The Wahoo Fitness Tickr Heart Rate Monitor ($59.99) is a good and reliable device that's as comfortable (or uncomfortable) as most other chest strap monitors. The main device snaps onto the strap securely, and the soft band has plenty of give, just in case you wrap yourself too tightly. In testing, I had absolutely no problems pairing the Tickr to my mobile phone or keeping the Bluetooth signal between the two on any of my runs. But if you're a forward-thinking athlete, chest strap heart rate monitors (HRMs) may seem like a thing of the past.

Newer devices are designed to be worn much more comfortably on the arm or wrist. The Velcro-adorned Scosche Rhythm+( at Amazon) worn on the forearm is one such device; better still is the sleek and sexy, wrist-worn MIO Link( at Amazon). The MIO Link has an indicator light that changes color as you reach different heart rate zones, giving you immediate feedback about your changing heart rate. Usually, you'd rely on a paired runner's watch or app for that data, meaning you have to look at a screen or wait for an audio voice coaching to announce your heart rate in your ears. With the MIO Link, you can see out of the corner of your eye how you're doing, which is really the biggest innovation in HRMs in a long time. Bear in mind that these options are a little pricier, of course, and some people debate whether the heart rate they transmit is accurate. In my testing, their data was in line with my expectations, but I did not compare my results with any medical-grade devices.

Among other chest straps, I've worn the Garmin Soft Strap Premium HRM ($69.99) before, which is excellent and a mere $10 more than the Wahoo Tickr. I've also worn Garmin's standard Heart Rate Monitor that you can buy bundled with the Garmin Vivofit, which is noticeably harder when you compare them side-by-side. However, once a HRM chest strap is actually on my body, I either forget about it entirely or squirm because it's uncomfortable. With the Wahoo Tickr, I forgot about it—definitely a good sign.

In terms of compatibility with phones and apps, the Wahoo Tickr works with iPhone 4S and later models, and supported Android devices. On the app side, it can send heart rate data to more than 50 different mobile apps, including popular ones such as Runtastic (which is what I used to test), Strava, MapMyRide, as well as lesser-known apps including Pear and iCardio.

Because the Wahoo Tickr uses snaps to secure the device to the strap, you have some options for changing the strap if it becomes worn, or if you want to wear it with athletic clothing designed for HRMs, something along the lines of the Sensoria Fitness Sports Bra.

The Wahoo Tickr is a fine choice if you're in the market for a classic chest strap HRM. The price is right, and it's definitely reliable. But if you're an early adopter, lured by innovations in technology and design, I recommend spending a little more and getting a MIO Link.

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Further Reading

• Hands On: Omron's HeartGuide Wearable Blood Pressure Monitor