Stryd vs Run Dynamics Pod vs don’t bother

I can't comment on the use of a run dynamics pod, but I definitely prefer a Stryd for pace and distance over the "don't bother" GPS readings.

They do different things.  They are both going to give you running dynamics, but the Garmin RD pod will ONLY give you RD.  Stryd gives you all of that PLUS pace and distance that is more accurate than GPS, not to mention POWER!  It comes at a great cost that you will have to decide if it's worth your money.

I’d be interested to hear more thoughts on this. I currently use an RD Pod and I’m thinking about getting a Stryd.

I use a footpod when on a treadmill. Big difference in accuracy. 

I don’t need the stuff stryd provides enough to justify the price. It’s massively expensive so to me it’s not justifiable personally. 

The RD Pod gives a lot of stats and tells you how your running falls relative to other runners but doesn’t give you any actionable advice. I used the RD Pod for quite awhile and liked it a lot. I already knew from shoe wear that there was a difference between how my feet differed in how they landed but that was it. The Ground Contact Time I got from the pod told me I spent more time on my right foot than the left but that didn’t really tell me why that was or how to correct it. Then I noticed that while trail running I was for the most part 50/50 on that metric. Which implied to me that I overstride a little with my right foot on the road and I eventually got to where I’m 50/50 on the road too now.

Stryd isn’t much different in that respect but since the pace is more stable than GPS pace the power stats from it are also more stable. I’ve only been using Stryd for about a month and not really sold on power yet but as others have said the pace and distance is great.

Stryd without a shadow of a doubt 

After about 8 months with a Fenix 5+ filled with inconsistent distance, I bought a Stryd and couldn't imagine running without it. Yeah power and all the other data you get is great but I am happy that I don't have rely on the inconsistent Garmin GPS. 

Thanks everyone for their responses. Does Stryd give the same stats for left vs right foot as the RD pod does? Also, are Stryd’s stats visible in Garmin Connect like RD (I presume) does?

Yes and yes.  You must use one of the Stryd data fields though in order for it to show in Connect.  The new Stryd Zones data field is great. 

Wait what.... Stryd are not giving you the same stats as RD pod gives you. It will not separate left and right foot and will not give you left and right balance.