Garmin RTL510 vs RTL515 [Which is Better?]

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

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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
how it works

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 

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 Devicesrtl510rtl515
D2 DeltaD2 Delta
D2 Delta PXD2 Delta PX
D2 Delta SD2 Delta S
Edge 1000Edge 1000
Edge 1030Edge 1030
Edge 130Edge 130
Edge 25Edge 25
Edge 520Edge 520
Edge 520 PlusEdge 520 Plus
Edge 530Edge 530
Edge 530 Mountain Bike BundleEdge 810
Edge 810Edge 820
Edge 820Edge 830
Edge 830Edge Explore
Edge 830 Mountain Bike BundleEdge Explore 1000
Edge ExploreEdge Explore 820
Edge Explore 1000fēnix 5
Edge Explore 820fēnix 5 Plus
fēnix 5fēnix 5S
fēnix 5 Plusfēnix 5X
fēnix 5Sfēnix 5X Plus
fēnix 5Xfēnix Chronos
fēnix 5X PlusForerunner 735XT
fēnix ChronosForerunner 935
Forerunner 735XTForerunner 945
Forerunner 935tactix Charlie
Forerunner 945Varia Vision In-Sight Display
tactix Charlievívoactive 3
Varia Vision In-Sight Displayvívoactive 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.

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