Garmin Varia RCT715

The Garmin Varia RCT715 radar-taillight unit adds a camera to record video and still images during a ride, to document any incidents with vehicles or pedestrians. It also has a long radar range to pick up approaching vehicles. However, it is expensive and has a short battery life.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.

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Current Range of Tested Bike Radars

What goes into the Overall Score?

Radar distance

/ 5

Rider warning

/ 5

Vehicle warning

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

About

The Garmin Varia RCT715 is part of the Bike Radars test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Bike Radar models are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Radar distance - Distance at which the radar was able to detect an approaching vehicle in our tests.;

Rider warning - Scored based on the features that alert the person riding the bike to approaching vehicles using the manufacturer's app.

Driver warning - Scored based on the functions of the tail light (or lack thereof) that alert the driver of the approaching vehicle of the presence of the cyclist.

Features & Specs

Features

Tail light

Yes

Brake light

Number of light settings

Built-in camera

Yes

Compatible with bike computer

Yes

Specs

Height (in.)

4.2

Width (in.)

1.7

Depth (in.)

1.3

Weight (oz.)

5.2

Charging port type

USB-C

IP rating

IPX7 (Water resistant)

App name

Garmin Varia

Claimed battery life (hrs.)

4 - 6

Maximum claimed luminance (lm)

Firmware version

5.50

Price & Shop

Garmin Varia RCT715

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

About

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