I am a former user of the Vectors. I used them for a few weeks and I could never get them to give me consistent readings. I installed them numerous times exactly as they said with the tools they recommended. My baseline was using a Computrainer and Wahoo Kickr. My readings were inconsistent by a significant margin. I'm less emotional about it now , but I was a very pissed off customer.

I ended up getting a Quarq Riken and couldn't be happier. My readings are extremely close +/- 3 watts compared to my Computrainer and Kickr.

I have a hard time believing that a professional cycling team would use a completely different power meter for training as they do for racing

Hey, I'm a fan of your book. But I can tell you that that is BS. They may have used both at the same time at times for comparison purposes.

Interesting Andy!

I'd guess they could do that, but why deal with different +/- values or inconsistency?

We at FasCat have done testing with PT / Stages and SRM on the same bike numerous times

$$, plus the opportunity to have input into the development of Stages' dual-sided powermeter.

So far, I've been very happy with my Vector. Matches my Kickr within a watt or 2. My only problem is that I get dropouts when using my 910. Fortunately no dropouts or very few when using my 510 which is the more important factor anyway. I bought the Vector because I wanted to switch between my 3 bikes. I've only done 3 swaps between 2 of the bikes as I was scared of breaking the pods, but so far everything has gone well. My Tri bike uses 650 wheels and my road bike(s) has 700 wheels so I really wanted something easy to switch.

"...a gauge on each crank arm."

Isn't that what Pioneer did?

or!! or!!
a gauge on the crank spider!!

I take it you're not a big fan of Stages. lol

Team Sky on Stages, and when I toured the Stages Factory, they make sure each PM is within 1% accuracy before sending to the team and rider. Will never run another powermeter myself!

As for SRM on Garmin, it's because the Vectors are FUBAR.

We coach a pro on the Garmin team, and his power files are all over the place. It's either 50% high or low. Not even the Garmin mechanics know what they are doing. Wonder if it has anything to do with Garmin pulling it's sponsorship next year????

If you're looking at getting Vectors, just get a two Stages for two bikes if you need different crank arms!

interesting that the Garmin stock is getting destroyed today on an analyst down grade.

Just so many goofy solution to this problem when rear hub and crank spider are so (comparatively) simple and effective.

We have seen that with the Stages and Vectors with the Garmin 910XT. We think that the radio transmitter location of the watch just isn't strong enough to pick up the signal down in the pedal/crank area.

Could also just be the strength. Just as you said, the 510 works perfectly.

We had an athlete with a 910XT, always had the dropouts, switched to 510, and works flawlessly on TT bike.

Is the firmware currently up to date? Could see if that helps.