Garmin Varia RTL515 or Garmin Varia RTL516: 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 RTL516
Main drawbackLimited light output for attracting attention from a distance
Read the full analysis →Our verdict based on your priority
- Priority: “Light output”Garmin Varia RTL515 7.8 / 10 vs 6.8
By criterion
| Criterion | Garmin Varia RTL515 | Garmin Varia RTL516 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection range | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Battery life | 7.6 | 7.2 |
| Light output | 7.8 advantage | 6.8 |
| Detection angle | 8 | 8 |
| Equipment | 7.3 | 7.3 |
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 RTL516 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection range | 140 m | 140 m |
| Battery life | 16 h | 9 h |
| Weight | 71 g | Not provided |
| Light output | 65 lm | 5 lm |
| Detection angle | 40 ° | 40 ° |
| Connectivity | ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Compatible with a bike computer | Garmin | Garmin |
| 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 1 criterion of 5 compared
- Light output: 7.8/10 vs 6.8/10 (65 lm vs 5 lm)
Garmin Varia RTL516
Leads on 0 criterion of 5 compared
- No numerical specification sets it apart in this comparison.
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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 RTL516?
They're neck and neck: 7.7/10 for Garmin Varia RTL515, 7.3/10 for Garmin Varia RTL516. A gap of less than half a point does not count as an advantage.
Which wins on “Light output”?
Garmin Varia RTL515 wins on “Light output”: 7.8/10 compared with 6.8/10 for Garmin Varia RTL516. Recorded values: 65 lm versus 5 lm.