Home LivingWellnessHammerhead Heart Rate Monitor review: The perfect companion for your Karoo 2 bike computerHammerhead’s HRM is designed to work seamlessly with its Karoo 2 GPS cycling computer for pinpoint monitoring when you’re out on a rideWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Hammerhead)T3 VerdictThe Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is the perfect complement to the Karoo 2 cycling computer and makes total sense if you’re looking to beef up your heart rate monitoring while on the saddle. It has a long battery life, is easy to configure and delivers dependable stats that cyclists will find hugely beneficial (and so will runners and gym-goers).Reasons to buy+Provides accurate heart rate data+Comfortable to wear for workouts+Long battery lifeReasons to avoid-Doesn’t suit people with broader chest circumference-Admittedly, you get the most out of this HRM if you’re a Karoo 2 user (although it also works with other devices)Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Home LivingWellnessHammerhead Heart Rate Monitor review: The perfect companion for your Karoo 2 bike computerHammerhead’s HRM is designed to work seamlessly with its Karoo 2 GPS cycling computer for pinpoint monitoring when you’re out on a rideWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Hammerhead)T3 VerdictThe Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is the perfect complement to the Karoo 2 cycling computer and makes total sense if you’re looking to beef up your heart rate monitoring while on the saddle. It has a long battery life, is easy to configure and delivers dependable stats that cyclists will find hugely beneficial (and so will runners and gym-goers).Reasons to buy+Provides accurate heart rate data+Comfortable to wear for workouts+Long battery lifeReasons to avoid-Doesn’t suit people with broader chest circumference-Admittedly, you get the most out of this HRM if you’re a Karoo 2 user (although it also works with other devices)Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Hammerhead’s HRM is designed to work seamlessly with its Karoo 2 GPS cycling computer for pinpoint monitoring when you’re out on a ride
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Hammerhead)T3 VerdictThe Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is the perfect complement to the Karoo 2 cycling computer and makes total sense if you’re looking to beef up your heart rate monitoring while on the saddle. It has a long battery life, is easy to configure and delivers dependable stats that cyclists will find hugely beneficial (and so will runners and gym-goers).Reasons to buy+Provides accurate heart rate data+Comfortable to wear for workouts+Long battery lifeReasons to avoid-Doesn’t suit people with broader chest circumference-Admittedly, you get the most out of this HRM if you’re a Karoo 2 user (although it also works with other devices)
(Image credit: Hammerhead)
(Image credit: Hammerhead)
T3 VerdictThe Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is the perfect complement to the Karoo 2 cycling computer and makes total sense if you’re looking to beef up your heart rate monitoring while on the saddle. It has a long battery life, is easy to configure and delivers dependable stats that cyclists will find hugely beneficial (and so will runners and gym-goers).Reasons to buy+Provides accurate heart rate data+Comfortable to wear for workouts+Long battery lifeReasons to avoid-Doesn’t suit people with broader chest circumference-Admittedly, you get the most out of this HRM if you’re a Karoo 2 user (although it also works with other devices)
T3 VerdictThe Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is the perfect complement to the Karoo 2 cycling computer and makes total sense if you’re looking to beef up your heart rate monitoring while on the saddle. It has a long battery life, is easy to configure and delivers dependable stats that cyclists will find hugely beneficial (and so will runners and gym-goers).
T3 Verdict
The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is the perfect complement to the Karoo 2 cycling computer and makes total sense if you’re looking to beef up your heart rate monitoring while on the saddle. It has a long battery life, is easy to configure and delivers dependable stats that cyclists will find hugely beneficial (and so will runners and gym-goers).
Reasons to buy+Provides accurate heart rate data+Comfortable to wear for workouts+Long battery lifeReasons to avoid-Doesn’t suit people with broader chest circumference-Admittedly, you get the most out of this HRM if you’re a Karoo 2 user (although it also works with other devices)
Reasons to buy+Provides accurate heart rate data+Comfortable to wear for workouts+Long battery life
Provides accurate heart rate data
Comfortable to wear for workouts
Long battery life
Reasons to avoid-Doesn’t suit people with broader chest circumference-Admittedly, you get the most out of this HRM if you’re a Karoo 2 user (although it also works with other devices)
Doesn’t suit people with broader chest circumference
Admittedly, you get the most out of this HRM if you’re a Karoo 2 user (although it also works with other devices)
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor deals
$64View$64ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon
$64View
$64View
$64View
$64
$64
$64View
$64View
$64View
$64
$64
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price information
No price information
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor review in a sentence: A keenly-priced Karoo 2 accessory for better heart rate data that also works well with other devices (e.g. smartphones).
The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is just one of many such accessories for keeping tabs on your ticker when you’re out on your bike or doing some other kind of workout. In fact, the range ofbest heart rate monitormodels is growing all the time. However, the Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor has been designed to complement theHammerhead Karoo 2cycling computer.
So, if you’ve got one of those premium head units (as featured in ourbest cycling computerguide), the affordable cost of this supplementary gadget to your kit arsenal seems like a sensible idea. The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor works with other devices, too, including smartphones, which somewhat broadens its appeal.
I first got to experience the Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS cycling computer a couple of years ago, and it turned out to be one of the most impressive head units out there, easily holding its own up against products fromGarminand Wahoo. Since then, there have been updates, with the most recent adding lots of extra features and functionality.
Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor review: Price and availability
The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is available now and costs £54 in the UK, with a price tag of around $64 in the US and AU $64 in Australia. It can be purchased from the usual array of online outlets or directly fromHammerheadtoo. At the time of writing, Hammerhead is also offering special offers on coloured cases for the Hammerhead Karoo 2 if you want to buy the pair as a bundle. The Hammerhead Karoo 2, which the HRM works in tandem with, is available for $399 / £359 / AU$639.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor review: What is it?
The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor, or HRM, is just that; a device that is comprised of an adjustable elastic strap, which is fully adjustable and washable too, mated to a small plastic pod unit. The pod attaches to the strap via a couple of popper studs, while the strap itself can be adjusted between 711 and 1219mm / 28” and 48”, so take note if your chest is bulkier than that. It’s easy to put on, with a side-mounted strap connector that can be hooked up without the need for any assistance.
In terms of weight, the pod is just 15 grams while the strap is 28 grams, so even combining the two numbers, you’re looking at something that’s pretty unobtrusive to wear. It’s designed to fit snugly around your torso, with the plastic pod being placed over the central chest/heart area. While it’s aimed primarily at cyclists with the Hammerhead Karoo 2 head unit, the big benefit of this HRM is that it’s a little better for use in the gym if you’re working out with the likes of kettlebells. This is especially so compared to fitness watches because it’s well out of the way and doesn’t impede wrist movements.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor review: Is it any good?
I’ve found the Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor very easy to use once it’s paired with my Hammerhead Karoo 2 head unit. The great thing is there’s not all that much effort involved in getting it set up. Simply power up the Karoo 2, attach the pod to the strap and hook it around your torso, so the rubber electrodes make contact.
Once it’s in place, the pod wakes up and gets listed in the Karoo 2 devices menu, which allows it to be paired to the unit. Once you’ve done that, you’re free to start monitoring in whichever capacity you want to collect the date, ie; a cycle ride or workout down at the gym. It’ll work seamlessly with your preferred apps, too, such as Strava.
I’ve found the Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor to be very good out on the bike, but it’s also pretty good for cardio work at the gym. You can actually take your Karoo 2 with you for your workout, but I’m quite keen on the Hammerhead app, which is just as user-friendly as the bike computer. This is always a bonus if you’re frequently faced with sweaty scenarios where you need to keep contact with handheld devices to a minimum.
The other bonus with the Hammerhead HRM is that it’s strapped on, out of sight, and you can almost forget you’re wearing it. I also like the way the strap can be washed easily enough, so you don’t end up with another smelly fitness accessory lying around in your gym bag.
The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor needs to be paired with the Hammerhead Karoo 2, which isn’t included(Image credit: Future)
The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor needs to be paired with the Hammerhead Karoo 2, which isn’t included
The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor needs to be paired with the Hammerhead Karoo 2, which isn’t included
(Image credit: Future)
Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor review: Performance
The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor looks deceptively simple, but it’s smarter than I expected, which is due in part to the electrode material that is a blend of fabric and woven silver. This seems to make it reassuringly accurate when compared to something like myCoros Apex 2 Promultisport watch. There’s also the capacity for producing RR intervals, and this, along with the ability to pair two Bluetooth devices and as many ANT+ receivers as you like, makes it wonderfully flexible.
Hammerhead also claims the unit is waterproof down to 30 metres, which I’ve yet to try, but that’s an impressive enough figure for most everyday needs. There’s also a similarly impressive battery life of over 900 hours, and you can easily replace the CR2032 3-volt battery inside the pod using a coin to undo the casing.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor review: Verdict
The Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is an obvious choice if you’re looking for a quality HRM to supplement your Hammerhead Karoo 2. There’s not a whole lot to it, but the asking price seems reasonable enough, especially considering how well it works. It’s easy to get set up, too, and the battery life is excellent. While the Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor has plenty of rivals worth considering, a few of which we’ve outlined below, it makes total sense if you’re keen to keep everything in the Hammerhead family.
Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor: Also consider
If you’re serious about cycling and monitoring your workout stats, then the Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor is well worth getting, especially if you already own the Hammerhead Karoo 2. You can get them as a bundle, too, if you’re new to the Karoo brand.
However, there are other options on the market. Lookout for the super-popularGarmin HRM-Proif you’re keener on running and the gym, as it works in tandem with Garmin watches, provides copious amounts of data and works using Bluetooth and ANT+.
Similarly, the Polar H10 heart rate monitor is another popular option, notable for its excellent levels of accuracy and easy pairing with the likes of fitness apps, sports and smartwatches. It also uses Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, plus there’s the ability to hook it up to your watch and yourturbo trainerif the weather’s too bad to head outside for a ride.
If you’re looking for another big name in the HRM marketplace, then Wahoo’sTickr Xmakes a good bet if you’re predominantly cycling and/or running-focused. Nevertheless, it’ll also keep tabs on your heart if you’re down at the gym too.
Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor: Price Comparison
$64View$64ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon
$64View
$64View
$64View
$64
$64
$64View
$64View
$64View
$64
$64
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price information
No price information
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
TOPICSGarmin
TOPICS
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Vollebak pushes the limits of outerwear with Double Graphene Puffer and Shielding SuitThe company continues to weave innovation into every thread
The company continues to weave innovation into every thread
Netflix is making a huge surprise change for hit spy show’s new seasonThe Recruit is taking a global trip this time out
The Recruit is taking a global trip this time out
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
