I currently own a Cyclops H2, and have ridden Kickrs quite a bit in the past.
With workouts like 30/30's, I notice ~5 seconds of lag on both of them. Enough that it's a relatively smooth transition, but not so that you are losing effort.

For very short efforts, I tend to push the power significantly higher. For something like decreasing rest sprints I set the target higher than my goal effort such that the ramp is mitigated.

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I have a first gen Hammer and a Core. The feel is pretty close and I would go with the Core just based on being so much quieter.

Thanks for the responses, didn't realize the Core was that much quieter.

Another I am thinking about (just based on price) is the Direto, but I'm assuming the Core would be better all around?.

I can’t speak to the Core but I have the direto and it’s quieter than my fan which is all i need.

How is the Direto as far as responsiveness with power changes?.

It’s better than my previous trainer, tacx vortex smart. I’ve only had it a month and haven’t done too many very short intervals but it’s nothing I’ve noticed as being too long.

If you haven't already, check out dcrainmaker's web site for his article on recommended trainers. The bottom line is that trainers in the same category and price point all work pretty well, and the distinctions are pretty subtle. Personally, I did consider the Dorito but opted for the Core for 1 simple reason - the ability to use the Kickr Climb. I don't have any plans to buy a Climb but the Core leaves open that future possibility.

As a follow up to my previous post:

The response of the H2 is better when it is NOT matched to a power meter.
When relying on the powermeter for feedback the response is both slower and more erratic.

Keeping them seperate enhances the experience and I find they tend to be within 2% of each other (I have a crank based power meter). That's fine for my needs.

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I talk a lot - Give it a listen: http://www.fasttalklabs.com/category/fast-talk
I also give Training Advice via http://www.ForeverEndurance.com

The above poster has eschewed traditional employment and is currently undertaking the ill-conceived task of launching his own hardgoods company. Statements are not made on behalf of nor reflective of anything in any manner... unless they're good, then they count.
http://www.AGNCYINNOVATION.com