Hammerhead is offering trade-in allowances (up to $170) to move to their unit (Karoo 2).
Has anyone taken advantage of the offer and if so, how’s the Hammerhead compare to your old head unit (in particular, the Garmin line (830))?
Thanks
I didn’t do the trade in but I got the Karoo2 over the summer when my Wahoo Roam went kaput. Its not as user friendly as the Roam, but super customizable. Large display, pretty quick interface (still not as good as Wahoo’s imo) and sits rock solid on the adapter for my Wahoo outfront mount. I do like they are constantly sending out software updates, tweaking the OS and options. Also really like you don’t have to use up space on the headunit for Ride Time and Time of Day…those are defaulted on top of the display. I ride with Garmin Varia and integrates with that just like Wahoo did.
One thing, its large, so probably not something you’d want to race with in a triathlon. I use a Garmin 130 for that.
Trading in a 830 for $150 would be a bad deal (I’ll buy 830s for $150 in a heartbeat). Used market would get you more than that. The sweet spot of their trade ins seems the 520 which they’re giving $120 for which is much closer to the used market value. Feels like it probably is a bit of a mistake given the other values, but who knows. I’ve got a 520 so was a bit tempted, but didn’t pull the trigger.
How are the route maps? That is, are they simple and accurate (prompts and view)?
I dont treally use maps but the turn by turn is very good and the hill profile for the routes is nice.
I went from two Garmin 520s to one Wahoo Elemnt Bolt before the HH Karoo 2 now.
What I like:
- Best display of the bunch. Helps tt is coloured.
- USB-C charging. My pass comps all die because the micro USB port got corroded.
- Touch screen and buttons. Means I get to choose to use either and hopefully less fatigue on the buttons. The buttons on my previous compa also peeled off, cracked, or fell off.
- Mount is rock solid.
- Maps are clear and navigation is a breeze.
- Constant firmware updates. Almost every 2wks or so.
What I think can be better:
- Battery lift. Last me normally 2-3 3hr long rides.
- Profiles can’t be set with GPS off. PITA when riding indoors as it auto pauses.
- Needed new mounts for both my bikes if I wanted to use their mount. The Garmin quarter turn adapter has a bit of play.
I went from two Garmin 520s to one Wahoo Elemnt Bolt before the HH Karoo 2 now.
What I think can be better:
- Battery lift. Last me normally 2-3 3hr long rides.
So you’re saying you only get maybe 7-9hrs on a full charge? I guess it’s a good thing you list the charger as a positive!
I know you asked about Karoo2 vs Garmin, but this is the internet so here it goes, haha!!
I used a Wahoo Elemnt, now a Roam, (Elemnt went to my wife’s new e-bike, which reports out it’s stats to the Elemnt. Neat).
I tried the Karoo2 to see if I was missing anything (since they have a 45-day trial).
I sent it back before I even mounted it.
**Pros: **
- Fast boot
- Nice screen
Cons:
- It’s big
- Battery life: I was alarmed to see the battery % drop so quickly while I was sitting with it during setup. Karoo lists several things you can do to maximize battery life, but I don’t want to mess around with turning features on and off, etc. My Roam just goes and goes and goes. (Karoo 2 Battery Life Expectations – Hammerhead)
- Setup: I’m sure this had something to do with simply not being familiar with their UI, but the Roam is just so easy to setup, I found myself getting frustrated trying to get things the way I like them on the Karoo2.
For the $$ HH is charging, I was underwhelmed. Sent it back and I’m happy with my Roam.
IMHO, YMMV, etc
Thanks for the response.
I did the same thing. Ordered it, got it and set it up. Couldn’t get over the size and weight (admittedly, it’s only 2 oz heavier than the 830), but you’re right: the sacrifices needed to extend battery life sucked and were inconvenient at best. Not to mention teh limits on profile screens. There just isn’t enough added value to make a switch.
Sticking with the Garmin 830.
Trading in a 830 for $150 would be a bad deal (I’ll buy 830s for $150 in a heartbeat). Used market would get you more than that. The sweet spot of their trade ins seems the 520 which they’re giving $120 for which is much closer to the used market value. Feels like it probably is a bit of a mistake given the other values, but who knows. I’ve got a 520 so was a bit tempted, but didn’t pull the trigger.
^^^^^This.
Selling your used Garmin on the secondary market will likely net you more than they are offering. It’s similar to Apple’s trade in allowances, they are offering you convenience, not max value. In essence, every new head unit has a “trade in” program: ST Classifieds/eBay.