Garmin Varia RTL515 & RVR315 Cycling Radar Review
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- Опубликовано: 3 июл 2024
- Full In-Depth Review: dcra.in/GarminVaria2020
Varia RTL515 on Amazon: amzn.to/2LqQ4xO (link helps support channel, thanks!)
Varia RVR315 on Amazon: amzn.to/2Lm40sM (link helps support channel, thanks!)
The Garmin Varia RTL515 & RVR315 are the 3rd generation Garmin Varia cycling radar units. While the RTL515 might not look very different than the prior RTL510, internally its now sporting Bluetooth Smart connectivity for integration with apps like RideWithGPS, as well as Garmin's own Varia radar app.
The RTL515 got a very slight bump in battery life up to 16 hours (one more hour). While also gaining a new peloton mode. That mode dims the light when in a group.
Meanwhile, the RVR315 gets rid of the light altogether in exchange for a smaller form factor (and less battery lie). Both units support all the ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart connectivity with devices like the Wahoo ELEMNT/ROAM/BOLT, Hammerhead Karoo, Stages Dash L50 and M50. Plus numerous Garmin Edge series devices.
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Waiting for the next upgrade with a built in missile launcher that takes out any car approaching too quickly.
LOL..hahahaha!
*hihihi* 😂✌
Or an Oil Slick like in Spy Hunter :)
I was just about to write the same, but it would be enough if somebody designed an app that connects with it, makes a picture of a car if passing you too fast or too close and send it automatically to police. All this new tec needs to be credible evidence for police and then you will see how safety on the roads improve. I hope for better future for cyclists 🚵♀️ it’s still stupidly dangerous to use public roads.
I'd say too close, I wouldn't really care if they're driving 100 mph if they on the second lane
I had a vehicle pull up next to me to ask how my rear light worked because he noticed the increased flash frequency as he approached. He was a cyclist himself, so no doubt more attentive, but he was impressed enough to want to look into getting one for himself.
That's awesome!
@@Dcrainmaker Hi Guys, thanks again for the video. Is this feature (increased flash frequency) also available for RTL510? If so, what are the settings required to activate? Its just that RTL 510 is going cheaper now, since RTL515 was announced. Thanks again!
@@prakasharaman The RTL510 has the increased flash frequency. No setting needed to activate.
that happened
Thats how we are connected 😁
I've had one of these for a few years now. I will buy a new one the _minute_ it breaks.
What is difficult to explain, is that I makes me feel more relaxed when riding. Without it I can sometimes get a surprise/shock, for example a motorbike hidden behind a car that I saw
I'm with you! I have the original!
I totally agree with you, best gadget I bought last year. When I am on my TT Bike, its so much more safe for me, and for me it looks like, that cars use more distance by passing me, could be because of more cyclists due to E-Bikes or because of the alarming red light. I am thinking about buying an Varia Vision so I don´t have to look down, and under the TT helmet, you hear nothing just loud noises from the wind. The combination is maybe a big deal for me.
I would prefer it with lights, and I allways ride with rear lights, even with the mountainbike.
Totally agree. I ride in country lanes and have the first version. I find it hard to cycle now without it. Its main benefit for me is not that it alerts me to vehicles but that it does not alert me when there isn’t. So I can relax totally knowing there is no vehicle behind me unless when there is.
I agree 100%. You never get surprised by a passing vehicle. It's the best thing I ever bought for cycling.
@@eddieoconnor8560 I never thought of it like that but this is exactly right. Knowing nothing is there is just as important as knowing something is there!
My wife is hearing impaired and her Varia radar allows her to ride on the road with more confidence... without it, often the 1st indication of vehicles is when they are beside her as she can't hear them and doesn't always see them in the mirror. The Varia radar changed her cycling life! It pairs to head unit and my Wahoo Roam at the same time so that's a bonus for me when we ride together!
Just as important for me is knowing not only when a car is approaching, but also when I'm in the clear (something most reviewers neglect). As long as I'm in the green I can give myself a little extra room by pulling out onto the road a bit to take a drink or pull out a gel & cram the empty back into a jersey pocket.
Love mine! Have had it for years and is hands down the best cycling accessory available for safety
The radar is helpful, but the real benefit is that this allows the light to change flash pattern as cars approach. IMO, drivers give me better clearance as a result.
My RTL510 is one of the best buys I've made in cycling. It makes all the difference when riding on the roads for having a better idea of what is going on around you. It gives you a little more confidence and allows you to get a better idea when you need to give way or take evasive action. The radar alerts you to something coming before your eyes or peripheral vision ever catches the coming car. Great product.
Varia changed my life. Such a cool device
I’ve had the RTL510 for about 6 months and it’s been outstanding. Very valuable when riding in winter with ear covers and ice patches. It would be nice to have a city mode that turns off annoying alerts on busy roads. Occasional false positive after crossing busy roads. Also occasionally cars slow to my speed and disappear from display.
I've watched your videos on and off for years, just want to say - really well crafted content that I appreciate very much - you helped answer all my open questions in 14 minutes clearly and succinctly that I was just left wondering on from the marketing bullets from Garmin (such as, "how does it really look/work with a Garmin head unit" "what about my phone" "oh, I like Ride with GPS, how does that work". Great job, and keep it up!
The light on the 515 is phenomenal! I saw a guy with a light about a kilometre up the road, when I eventually caught up with him to find it was a Varia.
You are not going to get a light that good for $50.
Having had a RTL515 for 6 months now, I can honestly say it makes cycling about 20% more enjoyable, really takes a lot of worry to be taken out of riding in all situations. Love it!
I have the older model, this technology is absolutely amazing! It just works
I have 1st model & software upgrades have improved the light's reliability.
Great video, explained well. I LOVE these. I have had the last model for the last year paired with the 830 and I can't live without it. Whether on back roads or highways (I live in Hawaii), I always know if a car is coming. 100% accurate, all the time. I tremendous peace of mind and improves your safety a lot in my opinion. If you try one, you will love it too.
So impressed I bought one straight away after you and Shane Millar's 510 reviews. Wouldn't ride on the road here in Australia without one
Thanks!
I got mine for Christmas and wasn't sure how useful it would be. Having used it for 6 months I now feel naked / vulnerable without it. It really is like having eyes in the back of your head.
amazing how realible it works. I have it (RTL515) now for a month and i love it, finally the strenght of the light is outstanding. But there is one heavy drawback: there is no remaining battery level display.
I have the 510 and I never ride road without it. Once you get used to having it you’ll do the same. Thanks for the review on the new model.
This is such a good honest review. I found the purely visual instruction leaflet that came with the Garmin Varia RTL 515 a bit confusing. As someone who has never used a smartphone and is not used to pairing phones on a regular basis, this video review was a godsend. When I went back and looked at the instructions again I realised my mistake. The LED in the depiction of the radar unit was indeed light purple and not blue. I had completely missed this the first read through. The flashing rate of the purple LED is considerably faster than the occasional flash of the blue LED. I now look forward to using this radar unit with my Garmin Edge 530.
I used the 515 today on a ride around the lanes of Surrey and West Sussex and into Brighton, really helped on those lanes where I could pick up cars coming up at speed, good investment for me, plus I love tech but really made me ride without the fear of a car blasting up behind me when the wind masks the sound
I own the first & second generation of radar lights and they work like a charm. I live in Queens, N.Y. & although sometimes a busy display, warns me of what is behind me. My road bikes don't have mirrors (they didn't work for me) so this is great. Both generation lights work with my Garmin Touring Plus, Edge 810 & Edge Explore. I have 3 bikes, have two 1st generation & a 2nd generation lights & all 3 work with all 3 head units. I also ride to & from work, grocery store, doctor's office, etc...
Been using it for 3 months now. Highly recommend it.
LOL this popped up on FB today 2021-03-30....took me awhile to see that it's from 2020. My comments still stand...this is a lifesaver for where I ride in ex-urban NY. Unit works great with Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. Thanks as always Ray for this new/old content.
For those of you outside of a city, get one of these bad boys for this year's cycling season. Both cyclists and drivers are a bit rusty from the past year pandemic parade.
Thanks for the review. Helped me to decide buying it.
I have the Garmin Edge 830 and just purchased the Varia RTL515. i ride a lot on country roads and looking forward to trying it out. I also use a helmet mirror but I tend to be looking in it all the time, this hopefully will help me relax a bit more and give me added safety.
My father is looking to bike the southern route cross country and my number one concern was him doing it safely. Got this paired with the garmin 830 for him as well as a mirror hopefully get him from Cali to Florida safe and sounds. Thanks for the review!
Cool, hope he made it OK. was battery life an issue? or did it match his daily ride duration?
@@paulwheeless1080 he still hasn't done it looking like the spring hopefully to get thru Texas by the Summer. Not sure about the battery life yet will let you know
The cargo bike is awesome ! ! ! And of course another solid review... thanks !
I'd really like to see them integrate a camera into this that turns on only as the car is approaching.
Britt Smith agreed!
I would also like to see a bike computer with a built-in camera. I really like my Wahoo Bolt for both functionality and looks, and a built-in camera would be awesome.
@@ajussiwannabe this has been out for a year or 2 take a look at this: ruclips.net/video/onbIM9ajqnU/видео.html
Hi Smith, why you would like to record a car approaching? Could you explain more on that?
@@jaminben6818 evidence, if you are ever hit by a distracted driver.
I was an early adopter when the original came out years ago. Still working and converting many of those who ask me what that thing is on the back of bike. Mine was the model that required the head unit as the Edge 510 did not work with it at the initial stages. New software and of course a newer Garmin work just great. Love it, and by the way works on your cheapskate riding buddy's bike if he uses the Garmin computer, just stay close.
I've been using Garmin devices for years, never considered a radar tll this review of 515. My wife was watching this review and said, you should get one of those. I've only had it for a couple days and on a few rides. Know I'm asking myself, why has it taken me so long to get one of these. Really helps bring up my awareness level. I thought I found a false positive... Then a teenage kid rode fast past me on the sidewalk 😂. Thanks Ray 👍
This is a great bit of kit.. highly recommend.. Safety First :)
Thanks for the review. I do hope they sell just the D-post mounting block versus having to buy a whole new mount.
Mines going today. Thanks for the guide.
Thanks for another interesting and something video Ray
I bought one following your last review and use it without fail on my commute, I would not be without it and I feel it gives me more confidence on the bike especially in the UK with such a poor number of dedicated cycle lanes forcing cyclists to ride on the road mixing with other traffic.
The only change I would make is to improve the security of the mount as it always feels cheap.
Thanks! FWIW, there’s metal mounts you can buy on Amazon for it these days.
THis Garmin varia radar is a game changer, I have had the first model and the second model. WHY!
Yes turning your head or a mirror works, but this device does add more than this, the garmin can see up to 5 vehicles behind each other, a mirror or head turn only sees one car. SO if you are turning across the traffic you know to slow right down for multiple cars or to wait for one car to turn.
I have to disagree with DC on “useless in cities” I find this is where Varia radar shines, it can see further than your eyes or what a mirror can see, it picks up cars right back and once you get use to it, you can even tell the distance the cars are away. At night it is a game changer, as you don’t have to actually have to see the car. The radar picks it up.
Once you use this you will never ride without it on!
Except it won't tell you what the car is actually doing. It won't show you if the car is moving to overtake or is it going straight for you because the driver is texting.
Mirror saved my life, this radar would have not.
@@wtfiswiththosehandles you clearly haven't used one
I don’t think Ray mentioned that several head units can simultaneously pair with one Varia. I pair my wife’s Elemnt to my Varia when we ride together so we both get the alerts. The second user has to realize that the car position graphics are relative to the rider with the radar.
Yup - a great option!
...several friends bought units after they connected to my unit on various rides. I use a mirror as well.
I tend to do this with my buddies when one of us forgets their radar.
Cool option !!
Didn’t know that. Thx
What? No more "Car back!"?
I agree with the camera suggestion in the other comment but I have two suggestions that would be just firmware most likely that would be great to add:
1. Make the dang light turn back on to the same blink mode that you had it in last. My ancient Cygolite can do it, this should too. 2. Make the beeps actually able to be configured so that it will beep for EACH DOT that gets added to the screen. Right now, it only beeps for the first and if more keep being added it won’t beep again until all dots are gone for some period of time.
I disagree wholeheartedly about it being useless in cities. I live in NYC and it works wonderfully. Sure the notifications are more frequent, but being in bike lanes, and crossing intersections etc. Also when you’re riding on one way streets without a bike lane, the notifications are very helpful to know when to move over without stressing about always checking over your shoulder.
To say it’s useless is a very unrealized opinion. IMHO. :)
Good points indeed though I think less congested hours on the road of a 2M+ city population would make this device worthwhile. Sure NYC is 18M+ but if it is constantly being triggered then I agree with the OP that it becomes a poor investment.
why not use a mirror?
Do you have the sound alerts on though? That must get noisy?🤨
@@cooloutacBecause it gets in the way and looks naff !
@mikegraham8319 well I own the varia but I feel you still need to have a mirror
I couldn’t resist in leaving a comment.. i hesitated first in buying this gadget, due to the high cost.. I bit the bullet and bought it .. Whilst being out on the road with it.. it works wonderfully and counts every car approaching from behind, which leaves me focusing ahead and not taking my eyes off the road.. it’s very acccurate.. I would recommend to others.. I had slow cars and fast cars and the unit notified me in good time to take caution. Worth considering as it picks up electric cars too, which you will not hear coming..
I hear the tires, not the engine as cars approach. I think I'd hear electric car tires as well.
Another brilliant review
Thanks for this detailed review and tutorial. Now I'm in trouble, I need to buy it. lol!
I watched the video and what I really need is something that tells the speed of a vehicle coming up behind and logs it.
This would add to the video information I send to the Police already when there's a close passing motorist.
Check out GP Lamas latest video about the rival radar. There is a garmin app for it.
I love mine... I use for so many years.... My whtch vibrates wen a car comes... perfect.
Very professional review. Subbed :)
I ride country roads that frequented by logging trucks and hillbillies. I LOVE this device. Can't wait to get one.
Excellent information. Thank you.
My roommate just got the previous model when it went on sale, and we always pair to it when we ride outside here in somewhat rural wisconsin. While there are very few cars, it is really nice to know when the errant car is coming, because you often don't hear it at speed. I have two complaints:
1.) It gives false positives when riding past buildings on the side of the road, barns, houses, sheds, etc... we've learned to recognize when these false positives happen.
2.) If it gets out of range from my 820, it doesn't 'cleanly' disconnect from the head unit. It disconnects and reconnects and lets out the miserable garmin shriek every time it disconnects (once every 4 seconds or so) until I'm far enough away where it's completely out of range.
That's super weird to see false positives on the sides of buildings, I haven't seen that at all. That sounds like a radar reflection issue. Hmm.
Micro usb type b, anno 2020, good thinking Garmin. The Netherlands indeed can be a beautiful place to ride your bike 👍
I have watched lots of videos about this device prior to make a decision, well….based on the positive reviews and comments I ordered .
Thanks Ray. Best regards Martin
Oh Yeah! I need this because I have planes coming up behind me all the time!
It's actually a video I've been wanting to make for a while. Here in Amsterdam there's a bike path next to one of the main runways, it's just close enough (with no fence, a canal instead), that I suspect it'll trigger it. Should have made it before the airport became a ghost town.
Planes need this when I come up behind them.
And yes, only true currently when they are all parked up at the runway. Dream crushed.
awesome review, need to get one
I think it's interesting that there's battles won and lost over tech. If you are riding a 2 speed or over speed, you are riding advanced tech. Either buy it or not. :) I had no idea that this existed until today. I think it's brilliant.
Absolutely awesome.
i really like this thing. till now i didn't buy cuz i don't own any garmin stuff but this would be handy especially for my girlfriend who has a hearing disability so finally she could now what's up in her back so biking tours can be more fun and chill for her.
200 Euros... The radar sensor costs under 2$ when bought in bulk and with the rest of the components it gets to 10-15$ total cost(~10 Euros actual hardware expenses).
The software for this is very basic(I am a software developer, have done embedded for over 5 years), it takes less than 1 week to implement this Properly.
Cycling has an issue with prices, hundreds and thousands of Euros on some plastic or aluminium components that cost almost nothing to produce...
great then why dont you open up in competition
@@theRealDavidn patents probably
I'll take one! Where do I send my $20?
I think you have confused the night and day time pulse model. The one that flashes with higher intensity but has an off/on alteration is actually a daytime pulse (according to the manual). The one that looks like breathing (constant on with changing intensity) is a nighttime mode.
Was just about to post the same. Was wondering why my battery wasn't lasting the 16 hours in daylight flash mode. Turned out it was night pulse (6hrs)!
Thank you so much!
Awesome presentation!
Garmin, if you are reading this, add a damn camera to this and you'll get people to buy it! Thanks Ray for the review.
I agree!
Maxis Gamez that will be next year or the year after. They have no real competition here so will only release a new one with more features to get people to upgrade which makes sense from a business perspective... unless another manufacturer comes up with something better.
The problem is that when you put them all together you end up with a lot of compromises which result in a poor experience in multiple areas rather than one. Take the Fly 6 - It bulky and does not fit well and if you use the light on the highest setting it dies in about 3 hours new and degrades quickly from there (you will be wanting a new one after about 2 years when you get less than an hour) and the light is fairly crappy to see except from directly behind you. tjhe Fly 12 is even worse, plus is not waterproof.
At least in Europe that would get them in all kinds of legal troubles, as just filming the street is not nescessarily legal for privacy issues. Oftem more than a few minutes storage ist definilty not allowed. Also, some people would react very agressive once it gets known that those things contain video cameras.
RUclips Lampoon I wonder if the company Cycliq may have something in the mix.
I use one (RVR315). I like it!
I used to think this idea was so dumb. But the more I rode remote country roads the more memorials I saw - the Varia is cheap insurance. Thanks for the review!
Had the original Varia for years, and I still like it. The one thing they need to do to make me love it would be to change the amber/red methodology. Here is what I want instead of a speed threshold. AMBER: A vehicle is approaching with overtake speed, but is not an immediate threat for hitting me. This means that as the vehicle gets closer to me, its azimuth angle is increasing, indicating it will pass me at a safe lateral distance. RED: A vehicle is approaching with overtake speed, and is an immediate threat for hitting me (something like
I like your point, sometimes wonder what we'll do if a collision course is detected, like bunny-hop the kerb? I think of this anyway when observing my shadow cast by approaching headlights at night, but don't have the nerve to be practising it without a threat. Still, without an escape plan, you might be just alerted to the inevitible, in that moment.
I've had my Varia light for a few years now. Love it. Would never ride without it. I do wish the mount was a bit sturdier. I've recently had it fall off once...(in like 2 years of riding)
I use two of the rubber thingies to secure the mount. Works much better than just one.
Do you ride much in cities? I'm unclear from the vid whether it's of any benefit for us urban dwellers.
@@richcole3931 I don’t. I don’t think it’s very useful for city riding. It really shines on quiet roads.
@@gaithsarhan7446 thanks!
Micro USB in 2020 - embarrassing. Anyway - loving my 510 (if you never had it, you can not even begin to fathom how great it is.)
Micro USB may be more compatible with strapon battery packs, which those of us who ride long trips require.
Thomas Martin how? Micro usb is a form factor. Usb c is too. Both can be compatible. Just use the correct cable.
A: "I'll wait for the USB-C unit"
B: "It will be $300 when it finally comes out"
A: "That's fine"
Type-c is a pretty good thing , but garmin devices semes to be a little bit expensive. And additing type-c will increase the price for about 5-7% as i think. I'm very good using micro-usb , especially in 2020 as i'm not charging garmin devices every day 😀
I've been using the RTL510 fro a couple months and have found it to work great with one exception. If a car is right behind you traveling at the same speed, the warning light strip turns green, so there is a blind spot. I don't agreen with DCR about usefulness in cities. I ride mostly in cities these days and it is very useful in detecting cars approaching and numbers of cars. I would like to know what the car speed detection difference is between the orange light strip and the red light strip. Garmin does not explain this anywhere.
7:30 'Could be anything that closes the gap like......a train or a plane'😂
I experience this every morning on my commute, watch my head when the planes approach from behind...
Mine even picked up a fast closing road cyclist & if I accelerate fast from a parked car it picks that up too, a little annoying that.
Got here after seeing what was probably one of these a couple of mornings ago. 7am, dark, Shooters Hill on Welling side, I was walking up the hill. A bike went past on other side of the road, going up hill with a lovely bright constant rear light. Van approached him from behind, the rear light started flashing till van overtook bike. A minute later, a car approached, same thing as van. Immediately decided "I want one of those". There are two island crossing points on what is a narrow steep hill surrounded by trees of Oxleas Wood. During my morning walks, I have often seen cars and vans racing past cyclists and cutting in front of them to get past the crossing point islands - not nice and, once when I was in my car, an old GTI type car raced past and bounced off the kerb as it cut in before the crossing island. While, in London, most drivers are better than in past decades, a few, maybe 5 in 100 so still a lot, are more deliberately dangerously reckless. Also, car and street lights are so much brighter nowadays that you need more powerful bike lights just to show up amongst the bright lights from so many sources.
Googled reactive rear bike lights. First tranche of results gave Exposure ReAKT, and similar items but none seemed to do the flashing mode when the van and car approached. Eventually found the range of Garmin Varia lights. Having cycled as main means of transport mostly in London but also elsewhere for journeys up to 100 miles in UK for 45 years, I've seen and used a range of lights (back to Wonder, Pifco, Ever Ready; on to Exposure Strada 2). I haven't bought bike stuff for quite a few years so was well out of date for what's available now).
Wow! I was not expecting the price! I'll have to save up a couple of months from my pension. But... this Londoner, riding in winter months when it's dark before commuter traffic builds up, it looks ideal. Then there's riding out into Kent on a variety of roads including remote, rough country hills with narrow roads and blind corners or quite major roads to Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Hastings - perfect for day and night riding.
I don't have a bike computer, I do have a smartphone. I have a Garmin Instinct Solar watch (bought towards end of the line for the first version and based on your recommendation, thanks, and Polar HR10 heart rate strap bought after a massive heart attack on 20-Apr 2020. I'll check the manual before buying to see if it links with the phone and/or the watch. Now the Roubaix is back from the global recall with a new crankset, I want to ride it
I was always wondering if radar detecters that some cars have will go crazy because of this thing... might buy one just for this :P
Arthur Asulyan it does annoy the lower end ones but these radars are in use in nearly all modern cars blind spot detection systems and adaptive cruse control. As such good radar detector mfgrs are filtering them out to some extent.
Good job. Thanks!
Thanks!
SUPERB VIDEO!
Thanks!!!
It's a nice little upgrade, but what impressed me most was how adept you are at navigating the Edge 530 menu hierarchy.
I got to be honest we all love cycling videos this is just what I need to get it going the blood I love it. I always watch these before I go out and get my body moving. I love when I always watch one of these, and then put up my heavy playlist I love like Delta Parole and then I just go haaaaard!!!! Tactic hasnt let me down yet.
Although it warns you of an approaching object it doesn't tell you if it's on a collision course, I think this paired with a mirror is the best solution. The Varia would alert you to the approaching vehicle and then, using the mirror, you could determine if the driver is going to keep their distance. After using the Italian Road Bike Mirror I hate riding my other bike that doesn't have it; in the city I'm keeping a close eye on approaching traffic but do find I don't look as often on quieter roads so see the benefit of the radar system to draw my attention when vehicles are less frequent.
So in city, is it worth using this or does the mirror tell you everything you need?
I would agree on all points, and ask if you have (or anyone) tried the TriEye glasses (glasses with a mirror in the lens to see behind you). I have been using them (I'm a daily commuter in a larger city) and I cannot imagine riding with out them! I haven't seem many reviews but I would say they have saved my life on a few occasions!
I love my Radar, been using it since V1 and would not ride without it, I found that V2 was not as good as V1 in a Peloton (hopefully I won't get sued for using the Peloton word), lots of times it fails to pick up cars when V1 did, wondering if this V3 is better when used in a Peloton, great video Ray
Just use a small p “peloton” and you should be fine. peloton peloton peloton peloton peloton peloton. TBH I’m surprised they were able to register that as a trademark. It’s hardly a “strong mark” and I would be very surprised if it survived a legal challenge.
The non light version would be good for those who want to use a separate light or shall I dare to say, the “Cycliq” video recorder rear light.
I purchased the 315 just for that reason ... to be paired with my Cycliq & I hope for a good result!!
@@6degreefloat Does the Cycliq camera respond to the Varia Radar in any way?
Cycliq sucks.
Amazing!
I got the lightless one because it was $130 and also I figure the battery will last longer per charge and the whole unit will last longer as well. I have 2 sets of lights already that I alternate out. It was a good thing when the rechargable lights came down in price and last a few hours per charge.
I use both my Garmin radar and a mirror, it is the perfect combination
I recently changed my head unit to a Karoo 2 and watching this makes you realise the Garmin’s look like a kids toy from the 90’s
Recently upgraded from the original Garmin Varia radar light. Major improvement to the light. The original has a line of small LEDs. It was bright enough, but the large "dot" is much more visible. That said, if you bike on roads without constant traffic, the radar function is MASSIVELY useful. It's better than a rear-view mirror in my opinion - more information and easier to see that information.
For people who could be considering - to they want to save 50 bucks and get RVR315 (radar only). I strongly recommend more expensive version with the light. It can be even the older version as well but the flashing light makes surprising change in driver's behaviour: does not overtake recklessly but (more often) tries to keep a safe distance. The light is flashing really bright and makes car drivers (again - more often) think about safety.
I'd consider it for its longer battery life. Blinking is not allowed in some countries, so any 6€ red Sigma back light will do. (And since April 28th there's higher fines for drivers that won't maintain distance when overtaking cyclists in Germany.)
Sound is way better on your latest videos
Great job.
Unfortunatly, the "light off" mode turns the radar off also. This mode is called standby, and your Garmin head unit can turn on your light from this mode. I don't think many people use this feature, and only Garmin computers implement this as of now.
It's a huge bummer, I would often use mine with just the radar on (for example in a group) and would only require some software tweaking. Tipical Garmin...
On sunny days I turn the light off on my Garmin and the radar still works.
I can’t wait for some new 2020 Garmin running gear; HRM-PRO and new Foot Pods etc
Just some advice. Shining an LED directly into the camera can have serious effect on people viewing video. I would suggest that you think about this in future videos.
That reflect on the youtube trophy is disturbing :P
Hi! Would appreciate answers to any of these questions. Thanks!
1. Does this or any of the other varia units have turn signals!!!??? To indicate to drivers/riders behind me that I will turn left or right.
2. Does the light intensity increase as I stop?
3. Does it tell you from which side a car is approaching? Approaching from directly behind vs approaching from left/right.
4. It says it gives approaching cars a visible and audible signal. How loud is it?
Good job.
I've had an RTL510 for about a year, and it's horrendous on battery consumption of my Edge 1030 head unit. Riding without the radar connected, the unit will last a good 15 hours, easily. When it's connected to the radar (by ANT+) that battery life drops to about 6 hours. I've given up using it as a radar. But it's an excellent rear light (with a good battery life).
Replace the battery.
Too bad Garmin does not simply add a no-lights-but-radar mode to the RTL510/511/515. Would be a simple thing to do, and is the single most thing I miss with it.
This is a thing
Looks like you are wearing a Whoop strap Ray. When will you post a review of this device? thanks and keep up the great work.
Soon! Now that the kids started school again this week, I get a few extra hours. Not many, but a few.
Just got mine yesterday, Prime Day $159
Hi!!! Thank you so much for your videos, do you recommend de non-light one?
The squared off seat post adapter is new to this model. My 510 did not come with that adapter. I have a Giant aero seat post that won't fit either of the original adapters. Would've been nice to have the squared off one.
Great video. Love the idea of the app to see cars. Question.. If I have my earbud on listening to music from my phone via Bluetooth can I still use varia app and woukd I hear both music and sounds from varia app in earbud? Thanks
I was almost hit by a truck last night. I don’t have a Varia but will get one before I ride again.
It was nighttime. I have a mirror but for some reason I didn’t realize that a vehicle was behind me until I heard it. I don’t remember seeing headlights in my mirror. But I heard something behind me and when I turned to look, the sound changed to tires scrubbing as the vehicle swerved to miss me. They almost lost control as they over corrected and swerved back into my lane in front of me. I seen then that it was this old raggedy SUV and they jumped back on the gas and kept going. The engine was loud and noisy. I could tell it had an exhaust leak.
What I don’t understand is why I didn’t see them coming. I believe now that either their headlights were off or very dim. Either way, I didn’t know they were there until the last second and I didn’t even have time to take evasive action. My brain was trying to make sense of the sounds I was hearing behind me. Had they hit me it would’ve happened before I realized what had happened.
I went back this morning looking for skidmarks and trying to figure out why they couldn’t see my flashing tail light. I checked when I got home and you could see the light flashing from at least a half a mile away. But somehow they didn’t know I was there until the last second. So I guess the moral of the story is not to rely solely on your tail light and mirrors. I believe I’m lucky to be alive today.
I remembered that some folks in the group rides I’ve done in the past had lights that warned you of approaching traffic. I didn’t know the name of it but I started looking for it right away. It’s not cheap but I now realize that it’s definitely worth it.
I once had somebody turn left in front of me on my motorcycle and I T-boned them. Flew through the air at least 30 feet before hitting the ground. People are looking for cars. As soon as the last car passed them they turned even though they could see my headlight. The woman was on the phone and I guess it didn’t register that there was another vehicle coming because it didn’t look like a car. Don’t trust people to recognize you are there even if they can see your lights. They are looking for cars.