Garmin Varia RTL515 or Garmin Varia RCT716: 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 RCT716
Main drawbackShort battery life requires recharging 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 6.6
- Priority: “Weight”Garmin Varia RTL515 7.8 / 10 vs 6.6
- Priority: “Light output”Garmin Varia RTL515 7.8 / 10 vs 6.8
- Priority: “Equipment”Garmin Varia RCT716 8.9 / 10 vs 7.3
By criterion
| Criterion | Garmin Varia RTL515 | Garmin Varia RCT716 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection range | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Battery life | 7.6 advantage | 6.6 |
| Weight | 7.8 advantage | 6.6 |
| Light output | 7.8 advantage | 6.8 |
| Detection angle | 8 | 8 |
| Equipment | 7.3 | 8.9 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 RCT716 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection range | 140 m | 140 m |
| Battery life | 16 h | 5 h |
| Weight | 71 g | 147 g |
| Light output | 65 lm | 5 lm |
| Detection angle | 40 ° | 40 ° |
| Charging time | Not provided | 3 h |
| Connectivity | ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Compatible with a bike computer | Garmin | Garmin |
| Compatible with a smartphone | Android | Android |
| Lighting modes | Steady | 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
Leads on 3 criteria of 6 compared
- Weight: 7.8/10 vs 6.6/10 (71 g vs 147 g)
- Battery life: 7.6/10 vs 6.6/10 (16 h vs 5 h)
- Light output: 7.8/10 vs 6.8/10 (65 lm vs 5 lm)
Garmin Varia RCT716
Leads on 1 criterion of 6 compared
- Equipment: 8.9/10 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 RCT716?
They're neck and neck: 7.7/10 for Garmin Varia RTL515, 7.4/10 for Garmin Varia RCT716. A gap of less than half a point does not count as an advantage.
Which wins on “Equipment”?
Garmin Varia RCT716 wins on “Equipment”: 8.9/10 compared with 7.3/10 for Garmin Varia RTL515.
Which wins on “Weight”?
Garmin Varia RTL515 wins on “Weight”: 7.8/10 compared with 6.6/10 for Garmin Varia RCT716. Recorded values: 71 g versus 147 g.
Which wins on “Battery life”?
Garmin Varia RTL515 wins on “Battery life”: 7.6/10 compared with 6.6/10 for Garmin Varia RCT716. Recorded values: 16 h versus 5 h.
Which wins on “Light output”?
Garmin Varia RTL515 wins on “Light output”: 7.8/10 compared with 6.8/10 for Garmin Varia RCT716. Recorded values: 65 lm versus 5 lm.