The key thing to remember when buying any radar detector is the fact that the hardware has changed very little in the last gods know how long. The V1 is still a V1, and is still a viable build to this day. When you buy expensive you are buying hardware integrations and software upgrades. Now, as a fan of simplification I think the high end builds are well worth the price, but the skinflint in me has to tell you, with a few tweaks, and a little knowledge you can get even an old XTR build running smoothly no matter where you are. It might lack GPS, a dedicated app and even decent modern radar filtering, but when you are saving hundreds of dollars then those can be less of a concern to you.

Let’s jump in, starting with the aesthetics of the build. Whistler really know how to make low tech look great. The XTR series might lack the modern bells and Whistlers, no pun intended, but their models are stylish across the board. Not a huge concern for some, but I feel it can make the difference when caught between similar models.

Whistler XTR 265 Radar Detector Design and Build Quality

Glad to be at the end of the XTR series, as there is only so many ways I can say I love the molding. Seriously, the casing on these things looks great, and the step up in terms of quality materials with the 265 can really be felt. We have two colors here, unlike the cheaper builds which use an all black deigns, the 265 has a nice grey accent. The screen is excellent, and while the use of large LEDs is a touch retro, the fact that we have a different color for each signal band goes a long way to modernizing the display.

The 265 is a little heavier than the 145, and it makes the whole build feel a sturdier. It’s not a huge change, but one that really makes a difference. We still have the older clock bracket style mount to contend with though, and I have never been a fan. They work, but not quite as well as the newer mag lock style mounts. I recommend you take a look at the third party options. The 265 is pretty cheap, so you should have a fair amount of cash left over to spend on add ons, like a better bracket, an app or the intellicord.

Speaking of the Intellicord, the XTR series as a whole is compatible with it. I love the things, they are essentially chargers with buttons on them. It allows you to change modes and mute without having to lean over to the windshield, a far safer option overall.

The XTR series’ software is far from top of the range, but it gets the job done. I have always said that false positives are part and parcel of the whole radar detector experience, and while it is true that the more advanced models from the likes for Escort are better able to filter the incoming signals, no firm has been able to perfectly remove false signals. The 265 has decent range, around 2 miles in good conditions. There are three city modes to choose from, depending on the signal density in your area, be sure to tool around with them to figure out which is the best option for you. A quick search should tell you what kind of bands are in use in your local area as well, with many jurisdictions phasing out the older X-Band detectors switching off that band an save you a fair number of headaches.

In terms of bonuses there is the VG-2 mode, to protect against radar detector detectors. Whistler have their own in house software for this, and they still offer the best out there. There is also a pop protection mode, and I am very happy to see it here. The lesser XTR models lack this mode, and while it is not a huge deal, as Pop radar can be picked up by regular scanning, it is better to be assured of pick up with a dedicated mode.Beyond that there isn’t much, so now we have to talk about the features this build lacks.

The most glaring one is the lack of app integration. Firms like Escort and Cobra have been integrating their models with community based app add ons. The added functionality is amazing, allowing even the legacy builds from Cobra to compete with the flagships from modern Escort. They can increase the effective range, and mute false alerts for you, based on real time community feedback. The XTR 265 is not able to connect to any app, but you can still take advantage of one, just buy a subscription. It can be useful for verifying the validity of your alerts, and the price is not that high. iRadar might have the most folk using on the road right now, and it’s a little cheaper than Escort Live as well, so that might be your best bet. Know that you will not be able to use any of the more advanced features going in and you’ll be fine.

Ever since LIDAR speed guns entered general use the radar detector market have been trying to find an answer to the new tech. The one being used by all the big firms is the laser eye. Laser eyes detect LIDAR, much in the same way that radar detectors detect radar, but the are far less useful on a day to day basis. The issue is the way that LIDAR works by comparison to radar. When a radar speed gun goes off the refracted signals bounce for miles, making them easy to pick up. Even pop style radar works like this. With LIDAR the signal has very little range. So if your laser eye goes off the odds are good it’s ecause you were hit. Now, it can pick up close range refraction, but we are talking line of sight. you do not have much time to course correct. There is an alternative, a LIDAR jammer, they give you time to correct, and are highly effective. For full coverage you might be better off getting a LIDAR jammer and a radar detector. Do not confuse those terms, as radar jammers are very illegal.

The feature set here is fine, nothing to write home about. The design is great, but then that is true of most of Whistler’s builds. The added pop radar mode is nice, but the lack of app integration, or at least a GPS map is glaring. The laser eye is lackluster too, but then that is hardly unique to Whistler’s builds. Overall this is a very basic model, the kind I would write off entirely were it not for the excellent price you can get it for.

Whistler XTR 265 Radar Detector Legality and Pricing

There are few things you should know regarding the law and radar detectors. They are legal to own for the most part, but if you are in Virginia or Washington DC you are not allowed to use them. Nor can you use them in a commercial vehicle. If you travel or work in Minnesota or California then you have to mount them someplace else, as you are not allowed to obstruct your view with anything in either state. Other than that you should be fine.

The XTR 265 is amazing value for what you are getting. Buying new is more expensive, at $30, but I have seen second hand models go for less than $20. Considering the feature set here, and that the 265 is the high end XTR, this price is amazing. I get that the model is old, and lacks much of the pomp and circuitry of more modern builds, but it makes up for it here, and as I have said, if you know what you are doing, and you know your area, you can get a comparable experience with this old school cool build.

Warranties that come with radar detectors tend to be a little underwhelming. there is no equivalent of the warranty arms race that we saw in the mattress industry here. A real shame, as a quality warranty can really save a build. Whistler, and everyone else, offer a 1 year limited warranty. it means it only covers factory faults, but I tend to use the argument that any product that breaks within a year of normal use has a factory fault. Be sure to remember that argument, as it has worked well for me in the past. I think when it comes to the older builds like this, where you have to spend a little more on extras to get the experience up to par with the big boys, that you should ignore the manufacturer’s warranty, buy second hand from Amazon and use their consumer protection policies in its place. Amazon have the best customer protection on the market, and sometimes the folk you are buying refurb machines from offer their own warranty as well. You will still have access to Whistler’s wonderful repair service, though you will likely have to pay for the privilege. They have an in house repair shop, and that at least guarantees a working model no matter what. Considering that this model is in the sub $20 price point second hand I would find it very hard to justify buying it new.

Know the law regarding these things, I cannot overstate the importance of that. It’s no use getting a radar detector  to save you a bit of cash, only for it to end up costing you far more. An mentioned, anything with communications in the name coming from the state government will likely have a paragraph or two covering radar detectors. The price here is amazing, and it compliments the relative lack of features well too. Whistler have a great repair service that anyone can use, but their warranty is less than amazing, best I think to go with the method I listed above. Overall, this is a fine model, and well worth considering.

Whistler XTR 265 Radar Detector Conclusion

This might not be the most impressive build on the market right now, but I feel i makes up for that with the low price new, and the shockingly amazing price second hand. it’s not a patch on the $5 detector that is the 130, but those few extra features help keep the XTR 265 competitive on the road today. It looks good, it feels good, and the feature set is good too.

The fact that this is cordless by default is not something to be overlooked, as there are many folk out there who want a radar detector they can move from one vehicle to another, with minimal fuss. This really hits the nail on the head in that regard. The warranty might not be great, but so long as you pay a little attention to who you are buying it from, and where you are buying it, you can keep yourself covered. If you want a radar detector to test the waters, or want something simply you can pick up and use, then the XTR 265 is certainly one to consider. When you are ready to get something a little more impressive give me a shout, or read my forth coming top ten.

The post Whistler XTR-265 Radar Detector Review appeared first on Gazette Review.

I am at the end of this series of review now, and it is a shame. I have very much enjoyed getting to tinker with all kinds of radar detector. At the end of the series all of the knowledge I have accumulated tends to get put on the back burner, forgotten about. The most interesting thing I have learned, from my perspective at least, is the fact that the hardware of radar detectors has changed very littler in the last few decades. Valentine has been selling the V1 for a long time now, with little in the way of major changes. Of course, the real advancements have been made on the software side of things, with algorithms getting more and more complicated, able to filter signal noise to a fine point, extending ranges by picking up the details of fainter and fainter signals. The Cr93 s the culmination of the software development of the CR range, and it does a fine job of taking that hardware and pushing it to the limit. The issue is the lack of app integration, the way with which the big boy models are selling themselves is through the feature packed apps that come with them, and it’s the reason Cobra models will rank very high on my eventual top ten. The self contained alternative sold by the Cr93 is pretty good though, a GPS system with a database of flashpoints, traffic cameras and the like. not quite a good as a real time updated list generated by other users on the road, but very nice for those who do not want to connect their phone to their radar detector.

So let’s get to the real review. First a look at the build quality and aesthetics. I’ll be the first to admit that the look of the build is not that important, but it can be helpful when choosing between similar models.

Whistler CR93 Radar Detector Design and Build Quality

This is a Whistler build, which means right off the bat that the look of the build is sublime. I love the designers they have over there, they really know how to take old school tech and turn it out, making it look sleek and simple. The blue and black color scheme is right up my alley, and when combined with the blue LED display we have a nice cohesive looking product. The only issue with that display is the fact that the older LED tech is harder to read in the light of day, especially bad in sunnier areas. I like the use of the blue LEDS, over the clock radio esque Red ones, but still, a bit of a throw back here.

The feel of the build is excellent. Whistler really know how to get that weight just right. The fit is perfect, no moving parts, and so no rattle. If you hear any rattle out of the box then you have yourself a faulty detector, and you should be making use of the warranty. The mounting bracket is not the best, using that older click lock and suction cup design. it works, and well, but it is not quite as sturdy, nor as safe, as the newer mag lock and sticky cup mounting brackets. You can go third party for your bracket, but that costs a fair bit these days, and I really only advise you do that when you are buying a sub $100 detector, then the price is more than made up for.

one thing that i love about the Whistler models across the board is their Intellicord compatibility. Granted, Intellicord is not as good a name as Smart cable, but the function is identical, and that is the important thing. If you have owned a radar detector in the past you know that false positives are a fact of life.Having to lean over to the windshield to hit the mute button is a hazard that no one should try. The Intellicord allows you to hit mute with a button right next to you, you can also change the filtering mode, changing from highway to the various city modes. They real difference between the Cr93 and the Cr90 is the improvement to the software. I don’t know why they couldn’t release it as a downloadable package, but the differences in range are substantial. The Cr90 could do you around a mile in a dense area, while the Cr93’s filtering can extend that by around 30% according to some studies. I never have the right conditions to see the difference for myself, so I am at the mercy of other peoples results. One of the nice things about the internet is the availability of information. So long as you know your area, make liberal use of the mute function, select the correct filtering mode for the area, buy access to an app and update your GPS system you can make this build as silent and accurate as any on the market right now.

The GPS and app features I mentioned in the previous paragraph require some explanation. The CR93 is not compatible with any apps, but y9ou can still buy access to a service that displays the real time updates of other drivers. You cannot connect directly, and thus cannot use the more advanced features, nor can you contribute, but it still makes a difference, can be used to verify the signal origins and make sure that the mute button is being used at the correct time. The GPS integration is a bit of a legacy feature, you are seeing fewer and fewer models come with it. The app integration replaces it in terms of utility, but it is a nice alternative It uses an updated list of static locations known to have traffic cameras. You will have to manually update it every so often, but it goes a long way to reducing the false positives, and there are some folk out there creating customer GPS maps for all kinds of road hazards.

The last feature I want to discuss is the laser eye. LIDAR guns are seeing more and more use on the road. Radar still out numbers them by a wide margin, but there are enough out there that all the big radar detector firms have gotten worried. They have implemented a system that operates similarly to radar detection, but there is an issue with this solution. LIDAR is different from radar in terms of the travel distance. When a radar gun goes off the signal is bounced for miles, even with the short burst pop radar, it means that you get miles of warning in the right conditions. This is not true of LIDAR, the range you pick them up from is far smaller. It means that you don’t get much of a warning, and in the worst cases you only know about the signal after you have been hit. There is a lovely alternative to Laser eyes, but I will wait until the legality section before going into them, there are a few things you should know before considering them.

This is not a bad little machine. The look of the build is great, and the quality is certainly up there. It might be skirting the line between modern and legacy, but I feel the solutions present here are still more than competitive. So long as you work smart you can get yourself an experience on par with he best of them.

Whistler CR93 Radar Detector Legality and Pricing

I love that I get to talk about the law surrounding radar detectors. It has been a fascinating read. I can condense it all down into a few key things. For the most part in the US you are allowed to own and operate a radar detector. There are exceptions. For example, if you are driving a commercial vehicle you are not allowed to use a radar detector at all. Just fix it somewhere else and you’ll be fine. If you are reading internationally then I am sorry to say that for the most part radar detectors are illegal. Take a look at your local laws to confirm though, a there are some provinces in Canada that ban them and some that do not.

Now, I talked about the alternatives to using a laser eye system, to combat the use of LIDAR speed detectors. While it is true that the laser eye will work, it is too circumstantial from my perspective. Better I think to go with a LIDAR jammer. Now, it must be stressed, radar jammers are illegal everywhere.

And now the price.  For the most part Whistler models are still price a little too high for what they are. I have found the CR93 in the >$100 price range. Highest I have seen is $150, but there are cheaper options out there. That is a touch high for a build without app integration. I think the CR93 offers better value for money that any other CR model though, which only go as low as $50 for the bare bones basic build. If you can find this second hand it might be a little more up my alley, but then you lose what iIfeel is Whistler’s greatest strength, their after sale support. Bit of a mixed bag this.

Radar detectors do not have good warranties. There is no warranty arms race in the market, and so almost all of them offer only a 1 year warranty on their products. And it’s a limited one too, so the only thing that is covered is factory damage. When some of the firms are selling their builds for several hundred dollars I would prefer the warranty cover accidental damage as well, but that’s the world we live in. Whistler are no different, the price is low enough to compensate. their customer support is excellent though. I have contactedf it in the past to gauge their response time, and they got back to me within a day. they also have an in house repair shop, and offer to repair all models in perpetuity, a nice touch. Be sure to look on Amazon for your purchase though, as then you can take advantage of their consumer protection policies, I feel that is the best option overall.

Final advice on this section is to know the law. Anything coming down with communications in the name tends to cover radar and LIDAR detectors, so long as you keep on top of that you should be fine. The price here isn’t amazing, but it is affordable, and if you care about long term use of a product then Whistler are certainly a great option. They have some of the best customer support on the radar detector market, and that is something I care deeply about.

Whistler CR93 Radar Detector Conclusion

The CR93 is far from perfect. I would argue that the feature set is a little lacking, and the price is a little too high, but what is there works well, and if you put the time in this build can perform very well. If it is still about in a year, then I think the lower price point would make it a very attractive purchase. Seen as the software on the GPS system can be updated, and the potential for third party software to run as well, this could be a fine long term option.

There might better better machines out there at lower price points, but the after market care that Whistler offer is bound to sway a few. If you are in the market for a build that eschews app integration, and just does its job well, then you have to consider the CR93 from Whistler.

The post Whistler CR93 Radar Detector Review appeared first on Gazette Review.

The core underlying hardware of radar detectors is essentially the same. There has only been a few advancements in the last few decades, which is why you’ll see the venerable Valentine One on this list alongside the ultra modern Max II HD. The real changes have been happening under the hood. Improved filtering algorithms and external integration are the order of the day, and I have made sure that every model in this top ten has at least one of those. A few of the older legacy models have less advanced filtering, and so are a little noisier over all, but so long as you expect that you can mitigate it.

You have to know the law before you buy a radar detector. By and large they are legal in the US. Only Virginia and Washington DC ban their use entirely. So long as you are not driving a commercial vehicle you are fine. In both California and Minnesota you will have to mount the builds somewhere other than the windshield.

Top 10 Radar Detectors 2017

So let’s get to the top ten. I have taken into account the price, the function, the aesthetics and the freebies, the more a model has to offer per dollar the higher I have ranked the thing.

10. Beltronics GT-7

This is on the surface a better model than the V6, and is broadly considered one of Beltronics best models, but I don’t think that’s true. The only reason the GT-7 is on this list is because I was too embarrassed to fill it with legacy Cobra builds alone. The core functions of the GT-7 are fine, it has good range, all the protection modes you could want and access to Beltronics excellent Smart coil cable. The mounting bracket is okay, far from the best, but it gets the job done. The issue is the lack of app integration. The V6 is an older build, and even it has access to the wonderful Escort Live app. It falls short, but it is also the prettiest radar detector on the market, That excellent HD screen and copper accent color is just amazing, no other radar detector looks as stylish as the GT-7.

This model is too expensive for me to recommend to everyone. The core feature set is great, and the addition of the smart coil cable is nice. The real selling point is the look, if you care more about form rather than function, and spending $400 sounds okay, then the GT-7 is the right model for you.

Check out the full review here.

9. Beltronics V6

The V6 is an older build, so old in fact that finding one is nearly impossible. Not much of a surprise really, seen as it might be the most impressive build Beltronics ever released. The worst of the V series, and yet still amazing. The core feature set is fine, nothing magical to write home about. It doesn’t have the best range, and the inner city filtering leaves much to be desired, but it has access to the Escort Live app, and that is a real game changer. It increases the effective range of the build by a lot. Escort Live allows you to get updates from all other Escort Live users on the road, it has a real time updated map of the area, with all the false positives and hazard zones marked for you. So the fact that the filtering isn’t great is less of an issue, you can know for certain in most cities what signals are real alerts and what aren’t.

I mentioned that finding the V6 is difficult, it is a discontinued model, so you have to go hunting for a second hand one. The build quality is high enough that even second hand it should last a while. I found one for $75, which makes it the best value for money model that can use Escort Live.

Check out the full review here.

8. Whistler XTR-540

Whistler are not a firm known for their cutting edge tech, and it holds true here. The reason the XTR-540 is on this list is due to the price. The XTR-540 is a little unimpressive when compared to even the V6, it has no app and it too is a legacy model, so the filtering could be better. But it has an ace up its sleeve. This is a cordless model, making it excellent for people who want to switch vehicle types on the fly. Mounting it to your helmet requires a different bracket, but they are pretty cheap nowadays. if you want to get a radar detector for your bike I recommend you don’t spend a fortune on it, my father is an avid biker, and he says that there is not one biker he knows that hasn’t been rear ended by an idiot.

The XTR-540 is a great little cordless model, in a sub $50 price range. I have seen this model go for as little as $39, and you are not going to find a better price than that on the market right now. Unless you go second hand, and even then you’d have to haggle. If you are looking for a cheap detector that will get he job done, and is perfect for vehicle changes then this is a great option.

Check out the full review here.

7.  Escort IX Long Range

Oh, we are hitting the Escort models, and while they are technically the bets on the market, the price puts them out of a lot of peoples reach. It cannot be denied that if you are looking for range there are really only two models to consider. The IX long and the Redline. Both are from Escort, and both share the core feature set, but the Redline is both more expensive, and has longer range. The on board filtering is excellent with the IX, and when we add int eh features of the Escort Live app we get a radar detector that is picking up signals from a few miles out and staying silent unless it is a real alert. Escort have the best mounting bracket in the business, a combination mag lock and sticky suction cup, so good in fact that a advise in all of my articles that you buy a comparable one.

This is a build for someone who needs range, but also a little more versatility beyond that. it’s good on the highway and good in the city, but it excels in neither. The price is very high, looking at around $499, but you are buying both a high end machine, and into the Escort family. They have the best customer support in the world of radar detectors, and their warranty is excellent, a rarity let me tell you.

Check out the full review here.

6. Escort Redline

This is the beast of Escort. Not the most versatile, and far from the prettiest, but it more than makes up for that with it’s range. If you are driving long haul then this is the model for you. It has decent filtering for city work, and escort are always improving the software via updates, and when you combine it with Escort Live it will work well, but it’s when you are on the highway that this thing shines. You can expect near four miles of range in place, sometimes more. No other model can match it on the market right now, but it comes with a price. The price.

The Redline falls into the $550 price bracket. you can find it cheaper in a few places, but it is best to expect the worst and be surprised. It puts it out of a lot of peoples price points, but if you need the longest range on the market this is the model you need. I would like to point out that the Redline is an older build, so it is likely that Escort will be releasing an updated version, with a fancy new screen, at some point. They have already replaced their pocket builds, and have a new Passport model, so keep your eyes peeled. It should bring down the after market price of the Redline a bit.

Check out the full review here.

5. Cobra SPX 900

For some reason Cobra were the only company that knew how to make older models look good. The use of big LEDs limits the aesthetic a little, but using a color other than red seems to make the model look a little more current. The SPX 900 is probably my favorite of Cobra’s legacy builds. You can still find a lot of them online right now, and they are all compatible with the iRadar app. Well, you have to buy a separate cable, but that is not expensive. It means that with a little tweaking you can get a model that functions near on par with the high end builds for a fraction of the cost. It takes some work, the high end builds are easy to use out of the box, but the older models require you to do a fair amount of set up to have them running smoothly on a day to day basis. All of my reviews on these kinds of builds talks about the things you will have to do though, so I got you covered.

The price range of the SPX 900 is around $50, give or take $10. It’s amazing that you can get an app integrated model for so cheap. Know that Cobra’s warranty isn’t the bets on the market, and this is a legacy model too, so you’ll have to rely on the third party who sold it to you. Best to look to Amazon, get their consumer protections at point of sale.

Check out the full review here.

4. Valentine One

The Valentine One had to be one this list. It’s the old workhorse, a build so well designed that they have been selling it largely unchanged for over a decade, and it is still competitive. The focus of Valentine is out of the box utility. They have all the software protections you can imagine, against detector detectors, laser, pop, false positives, the works. They have an app too, but it is probably the least impressive on the market. Thankfully Valentine have an avid consumer base, and there are a number of third part alternatives to choose from, all extend the feature set of your build, allowing you to spend time fine tuning your experience. The Valentine one works well enough for the first time buyer, but I see it as more of a hobbyist build. If you have the time and the inclination the V1 is a rewarding purchase.

The price range is comparable to the upper mid rang Escort models, a little under $500. I feel that for the right consumer this is a good deal, but for most folk out there, the kind that want something simple out of the box there are better options.

Check out the full review here.

3. Escort Max 360

This is technically the best radar detector on the market right now. The feature set is expansive, the after market support is unparalleled, and the price is commensurate. It is well out of range for most first time buyer, this is the model you dream of buying at some point, once you have your area mapped out in your head. The range is great both in the city and on the highway, the display is amazing, and for the first time you can be informed as to the direction of the incoming signals.Due to the signal bounce most detectors cannot do this, so I am impressed. It has a smart learning function, and it will shut off false positives without input from the driver. Combine it with Escort Live and the on board memory will update on the fly. This really is an amazing model, but I cannot get over the high price.

the Max 360 is in the $650 range. There are cheaper price out there, but not by much, expect to pay in excess of $600 no matter where you go. It’s well worth the asking price, the work that has gone into this build is impressive, it is literally unmatched in terms of features and ease of use.

Check out the full review here.

2. Escort Passport Max

The original Max is still an amazing build, and it fits me to a tee. I tend to go for the second best in terms of overall. It might not have all the features of the 360, but there is enough here to satisfy, and day to day use of the Max is wonderful. The ranges are dependant on the conditions, like all radar detectors, but the inner city average is high, usually around 2 miles, and the filtering modes are still being updated by Escort. The Max has access to the older escort Defender system using a built in GPS system to keep a list of known hazard areas. The list is still being updated, even if it has been largely replaced with Escort Live, but it means that even thoguh without smart phones can know that any signals coming in are real ones. It also has auto learn software as standard, so anytime you mute a false positive that comes in it will remember it for you, and do so automatically. Finally, it is compatible with the Smart cable, an extension plug that allows you to mute on the fly, and switch modes without leaning over to the windshield. I think all models should have one of these, a little safe manual control is a good thing.

The only real downside is the price. It is an older model, so you can find it in the $300 price range. For a build that can be made to function exactly like a high end flagship radar detector that price is astounding. Literally one of the best priced models on the market. The only reason it isn’t umber one is down to cobra releasing a build that is cheaper with the similar features.

Check out the full review here.

1. Cobra iRAD 900

This is no doubt a surprise to everyone. Cobra are not known for high end builds, but I feel that works in their favor. It means that the price is nice and low. The iRAD 900 is the best of the iRADs, a kind of cut down model that integrates with he iRadar app. Cobra have made a tiny little model here, small enough to fit in the palm of the hand, but big on features. The core features are here, decent range, good filtering and the usual protections. When we add in the utility of the app we have a model near as good as the Passport Max. The key thing here is that you cannot really use this build without the app. it has no screen, it means the price has been driven into the ground though. It is also cordless, and when combined with it’s small size and low price makes it great for helmet mounting. There is literally no other models on the market that can match the iRAD 900 in terms of versatility and price.

I’ve harped on about the price in that last paragraph, so let me tell you what it is. On average you can expect to pay $50 for the iRAD 900. For a model with this feature set that is amazing, no matter what you want out of your radar detector the iRAD 900 can deliver it. It might not be as easy to use out of the box as the Max range from Escort, but with a few tweaks we can have a world class radar detector for a tenth of the price.

Check out the full review here.

Top Ten Radar Detectors 2017 Overview

So there is one other thing I want to talk about before we wrap up. A feature I didn’t mention, one that all of the models on this list have, and one that I really don’t have much faith in. The laser eye. All the firms are pushing it as the answer to evolving speed detection tech. I can see why, there needs to be an answer to the newer laser speed guns, but their utility is limited, due to how they work. With radar the beam is broad, and it bounces all over the place, spewing out for miles. Even the short burst pop radar, so you can pick it up miles out, and plan accordingly. LIDAR does not really work like that, so when the laser eye goes off odds are good it’s because you’ve been hit, or are within line of sight of someone who has been hit. There is an alternative, LIDAR jammers.

Do not buy a Radar jammer, they are illega, but LIDAR jammers are not covered by any legislation right now. They obfuscate your information for a short time, giving you a guaranteed chance to course correct before switching off. There has been some reports of people in the UK being arrested on obstruction of justice.

So for best coverage combining a radar detector with a LIDAR jammer is your best bet. I am very biased toward price. I like to get a bargain, and when I know that the high end builds are selling a name it makes me a little less inclined to like the models. Don’t get me wrong, the quality is there, and for the most part Escort and Valentine are charging fair prices, but it still rubs me the wrong way. Cobra legacy builds are my preference. they are both low in price and high in features, I could have filled this whole top ten with them, but they will not be on the market forever. Be sure to snap one up quick.

The post Top 10 Radar Detectors in 2018 – Best That Money Can Buy appeared first on Gazette Review.

Most of my time is spent reviewing product lines. I get to check out a lot of products in the same industry, comparing their use, seeing what the market wants, and looking into how the actual tech works, and how it has evolved. With every other product line I have been able to track the evolution of the technology, but that hasn’t really been the case with the Radar detectors. For the most part they have remained largely unchanged for the last several decades. I can sort of see why, radar waves have remained largely unchanged since the Big Bang, so the tech behind detecting them doesn’t need to change much. The V1, Valentine’s flagship, has been using pretty much the same hardware since launch, so how are the big companies able to justify all the high prices? Software. The advances made on the software side of things has been astounding. Taking the same data and filtering it ever finer to get more accurate results, removing false positives, and increasing effective range. Adding new hardware, like GPS systems and Bluetooth, keeps the prices high, but they further refine the radar detector experience. The Passport Max has good on board software, but it lacks Bluetooth, meaning we need external connectors to make use of the App.

So let’s move on with the review, with a look at the build itself first. hardly the most important aspect of a radar detector, but buying something you like the look of can be the deciding factor, when you are debating similarly specced and priced models.

Escort Passport Max Radar Detector Design and Build Quality

The look of the Max builds are really something special. Minimalist design, only a few buttons. A crisp clear display, probably the best on the market. The plastic is fit flush, and the overall build quality is up to the usual Escort standard. The position of the Laser eye is an issue for me, from a design perspective. I don’t know why they have to be fit pipped up on the build, but Escort are not alone in this placement. Symmetry could be maintained by putting another pip on the other side, or fitting the eye into the build proper and doing away with the pop entirely, but no one has done so. A minor issue though, and it is unlikely to annoy anyone else. It’s only because I have seen and used so many of these things that it gets to me.

There is some nice heft to the build, not quite the balanced feel of the Max II, or the 360, but there is enough here to belay the value in the build. The mount is the standard Escort mount. This thing should be the industry standard. A combination of magnetic locking and sticky suction cups, it would take the bridge of the Enterprise under heavy fire to dislodge this thing. I suppose when you are spending several hundred dollars on a build you can expect the best, and it is nice to see Escort live up to that.

The Escort Max has so many features. The core features, like the ability to scan all the active radar bands out there, VG2 detector protection and City and Highway modes of course. But beyond that we have a self contained unit that can filter out pretty much every false signal on the road. I love the Escort Live app, and the Max is compatible, but even without access to the app the in build features are tailored to protect. The Defender system is a database that combines with the on board GPS to warn the user of Traffic light cameras. It can be updated online, just plug it in and install the new software. The auto learn feature means that all you have to d is mute a static signal once, and the detector will take care of the rest. It’s a smarter auto mute, and something I feel should be implemented with all builds. We can also plug the smart cable in to access the Escort Live features on top of all that.

The Smart cable is probably the most important add on for any build. It puts buttons on the cable, allowing you to switch modes and mute on the fly, no longer do you dangerously have to lean to the windshield to access the buttons. When you plug into the Escort Live app you gain access to a real time updated list, maintained by other Escort users’ radar detectors, that warns you of all the dangers on the road. When combined with the auto learn function you will never be bothered by false signals again. Well, maybe once a month, but that is still way less than other, less expensive builds.

The laser eye, which I mentioned earler, does more than make the build look lopsided. It also detects laser speed detection systems. The reason it gets its own paragraph is down to my own issues witht eh function. No firm has got it right, and it is not their fault. Laser speed guns work similarly to radar, but with a far quicker and narrower beam. There is less for the laser eye to pick up, so for the most part, it only really goes off after you get hit,. There is some refraction, and the laser eye will pick it up, but it is usually via line of sight, and thus only gives you a minute or so to course correct. There is an alternative to the laser eye, one that works 9 times out of 10, but there are some issues involved with it, so  will leave it until the legality section.

This build is astounding. A lot of thought went into the feature set, in order to give the user as good a time of it as possible. I think it is easy to see why some of the features have been pared back, the GPS system has been replaced with phone integration as the Escort Live app has gotten more and more refined, but I kinda like the external GPS here. While you can use this out of the box with little issue, I feel that you would not be pushing it to the limit, with a few smart changes to the set up, and an active user, you can end up with one of the best radar detector experiences on the market.

Escort Passport Max Radar Detector Legality and Pricing

I’m going to miss this paragraph. The but where I talk about the legality of the item I am reviewing. The radar detector is legal in 49 states, so for the vast majority of us it is fine. Virginia and Washington DC ban their use entirely. They are also prohibited on US Military bases. There is a nationwide ban on their use in Commercial vehicles, sorry to all the truckers out there. Finally, both California and Minnesota have obstruction of vision laws, meaning you are not allowed to put much of anything on your windshield, so be sure to find an alternative mounting location should you live, travel or work in either state. Be careful crossing the northern border, as Radar detectors are illegal in most Canadian provinces.

So I mentioned my distaste for Laser eyes, or LIDAR detectors, due to their circumstantial usefulness. LIDAR jammers are a whole different beast. Remember, Radar jammers are illegal everywhere, so steer clear, but LIDAR jammers are not yet covered by any legislation. LIDAR jammers hide your information for a few moments, allowing you time to course correct, before switching off. For full coverage combine a LIDAR jammer with a Radar detector. There has been some reports of folk being taken up on obstruction of justice charges through using LIDAR jammers, but that is mostly in the UK, be sure to check out your local area before buying.

The price of Escort builds is high. They know they have the highest quality products on the market, and the most advanced feature sets. So you go in expecting to pay a premium. The Passport MAX is cheaper than many of their builds, and considering it functions like a high end machine, the fact that you are paying around $300 for it is amazing. That is the same pricing range as their mid range machines. This is one of the benefits to going legacy, and looking to third part retailers as well. Probably my favorite Escort build simply because of this price.

As I am seemingly so fond of pointing out, I review products for a living. It means that I read a lot of warranties, and have gotten pretty good at spotting the bad ones. The Escort warranty is merely okay. The entire radar detector market is plagued by mediocre warranties, and so there is no pressure to improve the situation. The warranty arms race that hit the mattress market ten years back did not migrate here. You get 1 year of limited coverage, so covers only factory faults. I would argue if the product breaks within that year after using it normally it qualifies, but you have to press that point sometimes. The thing that Escort do right is their Performance guarantee. If you get a speeding ticket while using your Escort model radar detector they will pay for it. It speaks volumes about their faith in their products, and I wish other firms would step up to the challenge. Overall, a well put together package.

This is an excellent build. The price is on point and the warranty is above average, when you add in the benefits of the Performance Guarantee. For the best consumer protection I would advise you get this on Amazon, as they have the best consumer protection policies on the market. So long as you buy from a licensed re seller you will get three fold coverage, the core Escort Warranty, the Amazon protections and whatever coverage the third party offers, all rolled into one. Be careful out there, know the law and look out for any changes that may be coming up, any act that covers communications laws should be looked in to.

Escort Passport Max Radar Detector Conclusion

The Escort Max might be the most well rounded build in the Escort range. A combination of excellent features, a good price and top notch after care support. No other firm can boast the performance of an Escort build, and the longevity of their models is unmatched. I have spent the last month or so with the Cobra line, and while I still love their cut priced options, when I get an Escort the difference is astounding. If you are in the market for a top of the line model, at a cut rate price, then the Escort Max might be the perfect build for you. Keep an eye out for my top ten, this is certainly going to place highly.

The Passport Max is excellent for those who want the best of yesterday. Saves you some money while still providing one of the best experiences on the market.

The post Escort Passport Max Radar Detector Review appeared first on Gazette Review.

My standard practice when I get a new range of products to review is to submerge myself in the market. Seek out the key players, find out what is being sold to who, and finally take a long look at the tech under the hood. With most other products there is a nice long histry7 of advancement for me to get stuck into. With radar detectors that was not really the case. For the most part radar detectors have remained largely unchanged for the last several decades. Granted, radar waves are radar waves, but it was still a slight surprise. The likes of Valentine have been able to sell the same model for a long time, and a fairly hefty price too. So how is that possible? Software, and external hardware integration. The big thing last gen was shoving GPS systems and Bluetooth into the builds. Before that it was making sure the filtering software was as refined as possible. Now it’s all about app augmentation. The SSR 80 cannot boast much in the way of extras, but Cobra have made a name for themselves with their excellent community app, the iRadar, and having that here really elevates this particular build.

I start these reviews with a look at the aesthetics of the build. Hardly what one could call the most important aspect of the radar detector, but with these Cobra builds, all priced similarly with similar specs, getting the one you like the look of is a real tie breaker trait.

Cobra Electronics SSR 80 Radar Detector Design and Build Quality

The first thing that stood out to me when I looked at the SSR 80 is the size. Cobra have a smaller build on sale right now, but this is still pretty damn inconspicuous. The overall look of the build is merely okay. I prefer symmetry, and that left hand pip on there is not to my cup of tea. The display is the older Cobra large LED type, and unlike other models on the market, Cobra are able to make that look good. The use of nice solid bars, and different colored lights for each band make it far easier to see what’s up at a glance. It has been a little on he sunny side here, and I have to point out that in strong sunlight seeing the display is a little more difficult than I would like. This is the first time I have experienced this. The warning noise is still shrill and more than up to the task of keeping you informed without the display, but it is a black mark from me.

Being so small comes with another minor downside. I don’t like the weight. I prefer a bit of heft to my electronics, and it just isn’t here. It does mean that the mounting bracket that comes as standard, a simple click system with suction cups, is more than up tot the task of keeping it safe, even in less than ideal terrain. I would still advise you look up a more modern bracket, something with a mag lock. The price of the SSR 80 is so low that you can pick one up without breaking $100 paid in total. If you are in Minnesota or California you cannot mount it to the windshield anyway, so getting a different bracket is probably a good idea.

When it comes to filtering the false positives the SSR 80 is far from the most impressive thing on the market. The feature is there, and it does its best, but it leaves a lot to be desired. I do have to state here that no one has it right, no matter how much you spend, out of the box you are going to get false positives. With a bit of tweaking you can get them down to only a few times a month, but it take work, and not all the tools fro that are here. If you want to give it a go with this build you will need access to the iRadar app and look up the kind of bands in use in your area, getting rid of the X band alerts is viable in a number of jurisdictions.

The radar detector detector protection is very robust with this model though, with both a VG2 mode and a Spectre mode to play around with. There isn’t much more to this build. The Range is standard, around 2 miles in open terrain, less in the city. A few filtering modes for the city, those are the false positive protections, and that’s about it.

The iRadar app is the ace in the hole for Cobra builds. The SSR 80 is not compatible out of the box, but there are cables that allow you to connect directly to your phone, and thus use the extra features. At its core it provides you with a real time community updated map of your area, showing all the risk areas. Expanded, we have auto updating of false alert areas, but that is for the more expensive models. Here you can help your neighbors by updating the list via the SSR 80 directly. It is an excellent purchase, and it increases the range of the SSR 80 immensely. There is no auto mute feature here though, which is a shame. It means that in order to switch off the verified false alerts you have to lean over to the detector manually. The lack of smart cable is being felt here, and hard. I consider it to be a touch dangerous, but it’s either that or stop the vehicle entirely. Neither are ideal options.

The final feature I will talk about is the LIDAR detector, or laser eye. I am not a fan of this. Not just in this particular Cobra build though, this paragraph has become pretty standard with my reviews, as no firm out there has a solution to the laser speed capture tech that I find terribly useful. it’s all about the way the tech detects speed. With radar the waves are large, they bounce all over the place, even in pop mode. With laser the beam is far narrower, there is less for the laser eye to pick up, so for the most part it only goes off after you have been hit. Best case scenario it goes off when someone within sight gets hit, giving you less than a minute to course correct. There are other options, and I will go into detail in the legality section, as there are a few dangers to using the alternatives.

This is far from an amazing radar detector, but at this price point it does not have to be one. What we are looking for is something that will get the job done, and when you tweak the settings, and know your area, this can be near a match for the most expensive models on the market. The iRadar app is the ace in the hole. It makes Cobra the only real option in the low cost market for radar detectors, the likes of Whistler and Beltronics both have similar builds, in similar price points, but they both lack a dedicated app.

Cobra Electronics SSR 80 Radar Detector Legality and Pricing

This is a bit of a bemusing section for me. I have reviewed a number of product ranges in the last few years, and none of them required that I look into the law regarding their ownership and use. With radar detectors there are two main laws to concern yourself with. The 1936 Communications act covers you in most states for use in a non commercial vehicle. In the mid nineties an act was passed that prohibited their use in commercial vehicles, sorry to all you freight haulers out there. There are exceptions, in both Virginia and DC you cannot use them no matter what you are driving, the same is true on US Military Bases. Finally, in both Minnesota and California there are laws regarding what you can and cannot place on your windshield. So be sure to find an alternative mounting location if you live or travel through either state. If you are an international reader then Radar detectors are likely illegal in your country outright. You can’t even use these in Canada, so be careful all those who cross the border regularly.

I have a problem with LIDAR detectors, if that last paragraph didn’t make that clear this one will. Thankfully there are alternative options. The most impressive is the jammer. Now, Radar jammers are against the law pretty much world wide, so steer clear. Laser jammers are covered by no laws, and so if you want full coverage you will want to pair a radar detector with a LIDAR jammer. They obfuscate your information for a moment, giving you time to course correct. There have been some reports of folk being pulled up on OoJ, obstruction of justice charges through the use of LIDAR jammers, so be careful, and verify what the deal is in your local area.

The price is where Cobra always knock it out of the park. The SSR 80 is n exception. In their Legacy department they list the SSR 80 at $60 or so. I would recommend you go somewhere else though, as I have been able to find it in the sub $50 range, and that makes this a bargain. When we look at the bonuses involved, the iRadar etc, then ths becomes a real contender. I am fast approaching the point where my top ten might consist entirely of Cheap Cobra builds and one high end Escort model.

Cobra’s warranty is okay. I have looked at a wide variety of warranties, and when one firm is getting away with a basic one the rest follow suit. You get one year of coverage, hardly terrible, but not ideal. It cover factory faults, but I would argue that so long as you are using it right, if it breaks within a year it counts as a factory fault. For the best coverage you should get it from a licensed third party, via Amazon as well. That way you get not only the one year of Cobra coverage, but also whatever the third party offers, and the consumer protection you get by going via Amazon as well. So long as you shop smart you can keep yourself covered no matter what.

Know the law. It can change, and it has in the recent past, but know what it is now before picking up an item that falls into a grey area. Radar detectors are great, and at this price you should seriously consider picking one up.

Cobra Electronics SSR 80 Radar Detector Conclusion

There is a lot to like here. The look of the build is not ideal, and the display is a little lacking, but the core design is alright. The core functions are great, maybe not perfect for long range driving, but in the city is is great. The iRadar is amazing, and while a lot o folk might not be able to make best use of it, you can still increase the effective range of the build by quite a bit by simply turning the thing on. The price is astounding, as it tends to be with these legacy Cobra builds, and the warranty is okay. Certainly one to consdier for those with more time than money.

The post Cobra Electronics SSR 80 Radar Detector Review – 2018 Update appeared first on Gazette Review.

Radar detectors have not changed all that much in the last few decades. It’s such a weird sentence, really. When I get a new product line to review the first thing I do is try to find out everything I can about it. Not just the business, or the major players in the industry, but the tech involved as well. for the most part there is a rich history of advancements, as tech is abandoned and replaced, but with radar detectors that is not the case. When you think about it it makes sense, radar waves have remained unchanged since the dawn of light, but it did beg the question. Why are so many firms charging so much for their models if they are basically all the same? The core reason is tuning and software. Properly tuned hardware allows the 7800BT to extend its range, and the software can filter out the noisy data to maximize it. Add in learning functions, and various other software benefits, and what you spend the money on is range and ease of use. With this Cobra build you are getting just that, at a cut rate price.

So let’s start with a look at the aesthetics of the build. Not the most important thing, I’ll grant you, but it can be a bit of a tie breaker trait when deciding between simlarly priced and specced models.

Cobra SPX 7800BT Radar Detector Design and Build Quality

I don’t know how this happened. I have gotten my hands on pretty much every Cobra build that has ever been made, and this is by far the least impressive to look at. Really, they have bottom of the barrel two generations ago builds that look better than this. I mentioned that this is not all that important, but it is a major disappointment to me. A fine looking build was one of the hallmarks of a Cobra model radar detector, and to see that absent here is disheartening. The display is okay, technically it is better than the olde large LED models, but the resolution here leaves much to be desired. I have seen pseudi HD displays, drawing with crystal clear clarity, and I have seen Cobra’s own big LED mutlicolor displays, with their color coded signal bands, and frankly the solution used with the SPX 7800BT is beaten by both.

The weight of the build is less than ideal as well. I get that making it light is a good thing, in terms of mount stability, but I like a bit of heft to my electronics. A third of a pound is not hefty. The plastic at least feels sold, and the fit of the parts is up to the usual Cobra standard. No rattle, a good sign. The mounting bracket is the Cobra standard as well, and while I know that it savers money, I would have liked to see a magnetic locking system, as well as adhesive suction cups on this one. What we have instead is the standard click system, more than up to the task, don’t get me wrong, but I like a bit of insurance, a touch more peace of mind.

The feature set is impressive though. The usual filtering modes are present here, and this is the forth generation of the tech, so it’s better than some. It must be stated clearly that out of the box there is no radar detector that will eliminate false positives. There are a number of things you can do to remove the vast majority of them, and all of those options are available with the SPX 7800BT. The first is the filtering mode, which will do its best to sort the real from the fake. Second be sure to look up what kinds of radar bands are in use in your area, X bands are rapidly being phased out, so there is a small saving there. There is the auto mute option, and finally there is app integration. All combined it should give you a relatively silent journey, until you come across something.

We also have two VG2 modes, the warning mode and the auto off mode. There is built in GPS, a feature that has become standard in the high end builds these days, but thee is no Bluetooth, the other front and center feature. The real bonuses come when you plug it into your phone, but that requires a separate cable.

Without the cable we can still laud the iRadar app by Cobra. Even their lowest end builds benefit from access to it. It provides the user with a real time updated map of threats in their area, all information is supplied by other Cobra users on the road, and the network is vast. once you connect to the app directly, with the aforementioned cable, you can start helping others, and even receive updates to your Intellimute Pro mode, muting known false signals. The cable is $30 though, and I see that as a little on the expensive side. The benefits are numerous, but said benefits are also present in the lower end SPX radar detectors too, at a lower price point. I love all the bonus features here, and they make a real difference in terms of day to day use, but for some out there the added expense might not be worth it. The range of the 7800BT is a touch above the 6300, pushing 3 miles on the open road according to consensus, in the city you would be lucky to get a mile though, depending on signal noise. When we factor in the relative increase in range as a result of connecting to the community app though, we are looking at knowledge that near spans the entirety of the country.

And the LIDAR detector. All the radar detector firms are talking about their Laser eye. It’s a cool name, for a cool feature, but I would argue that the day to day utility of the feature is somewhat limited. The way laser speed detection works is similar to radar, but with far narrower beams, and as a result far smaller amounts of reflection. It means that for the most part, by the time you are warned of the laser you are already hit by it. Now, in some scenarios you can pick up the laser if it hits someone a few car lengths ahead, but you are not going to be getting miles of warning. I get that in this day and age, where the tech behind the cameras is getting more and more advanced, that the big players need to show that they are doing something to combat it, but this solution currently leaves a lot to be desired. There are other options on the market, but they come with their own issues. I’ll go into them in the legality section, for that reason.

So, the feature set is impressive, and the app integration elevates that further. The look of the build is not what I would call amazing, but it gets the job done. the mounting bracket too cold be better, but there are other options o the market, and considering the price of this build that is hardly a major black mark. Overall this is impressive, and certainly worth considering, especially if you can get it cheap.

Cobra SPX 7800BT Radar Detector Legality and Pricing

Now we come to the law, and for the most part radar detectors are legal for use in non commercial vehicles. If you are reading this from overseas then that is a different story, by and large they are illegal. In the US, if you are driving a commercial vehicle then you are prohibited from using a radar detector, covered by a statute from 1996. For those just driving their own car you are fine so long as you are in neither Virginia or Washington DC, as both states have laws specifically prohibiting radar detectors. You are also not allowed to use them on US military bases. If you drive through, or live, in California or Minnesota then you cannot put your radar detector on your windshield, find an alternative place to mount it and you are fine. Be careful about traveling north of the border,  not even Canada allows these things.

LIDAR detectors, the aforementioned laser eyes, are less than ideal, but there is one piece of tech that is near infallible. LIDAR jammers. Radar jammers are illegal everywhere, but LIDAR is not covered by any legislation, so buy away. They obfuscate your information for a few moments, more than enough time to course correct, before deactivating themselves. It must be said, some places have begun taking people up- on obstruction of justice charges for using a LIDAR jammer, but it really does depend on where you are. Be careful out there.

And the price, well, Cobra always have amazing prices for their models, and this borderline legacy build is no exception. You can find it right now in the sub $100 category. I have been able to get it for the bargain basement price of $85. It was listed as $130 a few months back though, so buying sooner rather than later is the best option. I imagine that this model is on it’s way out, while Cobra do still have it listed as for sale on their site it is not included with either their current builds, nor their list of legacy models.

The warranty could be better. That seems to be a running theme in this market. You get 1 year of coverage, for manufacturer’s faults. Now, I tend to lean on the argument that so long as the item was used as intended, i.e. mounted to a windshield securely and not roughly handled in this case, then if the item breaks within a year it is automatically a factory fault. I have had to press this point on a number of occasions, but it seems to work. I recommend you try for a licensed third part seller on Amazon, that way you can get the Cobra warranty, whatever coverage the third party offers, and of course the excellent consumer protections offered by Amazon as icing on the cake.

I think it is important to know what you are buying, and what way you can get into trouble by owning it. The law is important in this business, as it has already changed once within the lifespan of the V1 from Valentine, but then we’ve been through near three presidents through the lifespan of the V1 so. Regardless, the SPX 7800BT is well priced, and if you play it right you can get good aftercare support as well.

Cobra SPX 7800BT Radar Detector Conclusion

An impressive build overall. I like to see GPS in a sub $100 radar detector, or at least I do now, seen as this is the first time I have done so. I admit that with the advent of the app integrated radar detector built in hardware is less important, but it is nice to have something to fall back on in the event of a lack of WiFi. The core functions here are fantastic, and the price is excellent to boot. Another great product from Cobra, now can they please go back to the old designs?

The post Cobra Electronics SPX 7800BT Radar Detector Review appeared first on Gazette Review.

My standard practice when I review a product line is fairly set at this point. I spend a few weeks looking into the industry, the consumer base and of course the technology on display. With pretty much every other range I have reviewed there has been a natural progression of tech, a rich history to discover. With radar detectors that is only true up to a point. I was shocked to find that the core hardware has remained pretty much the same for the last few decades. Granted, when I thought about it for a while it made sense, I mean radar waves haven’t changed since the dawn of light, so why change the hardware overmuch. It did make me question a few things in the radar detector market though, namely the justification for the very high prices some firms are charging for their models. I maintain that it is true that hardware has somewhat stagnated, Valentines’ V1 is evidence of that, but the software and integrations in radar detectors has flourished. When you pay top dollar you are getting better filters, more advanced software, and of course other hardware jammed into the box, like GPS and Bluetooth. The real boon is the app integration. A good radar app can turn even the cheapest build into a powerhouse, and I think we will see a lot of the in box enhancements that have been made over the last five years or so fall away in favor of cheaper community sourced app features. The SPX 5300 might lack on board GPS and Bluetooth, but Cobra have one of the most advanced apps on the market, and it transforms this otherwise simple model into something well worth considering.

So let’s take a look at the build first.

Cobra SPX 5300 Radar Detector Design and Build Quality

One the the things I tend to harp on about with regards to the aesthetics of older radar detectors is how much they look like clock radios. Older radar detectors tend to use that big LED display, with the red dots etc. It’s unsightly. One of the things that Cobra have always been good at is making their use of the same tech appear sleek and even modern. To me at least. I don’t know why other firms didn’t go the same way, the simple choice to use more than one color of LED. Not only doe sit look better, but it gives you more information at a glance as well. You know what kind of signal is being picked up immediately. The overall look of the SPX 5300 might seem a little over-designed to a modern eye, and there is certainly some truth to that, but there is at least sleek lines and an easy to read display. Cobra really knocked it out of the park that generation in terms of look.

There is some nice heft to the SPX 5300 as well, I like a bit of weight to my electronics, especially electrics that I intend to travel with. It makes it feel more robust, better able to stand up to a few knocks, though knocks are few and far between in the world of radar detectors. The plastic feels of high quality, and there is no rattle to the build, a flush radar detector is a key indicator of quality. Obviously if you hear any rattle when you shake the build then that is a sure sign of factory damage, and you should use your warranty, or other consumer protections.

The mounting bracket is less impressive than I would like. It is a simple click bracket and suction cup build, and while they tend to be up to the task, I prefer using something a little more stable. The price of the SPX 5300 makes it cost effective to pick up a third [arty bracket, and I suggest you do. Get yourself a magnetic lock and sticky suction cups for maximum stability. You can buy one, and access to the iRadar, along with the SPX 5300 for well under $100.

Dealing with false positives is part and parcel of the whole owning a radar detector thing, and I have seen a number of solutions to it. Ranging from external muting, auto features and filtering. The SPX 5300 combines a few of these, but it lacks a key one that I feel is a mistake. They have a core filter setting, and while it is good, no one has a perfect software solution to false signals. The one here is passable. Second they have a auto mute mode, and I am a big fan of this. More of a band aid than a true solution, but a good one. The big missing piece is the lack of a smart cable from the firm. A smart cable has buttons on it, allowing you to switch modes and mute manually on the fly. Having to lean over to the windshield in order to mute or switch modes is a hazard, and should not be the default option for any radar detector.

This is an older build, so the range is not quite as refined as more recent ones. On the highway we are looking at around 2 miles or warning, maybe a little more depending on the density of signals. In the city you are looking at a little under a mile, again depending on conditions. This is far from terrible, and there are other filter modes you can try to push just a little more range out of the build, but I feel it is best to err on the side of caution. Beyond the core functions there are the VG1 mode, and an alert variant of same. This allows you to know for certain when someone is using a radar detector detector. The safety mode shuts the detector off in the vent of discovery as well, always nice to see. Pop mode is here as well, being better able to detect the slightly newer point to point radar guns, the ones that use a narrower wave length, and thus are harder to pick up with the default settings. They are getting less and less rare these days, but it is still best to verify what is being used in your area. The internals all operate on low noise signal amplification, which is what allows it to so effectively fly under the radar, aheh, of so many detector detectors.

One of the best things a company can do is release an app. There are so few on the market that have app integration with their builds, and it is a mistake. They allow even the meanest of builds to punch well above their weight. The downside of the older SPX builds is the lack of Bluetooth, and so for the most part they cannot take advantage of the more advanced features of the iRadar, Cobra’s app. Well, I have found a nice way around this, the RA-PSB cable. It allows direct integration between the older legacy Cobra radar detectors and the iRadar. At its core iRadar is sa community app, it receives information from all the other Cobra users on the road and updates, in real time, a GPS based mapf of where ever you are. This allows you to extend the range of your build by a fair amount. When we plug in directly it will also disable the static false positive locations that are defined on the app, and also warn you again other speed detection methods in use in your area. Finally, you will become a part of the community too, updating with your own information. I cannot overstate ho important the iRadar is, but unfortunately, if you go for a legacy model you will have to buy access yourself. The price is pretty low, and seen as the SPX 5300 is so cheap you are not left too light of pocket, but it is one of the few downsides to going old school in the world of radar detectors.

Now a word on my least favorite feature. All the big firms are pushing LIDAR detection, so all of my reviews have this section where I break down exactly why I think it should not be taken into account when you buy your radar detector. LIDAR is a far more difficult thing to detect. The beams are very narrow, the refraction is very slight, and so by the time your warning system goes off you are, usually, already hit. Now, with the refraction you might get lucky and get a little bit of warning time, but no more than a few vehicle lengths ahead. There is no equivalent of POP mode for LIDAR. All that said, there is a solution to the issue. Two actually, but better if you combine them. The iRadar app will track where laser speed detection is in use, which is great, and the second is more of a legal grey area, so I will go into that in the legality section of the review.

Before the advent of the RA-PSB cable, all the legacy builds were merely competent radar detectors, with a minor edge due to the basic functions of the iRadar. Due to said cable, the SPX range, and the ESD, are way more viable as day to day radar detectors. I would prefer something with a bit more range if I’m traveling long distance, but for 90% of my driving needs this is perfect. There are other models on the range though, and which you want will depend on a few things. Primarily the price.

Cobra SPX 5300 Radar Detector Legality and Pricing

The law surrounding radar detectors is fascinating, and goes back more than 80 years. In the US they are mostly legal, there are a few restrictions, but abroad they are illegal. Be careful if you live near the border, as not even Canada allows these things to be used. There are two states that ban the use of radar detectors outright, Virginia and DC. They are also prohibited on US Military bases. If you drive a commercial vehicle you are not allowed to use on anywhere. Finally, if you live in either California or Minnesota then you likely know about the obstruction of vision laws that apply in both states. Neither state bans owning and using a radar detector, you just have to find an alternative place to put one and you’re fine.

Radar jammers are a whole other matter. They are pretty much universally illegal. LIDAR jammers are different though, and are not currently subject to any specific legislation. They block laser signals for a short time before shutting off, allowing you the time to course correct. For full coverage I recommend pairing a radar detector with a laser jammer, as the laser detection systems included with all radar detectors are less than amazing. Be warned though, there have been some reports of people being charged for using laser jammers, under obstruction of justice laws. Use at your own risk.

The price is where most people make their choice. It doesn’t matter if you have the most powerful machine on the market, ask NeoGeo. So I am happy to report that you can find the SPX 5300 legacy cobra radar detector for as little as $39. That price is astounding, truly so. Granted, in order to make the most of this build you will need to a few add ons, but even with the full list I recommend you are looking at less than $100 for the lot. There is simply no other firm out there that can boast prices like these, but that is due to the legacy nature of the build. There are a few things that it lacks, the warranty for one thing.

Yeah, bit of a downside if I don’t say so myself. I like a good warranty, and seen as I review products for a living, I can tell a good one from a bad one. Legacy builds are not covered by and large. You might get lucky, pick up a legacy model from a licensed third party who has some stock left over from the old days, but for the most part you are going to be buying this thing from eBay or Amazon. I advise Amazon, as at least then you can be guaranteed their consumer rights policies. It can really take the risk out of any purchase.

Know the law. I cannot stress that enough. Radar detectors are still in something of a grey area, and while I love Laser jammers, the way law enforcement are looking at them is not something I can agree with. The price here is fantastic, and while I understand the lack of warranty, I am sad not to see it. Going Amazon will mitigate the worst of that though.

Cobra SPX 5300 Radar Detector Conclusion

Honestly, there is very little difference between all the older Cobra builds in terms of day to day function. Some are better suited for long range trips, some for scooting about, but for the most part they all have the same basic features, and it’s all thanks to the iRadar app. The iRadar app allows all of them to share a range, to share mute functions and filtering. Once you integrate directly your radar detector functions with near parity to a high end machine. It makes this one of mt favorites, and I know when I compile the top ten I am going to have a little trouble sorting these builds out.

Overall, another excellent older model that is still up to the task of detecting in the modern world.

The post Cobra Electronics SPX 5300 Radar Detector Review appeared first on Gazette Review.

Five years back the models I am seeing from Beltronics would have impressed, there was not the proliferation of app integration that is so ubiquitous these days, and so the core feature set was small. When combined with the good prices here, and the more obvious web presence I am sure, Beltronics might have once been a real contender. I can usually see a market for even the most basic builds, there are things that some firm simply do better than others, there are parts of the market looking for different things. Here though I know for certain that there are other models, from other firms that do exactly the same thing, and are cheaper.

Over the last two years I have been lucky enough to review a wide range of product lines. When something new comes down the pipeline my pre-review prep is a flurry of information and research, to make sure the testing I do is appropriate. I love getting lost in the tech, seeing it evolve. I bring this up here to point out that the tech on display in the world of radar detectors has been mounting pretty much unchanged since the nineties. Valentine, makers of the V1, have been selling pretty much the same build now as it was on release. So why is the price still so high? The software. That is where the money is spent in house, finer and finer algorithms for sorting the signals that the hardware picks up, allowing the most expensive builds to be as user friendly as possible. Now, I feel it has to be pointed out that with the right set up you can make even a dirt cheap build  can  function very similarly to the most expensive, but doing so requires a fair amount of set up, some patience, and a decent understanding of how your model works, and how your phone works. With any low end Beltronic build, it requires a few other things as well.

Beltronics’ marketing strategy might have been a successful one in the past, but if the state of their website is any indication, I don’t think the firm is considering it anymore. They are being left behind, in a world where even the meanest of Cobra builds can undercut on price, match on core features, and expand on integrations. So let’s start with a look at something Beltronics, by and large, excel at.

Beltronics V10 Radar Detector Design and Build Quality

Let’s take a step back from comparing this range to models from other firms. It doesn’t do well in that field. Make no mistake, this is a temporary thing, and the rest of the review will be filled with comparisons. In terms of look, this build leaves much to be desired. it’s a real shame, as I believe the best looking radar detector came out of Beltronics, the GT-7. That thing is gorgeous, this is basic. it can’t even rely on symmetry, it’s lopsided, and the less said about the display the better. Now about that display, it’s one of those older large LED displays, and so looks more like a clock radio than an advanced piece of hardware. A damn shame overall, as I can usually rely on this section to heap a little praise on the less impressive builds. I just finished reviewing the similarly priced Whistler models, and for all the black marks on those builds, they at least look great.

The weight of the build is nice though, a little more heft to it than the similar V955. This I found odd, as in terms of function, and even aesthetic, there is littler to differentiate these two builds. It feels okay in general able to take a hit or two, but not a patch on the CR series or the higher end Cobra models. The mounting bracket is the standard Beltronic bracket, a simple piece of kit that will work, but not quite as sturdy as I would like. There are third party options that are well worth looking into, find one with a sticky suction cup and a nice grounded magnetic lock.

If you go to the Beltronics site with the intention of finding out more on their models I guarantee you will be disappointed. Maybe it was just me, but I found navigating the thing to be a chore, with missing listings all over the place. It does not fill me with confidence, and makes it hard for me personally to trust what i was able to find. There is no smart cable, which is a major oversight. The V10 doesn’t even have an auto mute option, so if you find yourself in the middle of an ear splitting headache you are going to have to lean over to shut off all those false positives, and there will be false positives. Smart cables allows you to switch modes and mute on the fly, both Whistler and Escort stock one for their builds, and I would have loved to see one here.

The core features are all here, the V10 is able to pick up signals at a range of around 2 miles, so nice and average. This will depend a bit on the terrain, and the conditions, but you can bank on 2 miles usually. The band range is expansive, covering all the signals currently in use. I recommend making sure that your local area still uses x-band, as many do not, allowing you to deactivate that band. Bonus features include VG1 mode, to protect against detector detectors, though so far as I can tell here it does not auto shut down on detection. There is also the laser detection system, but I have a specific paragraph where I break that one down. There is no sorting mode either, that can distinguish between dangerous and benign signals. Don’t get me wrong, no firm has got that working perfectly, but they do at least filter reasonable well. Not even a basic filtering mode here is a bit of an issue.

There is no Beltronics app, which puts the V10 out of the running for the top ten list I am compiling by default. Even a basic app can extend the functions of as radar detector ten fold, increasing range by updating lists with other app users. There are a number of third party options on the market, and you can buy into the iRadar from Cobra and Escort’s app as well, but that feels a little weird to me. You cannot use the auto updating features and other advanced settings with a electronics detector either.

From my perspective they are of limited use. The main reason for this is the way laser speed readers differ from radar. Radar speed readers are, for the most part, a far wider band than laser. It means that your detector has many more opportunities to pick up the signals. with laser there is far fewer, seen as it is a tightly focused point A to point B system. Most of the time when the detector goes off citing laser it is because you were already hit with it. It is able to pick up some refracted signals, but the range is very limited, we’re talking a few dozen yards in the best conditions. There are alternative options on the market, and I intend to talk in detail in the legality section, not exactly precisely kosher.

I wish I could have said a few more nice things about this build. At best it would have been seen as a fine option five years ago, but the market has changed. i have seen no indication that the firm is going to be moving with the times, and as a result we have a model that has been beaten in terms of price, features and utility by so many more builds on the market.

Beltronics V10 Radar Detector Legality and Pricing

I love the fact that I have to talk about the legality of these things. No other product i have reviewed has fallen into this legal grey area, so never before have I had to look into the law. fascinating overall, I have to say. Got to cut a fair portion of the readers here, as if you are reading this from outside the States, I regret to report that radar detectors are likely not legal in your country. They are illegal in most countries, even Canada, so a minor warning to all those out there who cross the border often. In the United States there are three places where you cannot use your radar detector. Virginia, DC and any Military base.

In addition, if you drive a commercial vehicle you cannot use a radar detector. Everywhere else you are golden. In the States of Minnesota and California you cannot place the detector on your windshield, so find another place to mount your detector and you are fine. Radar jamming devices are illegal everywhere, so ignore them. Laser jamming devices are not though, and in terms of protection they are far better than simple detectors. For full coverage I recommend you combine the features of a decent radar detector and a laser jammer. It must be pointed out that some people have been charged on obstruction of justice due to using a laser jammer, so be careful out there.

The price of the V10 is on par with the V955, making distinctions between them nearly impossible. Both of them work, and both of them fall into the $120 price bracket, but I cannot call that a good deal. At first glance it might appear to be, but I know for a fact that there are around a dozen or so models out there that exceed them in terms of features, and undercut them on price. A shame, really, I like competition in my markets, so seeing a company fail annoys me.

You know, the Whistler line of radar detectors had similar issues to the Beltronics line. Both are a little older, the tech used is lack luster and the software is nothing to rave over. They are priced similarly too. But Whistler could at least boast some of the best customer service in the business. Beltronics cannot boast the same. The state of their site is deplorable, and leaves me feeling less than trusting of the firm. They offer a one year warranty as standard, limited of course. If you must go for one aim for Amazon. You at least get Amazon’s consumer protections on your purchase, and you might be able to get this model at a price I would deem appropriate.

Know what the law is, it’s a big deal in this market, as the law can change at any time, and suddenly you find yourself in hot water. The price here looks good at first glance, but as stated, I know it isn’t, there are models out there that are better, at better prices. Finally, the company does not fill me with confidence, having a site so full of holes, and so the warranty does not reassure me either.

Beltronics V10 Radar Detector Conclusion

There are few things I hate more than having to review a bad product, so it’s lucky the Beltronic V10 isn’t a bad product. It’s just an old one, one that is past its prime, in a industry that has left it behind long ago. At its core it can still function, and if you can find it for $60 then it’s a bargain, but at this price, no, get something else.

The post Beltronics V10 Radar Detector Review – 2018 Update appeared first on Gazette Review.

I have reviewed and tested a whole host of radar detectors over the last few months, and one of the most interesting things about this industry is the fact that the hardware has changed very little over the last twenty years or so. I mean, when you think about it it makes sense, but it is still and auto-shock interesting fact. So why are the prices so high for many of these machines? The software. It has come along in leaps and bounds, building on the tech of yesteryear to give us more refined ignore protocols, allowing even the venerable V1 to distinguish between a parking sensor, an automatic door and a bona fide radar gun being fired 2 miles away. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few machines that innovate in the hardware department, Cobra have a pocket build out now that impresses, and some radar detectors have been experimenting with cordless battery powered designs, but for the most part the tech is unchanged.

On to the review, I think you will find a lot to like here, and unlike the vast majority of the builds I look at and handle, the GT-7 impresses in some way in every section.

Beltronics GT-7 Radar Detector Design and Build Quality

I tend to almost apologetically admit that the look of the build is less important than the functionality. It starts pretty much all of my reviews, and while the added word count is appreciated by myself, even I’m getting a little tired of it. Regardless, the look of the GT-7 is different from pretty much all other builds, for one thing it looks amazing. Sleek symmetrical, two tone black and copper, there is nothing on the market that can match it for looks, and if the aesthetics is important to you then look no further. The display is on par with the Escort Max series, that gorgeous crystal clear display, minimalist by design, allowing you to know hat’s up with a quick glance. I never thought I would find a radar detector this cool to look at, and it sorely tempts me away from my Escort.

The mounting bracket is a match of the Escort in every way. A combination of magnetic locks and sticky vacuum cups. Man I love this set up. there is nothing on the market that is more sturdy than this combination, and while some folk might want to shell out of the mirror mount, I don’t think it will be necessary for the vast majority of us.

There is a smart cord from Beltronics that is compatible as well, but it does not come with the model on its own. I am conflicted here. I know they are expensive, but the added safety of the smart cord makes me feel like it should have been included. I know the margins on these kinds of builds after all. A smart cord powers the device, and has some handy buttons on there too, allowing you to hit the mute button, and thus program it on the fly. Without it you are forced to lean all the way to the windshield, which I consider to be a minor risk all so you can make use of an included core feature. Unacceptable.

Range wise we are looking at average in this price bracket, a little over 2 miles in fair conditions, more on the highway, and less in the inner city. Not bad at all, and it provides you with more than enough time to adjust when warned. There is a smart marking system installed, allowing you to dial in your daily commute on the fly, always a good thing. It can also distinguish between real alerts and false positives, but as is the case with every radar detector to include this feature, it can be a bit hit and miss, so your own desecration if you don’t mind.

Now for the app, or the difficulty I had in finding the damn thing. Beltronics started experimenting with app integration back in 2012, and to be honest I don’t feel like they have pushed it as far as they can yet. It is not as feature packed as the Escort app, nor even the iRadar out of Cobra, and what is there lacks the large social safety net. There are a number of their party apps that claim to work with it, but none integrate directly with the device, merely augment it’s abilities with some longer range info, that again comes with the small user base issue. In order for an app to be good in this arena it needs a large user base to keep the details updated, and direct integration with the radar detector, updating it to maintain new information. None I have tried out on the GT-7 can do both. Not a huge loss, and the long range information provided by any of the apps is welcome, but what could have been, you know?

There is one feature that I have to throw out. One thing that every radar detector is selling with their models, and it is almost entirely useless. The LIDAR detection. I have done the research here, and while it is true that a LIDAR detector will warn you when a Laser speed gun is in use, it will really only do so after you have been hit with one. renders it a little useless as a warning system, if I don’t say so myself. It can in good conditions pick up refracted beams, but again only from vehicles close to you, limiting its utility. Point to point systems are on the rise as well, not only with the new LIDAR guns, but also in the latest radar builds. It does seem that point to point short burst radar speed cameras can already be detected, and the app integration more and more firms are moving towards seems to resolve the issue as well, for the stationary ones at the very least. I will be paying attention to solutions to this as well move forward. There are alternatives to LIDAR detection, jammers. Radar jammers might be against the law, but LIDAR jammers are not yet. There are some risks to using those though, and I will go into them in the legality section.

Overall there is a lot to like here, and very little for me to complain about. The price point contextualizes it a bit, but for the most part this is a fine machine, at a good price. Let’s talk about that in detail.

Beltronics GT-7 Radar Detector Legality and Pricing

It is a constant source of amusement for me that I have to go over the legal issues involved in owning a radar detector, nothing else I review comes with this section, and I had a blast researching it. If you are reading this outside the US I am sorry to say that for the most part radar detectors are illegal. There are a few countries where they are legal, but I am only really concerning myself with the US, but the UK and Canada need not verify, they are against the law there. In the US there are a few laws that cover their use. First of all, both Virginia and DC ban them altogether. As do all Military Bases. For the rest of the country the 1036 Communications act covers you in non commercial vehicles. A mid nineties law prohibits their use in commercial vehicles, so bear that in mind. In addition both Minnesota and California have prohibitions on what can and cannot be put on your windshield, falling under obstruction of vision laws, so be sure to fix it to someplace else when traveling through either state. Finally, LIDAR detectors are a bit lacking to me, remember that LIDAR jammers are legal, unlike radar jammers which are illegal. So for the best protection combine a radar detector with a LIDAR jammer. Bear in mind that some folk have been hit with obstruction of justice charges when using LIDAR Jammers, so at your own risk.

And now the price. On average you can find the GT-7 in the $400 range. A bit on the expensive side, especially considering the app support, and the smaller user base. I think the core functionality makes it a contender, and the look of the build is still leagues ahead of the competition. The app will only get better by people buying into the Beltronics line after all, and getting in now might be a very good idea. I can see ways the firm could improve the app, but most of them involve hiring people to drive around major cities all day, and frankly that’s a bit long term unrealistic. You can find some second hand, but you miss out on the warranty, and the price difference is not nearly enough for me to recommend that. That said your best bet is checking all the current discounts and coupon codes at Amazon.com by clicking here.

Now the warranty. I spend all my time reviewing products, and so I have gotten pretty good and picking a part warranties, it’s a point of pride. When I don;t get a clause I make the firm explain it, though sometimes the companies fail to get back to me, huge black mark that. The Beltronics warranty is fairly basic. It covers you for factory faults within the first year, which is the industry standard for these products. I actually advise going third party for the purchase of this one, as they tend to have a few extra warranty features you can buy into, not to mention if you go for Amazon you get their consumer protections on top. I think it is easy to argue that if the device fails within the first year of normal use then you are entitled to your repair or replacement. I have had to press this opinion in the past, and I advise you steel yourself before calling any warranty line, it will help immensely, believe me.

I am conflicted. on the one hand the warranty options are good, and the price is not exorbitant, but I know what the features are like, I know the lacking app, and I know the price of pretty much every Radar detector on the market. It changes things. Overall this is a good build at a good price, and if you are the kind of person who likes style and function there is a lot to love here.

Beltronics GT-7 Radar Detector Conclusion

This is far from a bad build, but I feel like the industry has left it a bit behind. It’s fairly new too, which makes that statement all the weirder. It has all the modern features I love to see, but the app support, and the community is not there for me yet. Add in the basic warranty and it makes it hard to recommend over a mid range Escort or a high end Cobra. All that said I love how this thing looks, and it tempts me because of that. When I review my reviews for my top ten review it may come out ahead of a fair few detectors, not the number one spot, but certainly up there.

To check out all the current discounts available on the GT-7 Click Here.

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