GarminVaria Radar 2 RTL510 Rear Light(Return to Product Page)

I've quickly gotten to really appreciate the radar, especially when riding alone. I've never liked riding with a mirror and sometimes less noisy vehicles would be passing me by the time I realized they were there. I don't get those surprises anymore. It reliably alerts me to vehicles approaching from behind and gives an idea of how fast they're going. Even works pretty well when riding in a group. One thing I learned quickly is that since it relies on speed differential to identify approaching vehicles, a vehicle that stays behind you and matches your speed for a short time will disappear off the radar until they start going faster than you again. So you do have to pay attention to cars that disappear off the radar without passing you- they may have turned off, or they may just be sitting there in stealth mode. The light is unremarkable but adequate and fairly bright (three modes). As with most Garmin products it seems a little pricey but not terrible if you find it on sale- and it's the only product of this type as far as I know.

Our weekend rides feel that much safer with the Garmin Radar. Picks up traffic and keeps me looking forward rather than back.

Yes, the information this sends to my Garmin 820 and Varia Vision about approaching cars is accurate, reliable, and extremely helpful for safety. The only time it got it wrong was when it thought a tractor trailer was 2 cars. Big deal. Woulnd't ride alone without this.

I had the prior version of the Varia Radar. This new unit the RTL510 is much better. Longer battery life, the light is extremely bright and the radar notification is much more reliable. Just a great unit.

While installing the mount, I discovered that the device did not fit the aero seat post of may Cannondale Synapse. The end result is that it has a tendency to rotate with the Varia attached to it. Since the moi t is fastened with a rubber band, Im also concerned about losing the device during a ride. The inclusion of a tether would remedy that concern. Otherwise, it performs very well. Im get a visual notification of traffic approaching from the rear and separate blips on my Edge 1000. Its a great add on for my cycling computer!

Read the DCRainmaker review and have had the same experience as Ray. Radar is easy to set up and gives me alerts on my 520 when a car comes up behind me reliably. Even my riding group likes it because they know what its telling me either because the light starts blinking or they hear the alert. In town, when cars are all around you, the radar's information is accurate but not much more useful than a bright blinking light (and this is a good, but expensive, bright light). Country roads and hills, when cars can can pop up on you, is where I've come to really like the Varia's information.

I often ride alone, usually on country roads where cars can come up suddenly. I purchased the light to pair with my Garmin 810 and have been very impressed. After riding with the rear view radar about 5 times I have become very confident in its ability to alert me to approaching traffic and even to track multiple cars. The audible alert and track display on the side of the Garmin screen is unobtrusive and easy to interpret. It seems to take a long time to recharge but otherwise awesome safety device.

I was looking into buying the older verson of this taillight for some time now. When I saw the newer version I had to have it. I am very happy that I purchase this item. Tail light works great just as advertised would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. If you are thinking about buying pull the trigger and do it great product.

Very useful tool.

Road cycling on country roads. Really helps me to get over and to the right, especially when training hard.

The radar works best on flat, straight roads. It is less effective on winding, rolling hills. It also looses effectiveness when the device picks up material on it from wet/damp roads.

Works very well and very pleased with this product.. Well worth every penny spent!!

Varia let's me know when Cars are approaching. I can focus on my training and not worry about getting in anybody's way. I highly recommend this product. A definite game changer.

will not ride without this

This light keeps me more aware of traffic and gives me an extra set of eyes when trying to change lanes. I would recommend this to anyone!

Wouldnt ride solo without it.

Functions well and gave adequate warning of approaching cars. Would periodically lose contact with head unit (Elemnt Bolt) but would re-synch after a period of time.

Love having early warning of approaching vehicles from behind.

Allows you to know when a vehicle is coming up on you from behind without the dork factor of a clip on rear view mirror. Never had it miss one approaching.

I have gotten to really appreciate this product on my road rides. Its like having eyes in the back of your head and the flashing light by itself is excellent.