Battle of the Smart Trainer Fans: Wahoo Headwind vs Elite Aria

[@aerobrain2001]

The level of detail in this review blew me away!

[@stevepetts1721]

Yep. That's Ray.

[@habibi750]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 Ok, Karen

[@CannabisTechLife]

I'm def a fan of this review!

[@fgoehner]

That was brilliant

[@targaW3007]

I have the wahoo fan now for almost 4 years, and I still can not believe I have bought a FAN for 300 bucks 😂😂

[@stuartfreedman6854]

To me the heartrate/speed/power activations are just frills. Just give me lots of air flow all the time please. I use two frontally placed pedestal fans, one on a table pointing directly at me and one on the floor pointing upwards. I turn them on when I get on the bike and turn them off afterwards. They are also relatively quiet compared to the snippet of sound I heard in the video. Speaking of which, I was hoping you'd do a "sound check". In any event, the video convinced me to stick with what I've got and save the money for other goodies. Cheers.

[@bertdinkle3540]

Finally! Someone (DC Rainmaker, of course!) mentioned that both of these fans can be manually controlled. I completely agree about the "usefulness" of the smart features, but I would very prefer to manually control the fan. None of the product descriptions I've read have mentioned manual control - they all jump on the smart features that I'm not really interested in. So, thanks DC for adding that part to the review - most helpful.

[@NathanBudd]

I just want a fan in this shape, with a remote that I can have on my handlebars to adjust the speed. Seems like a no-brainer for £100. You did well testing how good of a job these fans blow. Kudos.

[@adamweb]

Totally agree... I have the Wahoo Headwind but it's overkill since I just leave it on max and never utilize the smart features.

[@Deifiable]

This not only exists, but is literally listed on Zwift's site. It's called the JetBlack Trainer Fan. $150. Remote controlled. Same shape as the Headwind.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

The wahoo fan is one of the best accessory purchases of my life. It simply just works in the background without any thought to it. I love automation and anything that takes my mind off having to push buttons, toggle switches, or what not is simply well worth the extra money on something I use practically every day.

[@ipaterson]

Smart outlet + 2x Lasko fans (you can chain them together) is all the wind you'll ever need.

[@edwiser]

I have the same setup more air than you could ever want.

[@melissasinclair9303]

There are several Lasko fans - I'm just setting up my bike room now with a fan

[@andreasolsson2336]

4x honeywells, paired as outer and inner (aimed at different angles) via 2 smart outlets so I can control each pair separately via the phone app or google home voice command

[@thedownunderverse]

@@andreasolsson2336how do you control the fan speed though?

[@andreasolsson2336]

@@thedownunderverse fan speed is manual, the control is on/off. super useful having one pair aimed at the torso and one at the legs. warm season riding with open balcony door, full blast on all from the start is ok, but in winter, the legs pair can be off during warmup and then started after say 10 minutes to prevent knee issues. gamechanger.

[@elchiller2001]

As I have bought the Elite Aria System, I noticed that the manual has actually a pictured suggestion for the remaining cable to wrap it around one of the round sides and it has a place under the strap to tuck in the cable as well. So one pro point less for the headwind...

[@richjacques]

Would like to see you review the Vacmaster Cardio54 Fitness Fan - at 1/3rd the price, looks interesting.

[@andreasolsson2336]

thumbs up for the pic alone ^^

[@euroswilliams7303]

I had a headwind but now use 2 of these fans. I say use but it is very rare that I need more than one. I rotated mine by 90 degrees such as the airflow goes up and down my body rather than across. Do not regret buying these and selling my headwind. Two fans for the price of one.

[@MrR1ma]

That's the yellow Vacmaster AM1202 in the background. I think the only difference is the Cardio54 has a remote in lieu of another outlet. The Cardio54 does 349, 433, or 518 cfm. The AM1202 does "up to 518 cfm" (15 M^3/min). Ray's mentioned it in a few post comments.

[@mlegrand]

My parental safety software has flagged this video and automatically reported it to the Amsterdam authorities. When they catch wind of this content, the whole thing is going to blow up in your face.

[@clinlashway9147]

I have the Wahoo fan. I like it a lot. For me, all of the control stuff is just a gimmick. I turn it on full blast, do my ride, then turn it off. The big advantage it has over a generic fan is the very focused flow of high speed air. Perhaps there are some sort of industrial fans that will produce this tight column of air, but your average room fan certainly does not. I could see how the adjustable angle of the Elite fan would be helpful for some people. But it's easy enough to position the Wahoo fan at the correct distance out in front of me that it blows where i want it to. Is the Wahoo fan overpriced? It certainly is when you compare it to typical room fans. But the market for a bike trainer specific fan is pretty small, so I don't think it is realistic to compare it to general use fans.

[@bertdinkle3540]

Agree about the focused column of blast that these specialized fans produce - way better than the much-wider breeze that ordinary fans produce.

[@mathewrose2951]

Will Elite sell cords with different plugs separately from the fan itself? Since the cord is removable, it seems possible, even if it isn't typically available. For those of us who split time moving between different continents, that might seal the deal.

[@elitecycling]

Ciao Mathew, Thanks for dropping a comment! Yes, I can confirm that the cords are indeed interchangeable, and they're the standard type used for PCs. So, feel free to use your current cables or buy new ones if necessary. However, please keep in mind that Aria isn't multi-voltage. The 110V version will only be compatible where there's a 110V voltage, and the same goes for the 220V version.

[@Ih8GoogleandApple]

I long for the day when the only training tools I used were a polar ❤️ and a timex Ironman watch

[@kimwarner6050]

Vacmaster for life

[@michelkluger]

Not buying any fans, but the humor in the video is gold

[@JimHester]

I really like the notion of using the body temp sensor. My basement stays pretty cool, thus helping keep my body temp cool. Only activating based on heart rate seems like the fan might be blowing pretty hard when I don't actually need it to be.

[@pirestube]

Agreed. But, if you don't mind me asking, why do you have a temperature sensor? The folks I know have one, use it for heat training. Is the configuration of the fan enough when it comes to the temperature intervals you want it to kick in harder? Otherwise, you may be having a hard time getting that heat training gains in.

[@michaelpolakowski7301]

I have a larger, higher-end version of that little $10 fan. No remote--I aim it, turn it on, and go. The breeze is relatively "focused" and it's quiet... something I appreciate since I listen to music while Zwifting and don't have to crank it to drown out the ambient noise. I wouldn't think of using an indoor trainer without a fan, and would not consider paying over $100, let alone $300, but to each their own.

[@TheHyperSprite]

I have the Wahoo and love it connected to HR but the angle adjustment issue has to be one of the worst things about it. I found this video because I was googling for a 3dprint for new side panels that would let it swivel or something, so I can point it up more without the block of 4x4 wood under the front legs like I do now ($300 fan and block of wood... :( ) Elite doesn't seem to point up much more than the Wahoo either, so that's a bummer.

[@salsalawyer]

I have a Laslo fan connected to a Kasa Smart plug. 80 dollars all in, just as good

[@JB-ji9up]

Power support really is a nice addition since in interval trainings there will be a delay in hitting the interval and HR to elevate up. Also the tilting functionality is a game changer, right now I'm using an amazon shipping box to elevate the front of my Kickr Headwind to blow some air in my face. Might "upgrade", thanks for the review.

[@paulinfrancis]

I wish the Wahoo had power support.

[@johannscheer]

I really like the idea, but how can I connect my speed-sensor with the Trainer? Power and Heart rate works fine, but it just don't want to find my speed-sensor😭

[@fgiraffe8751]

Time for a collab w Project Farm to test all those fans in the background!

[@Greenteac]

I have a cheap tilt-able fan connected to those wall smart plug thing, so if I forget to turn it on for my training/race I can still turn it on from my phone which is indeed quite convenient. Change that fan to a Dyson then it also gives the focus air, would cost about the same as these fan but at least easier to sell to the wife...😂

[@Geo-Tactix]

Still waiting for the Garmin Tactix 7 Amoled review !!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@drake29a]

Hey there, I've got my Aria today, but after turning it on 10-25% it's giving out some humming noise that is way louder than turbine itself. Eventually turbine is getting louder at something around 60-75%, but at low speeds it is pretty annoying. Is it normal? When I watched multiple videos, it seemed that it was the case sometimes, but really hard to say.

[@WowRixter]

Those smartfans are way too expensive to justify

[@adeka59]

Niche product with low sell volume, high R&D and production costs. Except for Zwift itself, it's the best thing I bought to improve my indoor riding experience. More than five years without a single glitch.

[@WowRixter]

@@adeka59 glad it worked out for you. I still can't justify it for myself. The only other kit I'd consider in the pain cave is the Elite Rizer

[@ericjanson2955]

RE the cheap but effective Vornado fan on the back bench: I had been using one and had been sufferring from app crash after app crash. Zwift advised me that the Vornados were relatively noisy (in terms of electrical noise, that is) and the noise could cause enough packet interference to crash the app. I bought a Wahoo fan, and the issue totally disappeared. Have you done any tests on this electronic interference issue?

[@Dcrainmaker]

That's very odd. I've never had or heard of that. I'm not saying Zwift is full of it, but, that's a wonky one, and I've used the Vornado a ton of the years. But...might be a fun one to test a bit!

[@davidvonslingshot]

I’m a huge FAN of this review. #dadjokes

[@MattSwain1]

I tried various fans when I was on the trainer and always ended up sweating buckets. It really felt questionable spending so much on the Wahoo fan but I’m so glad I did because the difference is huge. My only regret is I didn’t buy one sooner and my bike might be in better shape having had less sweat dripping onto it. My one criticism is that I’d like a simple remote control for it. I’m only interested in manual control over the fan speed and using the app to do it is a faff.

[@johnnybravo1912]

You have to believe what your are saying otherwise the shitload of money you spent is just stupid ~ as long as you believe yourself the big brands are making a killing..

[@Fast402]

I just wanted to know if it would be quieter than my lasko fan for the same airflow.

[@jsprhrmsn]

I have a vacmaster and a 60cm industrial fan and still there are moments where I need more as in Spain it's warm....

[@CornholioTP2]

How do they compare in terms of noise?

[@trbeyond]

Is the elite available in the US?

[@Tizzledk]

If I fart in the room😂😂😂

[@bonn1771]

So good with the fan jokes

[@adamweb]

I'm surprised Zwift hasn't implemented some sort of manual smart fan speed control yet...

[@VeejayRampay]

the wahoo headwind is so good, it's dead simple, has massive air power and is easily controllable if adjust height with books, it's easy

[@euroswilliams7303]

Vacmaster with remote control (studio 51) placed on its side for the win. As strong or stronger than the wahoo and placed on its side fires the wind up and down your torso as you'd want. Also half the cost or you could have two fans for the price of one, but you probably won't need two. I barely go out of setting one on the vacmaster. So good. Having used the headwind i found having to use the app to change the level very frustrating and the changing relative to HR a bit of a gimmick. Once you are warm you want the fan on all the time.

[@rasherdk]

If you find the HR-relative adjustment a gimmick, I'd argue that you did not adjust the high/low HR appropriately. I haven't touched my headwind in months. It simply turns on when I start working out, and adjusts appropriately as I warm up.

[@euroswilliams7303]

@@rasherdk that's fine. I didn't find the variance to be necessary so sold my fan and have two vacmaster studio 51. Double the airflow with which I can aim one at my head and chest and the other lower down. But, as I mention in my comment, I rarely get-out of setting 1 with 1 fan. But then it's nice to have the airflow if I need it, something that headwind could never give me. Also having tactile buttons for my fans rather than having to unlock my phone and find an app if I need to change the settings (if its warmer or colder on that day) is far better. You like your setup and having tried both I prefer mine over the headwind.

[@schschsch2642]

What's the name of the $10 fan behind you?

[@bikedawg]

How come there's no measurement of db on how loud these fans are?? That's is my main criteria.

[@Artpi7]

thanks, it was very helpful - I bought a regular circulator of air 😉

[@Tizzledk]

New fan from wahoo...let's go wahoo

[@narcosis9842]

Like you, I just want my fans 100% of the time.😂

[@kurrling]

Sound levels? dB?

[@MrMichaelfalk]

Carbon filter does indeed remove odours.. Same thing in your cars "cabin filter"...

[@TravelAddicted]

Speaking of blowj, blow performances.. I have a big ass fan with an alexa plug. I can turn it on at max speed when I'm done with my warm up and things start getting sweaty.

[@spishco]

5:16 sounding like Frankie MacDonald!

[@jareou]

My Costco remote fan works well, I returned my wahoo fan

[@Avioto]

Great video, I have become a big fan

[@amaranthinagony]

When the wahoo was $250, this would have been a no brainer. Now… bit harder to choose

[@kayy-03]

No Onlyfans joke?

[@SimoneChiaretta]

One is 5 yrs old, the other is just been released. Wahoo should just release a new model.

[@parkatip]

big fan

[@BrianKellison]

Big Thumbs up for Fart Science

[@IbraShakirov-lr5qq]

👍👍

[@chrismadden9126]

Blow “performance “ 😂😂😂😂😂

[@nech060404]

I still don't get the competive advantage of these fans. Optimum cooling rate isn't a function of heart rate.

[@ТаалайбекГаипбердиев]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@zenmoto369]

I have no idea wtf this is, but I can bet it gets less views than DJI and GoPro videos :D Great video as always!

[@andreasolsson2336]

no one went with "mind blown" yet? =)

[@indianajonze]

that's a chunky boy...

[@Майсал-н8с]

5н

[@samtravis4822]

You’d be much better off buying 4 standard fans and banking the left over 200 dollars!

[@БегайымМамажанова]

😗☺️😉

[@adeka59]

I was not a fan of the Headwind's look but the Elite is absolutely ugly. I'm sorry for the people who spent a lot of time designing it but I could never have this thing at my place.

[@AltynaiKabylova-de1lq]

Вау

[@shepshape2585]

Ah, the elitist cyclist. More than willing to spend thousands of dollars on things they could have bought for a fraction of the price. Gotta love this sport. I mean, a fan that speeds up or slows down based solely on the work you're doing on the bike? That's worth THOUSANDS of dollars, and they only want $350!?? What a deal!! It's not like they make fans for $50 that put out more wind and have remotes that allow you to turn it up or down while on the bike. What? They do? Yeah, but what would my friends think if I didn't overspend? Oh, and make sure your tire logos are perfectly centered over the valves or I'm not speaking to you. Thanks for pointing out at the beginning of the video that you were only reviewing these fans because that's what you do and that there are several other, more sensible options.

[@johnnybravo1912]

You can complicate anything and everything related to cycling and make yourself believe you cant live without the STUPIDLY expensive gadgets that doesnt add anything to your cycli g experience.. Everythi g is getting more virtual.. Next thing will probably be a rain thrower to convince yourself you are really living.. You can just go outside and cycle.. uphills, downhills, wind and rain.. Its all free here in South Africa.