The Wahoo Trackr heart rate monitor gets its limits tested, so you can know yours.
Wahoo Trackr: One minute review
The Wahoo Trackr heart rate monitor chest strap comes from a company known for working with Team GB athletes. As such this is a professional-grade bit of kit which now offers a rechargeable battery, making it more accessible for everyone than the last generation Tickr.
From running and cycling to fitness classes, athletics – and beyond – the Trackr makes for a super accurate way to get the most clear heart rate data. Since most metrics on smartwatches are now extrapolations from heart rate data, it pays to have the most accurate start point and this is what the Trackr is all about.
Sadly, it does lack the oxygen sensing capabilities of the more modern wrist-worn smartwatches, so data like SpO2 is lacking. For this, you’ll need a separate bit of kit in the form of a muscle oxygen sensor.
The Wahoo Trackr is compatible with the company’s own Wahoo app suite and plenty of popular third-party fitness apps including Cardio Mapper, Endomondo, and Runtastic. It also works with both ANT+ and up to three Bluetooth connections at once making it highly compatible in terms of hardware.
When it comes to battery life, this model goes for a solid 100 hours on a charge. This model is rechargeable (unlike the other Wahoo heart rate monitors before it) and the supplied USB 3.0 cable packs an LED to show charge status at a glance.
In terms of water use, it’s not for swimming with just an IPX7 rating. That’s not the best and means it’s rated for a depth of one meter for 30 minutes, so it’s not designed as a swim tracker and doesn’t have onboard memory to make that a feature.
Overall this is one of the most convenient and compatible heart rate monitors that’s also comfortable and super accurate – making it clear why this is used by professional athletes.Wahoo Trackr: Price and release date
Available to buy now in the US, UK, and Australia
Priced at $89.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95 RRP
The Wahoo Trackr launched on June 25 and is available across the globe. It launched with a price of $89.99 in the US, £79.99 in the UK and $149.95 in Australia.
The Trackr is a more affordable option than the other top-end options from the competition in the likes of Garmin and Polar. You can buy the Trackr directly from Wahoo or on sites like Amazon.Wahoo Trackr: Design
Comfortable to wear
Small strap length
Simple design
The Wahoo Trackr unit itself is pretty standard in terms of shape and size, although it is definitely one of the lighter options at 39g including the strap. As such it feels like it’s barely there and you won’t need to worry about it moving around due to its minimal weight.
The Trackr comes in one size with a strap that extends between 68cm and 91cm (27 inches to 36 inches) which sounds like plenty when you consider Wahoo says this works for up to 50-inch chest sizes. The reality felt quite different though as it was a snug fit even on a 42-inch chest.
The straps feature skin-sensitive materials that work to detect your heart rate, without the need to wet them or do anything before getting started. There is a clasp system to attach the strap around your chest which is very easy to use and allows for quick adjusting as needed to find the right fit.
The fact that this model features LED lights for status and charging feedback is a really useful addition.
