GarminVaria RTL515 Radar With Tail Light(Return to Product Page)

Can't say enough about how much more peace of mind the radar gives me while riding. It almost always spots cars before I hear them, beeps loudly enough to be noticed, and gives a clear sense for whether they're coming in particularly hot. I now own two of these and bought a third as a birthday present for my sister in law. Would recommend without hesitation.

The setup on it was simple and easy to pair wirh my wahoo edge. I feel a lot more comfortable on the road knowing more about where cars are relative to me. I'm also impressed with it's ability to detect speeds and change color on my screen.

This is my third unit. Worthwhile upgrade from RTL510. Dual notification of approaching cars: visual on the head unit and sensory, by iPhone vibration in your pocket.

Battery is long lasting.

Would never consider road riding without this.

I tend to listen to podcasts when I ride, and the auditory signals that the Varia send out provide an alert to switch my attention to traffic approaching from the rear. My experience is that it gives virtually no false positives. The light flashes when a car is approaching, and if someone is riding with me they also get this visual warning to be vigilant.

The word "awesome" is overused. Not in this case. You feel like you have eyes in the back of your head. The alerts, yellow to red, definitely help with situational awareness. It isn't a solution to distracted drivers, but now I know when a vehicle is approaching too fast, too close or is just big.

I ride on a roadway that has a shoulder shared by walkers and runners...Varia lets me know if it's safe to ease out into the traffic lanes when going around them...love it!!

Great to have on the road. Helps avoid the surprise flybys. Wish it gave off more flash.

Initial testing

Tested my new Varia today in today's morning ride - In a straight line it's great - Could not detect the cars sneaking out of alleys - it did- when it's too near. My conclusion -it's good to have both the radar and a mirror

Summary after 2 months

The Varia is a literal lifesaver when riding alone on quiet roads.I'd say the Varia is best suited for quiet country roads and very small groups where you get limited traffic and need a warning that a car is approaching, especially helpful when your mind is wandering from taking in the sights.

There are supposed to be some tricks to reduce false hits when riding in a larger group

When riding in a group, look behind for teammates to stay at a group pace or keep the group together.

When turning right, after an initial check for traffic, I can continue looking while turning, but the Varia radar is still pointing to the angle of the old road.

Wishlist:

Size of car or truck behind. Helps me decide how much I need to swerve out of the way.

I use it as my first look when I change lanes in traffic. It works so consistently well I can solely rely on it almost 100% of the time .

While this unit is not cheap, it lets your Garmin computer sync and provide information about cars approaching from the rear. Far enough range and give a bit more peace of mind when on the road. Picks up cars long before I hear them approaching.

It's a great tool to know whether you have traffic sneaking up behind you to remind you to pull to the right. Super useful on roads with light traffic since you will be constantly alerted if you are riding along a busy street. The only improvement I would like to see is a more secure way to mount to the seat post. The rubber band is pretty slim.

For a long time, I didn't think a Varia was necessary. I used a "dumb" rear light for several years. But, given some of the roads that we ride, I decided to try it out.

I'm impressed. The combination of the Varia with my Garmin head unit provides a much better than expected warning of approaching cars. There's an additional measure of awareness that I'm sure that I didn't know I was missing.

I' can't ride without it now.

My Second Varia, pairs easily with the 1040 and 830.

This has been great can't believe I waited so long to by it. It is great on narrow and busy roads. If riding on a frontage rd it will pick up cars from the highway. Can't imagine riding without it.

I use the light when I'm doing my training rides by myself. It's helps out a lot. I don't have to keep looking back for cars behind me. I also use it during group rides too. I helps keeping the group together and safe. This is a awesome product.

The Garmin Varia RLT515 is the best taillight you can own! It works better than I ever thought, knows if a vehicle is behind you better than looking back. So much safer making a left and just in general. Great product, and BikeTiresDirect got it to me unbelievable fast!

I recently purchased this light to go with my 830 head unit.

No regrets and no more craning your neck to see whats about to hit you.

This thing really works and provides you with real metrics to gauge traffic proximity and speed.

It's a game-changer - highly recommended

It is like riding with a group that is calling out car back!

The light is small, but more than adequate during the day or night. But the most important aspect is that I can pair it with my i-phone and it gives me clear warnings when there is a car(s) behind me. It generally picks up the cars at about 75 yards, which I think is more than adequate. I am more than happy with it.

It is very nice knowing that a car is approaching without having to use a mirror. The light seems to be very bright and noticeable. Because of the pandemic I have been riding alone so have not determined how it affects other riders in a paceline.