Wahoo TRACKR – Comfortable, Accurate HR Tracking

Let’s face it, heart rate straps aren’t a sexy bike part. It’s not an aero part that will help you reduce drag, or an ultra-lightweight bit, but it is a sensor that provides important data to many (if not most) cyclists out there. There are two requirements though, it needs to be accurate, and it needs to be comfortable, or you won’t use it. The TRACKR is Wahoo‘s newest heart rate monitor, and is designed to be more comfortable with a new strap, smaller pod, and offers 100 hours of run time with a USB-C rechargeable battery.

While power may currently be king when it comes to training these days, heart rate is still an important component for many athletes. It can help guide you in training zones, along with monitoring performance, form, and your recovery.

There are three key factors that make a great heart rate monitor. I needs to be comfortable, to the point that you forget you are wearing it. It also needs to be accurate, or else the data isn’t useful. Finally, it needs to connect seamlessly to your devices to provide that data.

So let’s start with comfort. The TRACKR uses a soft, stretchy band that has sensor pads embedded into it on the inside, and two circular snaps that the transmitter pod clips into. To fit the strap, it uses a typical slider on the side of the band to adjust the fit, with a claimed maximum chest circumference of 50″. You obviously want it snug so it stays in place and keeps the pads against your chest, but not too tight that it is uncomfortable. To wear the band, wrap it around you, and slide the plastic hook into the loop on the other end. Previous Wahoo straps used the sensor snaps to secure it in place, but the new design is similar to the Myzone MZ-3 strap I’ve wore for years. Once on, clip the transmitter on, look for the lights to automatically turn on, pair it to your device the first time you use it, and you are set for your workout. Every time after that, the pod will automatically connect.

Unlike heart rate sensors in your watch or other peripheral devices that uses an optical sensor, heart rate straps use EKG style sensors to detect heart rate. This is generally the most accurate way of tracking your heart rate. The technology isn’t exactly new, but Wahoo uses an “advanced detection algorithm” to provide accurate, real-time data to your device.

Unlike some of their past sensors, the TRACKR is strictly a sensor that sends the data to your device, and does not record it on the unit. It uses ANT+ and Bluetooth to transmit data, and can be connected to up to three devices at a time, which is perfect for indoor training and racing when you need to broadcast multiple streams of data.

On The Road

For me, a perfect heart rate monitor is one that I don’t know I’m wearing. The strap needs to be soft and comfortable, the sensor needs to be small, and it needs to connect seamlessly to my head unit for cycling, watch for running, and iPad for riding on Zwift. The Wahoo TRACKR checks all of these boxes for me.

As mentioned, the strap reminds me of the Myzone MZ-3 that I had used for years. The adjustable slider and connecting hook on the side paired well with the soft strap for riding and running. With the ability to pop the sensor off, I would frequently put the strap on, get dressed, and just before I started my workout, pop the sensor into place so that it could connect to my device before I start. The pod hides nicely under your kit, showing just a small bump when wearing a tight jersey or base layer.

To talk a little more about the sensor, it’s smaller than the MZ-3 I used in the past and other previous Wahoo heart rate sensors. I did run the TRACKR double-stacked with the MZ-3, and connected them to separate devices, and they were spot on with each other. So no complaints about accuracy. The TRACKR pod started up many times before I could even get it clipped onto the strap, which is great. I didn’t have to tap on it to wake it up like the MZ-3 needed at times, and the blinking LED’s let me know that it was turned on, connected, and battery level. I can also check it on my device and also by connecting it to the Wahoo app. Being that I use the TRACKR for riding, running, and teaching group fitness classes just about daily, I did run through the battery pretty quickly. While past heart rate sensors that ran on coin batteries lasted longer, it’s easy to pop the pod on the included USB-C to proprietary plug charger and have it ready for your next workout.

Now, the only complaint I have is the charger itself. I can’t fault Wahoo for going with a USB-C plug on one end, as it is becoming the new standard in just about everything, but I’m never a fan of proprietary connections. From a design perspective, I completely understand it, as they are designed to provide function while keeping the form of the product, but make sure you remember where you put the charger. I would have preferred to have seen a USB-C connection on the pod’s end too. Currently, if I want to charge all of the devices I use when I ride, I would need a USB-C for my ELEMNT Roam V2, another for the Lupine Mono SL, another dual USB-C with special clips to charge the Wahoo POWERLINK Zero dual sided pedals, a proprietary cable for the Lupine C14 Mag rear light, and two micro USB cables to charge the Di2 drivetrain and the ALECK crash sensor on my helmet. I rarely charge everything at once, but using a USB-C would allow me to use one of the many cables I have laying around the house, instead of that one cable for the TRACKR.

Other than the cable, I can’t find any faults in the TRACKR. I often forget I have it on after workouts, which means a lot about comfort. At $89.99, it’s about in line with other heart rate monitoring straps from other top brands like Garmin and Polar.

Heart rate monitors aren’t really something that you buy often, and usually just when you need a new one. When you do, or if you feel like your current heart rate monitor kinda rubs you the wrong way, give the TRACKR a try.

www.wahoofitness.com