Garmin Varia RTL515 or Garmin Varia RCT715: which should you choose?
Comparison of the two bike radars using our catalogue's scoring criteria, value by value. Scores are relative to all the models we have analysed.
Garmin Varia RTL515
Main drawbackDetection range is the main limitation, with less reach than BBB Cycling Signal Radar BLS-251
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Garmin Varia RCT715
Main drawbackShort battery life requires charging after every long ride
Check price on Amazon → Read the full analysis →Our verdict based on your priority
- Priority: “Battery life”Garmin Varia RTL515 7.6 / 10 vs 6.7
- Priority: “Equipment”Garmin Varia RCT715 9.3 / 10 vs 7.3
By criterion
| Criterion | Garmin Varia RTL515 | Garmin Varia RCT715 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection range | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Battery life | 7.6 advantage | 6.7 |
| Light output | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| Detection angle | 8 | 8 |
| Equipment | 7.3 | 9.3 advantage |
A gap of less than half a point does not count as an advantage: our scores are relative to the catalogue, and using them to pick a winner would imply a level of precision we cannot offer.
Side-by-side specs
| Specification | Garmin Varia RTL515 | Garmin Varia RCT715 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection range | 140 m | 140 m |
| Battery life | 16 h | 6 h |
| Weight | 71 g | Not provided |
| Light output | 65 lm | 65 lm |
| Detection angle | 40 ° | 40 ° |
| Charging time | Not provided | 3 h |
| Connectivity | ANT+ | Bluetooth |
| Compatible with a bike computer | Garmin | Garmin |
| Lighting modes | Steady | Daytime flashing, Night flash, Peloton, Steady |
| Ingress protection rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power supply | Built-in rechargeable battery | Built-in rechargeable battery |
| Mounting location | Seatpost | Seatpost |
Figures published by manufacturers and retailers, compiled in our reviews. “Not provided” means the figure could not be verified.
Which is right for you?
Garmin Varia RTL515
Tied, leading on 1 of the 5 criteria compared
- Battery life: 7.6/10 vs 6.7/10 (16 h vs 6 h)
Garmin Varia RCT715
Tied, leading on 1 of the 5 criteria compared
- Equipment: 9.3/10 vs 7.3/10
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Comparison based on published specifications and our scores, calculated using the same criteria for every model. Our methodology →
Frequently asked questions
Which is rated higher, Garmin Varia RTL515 or Garmin Varia RCT715?
They're neck and neck: 7.7/10 for Garmin Varia RTL515, 7.8/10 for Garmin Varia RCT715. A gap of less than half a point does not count as an advantage.
Which wins on “Equipment”?
Garmin Varia RCT715 wins on “Equipment”: 9.3/10 compared with 7.3/10 for Garmin Varia RTL515.
Which wins on “Battery life”?
Garmin Varia RTL515 wins on “Battery life”: 7.6/10 compared with 6.7/10 for Garmin Varia RCT715. Recorded values: 16 h versus 6 h.