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Garmin has simply launched a brand-new biking radar, the Varia RearVue 820, and it ought to be essentially the most superior rear radar the corporate has ever made. It is going to be out there to order on February sixth, and I’ll do my greatest to get my fingers on it as quickly because it turns into out there right here in Czechia.
I’ve examined earlier Garmin Varia fashions extensively, together with the favored RTL515 and RCT715, and I’ve additionally spent a number of time driving with cheaper Chinese language alternate options. A few of these price range choices work surprisingly properly, however Garmin has constantly delivered higher detection reliability and accuracy. With the RearVue 820, Garmin is clearly pushing that lead even additional, and I believe, given Garmin’s repute, that it’ll immediately grow to be one of the best biking radar in the marketplace.
What’s New In comparison with Earlier Garmin Radars
At first look, the RearVue 820 seems to be like a well-recognized Garmin radar with a tail gentle, however practically each key space has been upgraded. Here’s a bulletpoint abstract of what’s new. I’ll dive deeper under.
Elevated most detection vary to 175 meters (from 140m)
Wider beam width 60° (up from 40°)
Automobile measurement classification (small, medium, giant)
Risk stage evaluation based mostly on pace, measurement, and place
Lane-change detection when paired with suitable Edge gadgets or the Varia app
Similar-speed automobile monitoring for automobiles touring at an analogous pace to you
Garmin’s brightest tail gentle but, seen as much as 2 km (up from 1.6 km)
Larger most brightness of 100 lumens in day flash mode (up from 65)
New brake gentle operate that prompts while you sluggish or cease
Longer battery life with as much as 24 hours in day flash mode (up from 16 hours)
As much as 30 hours of battery life in radar-only mode
Customized gentle patterns by way of the Varia cellular app
Up to date design with a brand new seatpost mount
Expanded alert choices on Edge gadgets, smartphones, and Garmin smartwatches, together with haptic and beta voice alerts
Larger worth $299 (up from $249)
The radar itself is extra highly effective and extra exact, with a wider discipline of view and a detection vary elevated to 175 meters (up from 140m on RTL515). The tail gentle is brighter than ever, seen from as much as 2 kilometers, and Garmin has added a brake gentle that reacts while you decelerate or cease.
There may be additionally smarter automobile monitoring, together with automobile measurement classification, risk ranges, and lane-change detection when paired with suitable Edge computer systems or the Varia smartphone app. Battery life has been improved too, with as much as 24 hours in day flash mode or 30 hours in radar-only mode.
RearVue 820 vs. RTL515
The RTL515 has been Garmin’s hottest radar for years, and for good cause. It’s dependable, easy, and simply works. The RearVue 820 builds on that basis slightly than changing it completely.
Detection vary on the RTL515 is round 140 meters, whereas the RearVue 820 pushes that to 175 meters. That further distance might not sound dramatic, however in real-world driving, it offers you extra time to react, particularly on quick roads or descents.
The beam width is one other massive improve. The RearVue 820 affords a 60-degree beam width, in comparison with the narrower, 40-degree protection of the RTL515. This could assist with autos approaching from curves, offset lanes, or uneven highway geometry, the place older radars might sometimes miss or delay alerts.
Lighting can be considerably improved. The RTL515 tops out at 65 lumens in day flash mode, whereas the RearVue 820 reaches 100 lumens. Visibility is claimed to be as much as 2 km, which is a significant improve for daytime driving.
The largest useful distinction is intelligence. The RTL515 solely reveals approaching dots and relative pace. The RearVue 820 provides automobile measurement classification, risk ranges, and lane-change detection. On suitable Edge gadgets, this implies you aren’t simply warned that one thing is coming, but additionally given extra context about how critical that method may be. Now, you’ll know if it’s a truck, a automotive, or a motorcycle. Though, I’m inquisitive about how ease will probably be to tell apart these on small bike laptop screens.
The RearVue 820 additionally introduces a brake gentle, one thing the RTL515 doesn’t have (however many Chinese language alternate options do). When the gadget detects deceleration, it switches to a singular flash sample to warn site visitors behind you. It is a delicate characteristic, however a useful one.
Battery life is healthier too. The RTL515 affords as much as 16 hours in day flash mode, whereas the RearVue 820 stretches that to 24 hours, which is a giant enchancment for lengthy rides or multi-day journeys.
In case you already personal an RTL515, it’s nonetheless a really succesful radar. The RearVue 820 isn’t a must-upgrade for everybody, however for riders who need most visibility, smarter alerts, and the newest security options, the variations are significant.
Extra Highly effective Radar and Smarter Detection
Garmin says the RearVue 820 makes use of its strongest and exact radar know-how but. It tracks autos as much as 175 meters away and makes use of a wider radar beam to enhance consistency. I’m curious on how useful the multi-line detection can be. That is one thing Trek CarBack launched, however its execution was not precisely on level.
The brand new same-speed automobile monitoring can be price mentioning. The present technology didn’t present automobiles touring the identical pace as you, making you to lose observe of them. The brand new radar ought to change this.
Superior Alerts and Machine Integration
Like earlier Varia radars, the RearVue 820 works with Garmin Edge computer systems, the Varia smartphone app, and Garmin smartwatches. It can additionally work with third social gathering head items, however its performance can be restricted (until third events determine a manner the best way to cooperate with Garmin or implement the multi-line monitoring).
What’s new is how a lot data you may see. On supported gadgets, alerts now embrace automobile measurement, risk stage, and lateral motion. Lane-change detection is particularly attention-grabbing, as it could possibly present when a automotive strikes away from you slightly than staying dangerously shut. That is one thing not many will have the ability to copy, because it’s very difficult to do proper, as desribed on this technical dive into bicycle radars.
Garmin smartwatches may ship haptic alerts, and a few fashions can present voice alerts via the Public Beta program. This might be very helpful in the event you experience with out a bike laptop.
Brighter Tail Gentle and Brake Gentle
The RearVue 820 options Garmin’s brightest rear gentle to date. In day flash mode, it reaches 100 lumens and stays seen from as much as 2 kilometers.
The brake gentle is a nice-to-have characteristic. When the unit senses that you’re slowing or stopping, it triggers a definite flash sample. That is one thing we already know primarily from the Chinese language alternate options.
Gentle Modes and Customization
The RearVue 820 affords 4 gentle modes: day flash, evening flash, stable, and peloton mode. Peloton mode reduces glare for riders behind you whereas retaining radar performance lively.
Utilizing the Varia cellular app, you may customise gentle patterns to match your driving fashion and situations. This stage of management is one thing cheaper radars normally lack.
Battery Life and Sensible Use
Battery life is without doubt one of the strongest factors of the RearVue 820. You rise up to 24 hours in day flash mode, 15 hours in peloton mode, 10 hours in stable mode, and 30 hours in radar-only mode. For many riders, this implies charging as soon as each few rides as an alternative of after each experience.
Design and Mounting
The RearVue 820 weighs 90 grams and has an IPX7 water score. This makes it about 19g heavier than the RTL515, not counting the mount itself. The one on RV820 ought to be extra steady, however it’s also bulkier, so the general complete weight can be increased.
Will It Promote Properly?
At $299.99, the Garmin Varia RearVue 820 is clearly a premium product and the most costly biking radar with out a digicam. Chinese language alternate options are less expensive, however none at present supply this mix of detection accuracy, reliability, and visibility.
If Garmin’s real-world efficiency matches the specs, the RearVue 820 might grow to be the brand new gold normal for rear radars. Keep tuned for my in-depth evaluation. To date, I solely have one grievance. The identify is horrible! What do you consider this radar? Let me know within the feedback under.
Preview image supply: Garmin
