Varia RCT715 Radar + Camera
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Quantity
Why We Like The Varia RCT715 Radar + Camera
The Garmin Varia Radar Camera Tail Light combines three different features into one small package to help us stay safe when we're cycling out on the road. The Varia mounts to our seatpost and connects to our Garmin cycling computer. Once paired, the Varia's rearview radar tells our Garmin when cars are approaching from the rear. There is a built-in camera that continuously records and will automatically save footage if it detects an incident or close-call. There's also an integrated tail light with multiple modes to improve our visibility to traffic.
Details
- A rearview radar, camera, and tail light for cycling
- Pairs with Garmin Edge computers, smartphones, and select Garmin wearables
- Radar provides visual and audio alters for cars approaching from behind
- Rear camera constantly records in 1080p HD video
- Rear camera saves the video if there's a close call or incident
- Tail light is visible for up to 1 mile
- Battery lasts for 4 - 6 hours depending on use
- Compatible with 3rd party apps like Ride with GPS and more, for map overlay
- Item #GRMF03J
- Housing Material
- synthetic
- Technical Features
- built-in camera, rearview radar, tail light, automatic incident capture, 220-degree viewing angle
- Wireless
- ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Operating System
- Garmin Varia smartphone app
- Water-Resistant
- IPX7
- Battery Type
- rechargeable lithium ion
- Battery Life
- 4 - 6hr
- Low Battery Indicator
- yes
- Mount Type
- seatpost
- Includes
- Garmin Varia RCT715 Radar Camera Tail Light, 16GB SD card, mounting kit (round, aero, and d-shaped seatposts), charge cable, manuals
- Dimensions
- 4.2 x 1.7 x 1.3in
- Claimed Weight
- 5.2oz (147g)
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Activity
- road cycling, commuting
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 5 ratings
Review Summary
Fits Slightly Small
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageApril 20, 2025
Literally will save your life
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
This device is absolutely amazing. I was skeptical at first. Radar on my bike? Really? But it didn't take more than one ride for me to be convinced. At this point, riding without a varia seems like riding without a helmet or driving without seatbelts. It's just that good. I use a Garmin Edge 530 head unit, and the integration between the two is great. An audible indicator lets me know that something is visible to the radar, and the display shows color coded information indicating distance to the approaching car, number of cars, and closing speed. Others have complained here about battery life and the app. I only use the app rarely; it's not needed for day-to-day use of the device unless you use your smartphone as a head unit. Regarding battery life, it varies based on the light mode you use. In general, yes, you should charge it after every ride. In my opinion, considering the benefits of the device, that's not an issue. Maybe it is for others. The only thing I'd change about it is that I'd like to see more selections for bike mounts. The included seatpost mount works well enough in most cases, but other options would be good. There are a number of after-market mounts available, but I'd like to see some official options.
March 18, 2025
Not even worth the discount
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Now i know why it's been discounted for a long time. It's consistently a disappointment all around. The battery life is abysmal. You're going to need to charge it after just about every ride. The app is borderline unusable. (and also, why not just integrate it into the existing Garmin Connect app that works?!) God forbid if you ever have an 'incident' you need to get the footage of. The mounts is annoying and expensive if you want to swap between bikes with ease. It does work with Wahoo computers thankfully, although for whatever reason it didn't connect until the third ride I attempted with it. It does in fact detect cars from pretty far away, but living in a city, my computer is constantly beeping. Kind of wish I just had purchased a cheaper camera instead.
October 8, 2024
Excelente product
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Size Bought:
- N/a
I used it several times
August 4, 2024
Fantastic
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
I have been riding with this for a few weeks. This is a game changer from a safety stand point. The radar is just great and works well. Having the camera is just an added bonus in case of an accident. Riding on the road is getting more dangerous with people on their phones while in a moving vehilce. If something happens, the camera can speak on my behalf. Such a relief having this on my bikes.
May 8, 2024
Great device, app sucks
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Size Bought:
- Rct715
The hardware features are great but the companion app is clunky and slow. It’s way quicker tomount the drive to your computer. Bring an external battery for longer rides.
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