Long time road rider. I have worn out the battery on 3 varia units, much quicker than the head unit battery. The battery charge lasts through a couple of long rides, same as Garmin. I am hoping, but don't know, if it will do better than the varia at holding that charge 2 years from now. My hope is based on a newer design and electronics. The mount is sturdy, and easier to secure to the seat post. Some of the features are controlled through a separate app, although you won't need to use the app after initial set up. Radar function works as well as the Garmin, and there are more flash patterns, the light turns off if there are no cars detected, and it has a brake light function.
I had a night rider light before and liked it. Unfortunatly I misplaced or lost it after I had it for 6-8 years.
So I love my new nightrider light even more because it is smaller, and more powerfull. The different brightness modes are awesome and easy to change.
Also I like the nightrider light because it is being manufactured in San Diego were I live and ride. I went to their shop once and had my older light rebuilt under warrenty.
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.
Have owned multiple 'generations' of the Varia Radars and this 515 is the best radar unit on the market. This is my third purchase of this model, one for myself, one for my son-in-law, and this one for my grandson. HE lives in the country where it's easiest for cars/trucks/motorcycles to sneak up on a cyclist. It was the final way to get my daughters (his moms') approval to ride the roads.
The only two downsides are the low volume of the warning 'beep' and the old-style mini USB charge port. While the cable is provided with the unit, it's slightly annoying to have to switch to this antique tech to recharge. As for the beep, it's easily drowned out by wind, so regular 'glances' to the computer need to become part of your awareness. FWIW we all use it with a variation of the 8XX series of Garmin computers, so the volume is an issue with them.
Still... a five star purchase.
