These two get cross-shopped constantly, and for good reason — they're within €150 of each other, both direct-drive, and both land squarely in "most people's first serious trainer" territory. One has the bigger brand name. The other got named BikeRadar's Best Overall in 2026. Here's how they actually stack up.
Spec-by-Spec
| Wahoo KICKR Core 2 | JetBlack Victory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~€549 (often €399-499 on sale) | ~€399-450 |
| Max power | 1,800W | 1,800W |
| Max gradient | 16% | 16% |
| Weight | 18kg | 12.9kg |
| Noise | Quiet | 65dB |
| Connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, WiFi | ANT+, Bluetooth |
| Cassette included | Yes | Yes (Zwift Cog) |
| Accuracy | ±1% | Not officially stated |
Where the Core 2 Wins
WiFi connectivity. The Victory sticks to ANT+ and Bluetooth. If you're on a device that struggles to pair multiple Bluetooth sensors at once (looking at you, TV boxes), the Core 2's WiFi option is a genuine practical advantage, not just a spec-sheet checkbox.
A confirmed accuracy number. Wahoo publishes ±1% for the Core 2. JetBlack doesn't publish an equivalent figure for the Victory in the material we could find — it may well be just as accurate, but "confirmed" beats "probably" if precise power numbers matter to your training.
Brand ecosystem. Wahoo's app, firmware update history, and third-party support are more established. If something goes wrong, there's more documentation and more people who've hit the same issue before you.
Where the Victory Wins
Weight and portability. At 12.9kg versus the Core 2's 18kg, the Victory is meaningfully easier to move, store, or pack away — worth factoring in if your setup isn't permanent.
Price. The Victory typically undercuts the Core 2's list price, and independent testers (BikeRadar) rated it the better overall package for the money in 2026.
It's the newer underdog. JetBlack's reputation has grown fast specifically because this trainer over-delivers relative to its price. That's not nothing.
The Verdict
If you want WiFi, a big-name ecosystem, and don't mind paying a bit more for it, the KICKR Core 2 is the safer, more established pick. If price and portability matter more than a recognizable logo, the Victory is the trainer independent reviewers are currently pointing to as the smarter buy. Honestly, you won't have a bad time with either — this is a genuinely close call, which is rare in this price bracket.
Want to see how either compares to the next tier up? [Wahoo KICKR V6 vs Elite Justo 2 →]
