Sigma RECO 81 LINK 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.
Sigma RECO 81 LINK
Main drawbackSeatpost mounting needs space beside your saddle bag
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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: “Detection range”Sigma RECO 81 LINK 9 / 10 vs 7.4
- Priority: “Battery life”Sigma RECO 81 LINK 9 / 10 vs 6.6
- Priority: “Detection angle”Sigma RECO 81 LINK 9.3 / 10 vs 8
- Priority: “Equipment”Sigma RECO 81 LINK 9.5 / 10 vs 8.9
By criterion
| Criterion | Sigma RECO 81 LINK | Garmin Varia RCT716 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection range | 9 advantage | 7.4 |
| Battery life | 9 advantage | 6.6 |
| Detection angle | 9.3 advantage | 8 |
| Equipment | 9.5 advantage | 8.9 |
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 | Sigma RECO 81 LINK | Garmin Varia RCT716 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection range | 160 m | 140 m |
| Battery life | 30 h | 5 h |
| Weight | Not provided | 147 g |
| Light output | Not provided | 5 lm |
| Detection angle | 60 ° | 40 ° |
| Charging time | Not provided | 3 h |
| Battery capacity | 1350 mAh | Not provided |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Compatible with a smartphone | Android, iOS | Android |
| Lighting modes | Daytime flashing, Night flash, Peloton, Steady | Steady |
| Features | Braking detection | Video recording |
| Ingress protection rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Power supply | Built-in rechargeable battery | Built-in rechargeable battery |
| Mounting location | Seatpost | Seatpost |
| Compatible seatpost shape | D-shaped, Round, Aero | D-shaped |
Figures published by manufacturers and retailers, compiled in our reviews. “Not provided” means the figure could not be verified.
Which is right for you?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK
Leads on 4 criteria of 4 compared
- Battery life: 9/10 vs 6.6/10 (30 h vs 5 h)
- Detection range: 9/10 vs 7.4/10 (160 m vs 140 m)
- Detection angle: 9.3/10 vs 8/10 (60 ° vs 40 °)
- Equipment: 9.5/10 vs 8.9/10
Garmin Varia RCT716
Leads on 0 criterion of 4 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, Sigma RECO 81 LINK or Garmin Varia RCT716?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK scores 9.2/10, compared with 7.4/10 for Garmin Varia RCT716, using the same scoring criteria.
Which wins on “Battery life”?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK wins on “Battery life”: 9/10 compared with 6.6/10 for Garmin Varia RCT716. Recorded values: 30 h versus 5 h.
Which wins on “Detection range”?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK wins on “Detection range”: 9/10 compared with 7.4/10 for Garmin Varia RCT716. Recorded values: 160 m versus 140 m.
Which wins on “Detection angle”?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK wins on “Detection angle”: 9.3/10 compared with 8/10 for Garmin Varia RCT716. Recorded values: 60 ° versus 40 °.
Which wins on “Equipment”?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK wins on “Equipment”: 9.5/10 compared with 8.9/10 for Garmin Varia RCT716.