The name of the company is Innovate, not innovative. The advantage to the AEM is that it doesn't need to be calibrated before use...100% plug-n-play. I believe the Innovate needs to be calibrated in order to be accurate. Not sure what that entails, but with AEM you connect the sensor, connect power and ur done...unless you wanna log, then u gotta rig up some wires to a serial port...but that can be done anytime.

 

Calibrating the Innovate sensor is so easy a caveman can do it. All you do is power up the sensor, let it heat up, and it calibrates itself. Changing your oil is harder, if that puts things into perspective. Stop using the calibration as a reason not to use their products.

 

I am curious, if they both use the same Bosch sensor, why would the innovate need to be calibrated to be accurate? Does that mean the AEM is not as accurate? Innovate pretty much only makes A/F and data logging equipment, you would think if they could have their gauges be PnP and accurate without calibration they would. None of them are very fast though, if you want precision and instant read, you would want an Autronic Exhaust Gas Analyzer, they are $1600 for the cheap model! Same unit you get with the purchase of a $60k+ Dyno.

 

Haven't used any Innovate products, My AEM wideband isn't 100% hooked up yet, but I will say their tech support is top notch. Had an issue with one of my other gauges, and they called me an hour later to help trouble shoot.

 

The new AEM you dont have to calibrate the Bosch sensor, BUT a cpl years ago you had to claibrate the sensor just like the LC-1. The new Bosch sensor used on AEM are supposed to be more reliable and last a lot longer.

 

I never used an Innovate and I have an AEM in all of my cars. The AEM has proved its worth over time that's why I use them.

 

I run the Innovate, and my buddy runs AEM. His was just plug-n-play while mine took a little wiring (3 wires for my setup). Running the XD-16 gauge allows you to plug in your computer and change the color range which is SICK so you can match it to your dash. So for plain monitoring purposes, AEM is the way to go. The Innovate is aimed more at the tuner because of the ability to plug into it, log, and change parameters with a laptop.

 

ive ran the innovate lc-1 for the past 2.5 years and wouldnt consider switching to an aem just because of the display gauge itself. i only datalog my wideband, i dont use a display gauge since i cant stand the constant changing/flashing lights.