I literally placed an order for the RCT715 and after watching THIS SUPERB in-depth review I cancelled it! I still have the RTL515 so I’ll keep using that until a better version of this camera is released. Clearly the camera tech needs improving on it (which can’t be completed with software updates) but my biggest problem and what I expected it to have is a live view camera. I expected it to somehow connect through the Varia app in my phone (and maybe head unit) and be able to stream the live video which to get a visual of what is behind me at the time while I’m riding is so useful. This only records footage to view later once uploaded. This Lama guy knows his stuff!
Garmin, this is simple; bring back the Virb team!! v2 needs to be a Virb 4k stabilised, PD USB 3 gen 2 C with full ANT+ support and Virb edit apps. Shane, great review, thanks again but I can’t purchase this monstrosity. My Virb ultra and RTL515 work fine but I wouldn’t mind if they were all one seamless unit which this isn’t
I ordered it the minute it was listed and canceled the order after seeing the first review. I would have gladly paid if it were only satisfactory. I love the Varia so much that I refuse to ride without it and I have wanted this since the first day I bought the Varia. I will continue to wait for something that really works.
Serious question....do you believe beyond doubt that you have been safer since fitting the vadar and if so can you outline how this is so. Asking for a friend
@@glennoc8585 I definitely feel safer with the Varia. I am 76-years old with my sight and hearing failing, and I do almost all my rides by myself. I would have a hard time using a mirror and I cannot hear many cars. I turn on the app on my iPhone for sound because I cannot hear the signal from the Hammerhead Karoo 2, but the computer has a bright screen where I can see the cars approaching. When I see a car approaching, I will move as far to the right as I can, and I try to never make a left-hand turn if a car is close behind me. If for some reason, the computer drops the radar signal, I will stop and fix it or end my route and go home. I am cautious because I have had several bad wrecks over the many years I have ridden, including being knocked unconscious and breaking my shoulder. I have come close to being killed by crazy drivers and I have read of several cyclists who have been killed in my county. So, definitely, I think it makes me safer.
@@glennoc8585 I agree with Orville Harris, this is the best bit of tech I have bought for using whilst out on my bike. I ride with a bike club and when out as a group, it's excellent if I am towards the back as I can then give a verbal warning of "car back" to the other riders. Definitely feel safer with the RTL515, not convinced the RCT715 is worth the extra cost.
I have the RVR315, so they do exist in the wild. The reason was that I was already using the Fly6 as a rear light and camera and there is only so much space on a seat post. Even if two lights each with different dual functions would have been nice there's not enough vertical space. All three in one sounds great.
Great review as always. I'm on the RVR315 with a separate and much better light than the RTL515 has and based on this review I'll be staying in that configuration for a long while yet. Thanks Shane!
Man. Like so often with Garmin, great idea, iffy execution. Would be a total winner with a better camera. The Varia 510 remains one of the very few indispensable pieces of kit I own. Thanks Shane!
I’m interested as to when a car is detected what you do? Pull over each time? I don’t get the advantage of having it. Only reason I might see is if you wear headphones (but then you might not hear warning) or with more quieter EVs on the road, that might give you a warning. Never had radar and want to know what I’m missing?
@@JohntuberLeeds it allows me to move over a bit if there’s a car back and certainly gives me an opportunity to prepare for a turn, all without having to take my eyes off the road ahead. It also gives me the relative speed of the vehicle. I honestly would never leave home without it. After my helmet and cell phone, I consider the Varia to be the most important safety device I have. I do typically encounter several hundred cars on each ride I do.
Great Review and thank YOU for taking the time to do this very detailed review! I have the RTL515 and will be upgrading to the RCT715 AFTER all of the bugs and issues are ironed out (via firmware). It has great potential and I’m sure it will do exceptional ONCE everything is resolved. Thanks 🇺🇸
Going to wait for the updated version. Great idea. I love that radar, it’s great specially in single lane roads that are heavily traffic by dump trucks.
Thanks for looking at the numbers plates especially, this would be my main use case after having had an accident with a hit and run scenario last week. It seems like the image quality here is not really good enough to work reliably even during daylight...
Honestly for such a capable and most of all communicating sensor node like this it is pretty impressive. It’s always a trade between some features when it comes to small devices. I mean seeing this quality on your phone or your even smaller head unit is totally fine. I guess it was never intended as a go pro…
Thank you for this honest video. I just bought a Varia 715 without checking your review and I am having the same experiences in April of 2023 that you warned about in 2022. This thing is a lot of extra money and weight in return for a camera that I can't figure out how to use. What a waste this thing is. And yes, I avoided the various iterations of the fly camera because of friends' experiences.
Awesome review as always! Glad I watched this video before purchasing, I'll stock to my rtl510 for now. Garmin sure dropped the ball on this one, should be atleast 2.7k with image stabilization and better integration especially with Garmin head units!
I personally think 1080p is fine given some basic stabilization. The way I see it this product is a safety device. Warns you of traffic approaching, records said traffic, and operates as a light. If you want to record behind you in high quality you get a gopro.
I got the RTL515 the best purchase I’ve made , perfect for warning me on oncoming vehicles so I can get a heads up and get prepared, even picked up a monster cyclist in TT mode behind me 😀, think I’ll use a go pro on a rail seat mount for now, great review as always Shane 👍🏻
i have a cateye bm-45 mirror that does the same thing except i can actually see how close the car is away from me with my own eyes, the only thing you dont get is an audio que. the varia won't tell you how close left-right the car is away from you while a mirror will,
@@darinsteele7091 Your mirror is great, if you're looking at it every 5 seconds. Otherwise, the radar + mirror combo is best. The radar tells you when to look at your mirror, allowing you to have a more relaxed ride than you would looking at the mirror every 5 seconds.
@@darinsteele7091 I'm a poverty cyclist, but bought the RTL515 and it's added at least 20% to my enjoyment riding the bike not having to worry about what is behind me. I had a mirror for a number of years, but dark cars without daytime running lights are often missed with a quick glance. I've never spoken to anyone that has regretted buying one...at the end of the day, you don't get a lot of medical treatment for ~$A350 ...
I bought one. Next day went in bought another...for the brother in-law. Wife got a bike. Right bought a third. Mate got into riding ... Told him his first purchase before bibs or anything is one of these, I'd loan him head units etc to get cracking. This is the only cycling tech that enhances your riding experience hands down...must have.
In spite of this review I decided to buy this device. I live in far east country of Poland where dash cam is a "must be" and the idea of having one combined with radar was too appealing. Even though Garmin logo on it (sorry, but my exp with Garmin products are exclusively bad.... so far). After updating Varia to latest firmware (5.1) and pairing with varia app on android phone, I went for short test ride (14km or so) with camera configured to work just on radar activity. My observations are: 1. Preview speed: previous and thumbnails is sufficient. Previous are loading instantly with no delays, although they have resolution is lowered. I also suspect (although can't prove it yet) that the speed here depends on the number of files stored on the card. But that to be checked further 2. Download speed: yes, it is still bad. DesFit tip of disabling bluetooth works and download accelerates but it is still rather slow, considering that it is done via dedicated wifi connection on dedicated WiFi channel with no other devices co-existing and very good radio conditions. I consider this as a flaw/buggy of the design. Clearly, Varia can't deal with wifi+bluetooth co-existence. So either it is a bug or they used the cheapest Chinese chip to handle wireless connection. This way or another -> true Garmin experience ;-) 3. Connectivity: there is one annoying but - varia app can be connected to the device only if the lamp is shining. If I switch to mode where light is off, both bluetooth and wifi get disconnected. Even though LEDs indicate that bluetooth is active. It seems that Garmin's wifi requires the light ;-) I can almost hear Garmins manager instructing developers: "user should be able to connect only if the light is on" :D Anyway, standby mode is useless for bt/wifi user. 4. False positives. I was absolutely surprised by amount of those. I can understand and accept it if I ride on dedicated bike line along the road. That's fine. If the bike like goes on the opposite side of the road, that's becoming weird. But if the bike road goes like 20m a side the road and is separated with double fence from it... it becomes annoying. In addition, during this one 30min ride I already had one "ghost" report - there was literally nothing behind me and warning was triggered. Maybe it was a tree or bird... i don't know 5. Plates: I was able to read every plate so far, even with 80km/h speed difference. Perhaps we use better/bigger font for plates in Poland. 6. The device is constantly emitting high frequency noise (feep). On the bike I can't hear it, but when browsing the content at home it is audible. Moreover, it seems that blinking light generates clicking sound which you can hear when watching the recordings. One blink, one click :D 7. Last thing, which is maybe just my preference. The disco (blinking) mode which is activated on radar activity is a very good idea for the day, but in the night time it is annoying/disturbing and may bling. I think that during the night the solid or pulsing light is a better option as it gives a constant information about my position to drivers and it is not as glaring as blinking one. Sorry for the long comments, I had to throw this out ;-)
As per all your reviews another great one. Thanks. I have a Varia and it does a good job. However, this new iteration appears to offer very little to warrant stepping up to it. Aside from needing to offer a better camera it would also be better if it were to provide a calculation on the speed of an approaching vehicle, particularly in a critical incident situation. As your review indicates - Don't take this to market Garmin. Rather, back to the drawing-board and perfect it further
Now if only they would add a front facing camera to the Varia headlight as well (since that’s what would capture license plate numbers here in the states). That would be a sweet combo!
One thing I've found with Cycliq is the front camera is much better at grabbing the license plate numbers. Probably best current option is GoPro on front, radar on back.
Well. After watching your review Shane I am not going to be the guinea pig I will stick to the original light even though that is what I wanted a video camera light but I shall not be putting my hand in my pocket for one of these at the moment. Cracking review and one that I can trust. thanks for that👍
I was so hoping that this would be exactly what cyclists needed in a rear camera, maybe if they can improve on the video image and the software with updates I'll purchase but it really seems like a complete waste at the moment. Thanks for the great review!
The Varia is a hugely transformative device, but still with a long way to go. Needs to work as smoothly as a car's back up camera. The elements are there, but not present in this version. It took car makers 10-15 years to start to get the electronics right.
@@whazzat8015 Seems like Garmin has screwed up every attempt they have made at cameras, including every action camera... Maye they need more than 15 years.
I have had two previous Fly6 and now a Varia510, so I was interested to if they’d succeeded. My experience with the Fly6 was that on those few occasions I wanted to use it I couldn’t read the numberplate. That looks as bad. As regards image stabilisation: my cheap wifi home camera has built in person and vehicle detection. Even if the image stayed bad but it stamped number plates on it It’d be okay. Even if it did it after downloading using servers/AI I’d be inclined to consider upgrading. No way I’d upgrade for that picture.
Great review, honest and well rounded . Ive got the RVR315 and Cycliq. Also have a RTL515 ( on wife’s bike). Radar is just brilliant on country roads, one of the best gadgets I’ve owned None of these cameras I’ve had on bike ( Cycliq or Garmin VIRB)seem to work in low light. I suspect it has a bit to do with the lens size, as well as FPS and (road) vibration. As per the review, the bigger the lens is, the more easily hit/damaged so probably not an easily solved issue I’ve also got the dash cam mini 2 and 65W in the car. Previously had the 55 dash cam and Mini 1. The dash cam mini 1&2 were bad in low light, I wager it is likely the exact same camera as in the RCL715. Garmin’s wireless interface to the memory is bad in all devices, esp. via wifi functionality . ( Garmin Drive App is equally as clunky). Seems a relatively easy issue to fix I would imagine given the proliferation of BT tech in tethered devices to smartphone I’d be keen to know if there is functionality that can be done via DuraAce STI hood buttons for capturing still photos or manual incident capture. Agreed that you’re not going to be touching head unit with cars approaching The 16gb card is cheap and nasty, though with dash cams ( before I hardwired) I noticed the larger SD cards really reduced battery life. Why this is exactly , I’m unsure I’m sure it’s just a RW issue give large write sectors? If there is a follow up test I’d love to see how a Fly 6 Gen 3, or late model GoPro goes in low light , looking for car details with headlights shining in it at low light/sunset or nighttime. Perhaps an IR function can be looked at? Agreed though that at specific price point the unit doesn’t yet stack up, many thanks for the efforts in your review at saving the $$$ and trouble for end users/consumers
Thank you sir. Still runs longer than new fly6 and appears better sealed (an issue with the cycliq). Didn't know that they sold a radar-only model. may go get that to fill out my post without filling up my post (bag - radar - fly6). Take care. -U10 PS - Helicopter Tape over lense.
I went for the radar only model as I’d just bought an exposure rear light so didn’t need the led version. I can see the appeal though. I suspect there’ll be quite a few firmware updates coming along soon to get the rct usable
Saved me some money. On paper just what I’ve been looking for / dreaming off. That camera quality though, not fussed about it being high quality for RUclips footage etc, just want something from a safety perspective, looking at those (or not looking) number plates doesn’t seem to be any use. Drivers in the UK care not for cyclists, every time I ride I have a near miss or get people randomly shouting abuse for absolutely no reason… we can be in different empty lanes and still get it… that’s the stuff I want to capture and report, doesn’t look like this will cut it.
Big big fane of RTL510 and RTL515 and I converted my friends to it too! A riding camera would of been extremely useful when I crashed two weeks ago riding solo. Hit my head hard enough that I blacked out and completely lost all memory of the incident. Footage would help immensely, not just for legal aspects but also for personal mental closure. Anyhow, I'll definitely be on the look out for your videos covering firmware/app updates. Better still, a hardware revision in the future and perhaps a matching front headlamp/camera unit.
Great review. Thank you thank you thank you. I am dying to have this technology but I think it makes sense to wait a little bit longer. I would think they will improve the camera, battery life and battery life. Ok I’m wishing but hey, I can dream.
If they can improve the experience with the app and polish a few things with firmware, it'll go a long way to boost my take on this unit. I'll continue to use it and report back on updates as they roll out. Thanks for being a channel member too Zane! 🙏🏼
I have the Varia 515 and really wished I'd had a camera when a driver hit me last week (not inured thankfully). Driver didn't give details and I was so upset I didn't get the rego. Bought yet another Fly6 to add to my setup so I get details next time. Thanks for the review, won't be buying this model!
after watching you and DCrainmaker on this new product, I think there will be a RCT815 real quick in the market. There better be. I still wonder if you can charge this one while riding (as that was the reason for me to upgrade to the 515 recently)
Based on yours and DC Rainmaker’s review the only real progress at this stage is the introduction of usb-c…..that’s a lot of cash for an improved charging port! Let’s see if firmware or app changes improve things. As always a great review that saves many of us from a potentially expensive mistake.
@@gplama I wish it was compatible with the old mounts though. The single rubber band was always the weak point, since I replaced that with the varia seat post mount that gets screwed on, it (the RTL515) is very stable.
Thanks for such a thorough video - really disappointed by the reality compared to the press release-based coverage. I would love to have a reliable, all-in-one system for bike commuting. I would want the camera to be significantly improved and would hope to see radar data logged either side of detected incidents.
Interesting review. I've been using a Fly 6 for years and it sounds like there's no reason to "upgrade" to this Garmin device. Sounds like id be better off just adding the radar-only hardware and sticking with what I have. Thanks Again!
The thing with any first release garmin product is THE BUGS. To be fair they do usually work them out but only buy the time the second generation hits the market... ironing out any hardwear issues the first release had. Then you need to wait for those bugs in the mk2 version to be fixed. So generally when mk3 (usually just an asthetic upgrade) comes out, and the mk2 is in a sale ready for this (clearing old stock) then jt's time to consider it against the competition.
Good review but I’m still going to stick to my 515 for now. Can’t see myself riding without it. I remember I left it at home once on accident. Drove to the parking area, saw I didn’t have my radar. Just went back home and postponed my ride. It’s that important for me. Going home safe and sound is a top priority for me while going on a bike ride.
So which camera would recommend for safety purposes? A GoPro? I have been reading reviews about different ones and the GoPro seems to be the best option. Any advice would be recommended.
I already have a RTL515 and it’s brilliant. If the camera on this new model isn’t even good enough to pick up car number plates I really don’t see the point in upgrading. Heck, if I didn’t have the 515 I still wouldn’t buy this one. Adding a camera is a great idea by Garmin. It’s just a shame that what they have produced has fallen so short.
I actually use the 315 as I already have a light that I like and since I picked it up for $99 usd, could not justify the price jump for a light being added.
Great video, you and Ray definitely not fans - which is fair enough and it's great to see honest reviews. I'll be sticking to my RTL515, but I would really like a camera on my bike, something that runs for 3-4 hours preferably - has good image quality and doesn't cost more than 200 us dollars - does such a thing exist?
I was anxious to streamline my bike, by removing a camera from the back. I was hoping this would be it, but I'm going to wait and stick with my RCT515 for awhile. 1) I would have preferred the old Garmin mount, so I could continue to mount it high, on the saddle rails, and not below my saddle bag. I do this with aftermarket hardware, which I assume will be coming soon for the RCT715(?). 2) In my (US) state, front plates are not issued, so the image detail is most important in a front-facing view/camera. The RCT715 camera performance would be adequate for me, but at $400+(US)?
Agree . The Varia is a must have and this is the Version 0.4 model. Gimme an active rear view on the Karoo, or activate a GoPro and I'll pretend to like Garmin even more. But that will prolly be Version 2.1 ? When we gonna see a car-like PAN for bikes?
So I wanted this to work but alas is no. Have my varia and love it but may look to use my old Garmin virb for a camera and run it to a battery pack for longer battery life Thanks for the review - most of the time these reviews cost me money but in this case it has saved me some dollars!
I so wanted it to be great too. I LOVE the radar. They might be able to throw this a lifeline with a few QUALITY updates to the app and firmware. We'll see. I'll keep using it and keep reporting back when they change things. Thanks for being a channel member too Jeremy. 🙏🏼
Yeah, thanks for that. Think I'll wait till it's a more mature product. In the meantime, I'll be getting a normal Varia Radar. If I want video, I'll use an action cam.
I like my 515 apart from the mount the 715 mount looks very good would that work on the 515??, PS I have copied your velcro strap idea through the standard mount with the band I also added a teather strap under the USB cover screw
Love my 515 but no sale here. I’d question whether it even does what Garmin intended. I don’t need GoPro level footage but if the worst happens I do need footage where number plates are readable or what’s the point? Night time is always going to be tricky but daytime is inexcusable. I’d say that mounting options have always been an issue with the Varia devices, generally forcing you to choose between the Varia or a saddle bag and clearly with a camera lens to protect you’d think a bit of a rethink might have been in order. I’d be ok with the asking price if it did a good job but if you can’t read number plates then it’s a big fail in my eyes
Fantastic review - I'll stick with the original. What a shame about the quality. The number plate has to be a minimum ask - hopefully they can tweak this in firmware. From other reviews, it does look like it fares better with the UK plates and in slower moving urban traffic.
thanks for the review. I have a 515 and love it. When the battery eventually goes hopefully this 715 model is into its next release and fixes some of the issues you raise. Out of interest, is it possible to have the 515 in Radar only mode? I have a Wahoo Roam head unit if that makes a difference. Also, just FYI, since the last upgrade to the firmware a few months back I have been getting Radar Error coming up on the Wahoo screen every now and then (maybe once a week), the green stripe disappears and then reappears a few seconds later after dismissing the alert on the Wahoo.
You can only put it in radar only mode when paired to a Garmin head unit. Shane covered it ( varia secret running mode ) in his festive 500 rides I believe.
Hi Shane, again great presentation and analysis, many thanks! You mention the Cycliq Fly products - since this presentation and review, have Clycliq picked up the opportunity to improve their products? cheers, Shaun
An interesting review but: 1) it is more of an incident camera and not a GoPro replacement. 2) image stabilization - in the early days even with a GoPro that was a post production process. Integration with the my ride app - should be able to zero in on the approximate location/time that SOB tried to play car tag with you giving you the option to preview the videos and download the relevant video which should also go into the saved folder giving you a copy to send to the police and the original on the card. Many tools to refine the image if needed by the police. Otherwise, really the majority of vehicles that pass you are of little interest and files can be deleted soon after. If you are doing videos, use the appropriate equipment for that purpose. Len's protection - yes, they need to improve that aspect with something like what many of their GPS units have but easier to replace/repair. The options for recording - should make it KISS - app to alter basic settings, a button push takes a photo, long push turns unit on to your selected options or to turn the unit off. Head unit or app to turn light, radar, camera on or off and adjust light mode during your ride - actual saved settings should be separate. No, I am not a Garmin fan boy, just born near their headquarters long before they were a pipe dream.
RTL510 is just fine. May get the RTL515 as a replacement & pass the RTL510 to my Fiancée. However, I just can't see the RCT715 as a viable replacement at £349.99 unless quality is much improved.
Thanks great review, I'll save my money. They could have nailed this, I'm disappointed how they've screwed it up, big time. Nevertheless I'm sure updates will come fast now so I'll wait a year or so.
I can live with the slightly large and ugly RTL515 on my bike for the rear radar function which is actually very useful. But not sure about the extra bulk and faff on the RCT715 just to have the camera function.
Great review! I'm curious - you said near the end of the video that the battery life was better than the RTL515 (with camera off). But the RTL515 has a battery life of 16 hours in day flash mode, whereas the RCT715 is only 10 hours. Even the RTL510, from 2018, is better, at 15 hours. Or maybe your statement was based on your testing, and you found the RTL515 to be less than advertised? I might be able to justify this device, if the battery life was better than the 515, and if i only intended to use the camera rarely. I'm not sure how the light-only battery life went down on the RCT715, unless they shrunk the battery?
Have the updates improved this enough to make it worthwhile? I have a coupon that would lower the price a bit. Still >$300 though. I like the idea of the radar and the camera seems it could create some documentation. I've been holding out on buying the radar without the camera in hopes that they will improve this one enough to make it worthwhile to get the one with the camera. Also, how well might this work when mounted on a bike packing saddlebag (so the big ones, not the little tool holder ones)?
I actually use the radar only unit. I just got it standalone because I already have a Bontrager integrated rear light so i didnt think the extra light was necessary.
Out of interest did you test battery life with the light off? I can get around 15 hours out of a fully charged Varia RTL 515 with the light off in day time and on at night but radar running full time. I pair it with a rechargeable Moon rear light instead as that has a much better battery life on the light. Appreciate most folks dont go for 15Hr+ rides but it does greatly extend the battery life.
Question to Lama. When installing a larger micro SD do I need to do anything special. I’ve tried installing a 128gb exfat formatted and the Garmin device keeps telling me to format even though I’ve done this already. Any ideas (the great one 😉)
07:00 - so this one time, I decided to set up a new business selling melon juice....anyway I died. Your fellow Aussie RUclipsr has changed the game for mic checks Shane!
The price point on this compared to the RTL515 is ridiculous considering the quality of the camera, if it was 4k it would really be worth it but for the extra £180 here in the UK for that camera quality is so poor!
Great review as always Shane. You mentioned you wear headphones whilst riding - I've always been curious about this with people from a safety perspective. You seem like a safety conscious guy - do you feel any less safe riding with headphones in around traffic?
This is a can of worms.... but let's dig in anyway. :). I've worn earphones on the bike for years when riding solo. I use corded earphones with no noise cancelling that can be flicked out at any point should I want to hear more of what's going on. This is typically in heavy traffic in town. When there's relatively no/low traffic I'll listen to music, radio, or podcasts. The remote control on the Apple earphones is really handy. Siri does the rest with voice control. The RTL515 (and RVR315, and now RCT715) with BLE and Varia App connectivity were a game changer for audio alerts. I will ALWAYS have the Varia app paired to the Radar when using earphones. The audio alerts play over top of music/podcasts/etc so I know when something is approaching and also when it's 'all clear'. This works exceptionally well on gravel where the tyre noise is always pretty loud, sometimes making the headunit/GPS alerts hard to hear. Not a problem with the earphones + Varia App + Radar. In a lot of cases (almost all of them), it's SAFER to have the Radar alerts directly in your ears than coming only from a head unit. Both is even better again. I respect some people will never ride with earphones. I also respect people accept responsibility for the own actions in choosing what to ride with (or without.. in the case of no radar!).
@@gplama great response - I've never ridden with headphones and don't plan to start but it's info like this that really helps me understand the justification around it. Helps with the 'try not to be judgy' side of my brain!
As usual , Garmin always hold back on their innovation . I mean come on, it’s 2022 you can literally put an iPhone 6 camera sensor on it and still look wayyy better than this junk. I love the radar , when the RTL500 launched I straight away bought it and never regret ever since . That remains the only new category gadget from Garmin that have a solid performance , works as intended , from the very first day it was launched. I always wanted to have a camera built in , this is what I wanted but feel disappointed with the image quality. Obviously Garmin is trying out to test the market and if the community responded well they come out with PRO version or something like “RCT730”. Guess I’ll wait until they improve the image quality .
I literally placed an order for the RCT715 and after watching THIS SUPERB in-depth review I cancelled it! I still have the RTL515 so I’ll keep using that until a better version of this camera is released.
Clearly the camera tech needs improving on it (which can’t be completed with software updates) but my biggest problem and what I expected it to have is a live view camera. I expected it to somehow connect through the Varia app in my phone (and maybe head unit) and be able to stream the live video which to get a visual of what is behind me at the time while I’m riding is so useful. This only records footage to view later once uploaded.
This Lama guy knows his stuff!
Garmin, this is simple; bring back the Virb team!! v2 needs to be a Virb 4k stabilised, PD USB 3 gen 2 C with full ANT+ support and Virb edit apps.
Shane, great review, thanks again but I can’t purchase this monstrosity. My Virb ultra and RTL515 work fine but I wouldn’t mind if they were all one seamless unit which this isn’t
I ordered it the minute it was listed and canceled the order after seeing the first review. I would have gladly paid if it were only satisfactory. I love the Varia so much that I refuse to ride without it and I have wanted this since the first day I bought the Varia. I will continue to wait for something that really works.
Serious question....do you believe beyond doubt that you have been safer since fitting the vadar and if so can you outline how this is so. Asking for a friend
@@glennoc8585 I definitely feel safer with the Varia. I am 76-years old with my sight and hearing failing, and I do almost all my rides by myself. I would have a hard time using a mirror and I cannot hear many cars. I turn on the app on my iPhone for sound because I cannot hear the signal from the Hammerhead Karoo 2, but the computer has a bright screen where I can see the cars approaching. When I see a car approaching, I will move as far to the right as I can, and I try to never make a left-hand turn if a car is close behind me. If for some reason, the computer drops the radar signal, I will stop and fix it or end my route and go home. I am cautious because I have had several bad wrecks over the many years I have ridden, including being knocked unconscious and breaking my shoulder. I have come close to being killed by crazy drivers and I have read of several cyclists who have been killed in my county. So, definitely, I think it makes me safer.
@@glennoc8585 I agree with Orville Harris, this is the best bit of tech I have bought for using whilst out on my bike. I ride with a bike club and when out as a group, it's excellent if I am towards the back as I can then give a verbal warning of "car back" to the other riders. Definitely feel safer with the RTL515, not convinced the RCT715 is worth the extra cost.
Wait till Version 2.1
This was the best product review I jave seen in a LONG time. You answered all of my questions very well. Thanks!
OK, this is exactly what I expect of a thorough review!..Cheers, mate!👍
I have the RVR315, so they do exist in the wild. The reason was that I was already using the Fly6 as a rear light and camera and there is only so much space on a seat post. Even if two lights each with different dual functions would have been nice there's not enough vertical space. All three in one sounds great.
Great review as always. I'm on the RVR315 with a separate and much better light than the RTL515 has and based on this review I'll be staying in that configuration for a long while yet. Thanks Shane!
Man. Like so often with Garmin, great idea, iffy execution. Would be a total winner with a better camera. The Varia 510 remains one of the very few indispensable pieces of kit I own. Thanks Shane!
It’s not that bad.
I’m interested as to when a car is detected what you do? Pull over each time? I don’t get the advantage of having it. Only reason I might see is if you wear headphones (but then you might not hear warning) or with more quieter EVs on the road, that might give you a warning. Never had radar and want to know what I’m missing?
@@JohntuberLeeds it allows me to move over a bit if there’s a car back and certainly gives me an opportunity to prepare for a turn, all without having to take my eyes off the road ahead. It also gives me the relative speed of the vehicle. I honestly would never leave home without it. After my helmet and cell phone, I consider the Varia to be the most important safety device I have. I do typically encounter several hundred cars on each ride I do.
@@paddyotoole2058 it could, and should, be so much better though.
@@paddyotoole2058 The image quality is pretty bad for something that costs $400.
Thanks for the comprehensive review. Think I'll be sticking with my RTL515
Great Review and thank YOU for taking the time to do this very detailed review! I have the RTL515 and will be upgrading to the RCT715 AFTER all of the bugs and issues are ironed out (via firmware). It has great potential and I’m sure it will do exceptional ONCE everything is resolved. Thanks 🇺🇸
You could be waiting a looooong time for that, Garmin not known for resolving / improving firmware & software issues particularly swiftly….
I want the smoke screen option!
I was super excited about this 30 minutes ago, now I'm going to play my Banjo.
I love love love your thorough reviews!
Learnt so much from your channel, great garmin IQ apps and devices introduction , thank you for making gamin newbie more enjoying riding 🎉
Great review. Thanks for the skip ahead on the time line 👌👌
Great review thanks for all of the detailed information!
So that’s why you rode on remembrance Drive! To record some “those monsters” action! Thanks again Shane, so good and informative as always!
Bingo! 🤣
Going to wait for the updated version. Great idea. I love that radar, it’s great specially in single lane roads that are heavily traffic by dump trucks.
Thanks for looking at the numbers plates especially, this would be my main use case after having had an accident with a hit and run scenario last week. It seems like the image quality here is not really good enough to work reliably even during daylight...
Another great review. I have just been using a ToooCycling DVR80 rear camera with my Radar 515.
2022 and that camera quality and THAT price...Back to the drawingboard Garmin...
Honestly for such a capable and most of all communicating sensor node like this it is pretty impressive. It’s always a trade between some features when it comes to small devices. I mean seeing this quality on your phone or your even smaller head unit is totally fine. I guess it was never intended as a go pro…
Thank you for this honest video. I just bought a Varia 715 without checking your review and I am having the same experiences in April of 2023 that you warned about in 2022. This thing is a lot of extra money and weight in return for a camera that I can't figure out how to use. What a waste this thing is. And yes, I avoided the various iterations of the fly camera because of friends' experiences.
Great review Lama!
Awesome review as always! Glad I watched this video before purchasing, I'll stock to my rtl510 for now. Garmin sure dropped the ball on this one, should be atleast 2.7k with image stabilization and better integration especially with Garmin head units!
I personally think 1080p is fine given some basic stabilization. The way I see it this product is a safety device. Warns you of traffic approaching, records said traffic, and operates as a light. If you want to record behind you in high quality you get a gopro.
Saved me wasting money on this until they sort it out properly. I love my varia 515 so will wait until this is what it should be. Thank you Shane!
I got the RTL515 the best purchase I’ve made , perfect for warning me on oncoming vehicles so I can get a heads up and get prepared, even picked up a monster cyclist in TT mode behind me 😀, think I’ll use a go pro on a rail seat mount for now, great review as always Shane 👍🏻
i have a cateye bm-45 mirror that does the same thing except i can actually see how close the car is away from me with my own eyes, the only thing you dont get is an audio que. the varia won't tell you how close left-right the car is away from you while a mirror will,
@@darinsteele7091 Your mirror is great, if you're looking at it every 5 seconds. Otherwise, the radar + mirror combo is best. The radar tells you when to look at your mirror, allowing you to have a more relaxed ride than you would looking at the mirror every 5 seconds.
@@ytubela i agree, i just wish the varia didnt cost so much its crazy
@@darinsteele7091 I'm a poverty cyclist, but bought the RTL515 and it's added at least 20% to my enjoyment riding the bike not having to worry about what is behind me.
I had a mirror for a number of years, but dark cars without daytime running lights are often missed with a quick glance.
I've never spoken to anyone that has regretted buying one...at the end of the day, you don't get a lot of medical treatment for ~$A350 ...
@@mechpatt in Canada it's free!
I just bought a RTL515 and I couldn't see myself wanting the camera, so much happier my purchase in the light of this release.
515 is a great unit. Not all that spectacular on battery, aside from that brilliant.
I bought one. Next day went in bought another...for the brother in-law. Wife got a bike. Right bought a third. Mate got into riding ... Told him his first purchase before bibs or anything is one of these, I'd loan him head units etc to get cracking.
This is the only cycling tech that enhances your riding experience hands down...must have.
@@gplama I have the RVR315 (coming from RTL511 that had some battery issues after 3 years of service) and the battery life is a disaster (hardly 7h).
In spite of this review I decided to buy this device. I live in far east country of Poland where dash cam is a "must be" and the idea of having one combined with radar was too appealing. Even though Garmin logo on it (sorry, but my exp with Garmin products are exclusively bad.... so far).
After updating Varia to latest firmware (5.1) and pairing with varia app on android phone, I went for short test ride (14km or so) with camera configured to work just on radar activity. My observations are:
1. Preview speed: previous and thumbnails is sufficient. Previous are loading instantly with no delays, although they have resolution is lowered. I also suspect (although can't prove it yet) that the speed here depends on the number of files stored on the card. But that to be checked further
2. Download speed: yes, it is still bad. DesFit tip of disabling bluetooth works and download accelerates but it is still rather slow, considering that it is done via dedicated wifi connection on dedicated WiFi channel with no other devices co-existing and very good radio conditions. I consider this as a flaw/buggy of the design. Clearly, Varia can't deal with wifi+bluetooth co-existence. So either it is a bug or they used the cheapest Chinese chip to handle wireless connection. This way or another -> true Garmin experience ;-)
3. Connectivity: there is one annoying but - varia app can be connected to the device only if the lamp is shining. If I switch to mode where light is off, both bluetooth and wifi get disconnected. Even though LEDs indicate that bluetooth is active. It seems that Garmin's wifi requires the light ;-) I can almost hear Garmins manager instructing developers: "user should be able to connect only if the light is on" :D Anyway, standby mode is useless for bt/wifi user.
4. False positives. I was absolutely surprised by amount of those. I can understand and accept it if I ride on dedicated bike line along the road. That's fine. If the bike like goes on the opposite side of the road, that's becoming weird. But if the bike road goes like 20m a side the road and is separated with double fence from it... it becomes annoying. In addition, during this one 30min ride I already had one "ghost" report - there was literally nothing behind me and warning was triggered. Maybe it was a tree or bird... i don't know
5. Plates: I was able to read every plate so far, even with 80km/h speed difference. Perhaps we use better/bigger font for plates in Poland.
6. The device is constantly emitting high frequency noise (feep). On the bike I can't hear it, but when browsing the content at home it is audible. Moreover, it seems that blinking light generates clicking sound which you can hear when watching the recordings. One blink, one click :D
7. Last thing, which is maybe just my preference. The disco (blinking) mode which is activated on radar activity is a very good idea for the day, but in the night time it is annoying/disturbing and may bling. I think that during the night the solid or pulsing light is a better option as it gives a constant information about my position to drivers and it is not as glaring as blinking one.
Sorry for the long comments, I had to throw this out ;-)
Thought about doing your own review channel? lol
As per all your reviews another great one. Thanks.
I have a Varia and it does a good job. However, this new iteration appears to offer very little to warrant stepping up to it.
Aside from needing to offer a better camera it would also be better if it were to provide a calculation on the speed of an approaching vehicle, particularly in a critical incident situation.
As your review indicates - Don't take this to market Garmin. Rather, back to the drawing-board and perfect it further
Thx Shane, great stuff like always :-)
Thanks for the review - I guess I‘ll stay with my bar end mirror ! 🤙
Great honest review👍 That's what I want.
Great review! I am soooo tired of RUclips product pimps. You gave an honest review!
Great video… on point! Will wait to version 2.0 updated
that sound test was smooth
Now if only they would add a front facing camera to the Varia headlight as well (since that’s what would capture license plate numbers here in the states). That would be a sweet combo!
One thing I've found with Cycliq is the front camera is much better at grabbing the license plate numbers. Probably best current option is GoPro on front, radar on back.
Well. After watching your review Shane I am not going to be the guinea pig I will stick to the original light even though that is what I wanted a video camera light but I shall not be putting my hand in my pocket for one of these at the moment. Cracking review and one that I can trust. thanks for that👍
I love the bash of Cycliq and Garmin in one go at the end haha
I was so hoping that this would be exactly what cyclists needed in a rear camera, maybe if they can improve on the video image and the software with updates I'll purchase but it really seems like a complete waste at the moment.
Thanks for the great review!
The Varia is a hugely transformative device, but still with a long way to go. Needs to work as smoothly as a car's back up camera. The elements are there, but not present in this version. It took car makers 10-15 years to start to get the electronics right.
@@whazzat8015 Seems like Garmin has screwed up every attempt they have made at cameras, including every action camera... Maye they need more than 15 years.
Excellent, thank you for this
I have had two previous Fly6 and now a Varia510, so I was interested to if they’d succeeded. My experience with the Fly6 was that on those few occasions I wanted to use it I couldn’t read the numberplate. That looks as bad.
As regards image stabilisation: my cheap wifi home camera has built in person and vehicle detection. Even if the image stayed bad but it stamped number plates on it It’d be okay. Even if it did it after downloading using servers/AI I’d be inclined to consider upgrading. No way I’d upgrade for that picture.
Great review, honest and well rounded . Ive got the RVR315 and Cycliq. Also have a RTL515 ( on wife’s bike). Radar is just brilliant on country roads, one of the best gadgets I’ve owned
None of these cameras I’ve had on bike ( Cycliq or Garmin VIRB)seem to work in low light. I suspect it has a bit to do with the lens size, as well as FPS and (road) vibration. As per the review, the bigger the lens is, the more easily hit/damaged so probably not an easily solved issue
I’ve also got the dash cam mini 2 and 65W in the car. Previously had the 55 dash cam and Mini 1. The dash cam mini 1&2 were bad in low light, I wager it is likely the exact same camera as in the RCL715.
Garmin’s wireless interface to the memory is bad in all devices, esp. via wifi functionality . ( Garmin Drive App is equally as clunky). Seems a relatively easy issue to fix I would imagine given the proliferation of BT tech in tethered devices to smartphone
I’d be keen to know if there is functionality that can be done via DuraAce STI hood buttons for capturing still photos or manual incident capture. Agreed that you’re not going to be touching head unit with cars approaching
The 16gb card is cheap and nasty, though with dash cams ( before I hardwired) I noticed the larger SD cards really reduced battery life. Why this is exactly , I’m unsure I’m sure it’s just a RW issue give large write sectors?
If there is a follow up test I’d love to see how a Fly 6 Gen 3, or late model GoPro goes in low light , looking for car details with headlights shining in it at low light/sunset or nighttime. Perhaps an IR function can be looked at?
Agreed though that at specific price point the unit doesn’t yet stack up, many thanks for the efforts in your review at saving the $$$ and trouble for end users/consumers
Disappointing results! Thanks for the review, phenomenal test scenarios. Awesome.
"Aint nobody got time for 720" Amen sir! Lol.
Thank you sir. Still runs longer than new fly6 and appears better sealed (an issue with the cycliq). Didn't know that they sold a radar-only model. may go get that to fill out my post without filling up my post (bag - radar - fly6). Take care. -U10
PS - Helicopter Tape over lense.
For the camera part, it would be nice to have 1:1 comparison with the Fly6. Thanks for the review!
I went for the radar only model as I’d just bought an exposure rear light so didn’t need the led version. I can see the appeal though. I suspect there’ll be quite a few firmware updates coming along soon to get the rct usable
Saved me some money. On paper just what I’ve been looking for / dreaming off. That camera quality though, not fussed about it being high quality for RUclips footage etc, just want something from a safety perspective, looking at those (or not looking) number plates doesn’t seem to be any use. Drivers in the UK care not for cyclists, every time I ride I have a near miss or get people randomly shouting abuse for absolutely no reason… we can be in different empty lanes and still get it… that’s the stuff I want to capture and report, doesn’t look like this will cut it.
great review!
something i could see also being good to have on your radar display would be an indicator to show which side of center an object is approaching from.
Thanks for the vidio 🙂👍
I vill go with the radar model🚲🙂👍🇩🇰
You and the camera button…I’ve been watching you for years and never laughed like that
Big big fane of RTL510 and RTL515 and I converted my friends to it too! A riding camera would of been extremely useful when I crashed two weeks ago riding solo. Hit my head hard enough that I blacked out and completely lost all memory of the incident. Footage would help immensely, not just for legal aspects but also for personal mental closure. Anyhow, I'll definitely be on the look out for your videos covering firmware/app updates. Better still, a hardware revision in the future and perhaps a matching front headlamp/camera unit.
Great review. Thank you thank you thank you. I am dying to have this technology but I think it makes sense to wait a little bit longer. I would think they will improve the camera, battery life and battery life. Ok I’m wishing but hey, I can dream.
If they can improve the experience with the app and polish a few things with firmware, it'll go a long way to boost my take on this unit. I'll continue to use it and report back on updates as they roll out. Thanks for being a channel member too Zane! 🙏🏼
I have the Varia 515 and really wished I'd had a camera when a driver hit me last week (not inured thankfully). Driver didn't give details and I was so upset I didn't get the rego. Bought yet another Fly6 to add to my setup so I get details next time. Thanks for the review, won't be buying this model!
after watching you and DCrainmaker on this new product, I think there will be a RCT815 real quick in the market. There better be. I still wonder if you can charge this one while riding (as that was the reason for me to upgrade to the 515 recently)
Based on yours and DC Rainmaker’s review the only real progress at this stage is the introduction of usb-c…..that’s a lot of cash for an improved charging port! Let’s see if firmware or app changes improve things. As always a great review that saves many of us from a potentially expensive mistake.
The new mount is awesome too! 😉
@@gplama I wish it was compatible with the old mounts though. The single rubber band was always the weak point, since I replaced that with the varia seat post mount that gets screwed on, it (the RTL515) is very stable.
Thanks for such a thorough video - really disappointed by the reality compared to the press release-based coverage. I would love to have a reliable, all-in-one system for bike commuting. I would want the camera to be significantly improved and would hope to see radar data logged either side of detected incidents.
Interesting review. I've been using a Fly 6 for years and it sounds like there's no reason to "upgrade" to this Garmin device. Sounds like id be better off just adding the radar-only hardware and sticking with what I have. Thanks Again!
Great review.
Thanks!
The thing with any first release garmin product is THE BUGS.
To be fair they do usually work them out but only buy the time the second generation hits the market... ironing out any hardwear issues the first release had. Then you need to wait for those bugs in the mk2 version to be fixed.
So generally when mk3 (usually just an asthetic upgrade) comes out, and the mk2 is in a sale ready for this (clearing old stock) then jt's time to consider it against the competition.
This is a Varia Version 0.4
Maybe there by 2.1
Good review but I’m still going to stick to my 515 for now. Can’t see myself riding without it. I remember I left it at home once on accident. Drove to the parking area, saw I didn’t have my radar. Just went back home and postponed my ride. It’s that important for me. Going home safe and sound is a top priority for me while going on a bike ride.
Totally agree. It's like my helmet.
but it is not there yet, seems like Version 0.4
25:00 - I was not expecting that. LoL! 🤣
It's true.... And in saying that, their Fly 12 Sport arrived here yesterday for review.
So which camera would recommend for safety purposes? A GoPro? I have been reading reviews about different ones and the GoPro seems to be the best option. Any advice would be recommended.
I already have a RTL515 and it’s brilliant. If the camera on this new model isn’t even good enough to pick up car number plates I really don’t see the point in upgrading. Heck, if I didn’t have the 515 I still wouldn’t buy this one.
Adding a camera is a great idea by Garmin. It’s just a shame that what they have produced has fallen so short.
I actually use the 315 as I already have a light that I like and since I picked it up for $99 usd, could not justify the price jump for a light being added.
Great video, you and Ray definitely not fans - which is fair enough and it's great to see honest reviews. I'll be sticking to my RTL515, but I would really like a camera on my bike, something that runs for 3-4 hours preferably - has good image quality and doesn't cost more than 200 us dollars - does such a thing exist?
I was anxious to streamline my bike, by removing a camera from the back. I was hoping this would be it, but I'm going to wait and stick with my RCT515 for awhile.
1) I would have preferred the old Garmin mount, so I could continue to mount it high, on the saddle rails, and not below my saddle bag. I do this with aftermarket hardware, which I assume will be coming soon for the RCT715(?).
2) In my (US) state, front plates are not issued, so the image detail is most important in a front-facing view/camera. The RCT715 camera performance would be adequate for me, but at $400+(US)?
Agree . The Varia is a must have and this is the Version 0.4 model.
Gimme an active rear view on the Karoo, or activate a GoPro and I'll pretend to like Garmin even more.
But that will prolly be Version 2.1
? When we gonna see a car-like PAN for bikes?
We need Rockets! And EMP! Review and prizes please, especially for the different munition. :)
Thank you for this ... thoughts on FRONT cameras ?? Motor Vehicles are not issued front license plates in some jurisdictions ....
I’m all for front cameras too. You make a good point about front plates.
So I wanted this to work but alas is no.
Have my varia and love it but may look to use my old Garmin virb for a camera and run it to a battery pack for longer battery life
Thanks for the review - most of the time these reviews cost me money but in this case it has saved me some dollars!
I so wanted it to be great too. I LOVE the radar. They might be able to throw this a lifeline with a few QUALITY updates to the app and firmware. We'll see. I'll keep using it and keep reporting back when they change things. Thanks for being a channel member too Jeremy. 🙏🏼
Yeah, thanks for that. Think I'll wait till it's a more mature product. In the meantime, I'll be getting a normal Varia Radar. If I want video, I'll use an action cam.
wow, still saving for the last rtl, looks good for safety and style
Keep saving for the RTL. Those are brilliant units.
Same! 🎉
I like my 515 apart from the mount the 715 mount looks very good would that work on the 515??, PS I have copied your velcro strap idea through the standard mount with the band I also added a teather strap under the USB cover screw
Thanks for the review. Love my Varia even with limited battery and it doesn’t work while charging. I’ll wait for camera tech before I upgrade.
They work while charging. Just not connected to a data source such as a Mac or PC.
@@gplama good to know. Thank you.
Love my 515 but no sale here. I’d question whether it even does what Garmin intended. I don’t need GoPro level footage but if the worst happens I do need footage where number plates are readable or what’s the point? Night time is always going to be tricky but daytime is inexcusable. I’d say that mounting options have always been an issue with the Varia devices, generally forcing you to choose between the Varia or a saddle bag and clearly with a camera lens to protect you’d think a bit of a rethink might have been in order. I’d be ok with the asking price if it did a good job but if you can’t read number plates then it’s a big fail in my eyes
Would love to see a comparison to the cycliq cameras
Fantastic review - I'll stick with the original. What a shame about the quality. The number plate has to be a minimum ask - hopefully they can tweak this in firmware. From other reviews, it does look like it fares better with the UK plates and in slower moving urban traffic.
I still have the 500 works great
thanks for the review. I have a 515 and love it. When the battery eventually goes hopefully this 715 model is into its next release and fixes some of the issues you raise.
Out of interest, is it possible to have the 515 in Radar only mode? I have a Wahoo Roam head unit if that makes a difference. Also, just FYI, since the last upgrade to the firmware a few months back I have been getting Radar Error coming up on the Wahoo screen every now and then (maybe once a week), the green stripe disappears and then reappears a few seconds later after dismissing the alert on the Wahoo.
You can only put it in radar only mode when paired to a Garmin head unit. Shane covered it ( varia secret running mode ) in his festive 500 rides I believe.
@@talonlan thanks for that, much appreciated
Hi Shane, again great presentation and analysis, many thanks! You mention the Cycliq Fly products - since this presentation and review, have Clycliq picked up the opportunity to improve their products? cheers, Shaun
It’s something they assured me they were working to resolve when I was reviewing their Fly 12 Sport (which was a pretty good product).
@gplama Thanks Shane...
An interesting review but:
1) it is more of an incident camera and not a GoPro replacement.
2) image stabilization - in the early days even with a GoPro that was a post production process.
Integration with the my ride app - should be able to zero in on the approximate location/time that SOB tried to play car tag with you giving you the option to preview the videos and download the relevant video which should also go into the saved folder giving you a copy to send to the police and the original on the card. Many tools to refine the image if needed by the police. Otherwise, really the majority of vehicles that pass you are of little interest and files can be deleted soon after.
If you are doing videos, use the appropriate equipment for that purpose.
Len's protection - yes, they need to improve that aspect with something like what many of their GPS units have but easier to replace/repair.
The options for recording - should make it KISS - app to alter basic settings, a button push takes a photo, long push turns unit on to your selected options or to turn the unit off. Head unit or app to turn light, radar, camera on or off and adjust light mode during your ride - actual saved settings should be separate.
No, I am not a Garmin fan boy, just born near their headquarters long before they were a pipe dream.
RTL510 is just fine. May get the RTL515 as a replacement & pass the RTL510 to my Fiancée. However, I just can't see the RCT715 as a viable replacement at £349.99 unless quality is much improved.
I wish Garmin would make a smaller version of the Varia 515 (with a light).
Thanks great review, I'll save my money. They could have nailed this, I'm disappointed how they've screwed it up, big time. Nevertheless I'm sure updates will come fast now so I'll wait a year or so.
I can live with the slightly large and ugly RTL515 on my bike for the rear radar function which is actually very useful. But not sure about the extra bulk and faff on the RCT715 just to have the camera function.
Great review!
I'm curious - you said near the end of the video that the battery life was better than the RTL515 (with camera off).
But the RTL515 has a battery life of 16 hours in day flash mode, whereas the RCT715 is only 10 hours.
Even the RTL510, from 2018, is better, at 15 hours.
Or maybe your statement was based on your testing, and you found the RTL515 to be less than advertised?
I might be able to justify this device, if the battery life was better than the 515, and if i only intended to use the camera rarely.
I'm not sure how the light-only battery life went down on the RCT715, unless they shrunk the battery?
Have the updates improved this enough to make it worthwhile? I have a coupon that would lower the price a bit. Still >$300 though. I like the idea of the radar and the camera seems it could create some documentation. I've been holding out on buying the radar without the camera in hopes that they will improve this one enough to make it worthwhile to get the one with the camera.
Also, how well might this work when mounted on a bike packing saddlebag (so the big ones, not the little tool holder ones)?
Were you able to get plate numbers/letters with the GoPro on the front? Curious if that was much better than the Garmin.
I actually use the radar only unit. I just got it standalone because I already have a Bontrager integrated rear light so i didnt think the extra light was necessary.
It's flash on detection mode adds a lot.
If it would flash others' tail lights or even the headlight it would be very nice.
Thank you
Top vid.love my Varia radar.essential for cycling.would not buy camera.shame we have to stitch any old driver,if you know what I mean.
Out of interest did you test battery life with the light off? I can get around 15 hours out of a fully charged Varia RTL 515 with the light off in day time and on at night but radar running full time. I pair it with a rechargeable Moon rear light instead as that has a much better battery life on the light. Appreciate most folks dont go for 15Hr+ rides but it does greatly extend the battery life.
Question to Lama.
When installing a larger micro SD do I need to do anything special. I’ve tried installing a 128gb exfat formatted and the Garmin device keeps telling me to format even though I’ve done this already. Any ideas (the great one 😉)
07:00 - so this one time, I decided to set up a new business selling melon juice....anyway I died. Your fellow Aussie RUclipsr has changed the game for mic checks Shane!
The price point on this compared to the RTL515 is ridiculous considering the quality of the camera, if it was 4k it would really be worth it but for the extra £180 here in the UK for that camera quality is so poor!
File size for a 4 hour bike ride at 4k would be huge!
Great review as always Shane. You mentioned you wear headphones whilst riding - I've always been curious about this with people from a safety perspective. You seem like a safety conscious guy - do you feel any less safe riding with headphones in around traffic?
This is a can of worms.... but let's dig in anyway. :). I've worn earphones on the bike for years when riding solo. I use corded earphones with no noise cancelling that can be flicked out at any point should I want to hear more of what's going on. This is typically in heavy traffic in town. When there's relatively no/low traffic I'll listen to music, radio, or podcasts. The remote control on the Apple earphones is really handy. Siri does the rest with voice control.
The RTL515 (and RVR315, and now RCT715) with BLE and Varia App connectivity were a game changer for audio alerts. I will ALWAYS have the Varia app paired to the Radar when using earphones. The audio alerts play over top of music/podcasts/etc so I know when something is approaching and also when it's 'all clear'. This works exceptionally well on gravel where the tyre noise is always pretty loud, sometimes making the headunit/GPS alerts hard to hear. Not a problem with the earphones + Varia App + Radar. In a lot of cases (almost all of them), it's SAFER to have the Radar alerts directly in your ears than coming only from a head unit. Both is even better again.
I respect some people will never ride with earphones. I also respect people accept responsibility for the own actions in choosing what to ride with (or without.. in the case of no radar!).
@@gplama great response - I've never ridden with headphones and don't plan to start but it's info like this that really helps me understand the justification around it. Helps with the 'try not to be judgy' side of my brain!
@@gplama Bone conduction or single ear piece helps offset the risk.
Distraction is always an issue.
As usual , Garmin always hold back on their innovation . I mean come on, it’s 2022 you can literally put an iPhone 6 camera sensor on it and still look wayyy better than this junk. I love the radar , when the RTL500 launched I straight away bought it and never regret ever since . That remains the only new category gadget from Garmin that have a solid performance , works as intended , from the very first day it was launched. I always wanted to have a camera built in , this is what I wanted but feel disappointed with the image quality. Obviously Garmin is trying out to test the market and if the community responded well they come out with PRO version or something like “RCT730”. Guess I’ll wait until they improve the image quality .
They know exactly what they are doing. An opportunity for them to fix the issues and come up with a higher price.
That's because Garmin bought a working product with the first version.
This is still not a working Version 2.0, more a V1.4 or even 0.4.
just wish it was like half the size! that thing is huge.