Mini. I'm told it's a known issue with the iOS app that their engineering team is actively working on a resolution. Until then, I would not recommend activity tracking using the Wahoo iOS app. Outside of that, the strap is comfortable and measurement remains accurate and reliable.
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