My Varia HL500 charging port has been sticky / fiddly since I got the unit brand new. Because I used the headlight infrequently (maybe 12 rides since new) I persisted with the problematic charging port until it ultimately failed, just outside of warranty. I contacted Customer Support and explained the situation and also provided a photo of the failed charging port. Garmin Customer Support kindly offered to replace the Varia HL500 for a discounted price of $145 plus tax. I explained to Customer Support that the unit was hardly used and had been a problem since new. Undeterred, the agent offered to reduce my cost to $100 plus tax, but insisted there was nothing more she could do. At an impasse, and without any desire to further raise my stress levels, I reluctantly gave payment details and accepted the fate dealt me by Garmin. I am posting here to suggest people steer clear of this product, and Garmin in general. Arrogance and abusiveness at this level should not be rewarded. My Edge 520 locks up or crashes about every other month. My Varia Rearview Radar RTL500 regularly loses connection mid-ride with my Edge 520. My Varia HL500 has now cost me almost $400 for a dozen times use, over $30 per ride! That's absurd!!! If you're "on the fence" about Garmin vs Wahoo, please carefully consider my post. Garmin is really not as good as they give themselves credit for. I'm invested so will ride it out with Garmin for now. But when it comes time to start fresh I will consider the competition first. I strongly suggest you do as well. And if you happen to have any small issues at all with a Garmin still under warranty, don't make the same mistake I made. If something is even just a tiny bit wrong with your Garmin under warranty, absolutely demand it be replaced under warranty. Garmin can now spend all sorts of advertising dollars to try to gain back my business and any other business it loses because of my post. I hope the $100 makes your year Garmin!
