The Power Pod is a portable device that you can attach to any keychain, backpack or briefcase. It can be used to charge any smartphone or tablet. You can even use it as an emergency power source. Its small size makes it easy to carry around and is compatible with most Android and Apple devices.
Before buying a Power Pod, you should read up on how it works. Basically, the device uses a speed sensor and a combination of physics and math to measure how much power you produce while cycling. The data is recorded at a rate of 800 times per second. There are two versions of the device, one for use with Android phones and another for Apple devices.
While the Power Pod has several advantages according to Power Pod reviews, it also has a few disadvantages. Among them, the device requires calibration before you can get reliable power readings. Other riders might have sensors attached to their bikes and this could affect your power measurements. Similarly, the Power Pod does not work well on sandy and rough surfaces. Despite this, it can be fun to play with after a ride.
Another limitation of the Power Pod is that it does not give a 24-hour race power measurement. This is because the Power Pod relies on a speed sensor and a bike profile associated with that sensor. If the speed sensor is misaligned or removed, the Power Pod will not be able to provide accurate results. However, this issue should be resolved by the device’s developers via a firmware update.
The Power Pod is meant for people who want to train with their own power. However, it is not ideal for those who plan to race in an endurance competition for more than a few hours.
Another limitation of the device is that it is not very easy to set up. In order to activate it, you must hold down the button for 4-5 seconds. Once you do this, it will search for the sensor and then it will blink. Afterwards, the Power Pod will switch to the next mode. Changing the modes is simple, but the calibration process is a little complex. To help you out, the PowerPod comes with a software package that gives you access to the device’s internal features.
One thing that we noticed after using the Power Pod was that we had a better response when riding on the rough road. We also noted that the device can detect when you stop pedaling and show zero added power. But, this does not mean it is perfectly accurate. For example, it can be inaccurate when you change the position of your legs. And it can be off for a short period of time when you change the surface or wind conditions.
Finally, the Power Pod is not designed for racing. If you are looking for a device that will allow you to race, it is probably better to go with a crank-based system like the Newton or the SRM.
