Hot!
- Simultaneously pair up to three Bluetooth and ANT+ devices
- Water rated IPX7 (waterproof up to 5ft) ideal for swimmers/triathletes
- Compatible with a wide variety of devices and popular software programs
- Front closure for easy on off
- Reasonably priced
Not!
- Strap could be a little softer next to skin
Price: $49.99; $479.99 for the ELEMNT ROAM Bundle; $329.99 ELEMNT BOLT Stealth Edition Bundle
Availability: Online or Retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Strap Length: Adjustable from 23 to 48”
Water Rating: IPX7 (waterproof up to 5ft)
Battery: User-replaceable size CR2032
Battery Life: ~500 hrs
Signal Range: 10 ft
System Compatibility: ANT+, Bluetooth
Redesigned TICKR HRM With Slimmer Design and More Power
In early May, Wahoo released a redesigned TICKR with a new look and updated firmware that enhanced its connectivity, power and comfort. My disclaimer here is I never tested the earlier version of the TICKR so I can’t compare the two. What I can do is review the new TICKR on its own merits and compared to other HRMs I’ve used.
According to the company’s press release, the new design has a slimmer shape and an integrated strap design to make the TRCKR the lightest heart rate monitor available at 48g/1.7oz (pod and strap together). According to my gram scale, it was lighter than the Garmin HRM by 4 grams. I liked the front snap design instead of the side hook like on some manufacturer’s straps. The front closure reduces the chance of chafing, while providing easy on/off.
Adjustable from 23 to 48 inches, the strap will fit most body types and the pod is water rated IPX7 (waterproof up to 5ft) making it ideal for swimming/triathlons. The fabric used for the strap is a bit stiff and would prefer it to be a little softer against the skin. I’ve handwashed it a few times (per Wahoo’s instructions to hand-wash only), but it hasn’t softened up much. The strap hasn’t caused any chafing, so it’s more personal preference.
Another one of the new features is the TICKR can simultaneously pair up to three Bluetooth devices and ANT+ technology (e.g. smartphone, GPS, watches and bike computers) at the same time or separately.
According to the TICKR sell sheet, it is compatible with iPhone 4S or newer, iPod Touch 5th generation, iPad 3rd generation or newer, Apple Watch, Apple TV and works with most Android devices running version 4.3 or newer. The TICKR integrates with the most popular software programs including Wahoo, ELEMNT Companion, The Sufferfest, Adidas Running, Zwift, Nike Run Club, Peloton, and Map My Run to name a few. Pairing the HRM was quick and easy. I tested the TICKR with Wahoo, ELEMNT Companion and Zwift software and paired it to my Garmin Edge 1000 and Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt with no issues.
Wahoo placed two LED lights on the top of the HRM pod body, enabling the user to easily check the devices are connected and recording data. The two LED lights show visual confirmation of the TICKR connection status via Bluetooth and / or ANT+: searching for a connection (blue slow blinking light), connecting (blue fast blinking light), and reading heart rate (red blinking at current beats per minute). In my opinion, this is more a gimmick than a beneficial feature. Most women wear the HRM under their sports bra, and then a shirt or jersey over that, thus the LED lights would not be visible. For men, I doubt they’d be shirtless when pairing a bike computer unless maybe riding indoors.
Wahoo states they have increased the TICKR’s battery life by nearly 50%, providing up to 500 hours of use on a single battery. It uses a CR2032 battery and it is easily changed using a coin or screwdriver.
CR2032 battery is easy to change
The TICKR is available in the new Stealth colorway to go with the new ELEMNT BOLT Stealth or in the traditional Wahoo white and blue. It is also available as part of the ELEMNT ROAM and the ELEMNT BOLT Stealth Edition Bundles.
Available in two colorways
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a new heart rate monitor, the new version of Wahoo Fitness’ TICKR performs well, pairs with Bluetooth and ANT+ and is reasonably priced at $49.99. Or if you are in the market for a cycling computer, both the ELEMNT ROAM and ELEMNT BOLT Stealth Edition come bundled with the new TICKR.
You mentioned women having a top covering the monitor. Well, I have a funny story about the Tickr lights. With my Tickr X still on and under my jersey from a ride, I went to an informal meeting with one person. .
In the middle of our meeting, he abruptly stopped talking. Staring at my chest (he’s got a husband), he exclaimed “what in the world are those blinking lights!”
Tickr had turned itself on although I wasn’t moving. And it was bright enough to see through my clothes.
I laughed and explained it was my HR monitor, but it took a minute to get back to our meeting topics. Those lights are bright!
Thanks for sharing 🤣