I’m currently using a wired powertap, Lemond Revolution Trainer with Power Pilot, and 150mm cranks (would’ve gone with Quarq if they had that option).
To simplify my training/race day options, I’ve narrowed it down to Power2max and the Vector.
I’m leaning towards the Vector just because I’ve heard a story of an athlete that checked his calibration on a new one and found it off by 6%, but Power2max’s support was unwilling to accept his measurement. I don’t think this is very common, but that’s a bit worrisome.
Based on user feedback, Vectors seem to be very sensitive to torque values. I won’t be swapping the pedals to different bikes, so it will be a set it and forget it type installation.
No experience with power2max, but I like my vectors. Install can be a PITA but not too bad and I’ve gotten good, reliable data. Even though you don’t plan on changing between bikes, it’s nice that you can. I recently had to switch to my tribike for IMMT because my Quarq died a week before the race. Love my Quarq, too, and great customer service.
People generally nothing but good things to say about power2max though there is controversy around their dynamic calibration method among power gurus (read the google wattage forum). You might not care about that type of thing, but those types feel it affects comparability of results across PMs.
I love my vectors. They have been spot on accurate when compared on a computrainer, and as long as you have the right tools (beam torque wrench and crowfoot adapter) they are very easy to get on. There is a lot of noise about the need to get the torque right, but I have had absolutely no problems.
No experience with the Power2Max, but the Vectors I was given have performed quite well. Installation in particular is much easier in practice than on paper.
FWIW, one difference between the two options is that the Vectors provide not only true L/R balance, but also a host of other pedaling metrics (both currently and in the near future). The Power2Max, OTOH, only measures pseudo-balance. Of course, whether that matters or not is still up in the air, but it is a difference.
I have had my power2max on my tri-bike since last June and I love it and I intend up getting one for my road bike (when I can afford it) to replace my powertap wheel I am using… I agree with jaretj below that chainrings are lot cheaper to replace than the vector pedals will be when either of them inevitably wear out…
I would wait until they actually announce pricing for the replacement pedal before making a firm decision because until it it writing from the it not real it is just hearsay…
Slightly off your initial question, but one thing you can do with your wired powertap (depending on exactly which one) is send it back to powertap and they will upgrade it to wireless with the new G3 internals for $350.