PT Pro+ vs SL+

Bump

I too, wonder what is the benefit of choosing the SL+? $500 worth?

Lovegoat said:

I have seen several threads on this issue on various forums before, but I`ve never seen any ground-breaking answers. So here it goes again: Could someone please try to explain the differences in powertaps Pro+ model vs the SL+ model? The price difference is rather huge, and I wonder what I would get "extra" from the 500 bucks needed to go from Pro+ to SL+.

The differences you can read from saris webside are mainly:

- SL+ has a 12 mm axel, as opposed to the Pro+`s 15mm.
- The SL+ is about 40-50 grams lighter.

What I`m looking for is generally the differences in performance, and the two differences stated above dont tell me very much (the weight-difference is so small I dont care, and I dont really grasp the big difference in having a 3mm wider axel). Does anyone have any experience with f.ex stiffnes, durability, how good the hub rolls, etc?

FYI I already own a pro+ which is mounted in my trainingwheel (a DT swiss 1.2 rim weighing a good 1200g`s). The pro+ has worked superbly for me, for its uses. However, I should note that I got it this september, meaning I only used it outside for like a month. After that, its been on the trainer. I do notice some deflection in the wheel when out of the saddle, but i have figured this probably comes from my fairly "cheap" wheel rather than the hub.

Any comments on this issue are VERY welcome. The reason I ask is that Im going to order a new set of race-wheels and would like to build them around a PT. My wallet would prefer going for the Pro+, but I dont want do comprimise too much on performance when I`m already spending 1500$$ + on wheels 🙂

The OP nailed the differences: less weight (from carbon windows in hub shell), axle size, and $$

I've seen comments that some people felt there was flex in the 12mm alloy axle, but I'm 170 lbs and have noticed that with my Pro+. Sounds like the OP hasn't either since he's asking the question. Maybe it's more of a factor for larger riders.

No one's really going to be able to say what's 'worth it' or not to you. The wired Comp unit is probably the best value for the money, but some folks would rather mortgage their house than have extra zip ties on their frame, so they get the 'plus' units. Heck, some people probably believe the ceramic bearings are worth it. 😕 Saris makes all the different models so that everyone can find the price point and features they're most comfortable with.

I am a large rider so maybe it is worth it.

frenchyge said:

The OP nailed the differences: less weight (from carbon windows in hub shell), axle size, and $$

I've seen comments that some people felt there was flex in the 12mm alloy axle, but I'm 170 lbs and have noticed that with my Pro+. Sounds like the OP hasn't either since he's asking the question. Maybe it's more of a factor for larger riders.

No one's really going to be able to say what's 'worth it' or not to you. The wired Comp unit is probably the best value for the money, but some folks would rather mortgage their house than have extra zip ties on their frame, so they get the 'plus' units. Heck, some people probably believe the ceramic bearings are worth it. 😕 Saris makes all the different models so that everyone can find the price point and features they're most comfortable with.

frenchyge said:

I've seen comments that some people felt there was flex in the 12mm alloy axle, but I'm 170 lbs and have NOT noticed that with my Pro+. Sounds like the OP hasn't either since he's asking the question. Maybe it's more of a factor for larger riders.

Edit: Sorry, that should have said that I have never noticed any flex in the axle of my hub. Just noticed that typo. Kind of a bad place to leave out a word. :o

Here is what I came out with:

To my knowledge the OP has a little misinformation or maybe got miskeyed:

SL+ - 15 mm axle, carbon windows(weight)
PRO+ - 12 mm axle (2009 and before), more weight
PRO+ (2010 model) - 15 mm alxe, still alloy and not carbon windows.

You basically pay for the weight savings and carbon windows. The head unit does the exact same thing. In 2010 they replaced the PRO+ model with a 15 mm axle so that difference is then rectified and weight is the only reason for the additional cost.

jvanis said:

Here is what I came out with:

To my knowledge the OP has a little misinformation or maybe got miskeyed:

SL+ - 15 mm axle, carbon windows(weight)
PRO+ - 12 mm axle (2009 and before), more weight
PRO+ (2010 model) - 15 mm alxe, still alloy and not carbon windows.

You basically pay for the weight savings and carbon windows. The head unit does the exact same thing. In 2010 they replaced the PRO+ model with a 15 mm axle so that difference is then rectified and weight is the only reason for the additional cost.

Thanks for the update! Since the start of the thread I decided to go for an SL+, so i guess I`ll finally get to test the difference myself (although I have a 2009 pro+ and not a 2010). Howerver, given the explanation given above, I feel I have paid 500$$ for saving 50 grams. I can think of other places to save those grams and more (the rider!!😄) But we`ll see.

jvanis said:

PRO+ (2010 model) - 15 mm alxe, still alloy and not carbon windows.

In 2010 they replaced the PRO+ model with a 15 mm axle so that difference is then rectified

If they are intending to make that change for this year, they don't seem to be advertising it anywhere. It doesn't surprise me that they wouldn't make a big deal of it, but would you provide a link or a source for this info?

frenchyge said:

If they are intending to make that change for this year, they don't seem to be advertising it anywhere. It doesn't surprise me that they wouldn't make a big deal of it, but would you provide a link or a source for this info?

That was from a conversation I had with a Saris rep via the phone when asking some questions about the different models. I also got confirmation from some people at Wheelbuilder that said they have started receiving the new hubs for builds.

I ended up going with a SL 2.4 + because I came across a really good deal, otherwise it would have been the Pro+ for me.

I got the 2010 Pro+ with 15mm axle...can't see the justification for spending that much more for only a few grams. I'd rather spend the savings on a coach that would help me more than make up for the 50g difference.