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2024 UPDATE: Stages has laid off all of its employees due to a bad financial situation. Therefore, I recommend 4iiii or alternatives—for example, these pedal power meters.
This is my comparison of 4iiii vs. Stages power meters. You will learn their differences, pros, and cons, so you can decide which one to choose or whether to buy their alternative.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The main difference between the 4iiii and Stages power meters is that 4iiii power meters are only available for Shimano, while Stages are for Shimano, SRAM/FSA, Campagnolo, and Cannondale. Both brands produce single and dual-sided power meters sold in ‘ride-ready’ or ‘factory-install’ options.
Continue reading to learn more.
4iiii Precision 3 vs. Stages Gen 3 Power Meters Compared
Here is the summary of the main differences between the most popular power meters: 4iiii Precision 3 vs. Stages Gen 3.
| Feature | 4iiii (Precision 3) | Stages (Gen 3 L power meter) |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Shimano only | Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM/FSA, Cannondale |
| Accuracy | ±1% | ±1.5% |
| Weight | 9g | 15g |
| Height | 5.5mm | 7.3mm |
| Claimed battery life | 800 hours | 200 hours |
| Rechargeable battery | No | No |
| Auto zero | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic temperature compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Single-sided and dual-sided options available | Yes | Yes |
| Available for non-Shimano cranks | No | Yes |
| Find My | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth Smart | ANT+, Bluetooth Smart |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
| Buy single-sided | Check Price | Check Price Check Price (performancebike.com) |
Let me now explain the 4iiii and Stages lineups.
4iiii Lineup Explained
4iiii offers two lines of power meters:
- 4iiii Precision
- 4iiii Podiiiium
The main difference between 4iiii Precision and Podiiiium is that Podiiiium comes with a rechargeable battery. However, all other features are the same except for the design and weight.
Both are available as single and dual-sided power meters. You can order a ride-ready power meter or send them your crank/crankset so they can glue the power meter on it.
The most significant disadvantage of 4iiii power meters is that they are only compatible with Shimano groupsets. On the other hand, they offer longer battery life and higher accuracy.
Stages Lineup Explained
The Stages power meter lineup differs slightly from the 4iiii power meters. It includes:
- Left-sided power meters
- Dual-sided power meters
- Right-sided power meters
Unlike 4iiii, Stages power meters are also available for non-Shimano cranks, e.g., SRAM/FSA, Campagnolo, or Cannondale.
You can also order a ride-ready power meter or send them your components for factory installation, which takes about 2-3 weeks.
Also available at tredz.co.uk
Also available at performancebike.com and tredz.co.uk
4iiii vs. Stages Left Crank Power Meter Features Comparison
Below, I compare the main features of the 4iiii Precision 3 and Stages Gen 3 in depth.
Data Accuracy & Reliability
The claimed accuracy of 4iiii Precision 3 power meters is 0.5% higher than Stages Gen 3.
This difference is not much if you are not a marginal gains hunter. Data consistency is much more important.
See the following table for an illustration.
| Accuracy Rate / Power Output | 250W | 500W | 1000W |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5% | 248.8-251.3 | 497.5-502.5 | 502.5-1005 |
| 1% | 247.5-252.5 | 495-505 | 990-1010 |
| 1.5% | 246.3-253.8 | 492.5-507.5 | 985-1015 |
| 2% | 245-255 | 490-510 | 980-1020 |
| 2.5% | 243.8-256.3 | 487.5-512.5 | 975-1025 |
| 3% | 242.5-257.5 | 485-515 | 970-1030 |
Unfortunately, I was not able to test these power meters yet. However, based on the reviews of people like GP Lama, DC Rainmaker, and many others, both power meters are among the more reliable and accurate ones.
Winner: 4iiii
Battery Life
While the Precision 2 power meter offered about 100 hours of battery life, the Precision 3 has an improved battery life that lasts up to 800 hours.
That’s 4-times more than the Stages Gen 3 200-hour battery life.
Unfortunately, none of these batteries are rechargeable and must be replaced with CR2032.
So, buy some spare ones and store them in a saddle bag to have a replacement if your power meter stops working mid-ride. Luckily, replacing it is easy with both brands.
Winner: 4iiii
Also available at tredz.co.uk
Also available at performancebike.com and tredz.co.uk
By the way, these power meters belong among those that last the longest:
Physical Dimensions & Weight
Both these power meters are glued to the left crank. They are lightweight (9 vs. 15g) and thin.
4iiii Precision 3 (5.5mm) is thinner than Stages Gen 3 (7.3mm). This thinness makes it compatible with more frames.
Winner: 4iiii
Groupset Compatibility & Power Meter Options
Non-Shimano owners are unfortunate because 4iiii power meters are only compatible with Shimano groupsets like 105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace, and MTB groupsets.
On the other hand, Stages offers power meters to a much wider spectrum of component manufacturers. These include Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM/FSA, and Cannondale.
However, both brands offer single and dual-sided ride-ready and factory-install power meters.
Winner: Stages
Ease of Setup
Left-crank power meters, like pedal power meters, are popular thanks to their easy installation and affordability.
The only thing you have to do is to replace the crank. Depending on what crank you have, you will need different tools.
For example, to replace the Shimano crank, I needed a Crank Arm Tool to remove the cap and an 8mm Allen key to untighten the two bolts.
The 4iiii smartphone app found the power meter immediately, and I could pair it without issues.
Winner: It’s a draw
Price
Stages power meters start at around $327 and are $10 cheaper on average than 4iiii. Those start at $335.
Due to the minimal difference, the price shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Winner: It’s a draw
Extras
In 2023, 4iiii introduced one unparalleled innovation in power meters. This is the compatibility with Apple Find My.
It’s implemented in their new left-crank power meters. So, your power meter essentially becomes an Apple AirTag.
This will allow you to track your bike in case of theft. Hopefully, though, that won’t be necessary!
Winner: 4iiii
Total score: 4iiii (4) | Stages (1) | It’s a draw (2)
4iiii vs. Stages Power Meters Pros & Cons Summary
I summarized the pros & cons of both power meter brands. Remember, their pricing is similar.
| 4iiii | Stages | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | • More accurate • Longer battery life • 3-year warranty • Apple Find My feature | • Compatible with components of more manufacturers |
| Cons | • Compatible with Shimano components only | • Less accurate • Shorter battery life • 1-year warranty • No Apple Find My feature • Questionable customer support in recent years |
My Verdict
Is there a clear winner between 4iiii and Stages? Well, considering what happened to Stages in 2024, 4iiii wins. Its power meters have better battery life, warranty, and accuracy. Unfortunately, they are only compatible with Shimano groupsets.
So, if you ride a non-Shimano groupset, I recommend checking out these best power meters for more inspiration. For example, many cyclists (including me) love Favero Assioma pedal power meters.
Also available at tredz.co.uk
Also available at performancebike.com and tredz.co.uk
What is your view on this duel between Stages vs. 4iiii? Do you agree with my conclusions? Let me know in the comments.
4iii is compatible with more than shimano cranks
Hey, Howie,
can you give me one example? The 4iiii website only lists their products for Shimano cranks and I’ve never seen a 4iiii power meter on non Shimano cranks.
– Petr