I’ve recently received a new, modified version of RunScribe Plus pods.
They look identical to the originally released V3 pods and indeed still show up as a V3 pod on the RunScribe app. However the main hardware ‘fix’ is with the signal strength.
Garmin were VERY naughty when they released the Fenix 5 and 5S models – as those models experienced dropouts with a variety of devices including Stages, STRYD and Runscribe. The fix has been for 3rd party vendors to cover the cost of a redesign OR for owners of the Fenix 5 and 5S to cough up some extra $£$£$£ for the Fenix 5 PLUS models – admittedly the PLUS models are pretty cool with many awesome capabilities.
RunScribe initially developed a DIY workaround for the Fenix 5 with strips of sticky metallic foil.
Hey ! It worked for me…don’t knock it.
Anyway; you can now get the ‘new’ RunScribe Plus model that will play happily with your Fenix.
Currently the situation with STRYD is that 5 and 5S are still not classed as supported models on the STRYD website.
Also included with my RunScribe Plus were 4 rather snazzy blue lace-cradles for the pods.
Whilst the Sensor Fusion algorithm for speed/distance is STILL in beta (Source: https://community.runscribe.com/t/sensor-fusion-beta/865/121) it seems to me, at least superficially, to be improved on FW35.53 (beta) than from FW32.75 from back in May2018. Indeed Tim @RunScribe seems to be flirting with making the sensor fusion live at any minute.
So. I guess this IS news and hence worth a post ahead of some hopefully interesting announcements from other vendors in September.
Also New
The Sensor Fusion component of RunScribe is now running at 500Hz for all V3 pods – not just this new firmware iteration. When originally released it was running at 200Hz. This frequency difference in layman’s terms means that more data points are resolved per second than before – a LOT more (probably 150% more!). Tim@RunScribe claims that this gives the EXACT moment of toe-off as well as a much improved resolution at the moment of foot strike.
The power model (beta!) has also evolved. Whilst the ‘standard’ GOVSS power model is used the efficiency index component of that has been improved based on the metrics that RunScribe captures giving, for example, a proper estimate of L/R power.
My Asymmetry
The new RunScribe hardware iteration warrants a full post for me as the pods nicely coincided with a (minor) calf injury…grrrr I had resigned myself to looking once again at my glorious asymmetries and RunScribe is the place to go for that.
Other Potential Developments
It should be interesting to see if STRYD release dual-sided pods – there was vague talk back in 2017 but nothing yet, maybe the market doesn’t justify the investment for STRYD? Certainly for me, in terms of running power, then dual-sided running power would be nice from STRYD but I don’t think I really need it for training and racing. Having said that I’m going to look at what RunScribe has to tell me with dual-sided power imbalances, even though the absolute numbers themselves won’t be of too much use as my power data history is from STRYD and is different.
BTW: COROS is also looking at supporting running power for STRYD + RunScribe and are generally developing their Pace watch nicely as a proper running/tri watch with notable new features most months.
If you are interested in RunScribe, this is a reasonably good comparison of the product coming from the RUNNING POWER perspective but it gives a flavour of the differences to the main alternatives.
The following chart compares the characteristics of the 3 main Running Power contenders:
TAKE OUT
As of 30 August 2018 my take on RunScribe is that we seem to see an improved product (hardware+software) that delivers better accuracy for those looking at gait metrics. I would say that it is pretty much UNrivalled in that respect.
Another key differentiator is the Left-Right breakdown of the metrics.
I couldn’t yet recommend the POWER element of RunScribe as a training/racing tool because a) I haven’t used it enough in that respect and b) it’s in beta ! However it seems accurate enough to use power in the sense of looking at the metrics and efficiency of how you run (L/R).
So STRYD would still be your pacing and racing tool – also with analytics of course.
Garmin’s running power CIQ app is free and, for now, that’s all I want to say about that.
PRICE, AVAILABILITY & DISCOUNT
V3 RunScribe Plus Pricing: USA $250, UK/EU GBP250
DISCOUNT CODE: SCtfk10 (UK, USA and EU)
If you want to get a pair of RunScribe pods now you can buy direct from RunScribe in the USA using the image links below or from NewRunningGear in the UK.
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I hope that your A race is not in danger for the calf injury
Long post alert! Background – I backed the original kickstarter, and have also paid good hard earned cash to upgrade to RS+.
Hope the calf is OK… I’ve been through something similar after not resting enough after my spring marathon (again!! MUST rest more after major races!).
The runscribes have been excellent in helping me monitor progress back to health. The imbalances according to RS were *shockingly bad* when I started back, but they gradually reduced to the point where I’m now looking pretty good and even. I’ve naturally been tracking the RS output against my own perception as I’ve gone, and my discomfort levels have felt pretty spot on against the metrics. Having seen a physio, he seems to think that my toes are dropping too much (foot rotating and little toe pointing at the ground). I’m now consciously trying to keep my whole foot more parallel with the ground as it comes through to strike – still forefoot, but ‘flatter forefoot’, if that makes sense!? The ability to monitor the changes to the RS metrics is a HUGE benefit to me in this process. Its amazing how much you can kid yourself into thinking you are running in a particular way when in reality you’re doing the complete opposite, especially when trying to change something! I think RS is still the ONLY game in town for this type of analysis ?? The only other way would be to get someone to watch (difficult if you are running quickly or foot position changes at the last moment before striking), or to video. Post analysis is then a pain, and is only limited to a few strides as you pass the gopro (other action cams are available!).
Running power… meh. Dual sided running power… double meh.
I’d love to see RS nail instant pace from the pods. The current beta has the ANT+ footpod profile enabled, and I’m getting some very good results. The fellrnr calibration tool is showing accuracy to around 1%, sometimes less – and that’s on trails! With winter coming up, I’ll be doing more of my interval sessions indoors. My old Adidas footpod struggles to give accuracy across the full range of paces. I hear Stryd is very accurate there, but I wont be forking out for a Stryd.
A note on the current status of being in Beta… the metrics provided by RS are unique in the market at the moment. Power is a hot topic, but I’m not sold; 99.0% of people are happy with instant pace from GPS. However, if Stryd/Milestone/other were to come out with something that competes with the RS metrics, RS could see some stiff competition. The longer they are in beta the greater the risk of missing the boat and having someone else come along and eat their lunch. Current pace may not be perfect, and there may be some questions on the power calcs (who cares anyway, and there’s no ‘right’ answer!), but I think Tim @runscribe needs to bite the bullet and launch out of beta, pushing the core USP of the metrics in order to get units flowing before someone else comes along.
thank you Neil. You promised salacious? 😉
Sadly for you (not RS!), its all been pretty positive for me! 🙂
🙂
Looks like Tim finally released version of the firmware for public consumption with power and footpod enabled. Would love to get your feedback on how it compares to Styrd.
it’s somewhere on my very long list of things to do (actually on the list of things i’d like to do)