Whoop 3.0 review: An in-depth look at the HRV-tracking strap and app

We've got our hands on the strain and recovery device used by EF Education-Nippo and cross-country pro Kate Courtney

Whoop
(Image: © Colin Levitch)

Cyclingnews Verdict

It's not a perfect system but over a six-month test period I found Whoop provided valuable insights into my training, recovery and overall health

Pros

  • +

    Snazzy app

  • +

    Breadth of data

  • +

    Slide on charging pack means you never have to take it off

  • +

    Customisable bands

Cons

  • -

    Price

  • -

    Optical HR sensor accuracy in motion

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Not that long ago, we used to do workouts based on 'feel' or maybe heart rate if you were really serious - and things like the best power meters were reserved just for pros. Now, with technology improving and prices coming down, everyone can spout off their current FTP and most of us have a pretty good understanding of watts per kilo, normalized power, TSS and what they all mean. 

Technology has opened the door to a new level of data, now normal folk have access to metrics that can help them get faster. One such piece of tech in this space are the optical heart rate monitors on the latest crop of fitness trackers which provide insights into what your body is doing 24/7. Beyond just counting your steps, these trackers have allowed athletes of all levels to better understand how sleep, diet, and general everyday stress play into the effectiveness of their training.

Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, Colin has written tech content for cycling publication for a decade. With hundreds of buyer's guides, reviews and how-tos published in Bike Radar, Cyclingnews, Bike Perfect and Cycling Weekly, as well as in numerous publications dedicated to his other passion, skiing. 

Colin was a key contributor to Cyclingnews between 2019 and 2021, during which time he helped build the site's tech coverage from the ground up. Nowadays he works full-time as the news and content editor of Flow MTB magazine.