Name: Garmin Varia™ HL 500
Brand: Garmin
SKU: 150HL500
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

by Crutchfield's Ken Nail

When the sun doesn't shine

When I'm starting a long ride in the gray light of the pre-dawn, or pushing through the last few miles of a weekday group ride as the sun goes down, I'm always glad to have a headlight on my bike — not only to improve my view of the road, but to let oncoming traffic know I'm there. But I've never seen a headlight with all the features offered by Garmin's Varia HL 500.

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When the sun doesn't shine

The supplied "out-front" mount offers optimal positioning for the light.

The first "smart" headlight

The HL 500 communicates with compatible Garmin Edge cycling computers and remotes via ANT+ wireless technology, giving it some very unique capabilities. If your computer has light-sensing capabilities, the HL 500 will automatically vary its intensity to match conditions — the darker it gets, the brighter it shines. And the beam of the headlight adjusts depending on your speed. As you go faster, the beam focuses further ahead; it shines closer to you as you slow. And the HL 500's beam is designed so it stays low — illuminating the road, but not blinding oncoming drivers (or cyclists!)

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Product highlights:

ANT+ enabled cycling headlight
universal mount and charging cable included
high beam, low beam, and auto beam modes
2.5-hour battery life in high-power mode
compatible with Garmin Edge 1000, Edge 820, and Edge 520 computers
dimensions 1-15/16"W x 1-5/8"H x 3-11/16"D
weight 7.8 oz
warranty: 1 year
MFR # 010-01415-00

What's in the box:

Garmin Varia™ HL 500 owner's manual

Varia HL 500 smart bike head light
Universal Out-front Mount (with thick and thin sizing bands)
2.5mm Allen wrench
20" USB cable (Type A USB on one end and Micro USB on other end)
Instructions
Important Safety and Product Information

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Researched by Crutchfield's Mark G.

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Features

Varia Smart Bike Lights: The Varia line of cycling awareness products includes smart tail lights, smart head lights, and dedicated display units. This HL 500 smart head light can light your way as you ride.

HL 500: The HL 500 rear head light mounts on the handle bars of your bicycle using the supplied "Out-Front" quarter-turn mount. The head light has manual controls on the side which allow you to select from the following modes: Overdrive (600 lumens), High Intensity (400 lm), Medium Intensity (250 lm), Low Intensity (150 lm), or Flashing (600 lm).

Garmin Edge Compatibility: The HL 500 is compatible with the Garmin Edge 1000 and Edge Explore 1000 GPS bike computers. The head light can pair with the Edge device using ANT+ wireless technology. When paired, the Edge automatically turn on the head light using motion detection. With your Edge device, you can set the light intensity of the head light. The beam angle automatically adjusts based on the rate of speed. Higher beam angles are used at high speeds, while lower beam angles are used at low speeds. During your ride, you can adjust the beam angle by swiping the screen on the Edge device. The battery level of all paired lights appears on the Edge screen. The HL 500 head light will also get brighter or dimmer as light conditions change, when paired with a light-sensing Edge 1000.

Rechargeable Battery: The Varia HL 500 is powered by a built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. The battery life is approximately 2.5 hours in constant illumination (high) mode and up to 5 hours in flash mode. The battery charges in approximately 6 hours via USB, using the included Micro USB cable.

Mounting: The HL 500 is equipped with an Out Front "quarter-turn" mount. The mount has two "quarter-turn" connectors which allows you to mount the head light on the bottom, and an Edge device on the top.

Water Rating: The HL 500 has an IPX7 water rating, making it suitable for use in rain or snow. It can withstand incidental exposure to water, but is not suitable for immersion.

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