Sigma RECO 81 LINK 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.
Sigma RECO 81 LINK
Main drawbackSeatpost mounting needs space beside your saddle bag
Read the full analysis →
Garmin Varia RTL516
Main drawbackLimited light output for attracting attention from a distance
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 7.2
- Priority: “Detection angle”Sigma RECO 81 LINK 9.3 / 10 vs 8
- Priority: “Equipment”Sigma RECO 81 LINK 9.5 / 10 vs 7.3
By criterion
| Criterion | Sigma RECO 81 LINK | Garmin Varia RTL516 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection range | 9 advantage | 7.4 |
| Battery life | 9 advantage | 7.2 |
| Detection angle | 9.3 advantage | 8 |
| Equipment | 9.5 advantage | 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 | Sigma RECO 81 LINK | Garmin Varia RTL516 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection range | 160 m | 140 m |
| Battery life | 30 h | 9 h |
| Light output | Not provided | 5 lm |
| Detection angle | 60 ° | 40 ° |
| Battery capacity | 1350 mAh | Not provided |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Lighting modes | Daytime flashing, Night flash, Peloton, Steady | Steady |
| Ingress protection rating | IP67 | 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?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK
Leads on 4 criteria of 4 compared
- Equipment: 9.5/10 vs 7.3/10
- Battery life: 9/10 vs 7.2/10 (30 h vs 9 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 °)
Garmin Varia RTL516
Leads on 0 criterion of 4 compared
- No numerical specification sets it apart in this comparison.
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 RTL516?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK scores 9.2/10, compared with 7.3/10 for Garmin Varia RTL516, using the same scoring criteria.
Which wins on “Equipment”?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK wins on “Equipment”: 9.5/10 compared with 7.3/10 for Garmin Varia RTL516.
Which wins on “Battery life”?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK wins on “Battery life”: 9/10 compared with 7.2/10 for Garmin Varia RTL516. Recorded values: 30 h versus 9 h.
Which wins on “Detection range”?
Sigma RECO 81 LINK wins on “Detection range”: 9/10 compared with 7.4/10 for Garmin Varia RTL516. 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 RTL516. Recorded values: 60 ° versus 40 °.