I will start by saying I am a Garmin fan from cycling computers to my watches. But I do review honestly and this is no different. As usual having varying models of Garmin watches over the years I finally bought the 965 over a year ago. Now let me caveat this review with the fact I am no runner but a cyclists. The features for the most across Garmins range are the same. Oh, you get some more bells and whistles and functions the more you pay no doubt. I need only HR, FTP, VO2, Endurance Score, Pulse Ox, and I am happy. The 965 does this and more obviously. The system seems very accurate as well when compared to known calibrated devices that measure these variables. So to keep this review simple and not bore folks with in depth cycling needs and results, it meets my needs and plenty more. Battery life usually yields 6 days unless I am cycling in warm months when I use the features more. Screen visibility 8s awesome and easily read in bright sun without washout. This watch has never had one hiccup in a year. Worth purchasing if you need a great all-purpose health watch. Yes, there is a newer model but unless you need it's functions, save some money and get a 965. Sorry for any typos ahead of time.
I now have the brightest taillight in our riding group, though I'd like to set it lower and then brighten or flash when the radar is triggered (and maybe I haven't found that setting). The radar function works really well and integrates with my Garmin 1040 perfectly. You get an audible notification from the Garmin then a dot (or dots for multiple cars) that rises up the side of the display signifying as the car approaches. When paired, the taillight powers on and off automatically with the Garmin. There are frequent "false positives", but they are easily discernable as the cars don't advance. And I am OK with that and don't callout to the group until the car advances halfway up the screen (30-50 yards) when its more actionable and I pretty certain that its not a false positive. Of course, sometimes a car pulls off once it's been detected. Battery life is good, seemingly lasting 15+ hours on my setting. I'm in a habit, however, to charge when I charge my Garmin. A little bulkier than the Garmin Vario but much, much brighter and much cheaper.
I've always used a small bag under my seat, with a light below that, but I was worried the bag and/or rear tire would get in the way of the Varia I got recently.
With this kit, I'm able to keep my bag, and the radar/light gets mounted at the back of my set, behind my bag. I've had no issues with visibility or not picking up traffic behind me because it puts the radar at a good height without anything to get in the way. And, I get to keep using my bag.
If you have a bag that goes to about the rear of your seat, you're probably good to go with this kit. If you have something that extends to the rear a bit more, I'm thinking of bike packing bags or something like that, then you're probably going to need to figure something else out.
I thought after pressing the buy button that this was one of those silly clever, but useless tech purchases that would end up in my dustbin of gadgets. However, In conjunction with my ELEMNT Roam 3, it provides me with a measure of safety I just didn't expect. The TRACKR not only alerts you of oncoming vehicles, it tells you how many, how close, and when the coast is clear. I wasn't sure how the brake light aspect worked until I was behind another TRACKR user and darned if that didn't work too! Safety is priceless, but at $249 the TRACKR is a bargain.
