Wahoo TICKR & TICKR X 2020 Edition: Unboxing, Review, Accuracy Tests

[@mahiru20ten]

2:51 - So it's actually THICKR... (Sorry, had to make that one)

[@chrisfirgaira6967]

I'm pretty sure they're saying it's thinner when you consider the connection tabs on the strap, the new design looks to be inset.

[@janpeterlassen7791]

This 12min video on HR staps is probably one of the funniest videos you ever made!

[@mlegrand]

Ray, I see you’re low on heart rate straps. Your fans have already started a GoFundMe campaign. We’ll get you hooked up. 😆

[@Dcrainmaker]

There's some beauties in those bins!

[@samkitto010]

@@Dcrainmaker hey it's me your brother. send one to me down under!

[@kevcube]

So many hearts so few monitors

[@strouja]

Thanks Ray. I thought I had lot of heart rate monitors but you put all of us to shame that is nuts how many straps you have. On a serious note great view and thanks for the information. Best part of video “I liked it”. I laughed as we all do that.

[@conradsinsua7415]

wahoo tickr 2nd gen lasted only one month, first gen lasted 3 years...then went to web and downloaded app and updated it and got it to work again

[@robertwills3408]

Just waiting for the Wahoo Grindr now

[@MichielVanthoor]

Hi Ray, I like the running (& cycling) dynamics to see how my balance is improving after my knee surgery.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup - injury recovery is a valid reason for sure! Good catch!

[@ericwilliamjohnson]

dude, you are so funny. i thought i had a lot of HRM's

[@Dcrainmaker]

Just a few!

[@marcbryant8482]

Thanks Ray, excellent review. And liked the quick quips too, made a straightforward review fun.

[@stephenbetley9596]

Dual BT for Zwift & TrainerRoad is a buy for me. Run both - just to rack up XP - and can only track HR on one, normally TR, at the moment. That and the new run dynamics. Actually a good upgrade all considering.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, exactly that I do...

[@ucdengboss]

I run TR and Zwift at the same time as well and hate how I only get HR data to one of them. Considering the "regular" TICKR here.

[@sensovision]

Ray, thanks for the review! Once I've heard that Wahoo Tickr X has running dynamics I thought it could be a cool thing to get that data in time when my Vivosmart doesn't support that, but after your review I realized that it would be as good for me as any other strap...

[@ImpactWench]

Every time someone mentions "the old TICKR" I feel like asking "And how's the old ticker doing these days, chap?"

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha...TikTok!

[@andrewgordon6179]

I have an old tickr run it was fine for 3yrs and now it just drain battery really bad

[@skateata1]

Not well. Had the old TICKR x for 6years. It was great until I got my new phone. Galaxy S10. Goes in and out with connection. No way is my HR 120 when I'm sprinting up the hill .

[@Try_n_2Tri]

Great review as always. I have the 'old Tickr' but am tempted to get the 2020 X just for the run dynamics... Best quote of vid though - "I basically licked it"... LOL... poetry.

[@Nonixification]

11:50 "I basically licked it" :D Nice zoom-in work with the camera :D

[@Dcrainmaker]

That's what I'm here for!

[@IanB17]

Hope they’ve made the straps more durable. Mine seems to die after 2 years although it does get used extensively.

[@bhgemini]

Thank you. I am adding this to my spin bike and can't wait to see your in-depth on the IQ2 long term.

[@HLaB75]

My old HRM failed two weeks ago (probably all the sweaty turbo sessions I have been doing). I wanted the TICKR but because of the current climate I couldn't get it in the UK so I settled for the CooSpo H808S and touch wood it seems to be good and I like the reassuring beep it gives on connection 👍

[@jorgitogaitan]

Oh cool. I wanted to see if it works w iPad on Zwift or TrainerRoad or Sufferfest and also paired w the wahoo headwind fan. That’s what I think will work in my setup. Great video as always! And please don’t run naked in the woods hahahaha

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup - that's exactly one of the reasons it's there for!

[@davidsonmarisia]

The one feature that is really important in running dynamics is Ground Contact Time Balance... it's critical to identify left/right balance or lack thereof, its a indicator of back problems, or underlying injuries... overall, it the one think that must be on... and its not

[@ScottRivers1]

I have been buying TICKRX since they came out. I find they last for two years and die. In fact, I just ordered the new one because my last one just died... Anyone else seeing similar life on their TICKR X units?

[@AndrewKarczewski]

Hi Ray, thanks for the review. Any news on new 2020 Garmin HRM straps? e.g. Garmin HRM-PRO etc

[@sbrads8550]

Great review Ray. Disappointed in the lack of GCT balance. I have found this to be the most useful running dynamic metric. Over time alignment of my lower back / pelvis drfits and this is perfectly captured in my GCT favouring one side over the other. Acts as a great injury prevention tool. The HRM-Tri/Run does the job but I really dislike the pod built into the strap.

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's a good area to use it for. Good catch!

[@danielappelhans3489]

First, thanks for all your great and informative reviews! With the heart rate straps I got a question about durability. Me and a lot of athletes I know experience problems with heart rate straps over time. It doesn’t really matter which brand (Polar, Garmin, Wahoo), they all seem to cause problems after a few month/ a year or so of admittedly heavy usage (indoors, hot conditions etc.). They have drop outs, slow responsiveness etc. But the Tickr usually failed earliest and I’ve heard from some people making the same observations. So the durability seems really not that good. What is your experience on this? I don’t really see wrong usage being a cause here (straps not wet/tight enough etc.) because they work totally fine in the first few month. Thanks!

[@torma99]

I use simply cheap chinese straps with my HRM, usually odered them for 1-2 USD/EUR, last time, I got 3 for 4 EUR with shipping. I always change them after the indoor season ends in the spring and use a new one

[@igfernan1]

Hi Ray, one silly question, is the new strap compatible with old units? Thanks for your reviews!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup! I validated it snaps in perfectly.

[@andrewlabat9963]

Nice review of all at once, but I think had you measured the thickest part of the device, where the strap connects to the actual monitor, you'd find the difference, because when wearing it, that is how thick it will actaully be..

[@jersut]

The ultimate test is can you please wash the strap with washing machine delicate mode with laundry bag? No issue with Garmin and polar strap but it is with the old tickr strap

[@kpizzle1985]

Manufacturer's claims do matter and they definitely need to be called out on then. False claims show a lack of integrity. That said, I love my wahoo Bolt!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, I tried to call it out!

[@takyiyakvsi]

That is very thorough and funny! :)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!!

[@RodrigoJaraPiccardo]

Haha I like this unedited format. Keep it up Ray

[@ironmantooltime]

DC, What did you do that time Lionel Sanders let you borrow his TT bike? 🤔 11:51 🤣

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hahahaha

[@tau007]

Always informative, Thank you for all the effort , guys if you want to finds future products look at what Ray is wearing.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@tau007]

Always the best keep it up.

[@jshepard5840]

I really like your videos, you're very thorough and knowledgeable. If I can make one critique, it would be that you have to slow down. Often times I have to go back and replay something you said because I can't understand a word here and there. I appreciate you trying to keep things brief, but not at the cost of my understanding.

[@Imm3rs1on]

I bought the old ticker X 2 months ago... Now they have running dynamics for garmin, what a great timing I had! By the way how it is the compatibility between the old and new straps? I'm guessing they will stop selling the old replacement straps

[@peterrainey6195]

Great to hear, like the updates. What a pity I just bought a Tickr X last week. There were none in Australia so bought from Clever Training.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Doh! Appreciate the CT support though!!!

[@peterrainey6195]

@@Dcrainmaker we appreciate what you bring to the fitness community.

[@click381]

DC, I have 3 wahoo Tickr Heart rate monitors and they are horrible. They where working fine for about 3 month and now they are going crazy, sitting in my chair they are reading 129 to 179. Galaxy Watch is reading 53. Any way to reset these heart rate monitors. Thanks

[@davidsonmarisia]

My opinion tickr Xis the best HRM in the market... I have 2 units of the previous model... One problem, it does not relay GCT Balance for running... That is the single most important feature in running dynamics... It is a must if looking out for injuries due to unbalanced running posture... Wahoo support confirmed the the unit does read and calculates it... Bit shows it as running smoothness which is not the same thing... Had to buy a Garmin Tri HRM...

[@minervali631]

I've always found hr straps to be irritating on the skin and awkward to adjust if it was to fall down from the chest. Polar oh1 is much better.

[@MrGigigigi1984]

Hi Ray. Thanks for the awesome reviews and recommendations! I was wandering what you think of products from Decathlon: the chest HR monitor is much cheaper than competition (indeed doesn't have special features): is it worth it to track HR while running? On the other hand, the Amazfit Stratos seems a good GPS watch at that price point; would you still prefer the Vivoactive and the likes?

[@andymontier1296]

Can you use these to swim, I’m not fussed about the swim metrics. I just want to not have to put on a HRM strap in transition. I can use my watch, but I would prefer to not have to move my position the bike. Just want to know if I go for a open water swim, the get on the bike. Will it present me with my hr on my bike computer

[@chrisholton1381]

I have the original tickr X - i find double tapping with a knuckle works best

[@Dcrainmaker]

I feel like there’s so many jokes that could be made with this comment...

[@chrisholton1381]

@@Dcrainmaker that would get the pulses racing i suppose!

[@fabricioluna2621]

"The LED will stop flashing though after 30 seconds. So only if you die in the first 30 seconds will the TICKR visually tell you. The more you know!" - Ja Ja Ja.....

[@EatMyPropwash]

If you sold each HR strap for $10, you’d be a millionaire. 😂

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hahaha!

[@t89black]

Thank you for the video. So do you recommend and is this the best you have ever used? I am interested in getting the TICKR X

[@COYSMike]

I have a suspicion, based upon no inside knowledge, that we might see a Wahoo running watch coming

[@AdamLechner]

Hi Ray, what's your experience with TickrX's running pace data? Running in the woods my Garmin often struggles with actual pace.

[@nikicaa17]

Does TICKR X track running distance if you dont have any other device with you when running?

[@bobsams1516]

Impossible to buy anywhere currently

[@joselarrarte6964]

I have had several Wahoo Tickr HR. They start giving bad readings after couple of months, less than a year. Any idea what’s the issue?

[@jamesblack5219]

One other useful piece of information. If you have a hairy chest the wahoo is difficult to pair, bought mine in the off season and actually had to shave to get good contact, my old Suunto didn’t have as much trouble. After initial pairing haven’t had any issues, but we will see once the chest hair is back to full glory.

[@shepshape2585]

Maybe talk to Chewbacca and see which one he uses.

[@NJ_Random]

​@@shepshape2585😂😂😂😂

[@mauricior8550]

Do not buy it. Got Tickr X back in September 2020. Working fine at least 20 times. After that problems started: erratic reading, spikes, up & down, freezing, you name it.... Using gel all the time .... following all troubleshooting mentioned in Wahoo page... nothing ... nada... Dealer sent me a new strap... same issues.... Then replaced both unit and strap.... This time worked fine 8-10 times and again same problems.... Gave up, lost $79.00 and bought a Polar H10 .... Trying to “save” money in a unit that promised a lot but didn’t deliver.

[@martblore]

Felt like i was at the dentist at 1:27 haha

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hahaha!

[@MrColombia12]

I have a fenix 6 sapphire ti, would you recommend the hrm run or wahoo tickr x? I have an hrm run but I went on a 10 mile run with it and for most of the run it was 180+ bpm. Maybe it's not accurate idk maybe wahoo tickr x is better idk. Awesome vid!!!

[@Holynoise1977]

Nice video... I have the tickr for like 2 years i think and use it with Endomondo.. I never use the wahoo app!

[@Buzzcouple]

Would this help with connecting HR and Cadence when using FulGaz on Apple TV?

[@DushkoKantardjiev]

Hi, Does they broadcast HRV on BT, or ANT+, or concurrently? Cheers

[@TalbotCoxMedia]

Great video thanks for sharing.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@the-Fern]

do you when do give away some of those hrm , let a brother know. just saying.

[@markchedrawe]

How do you feel the X compares to the Garmin HRM-Run?

[@MRC10MAX]

Don't like the click mechanism which will definitely fail after 1 year of taking it off and on every day. Garmin's stays in place and the strap unbuckles.

[@CarlForde]

my Tickr is about 2.5 years old. I've worn it hundreds of times. No problem with the snaps. The elastic strap is getting loose but I just tighten it some more.

[@cory1newton]

I’ve had 2 TICKR HR straps for my wife and I for 5 years. Never had an issue.

[@qkunboxing]

Cool. What happened to the monitoring? Will it actually tell you when a certain pulse range is exceeded. Or is it just me inventing it right now? :)

[@brianquigley5743]

Tickr would only work when I pressed -both- sensors -hard- against my chest (even with gel on sensors). Loses connection after 3 minutes (per manual when it is idle for 3 mins).

[@MrMichaelfalk]

Running dynamics - does it show power?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, sadly not. I checked to see if the Garmin app would show it. No luck.

[@davidsimons5764]

good professional review

[@tumizoomi202]

Love the video, Thanks!

[@CristianoMalibu]

Any news on this recording at swim sessions?

[@Bassmunchkin1]

Many thanks for this great video, I have the black TICKR. Can you please explain why the red light doesn't flash on the gadget after a few seconds even though when it's strapped to my chest, I have my heart rate showing on my iPhone screen showing that it's reading it ok. Many thanks in advance

[@fredericbrugmans8408]

The only piece missing is a better "waterprofness" to become the ultimate HR strap

[@RetroracerDB1]

Frédéric Brugmans I can confirm that the Tickr will survive a trip through the washing machine.

[@deannahawkins3466]

I’m using sufferfest with no cadence metrics. Old TickrX cadence apparently not compatible, so I was thinking of getting a foot pod which I gather will do this (using watch for HR). Does the new tickrX send cadence data to sufferfest?

[@ChamindaJ]

Thanks for the review. Do you think Wahoo connects with Garmin Fernix 5 with out any issues?

[@jvisscher]

I switched from the old tickr to tickr fit (on the arm), mostly because the plastic tabs on the straps on the old tickr kept breaking.. Hope the new tickr (and strap) is holding up better.

[@roilev]

I bought the Elemnt Bolt bundle that came with this strap (the previous version) and it was showing 1-2 bpm lower than my Garmin strap that came in the 520 bundle. And the wahoo strap was 1-2 seconds slower to react to HR bumps when sprinting. Now I have a couple of cheap chinese HRMs that show very close to what the Garmin one does.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Huh, very interesting!

[@mikebarone2]

are the Tickrs waterproof? Wife brought me a Wahoo Roam and debating on whether or not to move away from Garmin. Also, will Ticker connect to my good old Garmin 910x?

[@NathanBall86]

New to HRM. If I connect this to my Apple Watch, would the apple watch just use the Wahoo data instead of using the watches HRM?

[@avrc9285]

Hi there I enjoyed your video. I am thinking about purchasing the wahoo chest strap but also have a vivoactive 4 and therefore I doubt if it will be adding value to my workouts which are mainly indoor cardio and some biking outdoors. What’s your view?

[@PenguinTom1]

As the tickr x records hr data from putting it on have you used it for an outdoor swim under a wetsuit where you take note of the time when you start and stop and upload the hr data later? Apologies if you’ve answered this elsewhere and I missed it. Love the channel.

[@HimynameisJermHicks]

I tried to connect mine which is the original old Tickr x to my Samsung galaxy s20 ultra but it only says my bluetooth is enabled and does nothing else.

[@thenerdycanadian7172]

i just bought the tickr fit because they were out of stock of the regular tickr and i lost mine...damn bad timing

[@Dcrainmaker]

Doh!

[@colmivers]

I always wondered what happened to the snuffleoffugas after sesame street

[@Zain-ks8ws]

You have a lot of Heart rate monitor straps please give one to me who really need one but cannot afford it.

[@skateata1]

I have the TICKR x. It worked great for 4 years. Then last year it started going in and out of connection and is definitely not showing correct data, even on third party apps.

[@rave2600rave]

And I just got a regular tickr a month ago over the tickrx because the x didn't transmit running Dynamics to Garmin 🙄

[@ChrisCapoccia]

people must use the hr straps differently than me… can't imagine why i would want to pair to so many things or why i would want to do some activity with hr but no gps. are people wanting so many pairings for coaches and indoor studios?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Even just in the Wahoo ecosystem if you want to pair your Headwind fan to the strap, you’d need dual (to also then pair it to Zwift/etc).

[@ChrisCapoccia]

clearly people are using them differently. i just set my basic fan to the highest setting and go. i could buy 5 of them for less than the price of headwind and never worry about overheating :D

[@QueenShanine]

Wow this is the earliest i've made it to a video LOL

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha...welcome to the early club!

[@QueenShanine]

DC Rainmaker Ray when are you going to do a live to chat with us? Either it’s been awhile or I’ve missed that too 😁

[@gareth2933]

@DCRAINMAKER which is more accurate the wahoo tickr gen 2 or the Garmin HRH Dual ?

[@lisacolynpatrick7596]

gareth2933 @dcrainmaker I would also like to know ... am about to buy a HRM and not sure which one to purchase to sync with my Garmin Fenix & Wahoo Kickr 🤔

[@MrDeusvult]

Impossible to buy anywhere, also wahoo not responding to customer questions on any platform.

[@Wilsonthedax]

Is the new ticket x the only strap that records cadence? And do you have to pair it to a cadence sensor (I think obviously) and does the ticker x connect to apple watch? Many thanks for the info

[@DanKolan]

Ray, are the older straps compatible with the new transmitter? The transmitters have been bulletproof for me, but I've had a couple straps die. Being able to use replacement Garmin straps was convenient!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup - I checked, fully compatible!

[@DanKolan]

@@Dcrainmaker 11/10 A+ service would subscribe to Wahoo TICKR Facts

[@noeljoos50]

How about long term durability? For me Polar usually didn’t last for more than a year, Wahoo lasted two years until the reading and pairing got unreliable.

[@hamblos9344]

Hi Ray, great channel, thanks. Can the Tickr X 2020 be used as a running pod/sensor with Zwift Run? Like it can be for Zwift Ride. Thanks

[@marthalampropoulou]

For Garmin watch is better to buy Garmin strap or wahoo is ok too?

[@Jovink]

Trying to buy one, but it's sold out everywere! (At least in the Netherlands). What happend? Actually sold out, or maybe a technical fault and a recall?

[@shotta65]

Does the new tckr work as a cadence sensor for running on zwift?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup indeed! And as a speed (pace) sensor too for running.

[@shotta65]

DC Rainmaker Thanks Ray!!

[@TrailBoundco]

How do I get the wahoo tickets x memory data onto garmin connect or training peaks?

[@dcasandman]

I have issues with garmin straps failing. I’m on probably my 4th one. It’s only 6 months old averaging about 35-45 hours a month training. Have you encountered anything like that?

[@momagic8912]

Can the TRICKR X 2020 be used to run on Zwift instead of a foot pod?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup!

[@momagic8912]

DC Rainmaker thanx - will you be testing the accuracy?

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@momagic8912 Yup, it's on my rainy-day to do list. For better or worse, today is sunny again. :)

[@carly200]

Is the new strap compatible (fit and function) with the old TICKR X? (sorry for such a noob question)

[@chrisoakey5269]

Hi DC I am looking for a Xmas present for my son he is in the Navy and can't exercise with his garmin 935 on so I was thinking of getting him something he can wear like a wahoo tickr x but I want it to have as much info as possible for running is this the best for him or do you have any suggestions to what would give the most info. Thanks

[@shrimps9665]

Great review . I'm guessing it works with all watches? I have a suunto 9

[@Dcrainmaker]

Correct.

[@shrimps9665]

@@Dcrainmaker great thanks

[@curvenut]

About the old tickr, am I the only one that had the strap that sometimes is difficult to snap into the monitor ?

[@rainartariq8390]

Hi Ray, when we run only using a smartphone (not using smartwatch), is there a notification/warning when we reach a certain heart rate?