I've been using the Varia radar taillight for years commuting in Los Angeles and it definitely still works on busy roads. The early and extra awareness of what's coming up behind me has been more than worth the cost to me

I got a kick out of your response to the Garmin Varia, mine was the same. I've had my RTL515 (no camera) for a year or so and after the first time I used it, I was like how did I ever get by without it. The awareness the radar gives is a great safety feature. I'm not sure how the Hammerhead works, but on my Garmin 1030+ head unit, I see the dot(s) for vehicle(s) approaching and moving as they get closer. There's also a third party Garmin Connect IQ field that can be added on the display screen that will show the closest vehicle's speed and distance. I tell everyone, once you buy a Varia you won't regret it if you cycle in places with vehicles (which is most of us). Then as for the rear light on the Varia, it's nice and bright easily on par with other lights I have. Also as far as busy roads go, I've never had an issue with it not displaying approaching vehicles accurately. Although, my favourite place for the Varia is on roads where there isn't a constant stream of traffic. It really shines on roads where there is moderate traffic with gaps or on roads with light traffic where it might be a few minutes between vehicles.

AWESOME video as always. The route look great. I really would love that Garmin tail light. Quit a few of my friends have it & love it. As for Hammer GPS computer. I’m guessing the battery life went low for one or two things. The cold 🥶 weather or you are using it to Bluetooth it to the Garmin unit. That would probably drain the battery life quicker. Just my thoughts. Have a great weekend.

@JoshRomeroYT

Жыл бұрын

Yeah definitely 👍 we will see how it does in the long run ! Cheers !

Great review! Not too interested in the Karoo as I am super happy with my Wahoo Roam. But the Garmin Varia is very interesting to me. I guess the thing that gives me hesitation on getting one is that I feel like the camera should be good enough to read a license plate. That seems like a no brainer improvement that if Garmin does that in the next round it will be gold. It's great to know that a car is approaching from behind, but even better would be the ability to identify the cars that are aggressive, distracted or worse. Last I heard, the camera is not good enough for that task. Thanks for the solid review. Your information is always clear and concise.

I have both the K2 and Varia RCT715. Are you able to control the Varia light mode via the K2? For some reason, I am not able to and I am not sure why - thanks!

@JoshRomeroYT

Жыл бұрын

Hi Lawrence ! Yeah I am. One thing you have to do is make sure the K2 is setup up with the Varia via bluetooth as a (light) so in other words you connect it with ant+ and bluetooth one to the radar and one to the (light). hope this helps

@larrygold2010

Жыл бұрын

@@JoshRomeroYT thanks! 😊

Why not both Garmin light and head unit?

@JoshRomeroYT

Жыл бұрын

Hi honestly it was just timing and reach out with brands didn’t line up… but would love to try the varia with a Garmin head unit ! Maybe in the future !

@sugarpill6006

Жыл бұрын

I’m running the Garmin RCT715 and Garmin 1040 Solar. It’s pretty cool.

What is the benefit of knowing that the car is coming from behind? I can't wrap my head around what you should do with that information :)

@Nahhnope

Жыл бұрын

If I know there's oncoming traffic and I get the notification of a car behind me, I will take the lane and only move over when it's safe for them to pass me. Also good to know there's nothing behind you when making a left turn.

@docfornix

Жыл бұрын

A radar is sort of a surrogate rear view mirror of sorts. It's benefit is getting of greater importance with more and more vehicles being electric, generally rather quiet. It helps create awareness not to take a sudden turn.

@TheJamesmcdiarmid

Жыл бұрын

Great review Josh… I’ve used the 1st generation varia radar for several years and upgraded to the RCT when it became available. In my opinion the varia helps by providing traffic advisories before I can hear the traffic - it’s also great when there’s a long line of traffic and you can’t hear the cars behind the truck that’s passing you - you see the dots instead … great device and like you I feel vulnerable without it!