Wahoo challenges Garmin with its first multisport GPS watch
- Wahoo has released its first multisport GPS watch, the Elemnt Rival.
- It automatically switches between the activity modes, making it ideal for triathlons and workouts by bike.
- It’s available now for $ 380.
Wahoo is better known than anything for its bike computers and heart monitors, but now it’s ready to take on sports watch giants like Garmin and Polar. Wareable reports that Wahoo has unveiled its first multisport GPS watch (or really any sport), the Elemnt Rival, and it caters to enthusiasts and athletes who regularly participate in triathlons, bike-to-run workouts, or other mixed activities .
The heart of the rival is a “touchless transition” that automatically switches between running, cycling and swimming without you having to enter anything. You first sync devices in the Elemnt mobile app when using one of Wahoo’s bike computers. Otherwise, you can focus on the running instead of your wrist. With a manual option, you can use the lap button to switch profiles without disrupting activity tracking.
The multisport GPS watch collects important information like heart rate, speed, and swim stroke on its own. However, if you use a Tickr X heart monitor, it adds additional data like your running rate. Hopefully, the Elemnt Rival will draw on operating system-level fitness data in Apple Health and Google Fit, as well as third-party platforms such as Strava, Training Peaks, Today’s Plan, Train Xhale and Relive.
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The battery life is 14 days in standard smartwatch mode and 24 hours of continuous GPS use. Even with an aggressive training plan, you may not need to recharge for days.
The Elemnt Rival is available now for $ 380. It’s not the cheapest multisport GPS watch you will find, but the price is clearly to rival the cheaper offerings from Garmin and others. Your decision will primarily depend on your fitness routine. Wahoo’s watch may be ideal if you’re a triathlete or brick workout enthusiast, but there are plenty of alternatives if you prefer more conventional exercises.
