# Deciding between lactate testing device, portable breath analysis, or lab testing **URL:** \ **Category:** Performance\ **Tags:** training\ **Created:** [October 1, 2025, 1:17pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/deciding-between-lactate-testing-device-portable-breath-analysis-or-lab-testing/4441 "2025-10-01T13:17:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Maarceltov](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/maarceltov/32/3120_2.png) [@Maarceltov](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Maarceltov)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2025, 1:17pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/deciding-between-lactate-testing-device-portable-breath-analysis-or-lab-testing/4441/1 "2025-10-01T13:17:39Z")
Hey everyone, I’m at a bit of a crossroads and would love your input. This winter I’m looking for a way to make my indoor training more engaging while also gathering data that could help me structure my 2026 training season more intelligently. I see three main options: 1. **Lactate measurement device** – The classic portable handheld meters where you prick your finger/ear and measure blood lactate. 2. **Portable breath analysis device (e.g. Calibre Biometrics’ “Mask” system)** – essentially a wearable metabolic cart that estimates VO₂,Max, FatMax etc. via exhaled air. 3. **Lab testing (VO₂max, lactate step tests, etc.)** – gold standard in controlled environments. A bit of context: I’m a data scientist, so the analytical side of this really appeals to me. I’m also fully aware I’m not a pro athlete, with an eleven months old baby at home — for me it’s probably more about the fun of playing with data as it is about performance gains. I already own a Powermeter and ride with an HRM. With at max 8-12h per week of training, mostly split between CX racing in winter and time trialling in spring and summer, I want the feedback to help me set power targets for my training sessions, so I can shape my training blocks better. So the question is: **if you were in my position, would you invest in a lactate meter, a portable breath analysis device, or just budget for a proper lab sessions per year?** I tend towards a device, since I do not train for a specific main event and like the idea set a new benchmark whenever I want, without additional costs. Great if anyone also could share his or her experiences with the Calibre Device. So far I just found this [paper](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37697640/) but not much reliable first hand feedback. Would love to hear your experiences and reasoning! ---
**Author:** ![Dmitry\_Filippov](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/dmitry_filippov/32/815_2.png) [@Dmitry\_Filippov](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Dmitry_Filippov)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2025, 5:52pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/deciding-between-lactate-testing-device-portable-breath-analysis-or-lab-testing/4441/2 "2025-10-07T17:52:53Z")
You can try [https://www.tymewear.com/](https://www.tymewear.com/) which might be a good solution for what you’re looking. ---
**Author:** ![Jem\_Arnold](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jem_arnold/32/2175_2.png) [@Jem\_Arnold](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jem_Arnold)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2025, 2:51pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/deciding-between-lactate-testing-device-portable-breath-analysis-or-lab-testing/4441/3 "2025-10-10T14:51:19Z")
There’s a good conversation in the Discord with first impressions from a few of us with Tymewear > **[Discord - Group Chat That’s All Fun & Games](https://discord.com/channels/1049525700270510090/1393868757050327110)** > > Discord is great for playing games and chilling with friends, or even building a worldwide community. Customize your own space to talk, play, and hang out. ---
**Author:** ![Clemens\_Hesse](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/clemens_hesse/32/4440_2.png) [@Clemens\_Hesse](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Clemens_Hesse)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2025, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/deciding-between-lactate-testing-device-portable-breath-analysis-or-lab-testing/4441/4 "2025-10-10T17:44:40Z")
Why not try NIRS with a Moxy? ---
**Author:** ![Clemens\_Lerche](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/clemens_lerche/32/6981_2.png) [@Clemens\_Lerche](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Clemens_Lerche)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2025, 2:57pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/deciding-between-lactate-testing-device-portable-breath-analysis-or-lab-testing/4441/5 "2025-11-02T14:57:07Z")
Thx for the Tip. Unfortunately I don t use discord. But my tymewear strap just arrived a week ago. Therefore would be interesting to read the group experiences. Maybe start a new topic? Cheers Clemens