The RTL515 enables cell phones, which is the main distinction there between Garmin Varia RTL510 Bicycle Rear mirror Radar and the Garmin Varia RTL510 Cycling Rearview mirror Radar. Your phone may show other useful info and send warnings in order to serve as a screen. The RTL515’s tail light also has a race function, which reduces the number of flickers, making it simpler for other riders’ eyes. While the RTL515 looks similar on the outside, it includes Bluetooth technology for applications and a novel ‘Peloton’ option for company riding.
It also offers a 1-hour long-lasting battery than the RTL510.
Comparison Chart
| Model | RTL 510 | RTL515 |
| What the packing includes | Kit used for mounting
Cables for different uses |
Display of radar
Cables for a different purpose |
| Angle of viewing | 220 degree | 220 degree |
| Weight | 70 g | 70 g |
| Battery time | Up to 6 hours using flash at night and up to 15 hours using day mode | Up to 6 hours using flash at night and up to 16 hours using day mode |
| Water-resistant | IPX7 | IPX7 |
Check out Garmin 935 vs 945
Waterproof
Both items have an IPX7 resistant certification. As a consequence, the two radar systems can be soaked in water for 20 – 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
Smart apps
The Varia App is only functional with the Garmin Varia RTL515 Cycling Rearview mirror Radar. The mobile phone app can be used as a secondary monitor. It displays images as well as sound energy alerts for approaching cars. Other programs, such as Cycle with GPS and Garmin Connected, are also interoperable with the barometer.
Differences
| Features | Garmin Varia RTL510 Cycling Rearview Radar | Garmin Varia RTL515 Cycling Rearview Radar |
|---|---|---|
| What’s in the Box (Standalone) | Varia RTL510
Mounting Kit Cables Documentation |
Varia RTL510
Radar Display Unit Mounting Kit Cables Documentation |
| What’s in the Box (Bundle) | Varia RTL515
Mounting Kit Cables Documentation |
RVR315
Mounting Kit Power Cable Documentation |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 0.8” x 1.6″ (or 98.6 mm x 19.7 mm x 39.6 mm) | 3.9” x 0.8” x 1.6″ (or 98.6 mm x 19.7 mm x 39.6 mm) |
| Weight | 2.5 oz (or 71.0 g) | 2.5 oz (or 71.0 g) |
| Radar Coverage Area | Up to 153 yards (or 140 meters) | Up to 153 yards (or 140 meters) |
| Viewing Angle | 220° | 220° |
| Modes | Solid
Night Flash Day Flash |
Solid
Night Flash Day Flash Peloton |
| Lumens | 20 lumens in solid mode
29 lumens in night flash mode 65 lumens day flash mode |
20 lumens in solid mode
29 lumens in night flash mode 65 lumens day flash mode 8 lumens in peloton mode |
| Battery Life | 6 hours in solid mode
6 hours in night flash mode 15 hours in day flash mode |
6 hours in solid mode
6 hours in night flash mode 16 hours in day flash mode 8 hours in peloton mode |
| Waterproof | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| BLE Support? | No | Yes |
| Smartphone Apps | N/A | Varia App
Ride with GPS Garmin Connect And More |
| ANT+ Support? | Yes | Yes |
The RVR315 isn’t equipped with lighting. If you already have a light, this is a good option. My recumbent trike, for instance, has lighting built in. My wife’s e-bike does, too. And my urban bicycle for getting across the city.
Simply hand me the binoculars and consider it a day. However, the RVR315 only has a 7-hour standby time. The RTL515 will set you back $199, while the RVR315 will set you back $149. The RTL510 (the earlier model) has been on sale for $129 USD for the last few months.
Using Varia as a tail light
Sure. The Varia RTL510 and RTL515 may be utilized in this manner, but not the RVR315 (due to its lack of a rear light). You may use the RTL510/515 as an ANT+ light and an ANT+ radar unit at the same time. This has the effect of providing you to manage it through the ANT + illumination command center, allowing you to get the device turned on and off immediately whenever you switch down the brightness of your Garmin.
| Compatible Devices | rtl510 | rtl515 |
|---|---|---|
| D2 Delta | D2 Delta | |
| D2 Delta PX | D2 Delta PX | |
| D2 Delta S | D2 Delta S | |
| Edge 1000 | Edge 1000 | |
| Edge 1030 | Edge 1030 | |
| Edge 130 | Edge 130 | |
| Edge 25 | Edge 25 | |
| Edge 520 | Edge 520 | |
| Edge 520 Plus | Edge 520 Plus | |
| Edge 530 | Edge 530 | |
| Edge 530 Mountain Bike Bundle | Edge 810 | |
| Edge 810 | Edge 820 | |
| Edge 820 | Edge 830 | |
| Edge 830 | Edge Explore | |
| Edge 830 Mountain Bike Bundle | Edge Explore 1000 | |
| Edge Explore | Edge Explore 820 | |
| Edge Explore 1000 | fēnix 5 | |
| Edge Explore 820 | fēnix 5 Plus | |
| fēnix 5 | fēnix 5S | |
| fēnix 5 Plus | fēnix 5X | |
| fēnix 5S | fēnix 5X Plus | |
| fēnix 5X | fēnix Chronos | |
| fēnix 5X Plus | Forerunner 735XT | |
| fēnix Chronos | Forerunner 935 | |
| Forerunner 735XT | Forerunner 945 | |
| Forerunner 935 | tactix Charlie | |
| Forerunner 945 | Varia Vision In-Sight Display | |
| tactix Charlie | vívoactive 3 | |
| Varia Vision In-Sight Display | vívoactive HR | |
| vívoactive 3 | ||
| vívoactive HR |
Summarised
The RTL515 enables cell phones, which is the major difference therebetween Garmin Varia RTL510 Bicycle Rearview mirror Radar and the Garmin Varia RTL510 Cycling Rearview mirror Radar. Your cellphone may show other useful info and send warnings in order to serve as a screen. The RTL515’s brake light also has a peloton setting, which reduces the number of flashing lights, making it possible for other riders’ eyes.
