Mio Link Heart Rate Wristband review
We find out if this strapless, screenless heart rate monitor suits data-loving triathletes
Mio Link Heart Rate Wristband review
Mio started off on Kickstarter with the Alpha, one of the very first strapless heart rate monitors. The Link goes a step further and does away with the screen as well.
Like models we’ve tested from Epson and TomTom, optical sensors shine light onto your skin, which detects ‘the pulsing volume of blood’ by colour change.
The jury’s still out on the accuracy of the readings compared to chest-strap models, but what’s without doubt is the usefulness of the Mio Link for triathletes – which is: not much.
The traditional LED display is eschewed in favour of a light that flashes a different colour depending on which zone you’re training in.
For data-loving triathletes, that’s just too parochial and can be annoying. Yes, you can Bluetooth to fitness apps later on, but specific real-time feedback is the ideal.
The Mio Alpha (down to £118) with traditional display would be a far wiser purchase. For our guide to 2014’s best heart rate monitors head here.
Verdict: Too gimmicky for anyone serious about their training, 63%
Contact : www.mioglobal.com
Jamie Beach
Former digital editor 
