NoWhammies

So I'm pretty sure I've narrowed my powermeter choice down to the 4iiii single sided powermeter. Yes, I know there are pros and cons to a single sided vs two sided powermeter. I'm not interested in rehashing that debate.

What I am interested in is:

a) any personal reviews or insights on the Precision powermeter; and
b) any comments or thoughts on going with a rechargeable powermeter vs a CR2032

My concern with the rechargeable one is getting dirt and muck in the micro USB charging port. Should I be concerned about this? What about other rechargeable powermeters, is this an issue?

Thank you.

OBoile

I just ordered a 4iiii PM that I got a pretty good deal on. Haven't got it yet, so I can't confirm how well it works, but I will say this about the CR2032 batteries: they're super cheap. You can get like 20 for $7. Given that each one will last like 100 hours, I certainly don't think they're a detraction.

RChung

In two of the last four places I've lived there was no power outlet near where I kept my bike.

WhyFi

Looks like there's a dust cover and it's internally waterproofed - I wouldn't be too concerned. I would personally prefer the rechargeable, but I happen to have outlets near my racks/mounts in both the house and the garage. If that weren't the case, I wouldn't be as keen on the idea.

Beach Bob

I run a 4iiii and have had no problems with it. I'm getting 4000km(2500 miles?) on a 2032 battery, so I might have to change batteries once or twice a year. I've never had a problem with data drops, etc.

I think the rechargeable battery ones work fine if you have other reasons to charge your bike (i.e. Di2, etc).

NoWhammies

Thanks folks. I do have an electrical outlet where I store my bike so that isn't an issue, which is a good thing as I needed to charger my Di2 this season too.

I guess it all boils down to what I think will work out better for me. Getting 4,000km out of a single 2032 battery is pretty good. Similar to @Beach Bob I'd likely have to change batteries once, maybe twice a year.

redlude97

you can get 10 packs on Amazon for $6, which work in most HR monitors, speed sensors etc.

cthenn

Is that the only difference? I have a Precision, and they've done several firmware updates that have drastically improved battery life. I just carry a spare in my seat bag in case I need to change it on the road. Can't give you exact mileage, but I go a long time between battery changes, it's no big deal.

One word of advice, don't buy the cheap crap, get Energizers. They last much longer and won't crap out on you. The brand name ones are still cheap, and are much better. Trust me, I know from experience.

Seattle Forrest

My Vectors take a coin cell battery. It's quick and easy, and rare.

My Di2 is rechargeable. It's slightly more PITA but not much. Also not very common.

Both of them work well in the PNW. I wouldn't let this be a deciding factor.

derf36

NoWhammies

Thanks folks. I think you've swayed me enough to look at purchasing the Precision.

Sasquatch16

NoWhammies

Awesome. I'm coming out of cycling season in my part of the world so I'm likely going to wait until next year before picking up the powermeter. Unless of course I manage to find one on a screaming deal. Plus it's always nice to support a Canadian company

Bobbybee81

I was an early adopter of the precision and got one back in 2015. I have no complaints about the accuracy or the functionality, but I have had a few reliability issues. The first model i received was an older design with slightly different housing. It stopped working after about a year and a half. The customer services were great and after sending it back they sent me a new one (with the new housing). The second one lasted about 2.5 years, so when it started reading funny i was outside of the warranty period. They tried to help get it working again, but in the end i had to stump up for a new one. The third worked fine to start, but now eats through batteries at the rate of 1 every 4 days (after 9 months use).

I'm only guessing, but i think most of the issues appear to be battery or battery housing related. Therefore, I'm going for a podiiiium this time (I've got a refund from the third one). Hopefully it's more reliable, but like i say customer services is great and functionally is good.

MagicHour

Good choice, been happy with my precision Was gonna say I'm in the CR2032 camp, kinda "set it and forget it" and don't have to worry about plugging in my bike all the time. Not sure I get quite 100hrs out of a battery, but no biggie I only have to change it once per season or so, I always keep a small supply of Energizers CR2032s handy for all my sensors (2 bikes, HRMs, Zwift etc.)

NoWhammies

I have been tracking my time/hour use of the CR2032 and I seem to be getting anywhere from 100hrs and up. I am happy with my 4iiii PM. No complaints and would recommend.

OBoile

I have the 4iiii. Seems fine to me. I've since bought two for my wife for her bikes, so I guess that's a pretty good indication that I'm satisfied with it.

yamsyamsyams

Battery one gets my vote. Lasted me since 2015, and I carry a spare battery in the saddle pack. Lasts about 1500-2000 miles for me with no issues.

It’s a bit more environmentally wasteful but it’s definitely easier than remembering to recharge before a big ride in case it craps out. With rechargeable you’re SOL unless you carry a small battery pack charger (sometimes I do to juice up the garmin) and wait for it to charge up, or with a battery, spend 2 minutes to flip out the old battery and pop in the new. This in fact happened to me on a recent century with my Quarq on a different bike and I was so glad I had a spare battery right before a big climb!

colnago62

I have a rechargeable battery in my power meter. There is nothing really to remember. If you have a newer head unit, it will tell you when your battery level is at about 1/3. I have to plug mine in every couple of months. I wouldn’t mind a replaceable battery type of unit. My option was rechargeable or a battery system that had to be replaced by sending the whole unit back to the factory.

rami_arna

I got the single sided 4iiii on both of my bikes. They have been great and only require a battery change once a year.