Does the radar work without a Garmin bike computer?

Yes. It pairs with the Varia app on a compatible smartphone and with select Garmin wearables, though an Edge computer gives the clearest display.

How long does the battery last?

Up to about 4 hours with radar running, and less with the camera and light on. Switching to 720p and radar-activated mode stretches runtime.

Can it read license plates?

In good daylight at close range sometimes, but owners report footage is too soft to rely on for plates at distance or at night.

The unit, a seatpost mount and a 16 GB SD card, so it is ready to record out of the box.

How does it compare with the Varia RTL515?

The RTL515 is radar and light only: lighter, longer-running and simpler. The RCT715 adds the camera and incident footage at the cost of weight and battery life.

Does it record all the time?

It records continuously in always-on mode, and in radar-activated mode it starts recording when a car is detected.

Garmin Varia RCT715 Rear View Radar With Camera and Taillight

Q: Where is the Garmin Varia RCT715 Rear View Radar With Camera and Taillight cheapest?

At Amazon, for $299.99, 25% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Q: Where can I buy the Garmin Varia RCT715 Rear View Radar With Camera and Taillight?

17 stores we checked sell it, including Around the Cycle, Amazon, evo.com, Garmin, Target.

Best price now

$299.99at AmazonChecked 56 min ago

25% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 17 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Visit Amazon

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

What reviewers say

Owners value the combination of radar alerts and video evidence, and many call the radar itself reliable. The common complaints are short battery life with the camera on and footage that is too soft to read license plates in low light.

What people mention

BatteryCriticisedOwners say runtime drops fast with the camera and light running, so long rides need a plan.
Video qualityMixedFootage is fine for documenting incidents in daylight but too soft to read plates at night or at distance.
Radar accuracyPraisedRiders report timely, reliable alerts for cars approaching from behind.
Incident detectionPraisedThe automatic save around an event is the feature owners cite most as the reason to buy it.
App transferCriticisedMoving video off the unit through the Varia app is described as slow.
WeightCriticisedIt is noticeably heavier and bulkier than radar-only units.

About the Garmin Varia RCT715 Rear View Radar With Camera and Taillight

The Garmin Varia RCT715 is a rearview radar with a built-in camera and tail light. The camera records continuously. If it detects an incident, it automatically saves footage from before, during and after the event. The tail light makes the rider more visible to motorists.

The radar detects vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards (140 meters) away. It sends alerts to a compatible Garmin Edge bike computer, select Garmin wearables, or the Varia app on a paired compatible smartphone. The app lets you view footage, transfer videos and control the camera, including settings such as data overlays.

Three operation modes help manage battery life: always-on, lights and radar only, or radar-activated mode, which turns on the camera when an approaching car is detected. Video records at 1080p and 30 fps, or at 720p to extend battery life. A 16 GB SD card is included.

Video

1080p at 30 fps, or 720p

Radar range

Up to 153 yards (140 meters)

Tail light

20 lumens

Operation modes

Always-on, lights and radar only, radar-activated camera

Battery type

Li-Ion

Battery life

Up to 4 hours on solid high or night flash, up to 5 hours on solid low, up to 6 hours on day flash, all with camera recording at 1080p