Garmin Vector 3 Energy Meter In-Intensity Assessment

It’s been precisely 3 months (plus an afternoon) since Garmin introduced their newest continual meter, Vector 3.  With that unit they presented a slew of each expertise options and non-technology new facets.  From a bodily point of view they removed the dangling pods off the aspect of the unit; the whole thing is now inner.  Additionally they went clear of a third celebration manufactured pedal, and constructed the entire thing from the bottom up in-house.  From a expertise point of view, they higher accuracy claims to +/- 1% whilst additionally including in Bluetooth Sensible transmission (*quickly), and settings configuration along with your cell phone.

The true query is – when it got here to real-world utilization out at the avenue, how wouldn’t it fare?  For that, I’ve finished a boatload of using.  4 months of it in reality, smartly ahead of Vector 3 even was once introduced.  I’ve iterated by way of 3 units of pedals: Two pre-production units, after which the final two months a last manufacturing set.  Vector 3 began delivery again on October 14th, 2017 on the Kona Ironman Global Championships.  Whilst manufacturing was once at the back of time table and at lesser volumes than Garmin had was hoping, many of us have observed in the previous few days an important building up in gadgets touchdown in retail outlets (in the end).

Talking of which, as at all times, I’ll be delivery again the 2 last check gadgets I’ve of Vector 3 in a while and going out and getting my very own by the use of standard retail channels.  Similar to at all times.  For those who wanna assist strengthen the weblog, hit up the hyperlinks on the backside.

With that – let’s get cookin’!

Unboxing:

First issues first is to get issues unboxed. On this case I’ll be doing an unboxing of the Vector 3 dual-sending set (versus the Vector 3S single-sided pedal).  I’ve put in combination a whole unboxing video that runs by way of the entire bits within the field, plus some set up tidbits and a short lived have a look at Garmin Biking Dynamics:

Need all that during non-video structure as a substitute? No downside, right here ya cross!

Extra importantly than the outside, you’ll crack open the field and in finding the pedal sittin’ there taking a look up at ya:

Word that if you happen to purchased a Vector 3S unit, you’ll nonetheless get two pedals.  It’s simply that a type of pedals received’t have any sensors/electronics in it.  The left pedal may have sensors, and the best pedal shall be a clean.  The left continual will merely be doubled to provide overall continual (just like how different left-only merchandise, like Levels Energy, paintings).

Whilst the pedals are totally self-contained, beneath are some further portions chances are you’ll use:

Those come with non-compulsory washers (if the pedal pokes by way of too a ways), in addition to cleats.  Those are usual Glance Keo suitable cleats, so if you have already got such cleats, you don’t have to change.  However everybody likes new blank cleats, proper?

There’s additionally the cleat mounting {hardware} in there as smartly, to glue the cleats on your footwear.

Then there’s, in fact, the pedals themselves.  However concern now not, you’re going to get such a lot of pictures of the pedals through the tip of this put up you’re going to be…umm…a peddler.

And in the end, you’ve were given the paper quick-start information.  Whilst brief, it does a just right task of overlaying the whole thing you’d most likely wish to know in a concise means.

To in short bulletize the entire issues which might be new in Vector 3 in comparison to Vector 1/2, I put in combination this record of types.  I quilt these types of in additional intensity right through the evaluation, so this suits on this phase extra as a prelude than anything:

– Now not the use of Exustar pedals: As a substitute, they internally evolved the pedal.  The Vector workforce stated that whilst Exustar served them smartly, their purpose with the pedal frame “aimed to be thought to be like Shimano & Glance”.  You’ll see the brand new pedal simply seems in reality blank now – and I’d say that no less than from a seems point of view they accomplished that (it’ll most probably take me a 12 months or as a way to in finding out if that’s true from a sturdiness point of view).

– Accommodates Bluetooth Sensible: That is used each for firmware updates, in addition to connectivity to go gadgets the use of Bluetooth Sensible (i.e. to a Polar or Suunto watch, or Zwift on iOS, or an identical).

– Removing of pods additionally eradicated SKU’s: For those who didn’t purchase Vector you won’t know there have been in truth more than one Vector SKU’s, according to pod sizes.  This, in flip, intended motorbike stores needed to inventory those more than one SKU’s and take a look at and work out who may purchase what dimension.  Vector 3 removes that, there’s just one SKU.

– Diminished weight: The unit now weighs 162g, as opposed to the former 179g.

– Modified bearing sort: In the past they had been bronze bearings inside of, now they’re needle bearings.

– Completely other spindle frame: Merely put, it’s all other each in and out. A lot of this, in fact, is the results of converting the whole thing else inside the pedal, just like the bearings.

– Greater rider weight: The qualified weight is 105KG (231 lbs) for rider weight, prior to now it was once 90KG (198 lbs).  That won’t sound like so much, however that’s in truth a good bit other.

– Replace pedals by the use of telephone or Edge: In the past you had to make use of the desktop or Edge software to replace your firmware.  Now you’ll be able to use the Garmin Attach Cellular app to replace Vector 3 firmware.  That’s because of inclusion of Bluetooth Sensible.

– Slight building up in spacer dimension: I feel Garmin discovered that individuals put too few spacers on, so that you’ll realize the Vector 3 ones are a hair bit thicker in order that if any individual solely places one on, it’s nonetheless secure.  Even though, on the similar time, spacers are not required.

– Slight lower in battery lifestyles: In the past it was once 150 hours on Vector 1/2, then again with Vector 3 it’s more or less within the 120 hour vary with Biking Dynamics and Bluetooth Sensible enabled.  For those who don’t use a Biking Dynamics succesful head unit (it’s good sufficient to understand that now), it’ll get you nearer to 150 hours once more with simply standard motorbike continual.

With that, let’s see how those examine in dimension to different choices available on the market.

Measurement & Weight Comparisons:

Let’s beginning with the entire weights of similar gadgets.  This comprises the next line-up:

– Garmin Vector 3
– PowerTap P1
– Favero Assioma

There’s no genuine explanation why to belabor this level in textual content, right here’s the weights of every pedal, after which the overall set of pedals.

For every one, I excluded spacers, since now not all cranks/pedals require that.  For amusing, right here’s the weights of the spacers.  I simply weighed one spacer from every, however clearly you want both one or two in line with pedal, once more, relying for your cranks.

Subsequent, right here’s how they give the impression of being aspect through aspect.  First, entrance on:

Subsequent, spindle-side:

Then the opposite aspect:

And in the end, the rear:

To state the most obvious, the Vector 3 is the slimmest of the bunch from a sizing point of view, and the P1 the chunkiest.  The pictures differently kinda discuss for themselves.

With all of our sizing goodness out of the way in which, it’s time to put in and beginning the use of the darn issues.

Normal Use Evaluate:

We’ll beginning out with getting them put in on my motorbike, which is nearly just like putting in some other pedal.  Normally regardless that, there are two tactics you’ll be able to set up pedals (relying on sort):

A) The usage of a pedal wrench, which wraps across the pedal axle
B) The usage of an Allen (hex) wrench, which sticks into the tip of the axle

However, you’ll be able to simply spin it on along with your fingers/palms lots of the approach.  However you’ll desire a wrench to in reality tighten it up.  It doesn’t wish to be gorilla tight, simply standard tight.

In any match, with Vector 3, you must use ‘Possibility A’ above, for the reason that finish of the pedal has the LED standing lighting on it, so you’ll be able to’t stick a hex wrench in there.

In terms of Vector 3, I take advantage of my fingers/palms to get it lots of the approach within the crank arm, after which a snappy twist of a pedal wrench to complete the task:

Word, whilst I’ve the massive pedal wrenches like observed above which might be extra not unusual, I additionally purchased this tiny little commute motorbike device which incorporates a mini pedal wrench.  It’s now not the most productive pedal wrench on earth because of its dimension (in the case of leverage), however it’s nice if you need one thing small for commute:

You’ll repeat set up for either side.  Not like previous Garmin Vector pedals, there is not any requirement to make use of a torque wrench, nor are any particular torque specs required.  I’ve merely tightened it to what felt nice, and my accuracy numbers were spot on each and every time.  Talking of which, not like earlier generations of pedals, there’s no wish to do more than one rides to ‘settle’ the unit.  I in finding doing a easy 4-8 moment lengthy dash a couple of times will be certain it’s great and cushty – similar as maximum different pedal continual meters.

So what about the ones washers/spacers that got here with it?  Not like prior to now, you don’t want to put in the ones.  On the other hand, you need to put in them in two situations:

A) If the pedal rubs up in opposition to your crank arm
B) If the pedal spindle is going by way of too a ways and clips the chain

The spacers merely push issues out.  Once more, maximum pedal based totally continual meters have them for a similar causes as Vector (the ones two indexed above).

Whilst putting in the pedals you’ll most probably have spotted the little lighting at the inside the pedals:

Those are standing signs, which allow you to know what’s happening.  Those are most precious now not only for making sure the batteries are operating, but in addition all over firmware updates.  From a at hand record at the Garmin Boards, right here’s what the lighting imply:

3 Inexperienced Blinks: Can’t in finding different pedal – battery just right

1 Pink Blinks: Battery low

Lengthy sequence of alternating purple/inexperienced blinks: Document switch all over firmware replace – might be from the show unit to the left pedal. This can be observed on each pedals on the similar time when the left pedal is sending the replace to the best pedal

20 Inexperienced Blinks: Document switch/Firmware replace a hit

20 Pink Blinks: Document switch/Firmware replace failed

That very same record additionally main points all the Garmin Vector 3 error codes that may be generated too.

At the flipside of every pedal is the battery compartment.  In terms of Vector 3, the corporate is the use of LR44 batteries.

Each and every pedal makes use of two of those batteries, which can be positioned in a little bit pod holder which slides into the pedal, sorta like peas in a pod:

As for the use of LR44 as opposed to SR44 batteries, that’s a just right query which many readers requested since release.  I went again to Garmin in this after your questions and requested what was once the adaptation, in particular, of their advice of the use of LR44 as opposed to SR44 batteries.  They stated they began to validate each LR44 and SR44 cells, however discovered “a lot more constant efficiency” with the LR44’s than the SR44’s.  They famous that “within the validation, we discovered total that the SR44’s had upper variability and a few even carried out worse than the LR’s”.  Curiously, as a part of that trying out they did in finding that SR44 was once giving longer battery lifestyles, however that given the range they noticed they settled on LR44’s because the respectable advice, coming in at 120 hours (on LR44’s).

Subsequent, cleats.  It comes with Glance Keo suitable cleats as famous, so that you’re just about set there.  Something that’s profitable mentioning is that each competition Favero Assioma/bePro and the PowerTap P1 use reasonably distinctive cleats which might be a Glance Keo variant.  Because of this in principle they aren’t totally suitable with Glance Keo stuff.  In follow, it varies.  I in finding they’re suitable once they’re new – however that over the years (dressed in out), they grow to be much less suitable and also you come out extra.  None of this impacts Vector, however a large number of other people ask about it, so I figured I’d point out it.  In a similar way, the loss of exact compatibility doesn’t subject an excessive amount of if you happen to solely have a unmarried set of trainers…or if you happen to simply purchase an additional set of cleats – they’re reasonable.  Don’t let that be a hindrance to what you make a decision to shop for (I’ve used P1’s for years with the non-conforming cleats with out problems), however simply pay attention to it.

Now that the whole thing is put in (which btw, will have to solely have taken about 30-60 seconds), you’re in a position to pair it on your motorbike laptop.  I’m going to make use of a Garmin unit right here for functions of demonstration, however it works with any ANT+ or Bluetooth Sensible unit, or app.  I quilt which different gadgets I’ve examined a little bit later.

To start out you’ll pair along with your motorbike laptop through on the lookout for an influence meter.  Vector 3 declares as each ANT+ & Bluetooth Sensible (BLE).  In virtually each and every state of affairs, maximum distributors will suggest the use of ANT+ first for continual meters, except you spot problems there (essentially because of some usual quirks between corporations at the BLE continual meter spec).  By means of default, Garmin will seek for ANT+ first anyway.

You’ll see the ANT+ ID indexed at the head unit.  That ID received’t fit what’s etched at the aspect of the pedals, as with Vector 3 every pedal has its personal distinctive ID.  Word that you’ll be able to in truth ‘de-pair’ a twin Vector 3 set right into a Vector 3S after which…a secondary needless pedal.  By means of that, I intended that you just can not take a complete Vector 3 set and put one pedal on one motorbike, and every other pedal on every other motorbike.  The left pedal is thought of as grasp and thus required.  In a Vector 3S package, you’ll get the left pedal with sensors in it, after which an empty proper pedal to check.

When you’ve paired the pedal, you’ll be able to cross forward and rename it as you spot have compatibility:

Moreover, and that is in reality principal, you want to set your crank period.  That is indexed at the inside your crank arm, and if you happen to’re now not certain, search for one thing like 172.5mm or an identical.  In my case, it’s 175.0mm (however the default within the business is delivery with 172.5mm cranks).

 

After which in the end, you’ll wish to do a nil offset, which is a variant of doing a calibration.  As a common rule I do that previous to every experience to make sure there’s no quirks.

 

Word that not like earlier Vector gadgets, you’ll be able to flip off auto 0 if you happen to’d love to.  This will also be finished each at the head unit, in addition to the cellular app.  And as with earlier Vector gadgets, you’ll be able to hold weights on them to do a static test if you happen to’d like, because it’ll display you the torque worth above.

Talking of the cellular app, if you happen to use Garmin Attach Cellular (Garmin’s cellular app), you’ll be able to pair up Vector 3 there as smartly:

  

This permits you to configure settings at the pedal and replace the firmware:

  

Moreover, when you’ve got a up to date Garmin Edge unit (1030/1000/820/520), it’ll additionally obtain updates for Garmin Vector and replace the firmware when required.  Word that updating the firmware takes about 4-8 mins, so it’s best possible now not to do this sitting outdoor on a chilly iciness day.  Simply defer the replace until after the experience whilst you’re having a shower or one thing.

Talking of using, let’s speak about what you’ll get whilst using.  After all you’ll get the fundamentals like overall continual, in addition to cadence.  And also you’ll get different ANT+ standardized metrics like torque effectiveness and pedal smoothness.  Those metrics are proven on just about any head unit/watch that helps continual meters through just about any supplier.

However then you definitely’ll get the Garmin Biking Dynamics metrics as smartly.  Those come with such things as platform heart offset, seated time, status time, and gear section.  Those complex metrics are proven continue to exist Garmin Edge gadgets, after which on Garmin Forerunner gadgets you’ll get those metrics afterwards.

Up till a couple of months in the past, those Biking Dynamics had been solely to be had on Garmin gadgets.  On the other hand, again in September Garmin began opening issues up.  First, it was once TrainerRoad to get the brand new Biking Dynamics metrics:

After which they adopted that up a couple of weeks later with opening up issues to the ANT+ continual meter operating crew, enabling any supplier to put in force biking dynamics into their merchandise.  No person has finished so but, however it’s nonetheless early.  Learn my complete put up on that to know what that’ll take.

Along with real-time show of those metrics, you’ll additionally get the metrics recorded for evaluation on Garmin Attach later.  Right here’s what a pattern experience looks as if (you’ll be able to click on right here to view the complete task and dork round with it):

Word that some third celebration apps like WKO4 additionally strengthen exhibiting those metrics in addition to SportTracks.

To summarize all the protocols and requirements that Garmin transmits upon, I’ve put in combination this short record;

ANT+ Energy (overall)
ANT+ Energy Stability (left/proper)
ANT+ Cadence
ANT+ Pedal Smoothness
ANT+ Torque Effectiveness
Bluetooth Sensible Energy
Bluetooth Sensible Energy Stability
Bluetooth Sensible Cadence
Garmin Biking Dynamics (these days private-ANT)

One uniquely attention-grabbing tidbit on Garmin’s Bluetooth Sensible implementation is that it sounds as if to apps as a unmarried unit.  That’s logical you assert, isn’t that the norm?  In fact, no, it’s now not.  Maximum different continual meter pedals that still transmit on Bluetooth Sensible display up as each a left and a proper unit.  Some motorbike computer systems and apps are good sufficient to merge this knowledge in combination, however maximum don’t.  As a substitute, they just can help you attach to 1 aspect or the opposite (that means you wasted your cash on a twin machine).  Word, this doesn’t affect ANT+.  Replace: You’ll learn all in regards to the Vector 3 Bluetooth Sensible replace right here in my separate put up.

In Garmin’s case regardless that, whilst you use an app or software to connect with the Bluetooth Sensible aspect, you spot a unmarried all-encompassing Vector 3 unit.  Take for instance Zwift beneath (once more, simply on Bluetooth Sensible, on this case on an iPad).

If the use of Vector 3, I am getting each pedals’ information.  While with the PowerTap P1 or Favero Assioma, I am getting each the left and proper pedals proven.  That suggests with the ones methods I will solely hook up with both the left or proper aspect, however now not either side.  And once more, if you happen to attach over ANT+ to these pedals, this isn’t a topic.

After all, wrapping issues within the common use phase up, what about much less technical issues?  Stuff like clipping in or glide?  All that feels just right and herbal to me.  I’m now not an enormous pedal/element junkie (I’m a tech man), however the whole thing feels completely nice to me.  Moreover, since Vector’s been delivery virtually two months now, I haven’t observed any proceedings from any individual on this house.  I additionally haven’t observed any problems with put on/tear at the pedals within the 4 months I’ve been the use of them.  They’ve held up reasonably smartly, in spite of me treating them lovely harshly.

Replace – March 2018: Some customers are reporting problems with the battery holder mechanism, which leads to dropouts all over a experience (and now and again spikes). It may well additionally lead to top battery burn (lower than the said effects). That is apparently most commonly because of loss of touch between the battery and the connector, most probably because of differing batteries having a variance of +/- .2mm. Garmin says they’re operating on it, they usually’ve began delivery out new battery pods to a couple consumers.  Whilst the Garmin Boards or even the feedback phase beneath would make it appear to be everyone seems to be impacted, I don’t assume that’s in reality the case. I feel it’s beginning to arise extra steadily as other people hit the tip in their first set of batteries. Garmin says it’s a small choice of consumers, and in taking a look on the sell-through charges I see, I feel we’d see way more feedback in each places if it was once in truth an enormous common downside. Simply my two-cents.

Replace – April 2018: See this big-ass lengthy remark I wrote down within the feedback phase after a multi-hour assembly with Garmin at the problems some other folks have observed with Vector 3.

Replace – Might 2018: Garmin has begun manufacturing of latest battery pod/caps, which shall be despatched to all registered Vector 3 customers. Non-registered customers too can request them by the use of strengthen. These days it appears like those will have to all cross out through the tip of Might. Garmin states this may occasionally get to the bottom of nearly all exceptional problems with recognize to drops and connectivity.  After all, in the end it’s simply going to take time (equivalent to June or July) to understand whether or not that finally ends up being the case. 

Replace – June 1st, 2018: Garmin started delivery the brand new battery caps the final week of Might, and other people have begun to obtain them.  Garmin is sending the brand new caps to all customers.  Moreover, on Might thirty first they launched a brand new firmware model. It’s too quickly to understand whether or not or now not this fixes issues for just right. I believe through the tip of June we will have to have a miles clearer image of stuff.  Fwiw, my Vector gadgets from standard retail again in December are nonetheless nice – I simply swapped the batteries once more about two weeks in the past.

Energy Meter Accuracy Effects:

I’ve lengthy stated that in case your continual meter isn’t correct, then there’s no level in spending cash on one.  Strava can provide you with estimated continual that’s ‘shut sufficient’ without cost, so if you happen to’re gonna put money into one thing it shouldn’t be a random quantity generator.  But there are specific situations/merchandise the place an influence meter could also be much less correct than others, or possibly it’s were given identified edge circumstances that don’t paintings.  Neither product sort is dangerous – however you simply wish to know what the ones use/edge circumstances are and whether or not it suits your price range or necessities.

As at all times, I got down to in finding that out.  In continual meters as of late one of the vital largest demanding situations is outside stipulations.  Typically talking, indoor stipulations are lovely simple to take care of, however I nonetheless beginning there however.  It lets in me to dig into spaces like high and low cadence, in addition to simply how blank numbers are at steady-state continual outputs.  While outside lets in me to seem into water ingest considerations, temperature and humidity diversifications, and the all-important avenue floor facets (I.e. vibrations).  For reference, the Garmin Vector 3 pedals have a claimed accuracy charge of +/- 1%.  It additionally does now not require any magnets for cadence, whilst additionally routinely correcting for any temperature waft. Either one of those are lovely not unusual regardless that on maximum continual meters this present day.

In my trying out, I usually use between 2-4 different continual meters at the motorbike immediately.  I in finding that is the easiest way to validate continual meters in real-world stipulations.  In terms of these types of exams with the Vector 3 I used to be the use of the next different gadgets on 4 other check motorcycles provided at various occasions with the next variety of gadgets:

4iiii Precision Twin continual meter
Elite Direto Instructor
FSA PowerBox
Power2Max NG
Power2Max NG ECO
PowerTap G3 hub based totally continual meter (two other gadgets)
Levels Left-Best Energy Meter (LR quickly!)
Wahoo KICKR SNAP 2017/V2 Instructor
Wahoo KICKR 2017/V3 Instructor
Wattbike Atom Indoor Motorbike

Given I examined those over the route of 4 months, I used to be the use of a large number of other equipment.

Normally, my use of different merchandise is maximum steadily tied to different issues I’m trying out.  Additionally, with regards to information assortment, I take advantage of a mix of the NPE WASP information assortment gadgets, and a fleet of Garmin head gadgets (most commonly Edge 520/820/1000/1030 gadgets).  For the majority of exams at the Garmin Vector 3 I simply used the Garmin Edge 1030, and a FR935 watch.  However I additionally recorded on apps as smartly, together with TrainerRoad and Zwift.

Word all the information will also be discovered within the hyperlinks subsequent to every evaluation.  Additionally, on the finish is a brief desk with the knowledge used on this evaluation.  I’ll most probably upload in different information now not on this evaluation as smartly.

With that, let’s get proper into it and beginning with examining an indoor instructor experience from previous this week, on this case a exercise on Zwift.  Word that this actual exercise additionally had a PowerTap PowerCal on it (non-direct pressure continual meter), however I’m going to skip it for those charts.  This was once a structured exercise (Jon’s Combine, long-form variant). Right here’s the DCR Analyzer document set if you wish to dig your self:

What we’ve were given in this one is Vector 3 vs a Power2Max NG ECO vs the Wahoo KICKR3/2017.  As you’ll be able to see, all 3 gadgets are very shut when compared throughout the whole thing (save one transient moment the place the NG Eco misplaced touch momentarily with the top unit recording it).  You do regardless that see that the KICKR3 undercuts continual reasonably at the 30-second durations for causes I’m now not tremendous transparent on.

The Power2Max NG ECO and Vector 3 are very shut.  Word that probably the most KICKR’s undercutting will also be blamed on drivetrain potency losses (or relatively, loss of drivetrain potency), which is usually within the 5-12w vary.  Even though this can be a tiny bit greater than that at 10-20w on 450w.

If we have a look at the steady-state sections, we in truth see a slight turn between the P2M and KICKR3 in the case of who’s best possible/lowest between them.  The Vector 3 stays best possible (as anticipated in the correct order of loses).  Word that in spite of how massive that hole would possibly glance within the chart beneath, actually if you happen to have a look at the numbers we’re solely speaking 4-6w distinction right here, which is in reality darn shut.  That’s above the margin of error for the accuracy of the 2 gadgets mixed.

For essentially the most section the above is fairly of a boringly blank set, so let’s shift gears to every other experience…which may be boringly blank.  Within the beneath experience, I’m the use of the Wattbike, and as such since I will’t switch out the cranks I will in reality solely have two continual meters (as opposed to the 3-4 I want). Nonetheless, I believed I’d come with it simply because it seems so darn best possible.  In reality, you most likely can’t even inform there’s two continual meters there:

Save a couple of very tiny variances, they fit up virtually completely.  Up above you spot across the 27-minute marker a tiny blip on Vector that Wattbike doesn’t observe.  That’s the place I in particular implemented further drive on Vector 3 that the Wattbike didn’t appear to catch (too brief possibly, solely a moment or so).

After which beneath, inversely, you’ll be able to see at the third period I gave the impression to undercut it reasonably, and the Wattbike seems to hold the momentum of the flywheel by way of that couple moment dash, when in reality I most likely didn’t – thus matching Vector 3.  But if I didn’t lower issues brief, the gadgets are close to completely matched – way over I most often see in truth.

And once more, if we have a look at every other portion later within the exercise with extra repetitive durations, it’s the entire similar – boringly blank.

So let’s head outdoor for a second.  This couple hour experience comprises the whole thing from town streets to cobbles to off-road using on it.  Beneath I’m first appearing it smoothed at 5-second durations, however then I’ll re-smooth it once more to enable you to spot any problems.  You’ll dig into the total set right here.

Right here’s the whole thing smoothed at 30-second durations.  You’ll see that over the process all of the experience, there’s nearly no moments the place the 3 gadgets range in any means. Nearly all of the time they’re inside of a pair watts of one another, with the PowerTap G3 being the bottom (accurately).

Inside of that, if I backtrack the smoothing issue a little bit within the graphs, I wish to have a look at one dash.  That is nonetheless smoothed reasonably, thus the height is in truth upper than this.  However I in finding when evaluating continual meters, a couple of 2-3s smoothing issue for sprints is helping to make it transparent what’s happening.

On this case, the dash is a marginally over 800w.  We see the Vector 3 and P2M gadgets very shut – 6w distinction on 800w (thus 0.7% aside), and the PowerTap G3 turns out to shoot reasonably upper.  After all, anytime you’re speaking max dash continual, it’s extremely tough to get gadgets to check because of the differing transmission charges after which corresponding recording charges.  So you find yourself with eventualities like this had been sub-second maxes simply get averaged out to a unmarried moment, and also you get slight variations.

Nonetheless, you spot the full pattern in this 800w dash, after which the next 600w efforts may be very shut.

And if we have a look at cadence in this experience, all 3 are just about an identical. Just a handful of occasions the PowerTap G3 hub will get flustered with its estimated cadence (usually whilst you temporarily backtrack a dash).  However that is widely known.

Now, let’s have a look at every other set – every other outdoor experience.  This has some completely funky stuff in it that’s 100% unrelated to Vector 3, however I figured I’d use it in short to display some information comparisons.  In brief, you spot how midway throughout the Power2Max NG sees drops?  One thing began on the newest Edge 520 firmware with the NG ECO inflicting this exactly each and every 60 seconds for 1-2 seconds.  I hadn’t analyzed this set until later, so didn’t catch it to begin with because it occurs so short.

So as a substitute, let’s simply have a look at the primary 45 mins the place the gadgets are all glad.

You’ll see right here that issues are in reality darn shut.  If we zoom in on that dash once more, we’ll see very shut alignment as smartly:

As at all times, while you beginning speaking few moment lengthy sprints, you get slight variances on the height, however right through this dash issues are very shut between the gadgets.

And however right here later in that experience on every other 800w dash:

In the long run I’m now not seeing any problems with Vector 3 from an accuracy point of view.  I’ve ridden throughout messy cobblestones, in addition to rougher filth roads – none of that have confirmed to be a topic.  Similar is going for indoor using, in addition to each high and low cadence paintings.  All of it kind of feels very forged to me.

Right here’s the total desk of rides for the reason that unit began delivery (I’ve skipped together with rides from prior to delivery – equivalent to August and September), since they had been on beta firmware.  Even though, through and big, I noticed only a few accuracy problems in beta {hardware}/instrument, particularly after I were given into September and the problems evaporated with instrument updates.

Garmin Vector 3 Knowledge Units

(Word: The entire charts in those accuracy sections had been created the use of the DCR Analyzer device.  It means that you can examine continual meters/running shoes, middle charge, cadence, velocity/tempo, GPS tracks and many extra. You’ll use it as smartly in your personal device comparisons, extra main points right here.)

Energy Meter Pedals Shoot-Out:

Previous this autumn I did a whole continual meter pedal shootout.  So if you’ll be able to’t make a decision which continual meter pedal is right for you, then it’s no doubt one thing you will have to take a look at.

There are execs and cons to every of the pedal platforms, be it worth, compatibility, or sensor facets.  I did it with a mind-boggling choice of the ones facets, together with:

– Measurement/Dimensions
– Weight
– Set up necessities
– Cleat compatibility
– Flow
– Stack Peak
– Max Rider Weight
– Complex analytics

And a lot more, all that may be discovered right here.  However, right here’s the tremendous brief comparability desk of specifications on my own:

However what if you happen to’re now not certain you need a pedal based totally continual meter? That’s nice – there’s heaps of choices in the market, and pedal based totally gadgets are only one choice (and steadily some of the dear choices).  So that you will have to take a look at my complete 2017 Annual Energy Meter Purchaser Information, which walks by way of each and every continual meter available on the market, and the professionals and cons to every one.  It’s huge!

The total continual meter consumers information will also be discovered right here.

Abstract:

[Update: Please be sure you read my comments above about some of the battery issues some portion of people are having. These are located just before the start of the ‘Accuracy’ section.]

It’s simple to mention that Vector 3 is Garmin’s best possible continual meter but.  That’s true, however that’s additionally a cliché cop-out.

It’s extra principal as a substitute to remember that in being their best possible continual meter but, they in the end arrived at most of the authentic guarantees and targets of Garmin acquiree Metrigear’s founding concepts greater than 8 years in the past.  The purpose was once an simply portable/transportable and correct pedal continual meter.  Up till now, there have been at all times caveats with every of the ones facets on Vector.  It was once correct, however provided that you probably did X and Y.  And it was once transportable, however once more, solely with A and B.  And it was once suitable, however solely with P and Q.  And it was once supported on R cranks, however solely with Z SKU.  Thus, it was once filled with ‘however provided that/with’ statements.

Once I first sat down to hear Garmin’s pitch on Vector 3, they began with the average advertising sentence of ‘We would have liked to handle all the previous proceedings’.  Mentally I rolled my eyes on the well mannered Canadian pushed workforce.  However after 4 months of the use of them, it’s in truth transparent they did precisely that.  And your (reader) feedback on them checking off the entire different necessities packing containers are transparent too.  They went twin ANT+/Bluetooth Sensible, or even unfolded Biking Dynamics to be an open usual.  They got rid of all the ones ‘however provided that’ statements with previous Vector merchandise and ended up with a blank and swish continual meter pedal that’s simply transportable between motorcycles, and is correct as smartly.  Complete prevent, not more buts.

3rd time’s the attraction.

With that – thank you for studying!