I just lost my Garmin 1030 and needed a replacement. Since the Garmin customer service over there isn't the best I decided to jump ship to the Karoo 2.
It works, UI is intuitive and looks better than the 1030. Where i just couldn't compromise is the battery life. I'd lose 40% in a 2 hour ride. In a year who knows how short it would have been. I ended up returning it and buying a 1030 plus.
Its worth every penny if you can deal with the short battery life.
I've only been using it to collect data on local rides so far, so can't really say much about how it works for navigation on bike tours yet - doing a tour in October so can update. But it was pretty easy to set up and start using. Much more intuitive compared to my 10-yr old Garmin 800, but that's not saying much. The menus and controls are still a little cryptic, but overall pretty good. Uses a Garmin mount, secure and you have a lot of options for different mounting products. I have Google Fi, they'll send you a sim card for free, it's not a separate account, so there's zero down side. On the other hand, I'm not sure it has ever connected to cellular, there are compatibility issues for different carriers in different areas, so it's kind of hit or miss. Good screen size and brightness, visible in full sun. Easy to use touch screen, just a little funky activating some of the options on screen, it also has hard buttons that can help if you remember what they do (they're not marked by function, just 4 unmarked buttons on the sides).
I had stopped using my prior GPS computer owing to confusing menus and having to click multiple times to reach the desired info (that is, if I could remember the way to reach the right menu). The Karoo 2 has reset my thinking that a bike computer CAN provide useful data in an intuitive interface. Favorite feature: the hill climb feature is brilliant, and you don�t even need to do anything for it to display. It's like magic!
There is a known issue with how the device records elevation. Total gain for a recorded ride can be out in left field. During a recent ride, recorded elevation gain was more that double that of the person I was riding with.
This may be the result of a hardware issue that cannot be fixed with a firmware update. Do your homework before buying.
I�m slowly starting to use all of the features that are available on this computer. The screen is nice and works well with my lights. There are a ton of features available and it�s at a attractive price point. I have always used Garmin but they have gotten very expensive. Would definitely recommend.
I have one big regret with the Karoo 2 - why didn't I buy this sooner? This is such an awesome tool - I can get all of my key ride stats in a single glance - speed, max speed, average speed, direction, distance, distance to go (if following a route), elevation and speed. And the route following capability is awesome - I can see the route on the map and it gives me the distance to next turn and then a 500 foot countdown as I approach. The battery life is very good (far above their stated number of hours) - staying just above 80% after a 2+ hour ride. Syncing to all of the usual apps is seamless - Suuno, Strava, ride with GPS, and more.
Highly recommended and don't procrastinate, as I did, to buy this superb computer!
Large , clear screen with easy to follow directions. Hill feature great for knowing grade and we�re you are on a climb Easy to set up . Contacted tech service one occasion for help. They got right back with me
I purchased this in the spring last year.... and there was zero information in the promo material that advised the risk of not being compatible with Shimano. So I was shocked when I discovered this after I bought my new bike a month ago and discovered there was no syncing available. I contacted Hammerhead and their response was.... "too bad so sad". Stay away from this product.
I was a longtime Garmin user and had all of the typical frustrations that came along with it. I've been using the K2 for over a year now and can confidently say I'll NEVER go back to Garmin. The touch screen works and having physical buttons is a bonus for those cold days when wearing thick gloves. The turn-by-turn directions are vastly superior to Garmin. Hammerhead updates the K2 every two weeks, so they are constantly squashing bugs and adding new features.
If I had one complaint it would be the mount. Mine came with a Garmin adapter and now I'm able to use it on all my bikes that have Garmin mounts. The Garmin mount is actually better, IMHO.
Positives:
- High-resolution color touchscreen looks great
- Navigation is the best out there and works without a smartphone connection
- Support for all your favorite sensors including Varia radar
- Integrates well with various ecosystems
- Online dashboard lets you create routes and workouts
- Regular software updates add features and fix bugs
No so great:
- The screen is kind of reflective, so even at full brightness it can be hard to read in direct sunlight
- Small software quirks like occasionally losing the GPS signal or Bluetooth connection to a sensor
- Audio alerts can be hard to hear outdoors
- Battery life is decent, not outstanding
I was a Garmin user for seven years. I've had the Hammerhead for almost 6 months and it is far superior. If you load routes to follow the Hammerhead is far easier to load and more importantly if you get off course it will help you get back on course and not just tell you that you are off course. The touchscreen is far more responsive. If you need support you can actually get a timely response and there is an active online community. Hammerhead is proactive in responding to its user base to add features and functionality. They frequently provide updates.
Bought this to replace a Suunto watch for recording rides. Very well made and with enough features without going overboard. Holds charge pretty well but cold weather does lessen battery capacity. No problems locking onto GPS and downloads reliably to several 3rd party programs. Mapping is very well detailed although limited in zoom in and out but I can live with it.
I used a Garmin 500 for way too long and always hesitated to buy a new computer. This thing is great, screen is nice and clear, touch functions all work well with gloves and still works fine in the rain. Customizing displays is pretty easy and has good options too. Very nice.
I've been riding with the Karoo since it first came out. Best display by a loooong way with by far the most map detail. You can get audio turn by turn directions if you pair an external BT speaker or headset. It's Varia radar display is better than Garmins. Karoo will show you upcoming climb details without even needing to load a route. Updates come typically every two weeks.
Simply the best computer available.
