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A first-to-market competitor to the much loved Garmin Varia Radar has been put though its paces here and has proven itself to be quite the contender if you're looking for a rear light/radar for your bike. There are a few operational differences with the Magene L508 that took me well down the rabbit hole of investigation when it comes to light modes, vehicle detection, and configuration options. This video covers all the detail, and more!
Links:
Official Magene L508 Radar Tail Light Site: https://bit.ly/3R5f8dv
My Bike Radar Traffic ConnectIQ Field: https://bit.ly/3dH8ifL
My Bike Traffic Website: https://bit.ly/3Ad9tLA
KOM Cycling Radar Mount: https://amzn.to/3c970cY
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Video Index:
0:00 Intro
0:25 What Does a Bike RADAR Do?
0:48 Magene L508 Technical Specifications
1:34 Brake Light Function
1:44 Auto Sleep Mode
2:03 Battery Mode Tests
2:38 Mobile App (Config Only)
2:52 Garmin Varia Radar Equivalents
3:07 Pricing and Availability
3:33 On-Road Test
5:05 On-Road Test - Multi Car
6:07 Garmin EDGE / ConnectIQ Compatibility
8:05 Light Function - Braking
8:22 Light Function - Vehicle Detection
9:46 Light Function - ANT+ Light Control
10:29 KOM Cycling Radar Mount
10:58 Conclusion / Wrap Up
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https://gplama.com
#Cycling #Radar #Magene
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Bike part mentions in this video
Magene L508 Radar Tail Light New Bicycle Brake Sensing Lamp Saddle Seatpost Ebike Waterproof LED Charging Cycling Taillight
Created: October 24, 2024The reviewer provides a detailed analysis of the Magene L508 radar tail light, the first major competitor to Garmin's Varia radar series. They tested it for several weeks, covering its specifications, performance, and comparison to Garmin products. The L508 supports ANT+ radar and light standards, making it compatible with most bike computers and GPS units. Key features include brake light functionality, auto sleep mode, multiple light modes (solid, flashing, pulse, peloton), and configurable timing. It detects vehicles up to ~140 meters and alerts the rider via a connected device. The reviewer notes it works with Garmin Connect IQ data fields, allowing detailed post-ride analysis of traffic. However, they criticize the battery life as 'passable but definitely not exceptional' and highlight that the light only flashes briefly upon initial vehicle detection before returning to its set mode, unlike Garmin's continuous flashing during detection. The companion app is not yet available, limiting functionality compared to the Garmin RTL515. The price is lower than Garmin's alternatives, but Garmin has started discounting. The reviewer concludes it's a 'great little unit' for the price and performance but suggests improvements in battery life and light behavior.
AI-Summary
Pros
- First competitor to Garmin Varia radar series
- Supports ANT+ radar and ANT+ light standards for broad compatibility
- Compatible with all bike computers, GPS units, and smart watches supporting those standards
- USB-C charging port with cable provided
- Quarter-turn mount compatible with round, aero, and D-shaped seat posts
- Multiple light modes: solid, flashing, pulse, peloton
- Configurable timing for flashing and pulse modes
- Brake light functionality via accelerometer
- Auto sleep mode after 5 minutes of inactivity
- Wakes up with motion or button press
- Works with Garmin Connect IQ data fields (e.g., myBikeRadar traffic) for detailed post-ride analysis
- Records detection distance and vehicle speed to FIT file
- Multi-vehicle detection works well
- Price is cheaper than equivalent Garmin Varia alternatives
- Performs well on the road with accurate detections
Cons
- Battery life is 'passable but definitely not exceptional' (similar to Garmin RTL510/515, ~6-7 hours in real-world use)
- Light only flashes for a few seconds upon initial vehicle detection, then returns to its set mode; does not flash for the entire detection period (safety concern)
- No companion app available at time of review (only configuration app via Bluetooth)
- Peloton mode not selectable via ANT+ light controller on Garmin Edge units (only solid, flash, or off)
- Will not wake up to ANT+ light connectivity from a head unit; requires motion or button press
- Supplied mount is less secure than some aftermarket options (though it works)
- Alert behavior differs: always goes to red 'danger' alert when vehicles get close, making it 'very beepy' compared to Garmin's three-zone system
Key Points
- Detection distance: around 140 meters
- Weight: 63g (unit) + 21g (mount)
- Charge port: USB-C
- Mount: quarter-turn, offset 90 degrees from other radars
- Light modes: solid, flashing, pulse, peloton, off (radar stays on)
- Brake light activates under deceleration
- Auto sleep after 5 minutes inactivity
- Standby battery drain: ~1% per 24 hours
- Bench test battery life: solid ~6h, flashing ~9h, pulse ~9h, peloton ~10.5h
- Real-world battery: ~6-7 hours (similar to Garmin RTL510/515)
- Bluetooth for configuration (no ride app yet)
- Compatible with Garmin Connect IQ data fields (e.g., myBikeRadar traffic)
- Records vehicle detection distance and speed to FIT file
- Multi-vehicle detection works correctly
- Global price: ~$129 USD, $199 AUD, $239 NZD
