MAGENE L508 Cycling Light/RADAR: An Affordable Garmin Varia Radar Alternative!

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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: bit.ly/3R5f8dv
My Bike Radar Traffic ConnectIQ Field: bit.ly/3dH8ifL
My Bike Traffic Website: bit.ly/3Ad9tLA
KOM Cycling Radar Mount: amzn.to/3c970cY
SUBSCRIBE to be notified of new content ➡️ bit.ly/3aUph9W ⬅️
Become a GPLAMA Channel Member ➡️ bit.ly/2CUXTaC ⬅️
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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gplama.com
#Cycling #Radar #Magene

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Опубликовано:

29 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 402

@finh94 Год назад

Alternative use, whilst riding zwift with noise cancelling headphone on to stop the surprise of people creeping up on you

@juniperDave Год назад

Gold!!

@U.s.e.r.3493 Год назад

They'd need to have a lot of metal in them to be detected...

@floriadocsdocs2411 Год назад

Awesome comment!

@mikebrooks215 Год назад

😂

@coolhand_leo Год назад

Unless a humanoid robot is creeping up behind you then yes 😂😂🤣🤣

@daveward6098 Год назад

If you are thinking about getting a radar, just get one. If you are not thinking about one just get one anyway, fantastic safety device for the bike.

@tonyg3091 Год назад

Yes. One of the best thingies ever.

@lukaskaciasvili9351 Год назад

Awesome to see finally some competition to Garmin’s Varia. Hopefully this will speed up introduction of even better radars for affordable price. Won’t be surprised if Wahoo gets one. Hopefully we will not see Garmin going nuts like Shimano recently did over Hammerhead/SRAM. For European folks out there: was checking actual prices to Denmark and Magen came only $5/€5 cheaper than Varia. …Less than ideal, I’d say.

@michwoz Год назад

I don't think Garmin would do that. It's a safety product after all. They provided open protocols for radars for a reason. Now the rest of the market finally catches up.

@atexnik Год назад

With such serious flaw as no continues flashing while cars are still approaching it can't be considered as a serious competitor, rather just a bad knock off the original concept. I highly doubt Magene will ever fix it, as companies like magene avoid investing heavily in product support, they just make one or two semi-working firmwares just to release the product and distribute it via various marketplaces without any intention to support it or address newly discovered bugs.

@fatbikejamie Год назад

Thanks for a great review! Yours is the 1st ive seen that actually mentions the unit is capable of tracking multiple vehicles. Great content as always!

@grantman102002 Год назад

Love your videos and just ordered this item. The Magene speed and cadence sensors have been great and with some firmware updates I am sure this device could be perfected. Thanks for what you do!

@strouja Год назад

Great work again Shane. I love what I see. I hope they create a unit with integrated camera along with light and radar.

@erichmenge Год назад

Thanks for tipping me off on My Bike Radar Traffic, looks pretty useful.

@shanew634 Год назад

The KOM Garmin Varia mount was an added bonus tip, thanks.👍

@caerffili_callin Год назад

Good review, thanks. I have been cycling for over 50 yrs and some of the stuff on the market these days would have been considered only something you would see in a sci-fi movie not that long ago and not ever in real life, incredible really how things have evolved and what will come next.

@marcgatland5314 Год назад

Lama, Thanks not only for the excellent review of the product, but also for the lightbulb moment where I noticed that there were extra fields available on the My Bike Radar Traffic app. I had no idea they existed - I've only been using the traffic count field ! =D

@_MrSnrub Год назад

Always nice to see competition.

@ADVRaiderKTM Год назад

Just picked one up on Amazon, thanks for the awesome review!

@BlackWaterCyclist Год назад

Great review Shawn! I agree with the provided mount not being as secure. I really like that KOM mount you have, may have to pull the trigger on that. It is really nice that it works so well with the Garmin head unit and apps.

@ChinaCycling Год назад

Always relieving when other reviewers come to the same conclusion. Mine experience was faultless, but I was constantly thinking if it was a fluke. More competition = good for consumers. 👍👍

@1sigmabikes Год назад

Just used the L508 for the first time today. I haven’t used the Varia, so I don’t have a frame of reference, but so far love it. Dodging ditches and potholes suddenly became a whole lot safer

@DDGB08 8 месяцев назад

Great comprehensive review as always.

@jleau89 Год назад

it would be great to have a radar, light, camera combo. Imagine the ability to camera record only when a car is incoming and even set rules on distance.

@LeoInterHyenaem Год назад

Thank you, Llama, for the review. And for referring us to the ride log visualisation website.

@jeremysweeten2792 Год назад

Awesome test and review!

@tobegan3753 Год назад

Super cool, awesome video!

@MrChando1975 Год назад

Great work. I was looking to get the varia but it's expensive so I will get this one instead. Thanks keep up the good work.

@Chefrocker Год назад

Riding with it around Beijing and Shanghai for a while now and does a solid jobs for a few months now

@nickdalamagas3540 Год назад

Great review as always.. positive!

@rcuadro Год назад

The radar is one of those things I didn't know of I needed u til I used one. Now I don't ride without one

@marvin19966 Год назад

you are a WEAK rider

@TomToken87 Год назад

Great Vid, I've been using one of these for the last couple of weeks in Melbourne. Agree the included mount wasn't that sturdy using the supplied rubber bands, ended up zip-tieing the mount to my saddle bag. May have to give the KOM mount a go. Has worked well otherwise, my friend found the brake light function useful when following on Beach Rd. Hopefully you'll have the Bryton Gardia for review in the near future, their battery stats sound unbelievable.

@harryschuurman7026 Год назад

Hi Shane Great report. I bought one and use Wahoo elemnt the problem I find that top led flash for the first car and rest of the cars are in black white. Exactly what you said. It’s a great unit.

@whazzat8015 Год назад

Great review. I love my Varia, and this seems every bit the match. good performance from my Magene sensors

@michaelscholl4541 Год назад

i have it since 2 Weeks and I love it

@AdamEwart Год назад

Great content Shane. I've been considering the Varia, and having an option to throw into the mix makes for great window shopping. Kudos to the driver if the Tradie White Ute giving ample room when overtaking!! 👌👌

@CannabisTechLife Год назад

Def recommend getting a rear radar. It really helps me on the trails to hear and see people coming up behind me for a pass.

@mriguy3202 Год назад

I bought this unit, and it was about $100 US less than the comparable Garmin. It paired with my Wahoo computer right away and it works very well indeed. Several of my friends are thinking of getting one. Battery life is about what you found, not super but works fine for me.

@cyanomical Год назад

thanks for showing the KOM Cycling Radar Mount too! I have a Varia Radar only unit and I've always thought the mounting rubber band seemed a bit optimistic. I've ordered one with your link already. Just wouldn't ever want to deal with it popping off mid-ride and needing to buy another one.

@changrenyong7616 Год назад

I bought the KOM Cycling radar mount when it first became available. I bought it for my 2019 Venge Pro with its D-shape aero seat post because KOM claimed it works with seat post with D cross-section. Unless KOM has a different rubber adapter pad, the factory pad is not compatible with the Venge seat post. Looking at other reviews on the KOM site, it also does not work well with many other D-shape seat posts. Even on my cyclocross bike with round seat post, because the strap in the ATOP dial system is not elastic, I could not get that extra "click" to fully secure it. A slight bump by my legs when I'm riding out of the saddle will cause the mount to rotate out of position.

@tedjeanmahoney8547 Год назад

Great update. thanks

@ChrisGuarraia Год назад

Thanks for this, Lama! I’ve been thinking about getting a Varia but cost was always a little high. With Magene and your comparison between the two, it’s a little more cost effective for me. I’ve been using Magene speed and cadence sensors and they are quality components, and it seems like the L508 is no different.

@galenkehler Год назад

I'd really like upgrades to the lights in future versions, one major avenue for safety could be drastically brighter flash modes proportional to passing vehicle speed. This could be a real safety boost in visibility without having to have a massive battery or heat sink (since the high power leds wouldn't be on constantly)

@seenstee Год назад

I want this now! 😁

@echtogammut Год назад

I'm relieved to see this works. I always thought these were a must have for road safety, but the Varia was hard to recommend at the price rate. I think a lot more people will be adding these to their bikes and it might force Garmin to step up their game... the camera on the new Varia RCT715 is such a joke, they should be ashamed of themselves.

@ilbertollorosso6378 Год назад

The Varia isn't hard to recommend for its price. I would gladly pay twice for it.

@Armurp01 Год назад

Having a Camera plus Radar pays for itself, its not supposed to be an Action Camera.....but its good for what it does.

@Davidb67 Год назад

It will be interesting to see if Magene bring along a radar/camera combination device to compete with the RCT715 too.

@depboy1 Год назад

Good luck with your new thing

@edwardebel1847 Год назад

Great review! One aspect that you might mention, being that people Down Under drive on the "wrong" (HAHA just kidding!) side of the road, is the feature that (on Garmin at least) one can change the vehicle display to be on either side of the head unit. In your particular case, and when I was cycling in Ireland, I might recommend changing the display to the left...but I guess its a personal preference and whatever gives you the perspective you need to be aware of traffic. One excellent addition to this unit is the "brake light" feature...great when riding with a partner or two. Cheers

@gregboyd5815 Год назад

Would be nice if Magene and/or Garmin provided a light mode with NO light and then flashing light with approaching traffic and back to no light once the traffic has gone. Basically no point in wasting battery when nothing is approaching. Alternatively say a low intensity light (peleton mode) and again flashing for when traffic approaches, then back to peleton mode when no traffic. This would be great for battery life on long rides

@gplama Год назад

9:09 in the video. It just needs to keep flashing when there are objects in 'range'.

@gregboyd5815 Год назад

@@gplama agreed, yes should continue flashing until all approaching vehicles are past

@onnobakker9173 Год назад

To a Garmin product owner: indeed a mode where the light is off and only flashes on approaching cars would be well appreciated!

@shahedameer Год назад

@@onnobakker9173 @Shane Miller - GPLama - that's exactly how I configured my radar to work using the Smart Bike Lights ConnectIQ data field. Works like a charm and super-flexible. You can set different light modes based on time of day and also the speed of approaching cars

@rijckholt1 Год назад

@@shahedameer @Shane Miller - GPLama Thank you for this tip! Smart Bike Lights is just awesome!! On my commuter bike with fixed automatic lights my varia rtl510 now only flashes on approaching cars and warns me via the Garmin edge (like normal). When i select my road bike profile when the RTL510 is attached to my race road bike it now automatically switches on at sunset but always flashes on approaching cars also during the day. This is just perfect: no more hassling with screens and buttons on the garmin to control the light, an only flash on approaching car mode plus battery savings.

@Hexsense Год назад

Looking good but I want safety camera function as well. Hope they succeed with this model so they can also develop radar/light with camera.

@Crampion Год назад

Almost the same as a Garmin. Rode it recently up Akuna, a very popular climb in Sydney with sections averaging 8-10% gradient. Magene couldn't detect at all a motorbike that approached and passed me. I suspect it was due to the vehicle approaching from below the device's horizon. Mind you I have had a Varia in the same position that never had a miss. So worth recognising this limitation and hope there is a firmware fix. Otherwise, it works flawlessly in other conditions so far.

@junbal5345 Год назад

I bought this a month ago after seeing these on your eurobike 2022 video, when there were no reviews out yet. And was already satisfied with its performance for its price. Thanks for your review I can now confidently recomnend them to my buddies who would rather turn their heads to look behind, than spend 200+dollars on a Garmin bike radar.

@ridelive6249 Год назад

You should still turn you head. Tech does fail.

@velokicks312 Год назад

Atop dial to affix the mount to the seatpost - we recognise that dial! 👀

@DanTuber Год назад

That ride data is impressive. Come in very handy if you ever get in an accident.

@gplama Год назад

There's many use cases for having that data recorded for sure. Imagine being passed by a car speeding, it causes an accident further up the road or *insert any other scenario here*, you'll have a record of the speed it went past. This is something that should be recorded by ALL head units by default. For now it requires the ConnectIQ app (linked to in the description).

@quasijones Год назад

@@gplama I looked at the data from my RTL510 and though interesting was a bit of a novelty. As it is not calibrated in any way I don't believe it would be valid as evidence in the UK. (There was a well publicised issue where thousands of speeding fines were rescinded as the fixed speed cameras did not have the required certification.)

@gplama Год назад

@@quasijones Still better to have the data than not, imo. We're not exactly issuing fines from our bikes.... I'd have a Pinarello, not a Giant, if we could! 🤣

@Whitesudal Год назад

best review!!!

@mlegrand Год назад

Important question: How does the radar do at picking up bird attacks? Jokes aside, this unit looks promising. I love that there is some additional market players for this important category. Amazing review as always Shane! 👌🏻

@juniperDave Год назад

Too small a RCS to be detected. Also, FOV will be an issue - specs list +/- 20 deg in the horizontal, but doesn’t detail vertical.

@JMower Год назад

Been using mine for about a month now, no problems at all so far. It's cool that it also works with Magene's bike computers, so you can get full radar safety without having to spend loads

@atexnik Год назад

So, no continues flashing for the whole period of car detection is not a problem for you so far? Hm, I think you're missing what safety device is in essence.

@hackgolfer7352 Год назад

Thanks for the review. I think as it stands, the Varia on sale at $289.00 is still the better option although more expensive.

@biggertree7063 Год назад

2:30 Looks like an effective magpie deterrent.

@RestartVandelay Год назад

Now I just need to wait for the Bryton radar to come in for testing. Those claimed battery life values on the spec sheet were crazy.

@atexnik Год назад

It's a fake, they probably measured it without light or radar functionality.

@DB-bn8nm Год назад

Shane - this is great, I've been thinking about the Garmin and now have something to compare. Also, did I see a Magpie swoop? it is getting to that time of year.....

@wooishen Год назад

awesome... will hv it...

@aubreyhechter6855 Год назад

Nice device, I think good for light traffic areas -

@jeffduncan9347 Год назад

Awesome video Shane! I've been trying to determine what is best: know something is coming with the radar or have a camera to have evidence if you get hit. I know Garmin has a model with both but it's kind of expensive. I'm thinking I may go for this one.

@jeremyhopwood Год назад

Jeff - I have been riding with a radar for 4 years now and is the best bike purchase I have ever made. Makes dodging portholes, going for bottles, passing other cyclists etc a lot easier to manage . I still shoulder check but it becomes a piece of information that you just process. I have tried riding with rear camera etc but is a bit of a pain and my main concern is just getting the info to ride safely. Differs by location but having video that I was smoked likely wouldn’t change much insurance wise etc where I am. The garmin radar with camera got pretty poor reviews for the camera quality

@glennoc8585 Год назад

I've got a magene power crankset here and whilst they worked ok I got sick of short battery life between charges. This radar light looks like and affordable alternative let's hope the battery is worthy

@teunluijbregts2533 Год назад

Excellent to see a company competing with the overly high prices being charged by Garmin for basically a four year old product. It’s still not cheap but a lot more affordable, so it gets my 👍

@atexnik Год назад

The difference is really subtle. Magene asks 120 USD while Varia can be picked up for 150 discounted. With such a serious flaw (the missing continues flashing) I won't consider the Chinese knock-off.

@hodgo1981 Год назад

@@atexnik not a deal breaker at all, the simple solution is to have light in flashing mode anyway???

@danmazilu Год назад

Great video, thanks for this information! How did you shoot the computer screen video in tandem with the rear-view video?

@coreyreeder3549 Год назад

Glad for the competition in this space. Great video … but no opinions from GP Sheepy??

@gplama Год назад

GPSheepy will be back soon :)

@mike_f Год назад

Great overview but about the light part...would like to know how well it appears to drivers overall. Probably like all cyclists, when I'm in my car I'll often note cyclists ahead and commonly comment to myself "that Blinky is not going to do it pal". But occasionally there will be something really noticeable even in daylight. Frequently now I've noticed them as being Varias. That gives me pretty good peace of mind that I'm seeing when I'm riding in addition to having a really nifty radar. And for what it's worth I don't like the red zone appearing all the time and prefer how Varia does it for only fast cars. Ymmv

@juniperDave Год назад

Probably an opportunity for a firmware update if enough of us users tell them. I’d like the flexibility to change things like that.

@MTB_Gam 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for that review Shane Miller. Did you had any chance to give it a second try with recent firmware updates. How about that blinking light on detection and and light intensity adjustment you can make ? Thanks

@Ngamer834 Год назад

I have the Varia 715 it was expensive but I like it. I know some of the reviews have been critical particularly about the Camera but in all honesty its just fine and can see all the number plates.

@gplama Год назад

I think it's a case of the unit being released in 2022 with such low camera specifications. A company like Garmin has the resources to make a MUCH better product.

@Ngamer834 Год назад

@@gplama I see what you're saying but the camera is good enough for what it is intended for. I use it on my commute just convenient having it all in one. Very easy getting it on and off the bike as well which I like.

@sszibler Год назад

@@Ngamer834 I don’t have one, but wonder if the issue is identifying the driver as well as the plate. In the US people are always claiming they weren’t driving when speed and red light cameras get their vehicle. Better quality might help reduce that response.

@juniperDave Год назад

Just found mine at the front door mailed to me today. Looking forward to the weekend to give it a trial. I’ve had a few years experience with the Garmin RTL510 on ultra (Audax) rides…

@gplama Год назад

Do you have a power source connected to the RTL510 for the ultras?

@juniperDave Год назад

@@gplama - complicated. The 510 is lost from the ELEMNT on the instant of charging (as different to the 515 I’m told). Hence, with the 8+ hrs battery life (still, after 30,000kms+ at mediocre pace so far), I just whip the 510 off the bike on a food stop and give it a top up charge off a usb battery pack. I want to see if this 508 suffers the auto-off on charge, and if not, I’ll just add it to the power circuit off the SON dynamo (and KLite USB charger).

@eyeninja3043 Год назад

You can use varia whilst charging. I ran a usb cable to a battery in my saddle bag.

@gplama Год назад

@@eyeninja3043 Yes, that's a very common thing for ultras/audax riders.

@juniperDave Год назад

@@eyeninja3043 for the RTL515, yes. For the RTL510, no. Unfortunately, I’ve just noticed in the paperwork that the L508 also shuts down radar when charging.

@houckstar Год назад

I just did my first ride using the L508. I do not have any experience using the Garmin Varia, but I have to say that at this price point, it’s a game changer how much more secure I feel when riding on the road. I use a Hammerhead Karoo2 head unit and it works flawlessly. Your review brings up many good points on both units, and I hope that Magene continues to update firmware and features.

@teddgram Год назад

I'm starting to give the "radar" more thought. I rider I ran into recently told me that he actually counted how many times he was checking over his shoulder during a ride. It was in the hundreds. Usually I only glance over my shoulder when I want to cross over the road to make a turn, but I've caught myself on way too many occasions being surprised there was a car there AND drifting, so this would definitely help with that.

@leskennedy Год назад

I got one a few weeks ago and love it. When you are on a busy road and waiting to turn - now you dont need to turn all the time - just use the radar until it signals all clear and then turn to check. Much safer. Also fast descents - you don't need to look behind to see if you have the space to move around the road. Fantastic and so reliable.

@mvp_kryptonite Год назад

This is exactly the best use case for me, crossing an A road in the UK which has 3 lanes of 50mph was a headache without the radar. As Les mentions, I can let the radar make my movement more efficient and I can keep a controlled straight line in the mean time. It’s so good. Seen 2 Varias now also and it’s amazing how bright the light is in the day. Out of all the cameras, sensors and meter I rode with, this is hands down the best. I try stopping my self getting it for all my bikes and easily remember it’s interchangeable and Only ride one bike at a time, that’s how good it is lol

@niles_stone2540 Год назад

I’m excited to see more come to market. I’d like to see 16hr battery life for longish rides. At this point I leave the Varia off until I’m closer to the end or alternate with other riders. I’d like to see the Brighton get tested.

@niles_stone2540 Год назад

Also, I’m sure I’m paranoid, but I’d like to see a strap that attaches somewhere so if it falls off it will dangle not fly off. I see other people reaching back to check theirs every time it disconnects so I know I’m not totally alone.

@gplama Год назад

This comes with a lanyard in the box. 👌🏼

@niles_stone2540 Год назад

@@gplama Right on the top. Nice. Thank you. Do you know if you can charge this while using it?

@gplama Год назад

@@niles_stone2540 Yep, charging on the fly works.

@niles_stone2540 Год назад

@@gplama Awesome, thank you.

@TrickyTree84 Год назад

Would be great to ride with this OFF in the day and only flash for vehicles. Shame that flash only happens for the first car for a few seconds. Hopefully a firmware update could fix that

@bricenoh Год назад

Any guesses what the battery life for radar only is? I don't think it was in the spec

@TrickyTree84 Год назад

No clue but I think on the Garmin the light is the biggest drain

@AggroEntro Год назад

i do hope they update their firmware to do the flashing throughout detection. id actually purchase it if they do

@gplama Год назад

I'll do an update video if they change this mode.

@Weemancrewie Год назад

Great review, is it possible to do a review on the fly 6 gen 3 or TOOO Cycling™ DVR80

@RossTheNinja Год назад

Hope it works with the hammerhead. Looks interesting

@konkretnyfacet Год назад

Yes, I confirm. Works great with Karoo 2.

@steveh3483 Год назад

Great content as ever, you are a mine of info. Just trying the data field for traffic data. Mine currently only shows a data field for traffic count? How do you get the data for speeds? please.

@danielwolman Год назад

Great review, thanks! The on screen controls you had is that available on the 530?

@gplama Год назад

The ANT+ Light controls? They should be on the 530...

@shahedameer Год назад

@@gplama Since the 530 doesn't have a touch screen the "buttons" work differently - they're part of a pop up menu that you have to scroll through to choose your selection.

@gabrielyumul Год назад

Imagine a magene x gopro (or insta360) collab? With at least 1080p vid quality, wide shot, stabilization, gps…That would be great for us riders!

@gplama Год назад

I’ll take three thanks! 😀

@Niikolaiiz Год назад

Awesome review (as always!). I purchased one thanks to this video. Out of curiosity, have you rocked the KOM mount on a d-fuse post? If yes, how sturdy is it?

@gplama Год назад

I've just tried it on Mrs Lama's bike with a D-Shape post... it locks in... but can spin sideways with a slight knock and it drops down. iirc KOM Cycling had an updated internal mount for D posts. I'd ping their support channels and see if they've addressed it.

@Niikolaiiz Год назад

@@gplama thanks so much for trying it out and for responding so quickly. I’ll message them. All the best and keep up the great work!

@yussanid Год назад

waiting available on Magene Indonesia :)

@stevereaburn7626 Год назад

Another good, and straight to the point review. Would it be possible to test this & a Garmin Varia (or the Bryton radarlight when released), with 2 units on the same bike, paired to different head units, and compare the differences in how quickly / when they pick up and handle approaching vehicles?

@gplama Год назад

My concern with running both is each may respond to both radar signals. They both operate ~24GHz and I assume with a non unique signal. I'd have to check with the engineers if it'd be possible to test both at the same time.

@stevereaburn7626 Год назад

@@gplama Cheers,

@viljamip Год назад

China cycling tried both the Garmin and Magene on the same bike and the performance of both suffered indicating they interfered with each other. Great idea but unfortunately it won’t work.

@Csapi007 Год назад

Could be just the field of view of the camera, however I feel that the Varia works on vehicles way further out than this and what it’s original spec lists. Also, the continius alert flashing from Varia while there is traffic makes more sense.

@juniperDave Год назад

150m, I believe, is the cut off calculating range for both due to the technology. Then it’s a matter of target reflectivity and Field of View of the sensor, as you mentioned. I might try to run both (RTL510 and L508) simultaneously on two control heads to compare-presuming they won’t interfere (which I wouldn’t expect probably due to coherent signals).

@sszibler Год назад

I wasn’t sure I heard that correctly. It seems like the lack of flashing alert for subsequent vehicles would be a major safety issue. I’m wondering what the developers were thinking. Was their reasoning a better safety concern somehow or longer battery life? Why does it stay dark? It’s sensing the cars according to the screen, but not broadcasting that we know their presence at a crucial time. I just don’t get it.

@CMgraffix Год назад

nice tech

@daveward6098 Год назад

Shane, one thing you haven't covered with any of your radar reviews. The Varia radar works perfectly with a 1 - 2 mm covering of latex from a tubeless tyre 😒

@gplama Год назад

I haven't had the pleasure of road testing that! 🤣

@RobkeR3 Год назад

I ordered one on the weekend, before seeing this video. Received it yesterday and used it today... Quite happy with it as it is my first radar tail light but there is one big flaw that occurred many times on my 50km ride - When a vehicle is behind me and slows to the same speed as I am at, the radar then gives the green 'all clear' and then stops detection. It then does not detect again until the vehicle is beside my rear wheel. One time this occurred, a vehicle was 20 metres behind me for more than 200 metres. I think I will Go for Garmin next time.

@gplama Год назад

That’ll occur with any radar. It’s a limitation of the technology. It’ll only detect what’s moving towards you. Once something is moving at the same speed, it’ll drop off the screen.

@RobkeR3 Год назад

@@gplama Thankyou, that's good to know. It still is a great safety device

@LukeRichardson1981 Год назад

Not a fan of the headunit behaviour with the different colour indications. I much prefer the Varia way where orange is slower and red is faster. Since you can already see approximately how far behind you the vehicles are just by their position on the radar band, I don't see the point in turning the band red when the cars are closer than a certain point. Having red indicate faster approach speed makes more sense to me. Also not a fan of the flashing behaviour when cars are detected - as you say, it should stay flashing as long as any cars are currently being detected as the Varia does. I do like the brake light function and wish that my Varia had that, because that definitely seems like a useful feature. Nice to see competition in the radar space, anyway. As a user of a Bryton GPS, I'm very interested to see how their upcoming radar will be.

@acwna1 Год назад

Hi Lama, Question for you at 10:24 you say it won't turn on or off with your head unit, like a Garmin Varia does, but at 11:27 you say it supports the ANT+ Light standards. I may be confused but shouldn't it turn on and off with the head unit if it complies with the ANT+ Light standard, or is it a case of that is only relating to the control of the light?

@paginini Год назад

Cool.. garmin... not bad !

@paulnepo3935 Год назад

Thanks for the video! Is there a reason why you didn't mention/compare anything about the video quality and recording capabilities?

@gplama Год назад

This unit doesn't have a camera. I was using GoPro units front/back to capture the ride for demonstration of the radar capabilities.

@depboy1 Год назад

I will buy it

@crossroads4762 Год назад

I like the Magene light but the flashing needs to stay on during the entire detection period. Using the Varia RTL510 for a number of years I've had positive affirmation from motorists that sense they are being monitored and I've been told they think it's a camera.

@cct1148537 Год назад

Hi Shane, thanks for the review. May I ask what is the equipment you use to secure the Magene L508 to your seatpost?

@leskennedy Год назад

He mentions that in the last part of the video.

@pulser955 Год назад

I’m wondering why no one ever talks about light quality. I run a radar and a bontrager tail light because it’s the best most noticeable light to drivers from a distance. Most of the other lights I see seam not vary visible from a distance in full daylight.

@jdpowell69 Год назад

Great point. Exactly the same for me: Magene radar with no light and the amazing Bontrager Flare RT rear daylight, the best on the market

@bricenoh Год назад

Thanks for showing this on boke computers. Have you ever paired this or a Varia radar to a watch (eg FR945) and pair the watch with Garmin Edge used as Externel Display Mode? does the radar show on the bike computer!

@gplama Год назад

This is something I haven't done. I'll loop back and do this when I get the chance.

@1968davidlynch Год назад

Hi Shane great video one question, how do you get the my bike radar field (with the multiple data) I have the vehicle count only on my 1030?

@gplama Год назад

Load up the ConnectIQ app, connect to your 1030, My Data Fields, select My Bike Radar Traffic, config should be there.

@keithtse6834 Год назад

My older Cervelo P2 tri bike has a very wide aero seatpost...are the included rubber bands long enough for attaching this Magene light?

@beesplaining1882 Год назад

I've been using the L508 for about 6 months now. The only issue i have with it is that cars that are travelling slowly behind you can often not be shown on the screen of my Garmin 830. I allow for this now after being surprised a couple of times by cars. Otherwise it is a fantastic unit.

@gplama Год назад

All ANT+ Radar units are like this. They'll only detect/alert on things moving towards you at ~8-10km/h or more. Things moving at the same speed won't be considered a threat/alert. Magene have been releasing updated firmware for the L508 which has changed the operation slightly from what was reviewed here.

@beesplaining1882 Год назад

@@gplama thanks Shane. I'll look out for the firmware update. Cheers mate.

@jamesap4752 Год назад

great video as always Shane, but where can you purchase? their own website doesn't seem to have a buy option

@gplama Год назад

Which country are you in?

@jamesap4752 Год назад

@@gplama Ireland

@detmer87 Год назад

Bought

@VBL- Год назад

Great improvement suggestions there, Shane. I wonder how much their design choices were influenced by Garmin-owned design and functionality patents, them being the inventors and pioneers.

@brianwright9514 Год назад

Given that it's a Chinese company, my fear is that they've just ripped off Garmin's intellectual property. Although, given that the unit does function at least a little differently than the Garmin... Maybe they haven't. Hard to say. I won't buy buying one, though.

@haricharan245 Год назад

Any links for buying it here in Australia? Also, it should work with the Karoo 2 right?

@gplama Год назад

FE Sports is the local distributor. There should be a ton of stores stocking them, or with the ability to get them in for AU$199. It'll work with the Hammerhead units as they support ANT+ Radar and Light* (*Haven't tested this myself... it's just out of reach and I'm firmly positioned on the couch for the night now) 🤣

@darrenhaines1 Год назад

I really love this and the price. But the question is do I need a radar or not.

@gplama Год назад

Borrow one and find out before purchasing. Shops should loan them out as I'm sure they'd sell a lot of them once someone has used one.

@damu6678 Год назад

Does it work with hammerhead? Can you add that into the video to show what it's like?

@gplama Год назад

Yes, those units support ANT+ Radar and Light. I can't add to the video here on RU-vid.

@damu6678 Год назад

@@gplama Could you do a follow up short showing it?

@lambo79 Год назад

Can the decelerometer sensor be disabled?

@yito460 Год назад

Shawn, as always great info. one question, though: where could I buy this radar? I have been looking for dealerships here in USA and it seems it is nor sold here. Do you have any dealers in Australia where I could get this from? Thanks for your reviews; They are great!!!!

@gplama Год назад

One for Magene Support. In Australia FE Sports have the distribution license on these, I'm not sure if there's a similar setup in the US.

@yito460 Год назад

@@gplama thanks, shane!