Originally Posted by
August West
I have the Bontrager Flare RT & the Varia 510. In my informal observations the Flare RT appears somewhat brighter to my eyes in normal flash mode. I set up both about 100 yards away and on a bright day the Flare RT was definitely more visible than the Varia. But, when the Varia detects the approach of a vehicle and increases its flash frequency and intensity they look pretty close to each other. Close enough that I don't think I can tell a difference by eye. Plus the Varia has much better battery life even with the radar. Of course it is quite bit larger and a 48g heavier.
Yeah, it's arguable and largely due to the difference in optics IMO. The Garmin optic is a little wider angle and the Flare optic is more directional. Either way, its close and both are good daytime taillights. Garmin did a good job on the newest version and learned the lessons they needed to learn over v1.0.