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Garmin Varia RTL515 Radar With Tail Light

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

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(261 customer reviews)
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User submitted reviews

Review by Miguel

Reviewed 2/25/2021
by Miguel
Cycling Enthusiast
Tucson
Value Rating
Overall Rating
Situational awareness for both cyclist and motorist in a compact affordable package!

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

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 10/26/2023
by Anonymous
Casual Cyclist
Value Rating
Overall Rating
I'm very impressed with this tail light,a game hanger for high traffic areas.

We have a bike path beside the main road and it really helps to know when cars are coming. The mount is not very good, I lost the rubber piece for it.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Saurin

Reviewed 10/16/2023
by Saurin
Carmel, IN
Overall Rating
Great radar

I ride on the road and this radar makes me feel safe. Its an absolute must have for someone who wants to avoid rash drivers coming up from behind. Compatible with my phone and garmin computer

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Robert

Reviewed 10/13/2023
by Robert
Little Rock
Overall Rating
The best safety acsessory you would ever need

Very dependable alerts and long battery life between charges. Easy setup

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Jessy T.

Reviewed 12/11/2020
by Jessy T.
Cycling Enthusiast
San Antonio, Tx
Value Rating
Overall Rating
Great Little Light.

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.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by MikeM

Reviewed 11/23/2020
by MikeM
Cycling Enthusiast
Bluffton, SC
Value Rating
Overall Rating
Great Product

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.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Mark Taylor

Reviewed 11/5/2020
by Mark Taylor
Cycling Enthusiast
Lithia, FL
Value Rating
Overall Rating
Excellent product for rear traffic awareness and cyclist visibility.

I really like this product. Before having it I was always wondering about traffic coming on behind and getting distracted with looking back. Now I know what's coming well before it passes me. I also know that the light is helping with visibility as it kicks in to high gear flashing when it detects a car approaching. Fantastic

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Mike

Reviewed 11/6/2020
by Mike
Liverpool
Overall Rating
Wow ! Such a great product. All my cycling pals have one now .

Easy to set up and link with my Garmin 1000 and phone if needed . Such a great device now you don't have to be Surprised by a car on top of you . Now you'll know When a cars coming from behind.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Val b

Reviewed 10/24/2020
by Val b
Mt Vernon NY
Overall Rating
One of the best cycling products that hit the shelf

Out of all the money I have spent as a cyclist this is the greatest investment I've made I feel so safe riding my bike let me know a block and a half away that a car is behind me! And the number of cars to how great is that!

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 10/22/2020
by Anonymous
USA
Overall Rating
I love this light so much

I feel so much safer with this light. I paired it with my new Garmin 1030 & I can control it from the computer! No more twisting around in my seat, or having to get off my bike to change the settings.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by JNaz

Reviewed 10/15/2020
by JNaz
Cycling Enthusiast
Ashburn , VA
Value Rating
Overall Rating
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
Acts as a eye on the back of the head!

I use the rear tail light (rtl) radar every time ride on roads. It has really given me the confidence to ride on roads with cars approaching me from behind. I feel like it's a third eye (rear-facing).

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 10/9/2020
by Anonymous
Cycling Enthusiast
Chicago
Value Rating
Overall Rating
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
I love this thing!

I thought it would be gimmicky but it's my new must have item for any ride! While I still shoulder check for oncoming cars when moving into traffic it's great for taking the lane. I can just ride until it beeps to let me know a car is approaching. And it works great with my Garmin 830.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 10/8/2020
by Anonymous
CNY
Overall Rating
Amazing Safety Device!

Paired with my edge 530, this thing is a great addition to my road cycling. I feel much less exposed knowing when cars are coming without craning my head around to look, the face that the light gets brighter when a car is coming is also great. The only downside is somewhat limited battery life and the fact that it identifies people who are cycling behind you fairly often.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by OKBiker

Reviewed 9/23/2020
by OKBiker
Cycling Enthusiast
Claremore, OK
Value Rating
Overall Rating
I once thought it would be nice to have, now I won't ride without it!

The ability to detect multiple vehicles and a general idea of how quickly they are approaching you is great. I still check my mirror to confirm, but I hear the beep well before the vehicle. My only wish is that my garmin would sound a little louder, particularly with a headwind (which has nothing directly to do with this unit).

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 9/3/2020
by Anonymous
Cycling Enthusiast
Washington DC
Value Rating
Overall Rating
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
Must purchase if you ride with traffic

I didn't need this, at least I didn't think I did. I was skeptical but I have found this radar to be a great addition to my bike and rides. It alerts you to traffic coming up on you as well as the number of vehicles and relative distances. Four of my riding partners have purchased and we all wonder what took us so long.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by SWF Rider

Reviewed 9/4/2020
by SWF Rider
Cycling Enthusiast
SW Florida
Value Rating
Overall Rating
Sleek, functional, essential for riding

I Upgraded from the RTL 500. Very happy with this light. High visibility. The vertical profile does forced me to use a less bulky seat bag in order for the radar to clear the rear wheel, and not block the visibility of the lights to approaching cars.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by exsoas

Reviewed 8/31/2020
by exsoas
pasadena
Overall Rating
Works as promised

its bright and I have yet to run through the battery

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Eric

Reviewed 6/29/2023
by Eric
Cycling Enthusiast
Redmond, WA
Value Rating
Overall Rating
Fabulous

This Varia is a solid item. It syncs easy, works well with my Garmin 1030 Plus, and detects cars. It is a most valuable accessory.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Jim M.

Reviewed 6/19/2023
by Jim M.
las Vegas, NV.
Overall Rating
Works great.

Keeps you aware of traffic approaching from behind. Even the electric vehicles. I feel a little safer riding the streets in Vegas.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Doug Fox

Reviewed 6/19/2023
by Doug Fox
Gresham, Oregon
Overall Rating
Really good

I love it .... Should have bought it sooner but, I am having problems with it disconnecting from the Garmin 830 head unit randomly.

Thank you for your feedback.

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