Garmin rival Incus Nova Run tracker promises more accurate metrics and running analytics

Incus Nova Run tracker has been updated and now measures precise run as well as swim metrics

INCUS NOVA Run tracker
(Image credit: INCUS)

Garmin might be the go-to brand when it comes to tracking runs right now but the Incus Nova Run tracker is set out to change the status quo. Running has never been as popular as it is now, thanks not only to the lockdown but also the realisation in many that running is great for cardiovascular health and for boosting metabolism. The next logical step after picking up running as a hobby is to get better at it and to measure performance and running efficiency.

This can be done in a variety of ways: the best fitness trackers usually measure heart  rate and counts steps, that's the basics covered. The next step up is to get one of the best running watches that can add more metrics to the mix, including pace, speed, cadence and more.

INCUS NOVA Run tracker

(Image credit: INCUS)

The main issue with these fitness wearables is that they are worn on the wrist, which means that they can only measure the movement of one side of the body and calculate the other using algorithms. The new Incus Nova Run tracker aims to amend this issue by placing the tracker at the top of the spine.

• Buy the Incus Nova Run tracker directly from Incus

The Incus Nova is a small wearable device, worn in 'compatible apparel' (a.k.a. a t-shirt supplied by Incus) at the top of the spine, that measures detailed performance statistics for automated feedback to improve technique and performance.

Originally developed for analysis of swimming, the device has now been updated with Phase 1 of Incus Cloud Run, the analytics engine that processes motion data from the Nova and displays results on your smartphone.

INCUS NOVA Run tracker

(Image credit: INCUS)

Phase 1 of the Cloud run will "unlock the power" of Nove’s inbuilt MARG motion sensors to measure running metrics, including: running power; average pace; cadence; take-off acceleration and landing deceleration, with left/right balance; elevation profile and distance.

Is the Incus Nova Run tracker worth the price? It's not as expensive as high end running watches although admittedly is hasn't got as many features as those. The metrics currently tracked in the Phase 1 release are accurate and Incus is planning on adding even more metrics going forward.

The Incus Nova Run tracker doesn't measure heart rate either but heart rate data can be fed into the app/tracker using a Garmin smartwatch. Support for other running watch brands is said to be coming soon.

INCUS NOVA Run tracker

(Image credit: INCUS)

Incus Nova Run: price and availability

The Incus Nova Run bundle is available to buy now for £199.99 at Incus. The Incus Nova Run bundle includes the Incus Nova Run tracker, the Core Run Tee and, of course, access to the app and all running metrics analysis.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.