Wahoo Tickr X review

TL,DR: watch the video Wahoo Tickr X review below if you don't want to read.
Wahoo Tickr X Review
- Value for money - 75
- Utility - 100
- Ease of use - 95
- Feature set - 95
- Implementation - 80
Summary
If you don't mind shelling out $130 odd bucks for a heart rate monitor that sets itself apart from other HRMs mainly by being to record data without an extraneous device, that will probably have more features in the future, then this is worth a look. Especially if you run a lot.
A clear trend in technology has been the pushing of intelligence into the cloud.
Even in iOS apps (for instance), intelligence and computational effort can be pushed into the cloud, future proofing apps and making the apps themselves more lite and easier to update.
This is obviously also evident in cycling (has long been the case actually), where a range of telemetric sensors (heat rate, power) transmit data to head units which in a sense themselves are really only data collectors or aggregators. This leaves the real computational work (display, thresholds, integration etc) being done elsewhere (Strava, Garmin, etc). Of course, there are exceptions, like Garmin watches, the Fitbit and so on, but at their core, they are telemetry sensors first and not computational devices (as they should be).
However, as chips get smaller and less power hungry, we see more “smarts” appearing in previously-“dumb devices”. Look around: internet of things, Apple Watch (now running its own OS with Watch OS2) and more.
I didn't think we'd see it in telemetric sensors for a while, but a “while” is right now.
When I started looking for a HRM to replace my failed-for-no-reason Bontranger and Garmin (old version) I had a look at Wahoo was doing, looking for something simple and hopefully reliable. I didn't even consider the device was a candidate for more functionality than simple detection and transmission. And it was of some surprise to me to find that Wahoo, with the Wahoo Tickr X, had reversed the concept of “dumb” telemetry sensors (somewhat) by pushing some pretty cool functionality back to the sensor.
Wahoo Tickr X review
The Wahoo Tickr X HRM has some notable and useful features including:
- Storage of activity on the device itself
- Dual band technology (Ant+ and Bluetooth)
- Status lights and status vibration
- Control of peripherals (iPhone for example)
- Pushing firmware into the device allowing future functionality to be pushed into the device
There are some downsides to consider though, so let's delve in.
Good (and great) aspects of Wahoo Tickr X
Storage of activity data
Most notable is the capability to store activity in the HRM itself. The Wahoo Tickr X stores 16 hours of activity in the device which can be uploaded later. (It also reports live data to head units like a Garmin.)
This is a boon for me, as when I run, I usually do not take anything with me (unless I go for a long run i.e. 15km+ and need something to take my mind off my body). No iPhone, no iPod, nada.
Recently, I started recording all my cardio activity and eating (into My Fitness Pal, for those interested) to see if I can quantitatively measure my inputs and outputs in order to get myself down to 59kg (from 64kg). That is, applying pure science and measurement to effect change. (If you want to lose weight, chances are you cannot do it on feel. By recording everything, you can easily identify areas for improvement: for example, by reducing Asahi intake.)
Because I don't typically run with devices, I needed a way to capture calories expended on a run, without spending $300+ on a single use watch (I don't use these types of watches on the bike. That sh$t is WAY too un-aero) or carrying a Garmin 500 in my pocket, which I've done before.
(On a slightly tangential point, I also don't like running with devices and paraphernalia that requires pairing and whatever else. I just want to concentrate or let my mind wander and not have cables flapping everywhere.)
Therefore, the ability to run whilst ensuring my calories are captured is awesome.
Status lights
It really bugs me when my heart rate and calories aren't reporting data to my head unit, i.e. the HRM appears dead. Hands up who's had this problem? That's right, lots of you.
It's incredibly frustrating that there’s no way to debug non-operational HRMs without a) changing the battery (which doesn't definitively prove anything unless the monitor then starts working) b) changing the strap or c) changing the HRM body and keeping the strap (WTF, right). WHAT A DRAG.
(Obviously, with a power meter, heart rate is rather extraneous, and some guesses can be made about calorific load. However, combining heart rate and power is very useful in determining aerobic effiency, amongst other things.)
At least now, you can definitely see if it's working.
However, the status lights aren't used to their full potential, something I'll touch upon further in the review.
Dual band
The Wahoo Tickr X supports ANT+ and Bluetooth so you can connect to smart phones via Bluetooth or cycling computers via ANT+. Neato!
I tested this by running the HRM to my Garmin 500 and 810, and pairing it via BT with RunKeeper. Note that Strava Run did not pick this HRM up via Bluetooth (I attempted 3 times), but Strava (Cycling) does.

Strava Run does not detect Wahoo Tickr X (and I don't own a footpod either!?)
Double tap functionality
The double tap functionality allows you to mark laps, control your activity (start/stop/resume) or control music on your connected device.
On the face of it, this is cool right? True, but it also introduces some user experience (UX) and practical issues, which I discuss below.

Wahoo Tickr X Review – app integration
Well executed app
The free Wahoo Fitness app is a well executed app that integrates with lots popular services like My Fitness Pal, Garmin Connect, Strava, Training Peaks and more.
Now, ideally you wouldn't want an App for a single device (or in this case a suite of Wahoo devices) but it's still of some use.
The use-case for the app would be something like: go for a run, come back, sync the activity to the app which then uploads to a third party service.
One thing that annoys me about many apps is auto syncing between services (in this case Wahoo and Strava). By this I mean, you cannot “force” a sync. However this app gives you a button to force the upload of activities to the desired services. Useful. Also note that activities less than 5 minutes are not synced which is an intelligent approach.
Autosync is employed between the HRM and app and is activated from the screen.
The app detects the sensor every time without any issues.

Pairing with Wahoo iOS and Run Keeper
Other data
You can also couple the HRM with the app during exercise to get GPS data (from your phone). This makes the app start to look like Strava Run (for example) however it's a bit more flexible due to its Bluetooth and Ant+ capability.
You can also get things like steps per minute, though I've no idea how mine is calculated (no footpod). Maybe it calculates it based on my height, estimated leg length and therefore steps per minute?
Running smoothness is apparently calculated by an internal accelerometer (!).

Cadence (steps per minute) and pace data
There are some cool features like fitness tests and motion analysis (e.g. running smoothness) and Nike Fuel which by the way has been decommissioned by Nike. I didn't explore and of this functionality.
The app has data capability which I can only assume is for a Wahoo (or Bluetooth?) Power meter.
Exercise profiles
It has a variety of exercise profiles and allow you to set double tap functionality (i.e. what the double tap does) per activity. For example, it might mark start/stop for running, or play/stop music or marking laps (good for running).

Workouts screen
It also has provides different workout profiles which can be stored in the HRM itself. I actually think this is really cool and is means you can follow an (admittedly short) regime without phone and audio cues. I didn't explore this functionality.
Not-so-good aspects
Here’s what I don’t like about the Wahoo Tickr X.
These issues largely speak to the fact that functionality has been pushed to the device without (what seems like) adequate consideration of user feedback cues and user experience.
Doesn't work with Strava Run
That's right, Strava Run doesn't work with the Wahoo. This is probably something to do with Strava Run, since Run Keeper and standard Strava work. I prefer not to use Run Keeper as it requires background app refresh to be on, which, because I go for 100km runs, kills my phone longevity.
You need another app
I see why the app has been developed, and realise it would have been very complex to deploy the functionality they have built into another third party app (like Strava).
However, it adds to decision or app fatigue. I already manage (now) 3 services and associated apps for my fitness: My Fitness Pal, Wahoo and Strava. I also have RunKeeper and Garmin Connect on my phone when required.
(On the desktop/laptop side I use Golden Cheetah if I am training for a race and need to know a bunch of power related data.)
Double counting activity
It's possible to double-count activity: for example, by syncing an activity (a run) via the Wahoo app connected to Strava and using a head unit (receiving with Ant+) and uploading to (for example), MyFitnessPal, I had two instances of activity.
This is because the Wahoo app is connected to MyFitnessPal (MFP), and I upload the activity to MFP to get a picture of calories in (food) and calories out (exercise).
I also upload it to Strava, which is also connected to MFP. MFP syncs data from Strava, so the data was reported from Wahoo->MFP and Wahoo->Strava->MFP.
Clearly some activity matching (or something) is needed to prevent this.
Calorie reporting
The first time I used it, live cumulative calories didn’t report to Garmin Edge 500. Whilst heart rate reported to my Edge 500, accumulated calories did not. They must have been stored though, as they upload to Strava. Subsequent rides, tested on the same 500 and an 810, did show cumulative calories.
There's also a calorie mismatch: the calories reported by the Wahoo iOS app to Strava and MyFitness Pal are way different to those reported via Ant+ to the head unit and then Strava.
For example, one ride was reported as 1827 Calories in the Wahoo App (~7600 kJ) and via Ant+ to the Garmin reported as 2000 kJ.
Double tap
Whilst pushing some functionality onto the device is great, it needs to be rock solid.
The double tap functionality is awkward to use in a user experience (UX) and practical sense. Let's say your run double tap is to start/pause/resume an activity. How do you know what stage you're at (i.e. “did I double tap once and now I'm paused?”). You might think, “well Tim, put the HRM on, walk out the door, double tap, run. Don't double tap till you finish.” Ok, that's fine but I had an instance where I was trying to get Strava Run to detect the HRM, and was double tapping to wake it up (this is probably unnecessary) and in the process I was starting/pausing/resuming. I had no way of knowing what state I was in. Was I recording? Paused? I spent my WHOLE RUN worrying I wasn't recording calories: how on earth would I know how many Asahis I'd worked off?
In my mind the concept is great but execution warrants a rethink (i.e tap to start, double tap stop or pause, tap to start).
Here's how I'd fix this: make better use of tap and vibration feedback, or, use the status lights. Here are two suggestions.
- Double tap to start, tap to pause, double tap to start/resume. A double or single vibration can be used to confirm.
- Use status lights to convey the state: blue flashing light (every 30s?) to confirm recording, flashing red for paused.
The functionality is halfway there and the capability (lights, vibration) is there.
I'm also a little unclear on what setting double tap functionality to nothing does. Does this mean the device simply reports heartrate and calories all the time?
What's stored on the sensor and saving
It's a little unclear what is actually stored on the sensor and can be accessed without a phone (7 minute workout etc).
There are a few settings in the app that sound like they could be sent to the phone (like auto pause) but there's no way to tell. I hate UI and UX uncertainties and unresolved questions!
There's also no apparent way to “send” or “save” changes to the HRM. Do you make the changes and assume they're saved? Annoying.
End activity doesn't work
Ending the activity in-app didn't work for me (ever).
To end activity recording on the device, I had to unstrap it and remove from my chest.

End workout doesn't work
Should you buy a Wahoo Tickr X?
So, to the crux of this Wahoo Tickr X review: is the Wahoo Tickr X worth buying?
Well, it depends.
If you don't mind shelling out $130 odd bucks for a heart rate monitor that sets itself apart from other HRMs mainly by being to record data without an extraneous device, then yes.
You'll be able to undertake exercise without a head unit or phone. Admittedly dedicated runners might have a Garmin or other watch that does HR, calories and GPS. However, I don't need to, nor do I want to, spend $300 on a single use device.
In terms of longevity, I've only had this a month. My Garmin lasted 4 years and was absolutely flogged through thousands of hours of hot cycling, having water poured on it and long hot runs. My Bontranger only lasted 1 year (and died for no apparent reason), and I've yet to suitably assess this so time will tell.
Where to buy Wahoo Tickr X
Where possible, support your LBS by buying your Wahoo Tickr X there.
For online buyers or those who don't have an LBS who sells Wahoo, then please consider buying through the links below this post or from Wahoo directly or [easyazon_link identifier=”B00O5Y4FXA” locale=”US” tag=”velonomad2-20″]from Amazon[/easyazon_link] for the US/UK/Canadian folks.
Disclosure: I paid for my Wahoo Tickr X.
Wahoo Tickr X Review
- Value for money - 75
- Utility - 100
- Ease of use - 95
- Feature set - 95
- Implementation - 80
Summary
If you don't mind shelling out $130 odd bucks for a heart rate monitor that sets itself apart from other HRMs mainly by being to record data without an extraneous device, that will probably have more features in the future, then this is worth a look. Especially if you run a lot.
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Thank you so much for this in-depth review. I’m currently doing my runs with a Pear Sports Bluetooth HRM and a Garmin ANT+ HRM and I’m getting tired of wearing 2 HRMs so I was intrigued by the TICKR X. This was very helpful.