#1
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Garmin Varia Radar advice, pls
Been thinking about this for a while. Clever Training has v1 on sale (light only) for $120; the new version light RTL510 is $200, available at $180 with their VIP program discount.
Form factor is different, weight about the same. Lumens and battery time have been upgraded. 500: Battery life (high power mode): 5 hour. 16 lumens 510: Up to 6 hours of battery life with solid mode, 6 hours on night flash & 15 hours on day flash. 20 lumens on solid mode, 29 lumens on night flash & 65 lumens on day flash. For those who have a good handle on lighting or have used one or both, is the newer version worth the $60 difference? FWIW, my primary interest is the radar and I'm cool with having additional lighting like my Cygolight Hotshot, But if the all-in-one makes sense I certainly could go that way. Last edited by teleguy57; 10-17-2018 at 11:20 AM. |
#2
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Check out the super comprehensive review from DC Rainamaker. Spoiler - he loves the newer version.
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#3
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I have the rear radar that is horizontally oriented and the newer one that is vertical.
Functionally, they are they same. I like the old form factor better because it makes it easier for me to get a saddle bag on. YMMV depending on how much post you have exposed. The radar works and is easily used with a compatible Garmin computer. Occasionally the computer and the radar become un-paired, but it re-pairs fairly quickly. If you ride with the sunglass mounted Garmin HUD, it vibrates when traffic is near, which is great for situational awareness. |
#4
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I've used the older style a lot. Friends use them, too. Don't think any of us could get 5 hours of battery life unless the LEDs are turned off. More like 4. With it off, I get maybe 7-8 hours.
Because of this, I want one of the new ones. If you're not in a hurry, there's a good chance ebay will have another 15 or 20% off coupon before the end of the year. If you have a Target Red card you can get a $200 ebay gift card for $190, ebates is another 1 or 2% off... |
#5
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have both.. I cant use the new one with my cycliq fly6 and saddle bag(not enough post for all that), but the old one I can.. so I use the old one most of the time. The both work equally well.
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#6
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Quote:
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Appreciate all the input! |
#7
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My wife has hers on her saddle bag, it's pointed down but still works.
They use quarter turn Garmin mounts, it might be easy to attach a stem mount to a seatstay clamp meant for some other light |
#8
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Damn - I have been away from bike tech for a few years, but radar? Must check this out...
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#9
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I have both and the radar functionality is the same. However, the bright light on the newer version makes a big difference and is worth the extra $$.
I mount the units on my saddlebag loop with a Shapeways quarter turn mount. The mount has a small lip that helps the unit stay on the saddlebag. https://www.shapeways.com/product/ZJ...li=marketplace |
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