A few months ago, the navigation specialist Falk Outdoor launched two new bicycle navigation devices, the Pantera 32 and Pantera 32+.
Both devices are basically identical, they are waterproof, have a 2,8-inch color display with touchscreen, 128 MB RAM, 8 GB flash memory, micro-USB 2.0 mass storage, barometer, 3D compass and a G-sensor. The difference lies in the additional functionality. The Pantera 32+ comes with a chest strap for heart rate measurement and a cadence sensor in addition to the speed sensor. The sensors are coupled to the bike computer via the ANT+ radio standard, which means that other heart rate belts and cadence sensors from companies such as Bryton, Garmin, Mio etc. can also be coupled, provided they have the same radio standard.
Practice
We've been able to do that in the past few weeks Pantera 32+ both during the training stays under the Spanish sun as well as during the preparation for the season at home.
Even the first impression was positive. The dimensions of the device are quite comfortable for a navigation device. With its external dimensions of 10,8 by 6,2 centimeters and a height of 1,7 centimeters, it is definitely not block and the 134 gram weight is also acceptable.
The supplied wheel sensors for speed and cadence can be attached to the frame relatively quickly using cable ties. The same applies to the handlebar adapter.
Falk has implemented the operation very well: You can use it Pantera 32+ operate like a car sat nav, all functions are practically self-explanatory. The excellent short and assembly instructions also contribute to this, which explains the most important things on a few pages and, above all, visually very well implemented. With the indicated swipe gestures, even inexperienced smartphone users know immediately how a touchscreen works and what display appears on the screen when you scroll through it.
The streaks left by sweaty fingers on the display and the low level of illumination are unattractive on the touchscreen. Despite full illumination, the display is difficult to see in direct sunlight. The mirror effect is too high in such situations.
According to Falk, the battery has an operating time of eight hours and can easily withstand trips of five to seven hours, as long as you don't forget to charge the device the evening before.
The really special thing about Pantera 32+ is the ability to convert a previously loaded GPS track into a navigable route. Falk calls this function iGPX. A permanent connection to the Internet is not required, the route can be easily planned without additional tools. You can see how useful this innovation is when you do the first lap. Changes of direction are signaled by beeps without having to look at the display all the time.
In general, the strength of the Pantera 32+ in the navigation. The route selection in particular was convincing in the test. From the usual address input to the selection of POIs, there are also many destination options to choose from. In addition, this offers Pantera 32+ a selection of over 3.700 saved pass heights. It is therefore quite possible to do the training in mountainous areas and on roads with little traffic.
The evaluation of the training data takes place with just a push of a button, whereby the data can be called up immediately.
Conclusion
The Falk Outdoor is for ambitious athletes Pantera 32+ a very useful companion. It supports training planning and evaluation. However, the supplied software only works on Microsoft PCs.
product Highlights
intuitive operation, but low display illumination
relatively small size
simple evaluation of the training data
Navigability of the loaded GPS tracks
price and web
EUR 429,95
https://www.paul-lange.de