I’m in need of a new aerobar bottle. Is this worth it? Better than an XLAB torpedo? https://profile-design.com/...ucts/hsf-aero-hc-800
I bought one a couple of months ago to replace a torpedo. I really like it.
Note that the filler flap is at the rear and contains no anti splash features when the flap is open so it won’t work with angled aerobars more than a few degrees, unless you’re happy with only being able to half fill it on the move. I bought one but returned it because of this as it was clear it would never work with my setup.
It’s shame because it otherwise seemed very decent!
What makes it better than the Torpedo? I’ve used an xlab torpedo for years
I bought one to mount on my Tririg Alpha One.
Pros: the Garmin mount is very convenient and stable. It seems solidly built. Liquid doesn’t really leak or splash much.
Con: the straw/takes a lot suction to pull liquid. Maybe the nozzle could be swapped or widened somehow. I haven’t gotten it working well at this point.
I don’t mind the refill.
I never liked how the Torpedo integrates with Garmin placement.
Leftlane Sports sells them. They have sales regularly. I got one for 25 or 30% off.
Con: the straw/takes a lot suction to pull liquid. Maybe the nozzle could be swapped or widened somehow. I haven’t gotten it working well at this point.
This is hands down my biggest issue. I can’t get any water out without massive effort. It either needs a new nozzle or I’m going to return it.
Note that the filler flap is at the rear and contains no anti splash features when the flap is open so it won’t work with angled aerobars more than a few degrees, unless you’re happy with only being able to half fill it on the move. I bought one but returned it because of this as it was clear it would never work with my setup.
It’s shame because it otherwise seemed very decent!
Given the shape is aimed at drag reduction, and the fact that this shape will not be aerodynamically beneficial once it’s been inclined significantly, the issue with the flap that you mention probably isn’t an actual design flaw. Rather the reservoir should be mounted roughly level regardless of the extension angle. So the design weakness is probably the attachment to the extensions if it doesn’t allow for this.
The bite valve is getting revised. The trick with the current one is that it works well on one axis and poorly on the other. Try rotating it 90deg
For other points
There is a levelling system coming, it will be an add on product
What makes this better than the XLAB? I like how you can take the Profile Design apart but I’m not a huge fan of black bottles.
The XLAB Torpedo lets me have the computer out front but this one puts the computer on top.
I’ve never installed the xlab one and I’m not about to denigrate their product
HSF800 mounts a little lower
Easier to clean as it comes apart
Magnet on the + version makes it easy to place and remove the straw
Volume pretty similar
Computer location is personal preference
Both are no leak
TBH I didn’t know the 800 was only in black (my samples are white), those decisions happen downstream from me. The aim of the project was to reduce all the clutter that makes hydration systems catch the wind, with the exception of placing the computer in an easily visible location (without adding a lot of extra hardware).