Originally Posted by
RNAV
I've already got the RLT510, but I may get the radar-only unit. I think the Bontrager Flare RT is a much brighter, better attention-getting taillight. Perhaps I'm being a snob, but I've never run both the Flare and the Varia because I thought it'd look too wonky running two lights. So the weight-weenie in me says buy the radar-only unit and run it with the flare . . . roughly the same overall weight, same radar performance, but a much better tail light.
I think Garmin really missed an opportunity by not significantly upgrading the light brightness, optics, and flashing pattern.
I have both too and agree the Flare RT is brighter and more visible in normal flash mode. But when the Varia goes into hyper-flash as it senses an approaching object they look about the same brightness and attention getting factor to my eye. Have you set them up and tried this little test? I'm curious if it is just my perception or others see the same thing.