Long story short, I wanted a power meter solution I could use during races, between different race wheel set-ups, without breaking the bank, so moved from my PowerTap G3 (which I have been super happy with) to a Stages meter. I wish I would have paid more attention to all the complaints before I purchased it. It's next to worthless.
Some background, I have a tech/computer/programming-related job. I know my way around computers, tech stuff, etc. The connectivity issues with the Stages power meters are inexcusable. I have yet to complete any ride in which my Stages power meter stays connected to either my Garmin 910XT, 920XT or Edge 500 for more than 75% of the total workout. When set up in conjunction with my PowerTap G3, the numbers are so off it renders the Stages worthless.
I've ran a bunch of different tests between the different meters in combination with my different Garmin devices. Again, worthless numbers. My Edge 500 stays connected half as much as my Garmin 920XT. I've read all the tips about the Edge 500 and keeping it connected. I've done the 'Dance of the Tards' with both Garmin and Stages about how to fix the problems; with both blaming each other.
Bottom line for the consumer . . . I don't care if my Garmin device has a 4 or 8-channel ANT stream. I don't care about this or that reason, cause of interference, etc. And no, I'm not going out and dropping about $320 on a Garmin 510 hoping that it works better because of its 8-channel ANT protocol. Stages, your product does not work . . . consistently, period. Please, everybody . . . stay away from Stages. At least until they figure out a way to upgrade their product or its firmware so it stays connected.
And for everyone out there saying, "Don't know what he is talking about, my Stages meter works great." You should probably go back and take a close look at your training files. I've had this same discussion with about 5 'I'm happy' Stages customers now, and when they showed me their power files, they didn't know what they were looking at and I had to point out all the dropped sections they were unaware of.
Worthless!
Some background, I have a tech/computer/programming-related job. I know my way around computers, tech stuff, etc. The connectivity issues with the Stages power meters are inexcusable. I have yet to complete any ride in which my Stages power meter stays connected to either my Garmin 910XT, 920XT or Edge 500 for more than 75% of the total workout. When set up in conjunction with my PowerTap G3, the numbers are so off it renders the Stages worthless.
I've ran a bunch of different tests between the different meters in combination with my different Garmin devices. Again, worthless numbers. My Edge 500 stays connected half as much as my Garmin 920XT. I've read all the tips about the Edge 500 and keeping it connected. I've done the 'Dance of the Tards' with both Garmin and Stages about how to fix the problems; with both blaming each other.
Bottom line for the consumer . . . I don't care if my Garmin device has a 4 or 8-channel ANT stream. I don't care about this or that reason, cause of interference, etc. And no, I'm not going out and dropping about $320 on a Garmin 510 hoping that it works better because of its 8-channel ANT protocol. Stages, your product does not work . . . consistently, period. Please, everybody . . . stay away from Stages. At least until they figure out a way to upgrade their product or its firmware so it stays connected.
And for everyone out there saying, "Don't know what he is talking about, my Stages meter works great." You should probably go back and take a close look at your training files. I've had this same discussion with about 5 'I'm happy' Stages customers now, and when they showed me their power files, they didn't know what they were looking at and I had to point out all the dropped sections they were unaware of.
Worthless!