Garmin - Varia RTL515 Radar Tail Light - Black

I didn't thing this device would have as great an impact as it actually has but now I wouldn't ever want to ride without it especially when I cycle on routes that share the roads with other vehicles. It does an amazingly accurate job at letting u know when someone is approaching from the rear and even uses color coding to tell u how fast they're approaching. The flashing LED is very bright and visible from afar even in full daylight. It's very worth its pricetag.

I purchased the Garmin Varia Rearview Tailight before my trip from Los Angeles to Guam. Best Buy shipped this just in time to my home before my flight in just a few days. The light has been awesome on my Giant TCR Road Bike. I can see using my Varia App if a vehicle is approcaching closer from the rear. Wouldn’t ride without one ever again.

The Garmin Varia line of cycling radar taillights is a popular choice for cyclists who prioritize safety on the road. Here's a positive review combining the strengths of the two most popular models, the RTL515 and RCT715: Pros: Increased safety: The primary function of the Varia is to warn cyclists of approaching vehicles from behind. The radar is highly effective in this regard, with a range of up to 153 yards (140 meters) for the RTL515 and even further for the RCT715. This gives cyclists ample time to react and make themselves more visible to motorists. Multiple alerts: The Varia can be paired with a variety of Garmin devices, including bike computers, wearables, and smartphones. This allows cyclists to receive alerts in a variety of ways, such as visual, audible, and vibration. Bright taillight: Both the RTL515 and RCT715 feature a bright taillight that is visible from up to 1 mile away during the day. This helps to improve a cyclist's visibility in low-light conditions. Easy to use: The Varia is very easy to set up and use. It pairs quickly with compatible devices and the interface is simple to navigate. Long battery life: The Varia has a long battery life, typically lasting for several hours on a single charge. Additional points to consider: Price: The Varia is a more expensive option than some traditional taillights. However, many cyclists believe that the increased safety and peace of mind is worth the investment. Camera (RCT715 only): The RCT715 model includes a camera that can automatically record footage in the event of an incident. This can be helpful for providing evidence in case of an accident. Overall, the Garmin Varia is a well-designed and effective product that can help to improve the safety of cyclists on the road. While it is more expensive than some other options, the peace of mind and increased visibility it provides are worth the investment for many cyclists.

At first I thought this was just another extra accessory, but after a few rides with it, it actually changed how I ride. The radar works really well — it lets you know when cars are coming from behind way before you can hear them, especially when you’re focused or riding fast. That alone makes a big difference, you feel more aware and less stressed. The light is super bright too, even during the day, so I feel more visible to drivers. I ride on roads with traffic pretty often, and this gives me more confidence out there. Battery life has been good so far, no issues, and it connects fast every time. Setup was simple, nothing complicated. Not gonna lie, it’s one of those things you don’t think you need until you try it. Now I wouldn’t ride without it. I ride in Texas traffic and this made a huge difference!!

Works exactly as youd like it to. I have had no false positives and no misses of vehicles behind me after using it a dozen times so far. That matches up with the video reviews I watched. It is easy to mount, and the charge lasts quite some time. The Varia app runs in the background on my phone while apple fitness and strava are active. I have it set to play audio alerts in my headphones that play over music. Cant miss it, yet its not annoying. The light is very very bright and I feel much safer sharing the road days and nights. A shame that they havent updated it with USB-C, still using micro. My only gripe!