I’ve used both of these, although the Favero’s for just a month or two now. A TON of experience with the Vector 3.
Had all the early issues with the Vectors that everyone has talked about but have settled in and for the most part, I would have no problem recommending the Vector 3 pair. A couple of things; I’ve replaced the battery doors and the internal shit with the package shown above and I think that makes a big difference. Second, a while ago I went to the single battery rather than putting two of those smaller batteries in there (CR1/3N I believe is the larger single battery). New battery doors, single battery and I have had no problems.
One thing to note; as many others know, the Garmin customer support is absolutely legendary. They sent me a brand new pair of Vector 3 pedals, overnighted them to me at a race location hotel, just because I was having issues with the doors and they wanted to make sure I was good for my race. So I have two pairs after buying only one since the original pair I just replaced the battery doors and they have been like new.
They have sent me a second new pair because I actually broke one of pedals in the middle of a time trial (I’d love to say I AM that powerful but I doubt that was entirely the problem).
So far I love the Assioma’s and at the moment I’m literally trying to decide which I will use on my racing tri bike and which I will use for backup tri bike, main road bike, etc.
With Garmin fixing all of their issues for the most part (and using the different batteries), I would really have a hard time deciding between the two. One tiny thing I like about the Assioma’s is that I think they are easier moving from bike to bike, but I don’t have to worry about that now because I have a pair of pedals for every bike I have.
Just another +1 for Assiomas I’ve had them for a year and a 1/2 and zero issues, They just work, I never have to think about them and thats one less thing to worry about when i ride.
Agreed–the only thing I do have to worry about is remembering to charge them, which happens so infrequently I totally forget about it and when I did it last. I’ll usually do a “panic check” at some point with the app and usually find they’re still in the green though.
Agree about forgetting to charge them - you get a “low battery” warning when they are at 20% but I alway just think “thats another 8 hours” then forget.
Not sure what bike head unit you are using. If ecosystem is no issue for you, I would suggest Favero Assioma Duos. I have been using them for half a year now. Fantastic.
My friends who bought the Vector 3s earlier were having issues. All of them had issues. Either battery cap, or they needed the unit to be replaced. If you are in the Garmin ecosystem and must stay, I would suggest waiting for a new Vector.
1 set of new battery covers (hopefully now sorted for new ones)
2 warranty replacements due to the metal and plastic parts of the pedal body coming apart in a way that can’t be fixed at home and stops the pedal from rotating freely
I would guesstimate 5-10% of my rides in that time have had either no power or useless power data due to cutouts and spikes. This is despite the trick of applying baby oil to battery contacts, and using double thickness batteries to reduce fretting. Seems the oil dries out quicker than the batteries wear out, and the batteries also don’t last that long
1 nearly very expensive incident where I clipped the pedal on the tarmac taking a fast corner in a crit, it knocked the metal battery cover askew and damaged the soft plastic threads inside the pedal body. Was told this wasn’t covered under warranty as it was rider damage and it wasn’t possible to replace just the body so I was looking at total replacement out of my own pocket. Did eventually manage to rethread the cover successfully (and the whole pedal has been replaced twice since then so I don’t believe it was the cause of any other issues). Since then I’ve removed the pedals in crits and other races where the ability to pedal through fast corners is necessary - the pedals are quite a bit thicker on the outside than a regular pedal so clipping is a definite risk, and if clipping could so easily lead to destroying my power meter it’s a risk I’m not prepared to take.
Countless failed calibrations (maybe 50:50 as to whether calibration works, this is on a Garmin head unit) and countless “right sensor missing” messages, pretty much every time I start pedalling again after a stop or coasting section where the pedals have gone into standby
Sadly I know maybe 8-10 other people who have or have had Vectors and this seems to be a pretty typical ownership experience, not the exception. I know a similar number of Assioma owners and they’ve mostly had a trouble-free experience. That, plus the lower price, plus the simplicity of recharging vs faffing around changing batteries (and wondering whether the batteries are going to run out on a key ride) would point me towards the Assiomas if I was buying again now.
no experience with Garmin vector but have assioma duo. outstanding so far. great battery life, excellent accuracy (against tacx 2t trainer). It showed a sig L/R balance issue, did static weight test and it was dead on for the reference weight. only issue is the poor weighting of the pedal which makes missed clips far more common than the shimano dura ace pedals they replaced. For the price it’s a no brainer in IMO. biggest issue may be the 2 month wait to get a pair.
I’ll usually do a “panic check” at some point with the app and usually find they’re still in the green though.