Magene L508 Radar

78/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Light Type
Mounting
Brand
Bike Type
Lumens
40 Lumens
Battery Life
4 to 19 Hours
Power
Weight
2.3 oz
Water Resistance Level
IP Rating
IPX7

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Magene L508 Radar. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

9 reasons to buy

  • The L508 has seven modes that can be toggled on or off via the Magene app, which also allows customization of brightness and flash speed.
  • A tester appreciates the customizable flash modes for daylight visibility.
  • The Magene L508 acts as a brake light.
  • Testers find the Magene app easy to use.
  • Experts say the 220-degree viewing angle provides good visibility, though the L508 lacks side lights like Garmin’s Varia.
  • The Peloton mode decreases light intensity for group rides.
  • The L508 can be used while charging.
  • This light has an auto-sleep mode in which it turns off after five minutes of inactivity and restarts once moving.
  • Testers say the L508’s build quality seems good.

5 reasons not to buy

  • Experts say the Magene L508 yields more false positives than the Garmin Varia and isn’t as good at detecting multiple vehicles passing consecutively.
  • The L508’s 40lm maximum output is dimmer than competing radar lights.
  • A tester finds that the L508’s battery life is the shortest of the three radar lights tested.
  • Owners must sign up for Magene’s newsletter or pay a small fee to unlock the custom light modes.
  • Testers and owners say the mount doesn’t fit securely on some aero seatposts. Some doubt the “soft” rubber mount’s long-term durability.

Bottom line

The Magene L508 is a bike taillight and radar that detects and warns of vehicles approaching from the rear. It has seven light modes customizable through Magene’s app. Testers and owners praise the brake light feature, Peloton mode for group rides, and daytime and side-on visibility. However, the L508 has a shorter battery life and isn’t as accurate or bright as competing radar lights. Additionally, some testers complain that the mount fits poorly on aero seatposts. Nonetheless, the Magene L508 is deemed a trustworthy radar at a competitive price.

Expert Reviews

72/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
70
Cyclists Hub

Magene L508 Radar Review: A Worthy Alternative to Varia?

Except for [a few complaints], I can recommend it as a cheaper Varia alternative.

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70

Magene L508 Radar Taillight

Some things could be improved, but it’s a good radar unit that’s useful on any ride.

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86
the5krunner

Magene L508 Review – Smart Radar Taillight

The Magene L508 is a good radar tail light that’s priced sensibly. I’d gladly recommend it as well as Garmin.

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Blackwater Cyclist

Magene L508 Radar vs. Garmin Varia RTL515 Radar | Long-Term Review

My experience with it: no issues whatsoever. [I’ve] ridden a gravel mountain bike… [and it] did not come off. It was raining, too, so water and mud got splashed all over it and it still worked great.

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Robin Hughes

Magene L508 Radar Taillight | Watch This Before You Buy!!

[I’m] very impressed with it… if you’re looking for a radar at a reduced cost…

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Magene L508 Radar Light | Cheaper & Better Than Garmin Varia??? | Review, Test Ride & Unboxing

All in all, I think it is a solid product. I’m very… impressed.

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Wiser Biker

Magene L508 Radar Taillight Review | Alternative to Garmin Varia

Kudos to Magene because, once again, they have made a very accurate and reliable gadget… At the same, [it’s] available at a very friendly [price].

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CycleCommute.cc

Magene Radar Taillight

Overall… I am mightily impressed with the Magene Radar Tail Light. It is very easy to use, [and] works well as both a light to be seen and a radar to warn of approaching vehicles.

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Updated: Magene Radar Taillight Is an Affordable Alternative to Garmin Varia Radar

The Magene L508 Radar Taillight competes well with the comparable Garmin Varia Radar on price… 

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Test: Magene L508 – Is There a Cheaper Radar? [Czech]

A few months spent with the radar has convinced me that this accessory, as expensive as it may seem, definitely deserves a place on my gravel [bike].

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User Ratings

77/100 based on 109 ratings
  • 5 star
    53%
  • 4 star
    22%
  • 3 star
    10%
  • 2 star
    6%
  • 1 star
    9%

Rankings

Compared to other bike lights
#10 Best Rear Light
Bottom 10%
#13 Best Seatpost Light
Bottom 10%
#28 Best of All Lights
Bottom 20%

Bike Light Comparison

Magene L508 Radar in comparison to averages