Reviewed: New Radar Detectors from Cobra and Whistler

A radar detector's job is easy when it's looking down the throat of a radar gun. Under favorable conditions -- level terrain and no obstructions between the two -- I've seen four miles of range or more from a number of detectors. (The worst radar detector I've ever tested eked out 1.3 miles of range in a no-brainer confrontation like this.) And I've tested hypersensitive models like the Escort Passport RedLine that can spot radar guns at a distance of over 14 miles under similar conditions.

But budget-priced radar detectors can't be expected to approach the performance of a $499 Escort Passport RedLine. Lower expectations are in order.

Our Straightaway Test site, despite its title, is composed of three straight sections of county highway interrupted by plunging S-curves where it crosses dry stream beds. It's not truly straight; the three straight sections actually run parallel to one another, increasingly offset by about one half-mile increments.

At this site, radar detection range in excess of five miles (26,400 feet) is excellent performance for an under-$170 model. That's on X and K bands; Ka band is much tougher.

Look closely at a detector's two Ka-band scores. These frequencies are used by 95 percent of the nation's Ka-band radar guns. The higher of the two frequencies is unusually tough to detect and most radar detectors lag on 35.5 GHz. This makes the newcomers' Ka-band performances doubly impressive.

Whoa, a minute ago we were talking about 26,400 feet of range. Now we're looking at just 10 percent of that. What gives?

Interpreting the Hill/Curve Test Scores

In a word: conditions. Real-world radar encounters rarely occur on straight, level, obstruction-free roads. We developed this test to simulate a worst-case situation, one that I've used myself many times when working traffic with radar.

Radar detection range shrinks dramatically when some curves and hills enter the equation.

Radar waves are line-of-sight, like a rifle shot. And if they're aimed even slightly off-axis, a detector struggles to catch a whiff of the significantly weakened signal. This means that detection range tumbles precipitously in the presence of curves and hills.

This test incorporates both. Our radar vehicle is hunkered down in mid-curve and halfway to the bottom, invisible to oncoming traffic until they're within 750 feet. The radar displays a target speed a few microseconds after a vehicle comes into view. Any driver relying on eyesight alone is out of luck.

But if he's packing a sensitive radar detector, there's time to react. Here, 2,000 feet of range is plenty, at least for an attentive driver prepared to respond instantly.

Cobra XRS 9955

We have a slightly more detailed review of the new Cobra XRS 9955 elsewhere on the site. If you need additional information, this model is identical to the Cobra XRS 9950, the subject of an extensive test and review last year.

Ratings
Maximum Possible
Features
Ka Radar Sensitivity
K Radar Sensitivity
False alarms
Overall Value

One very useful feature on the XRS 9955 is Ka-band signal identification. An alert in reaction to police radar is depicted numerically by either 33.8, 34.7 or 35.5. Off-frequency Ka-band signals from non-police sources are displayed generically as "Ka band", along with their signal strength.

Okay, so why is Ka frequency ID a big deal? Simple: it tells at a glance if you're in the presence of a radar gun, an automatic door opener or another radar detector. (Drivers with no interest in this distinction should properly consider themselves to be future prey.)

Cobra XRS 9945

This Cobra differs from the pricier Cobra XRS 9955 primarily by its smaller OLED display. That's not necessarily a drawback in my opinion, just less of a visual distraction.

Ratings
Maximum Possible
Features
Ka Radar Sensitivity
K Radar Sensitivity
False alarms
Overall Value

Otherwise, the list of features is similar. Like its sibling, the XRS 9945 accepts the Cobra GPSL module ($129). With that addition the Cobra becomes a red light camera detector as well.

If there's a downside to this model it's the chrome trim adorning its upper housing and controls. This makes for a stylish product on the display rack, but it reflects noticeably in sunlight and the resulting windshield glare can be a distraction. Performance, though, particularly on K and Ka bands, is much improved over previous models and the best yet from Cobra at this price point.

Cobra XRS 9845

The Cobra XRS 9845 has most of the features found in the step-up model, the Cobra XRS 9945, and shares its case. (Be advised that the upper housing, an artful blend of contrasting hues and textures, employs far more brightwork than the Cobra XRS 9945, generating a dazzling mirror image of itself in the windshield glass.)

If you're at risk from red light cameras or speed cameras, this Cobra can also be fitted with the Cobra GPS module by plugging it into the USB port on its left side. And like several other XRS models, it has an audio output jack for an earphone or speaker, making it a good candidate for noisy cockpits.

Cobra XRS 9745

The Cobra XRS 9745 is one of two models in the current XRS-series lineup (the other is the XRS 9955) with a darker, less-reflective upper housing. That makes it less visually intrusive on sunny days and some may prefer the more muted appearance.

Ratings
Maximum Possible
Features
Ka Radar Sensitivity
K Radar Sensitivity
False alarms
Overall Value

This Cobra text-display model began life as the 12-band XRS 9730 a few years ago. During the interim it has apparently gained an ability to detect three additional bands of radar and laser signals, now offering no fewer than 15. If you've no idea what all this means, you're not alone, unless maybe you're a radar detector salesman. After reading more about this somewhat puzzling claim, you may be inclined to focus on more important attributes, like Ka-band sensitivity, for instance.

On that score, the Cobra XRS 9745 does well, trailing some of its more expensive stablemates but still honorably acquitting itself.

Cobra XRS 9645

This Cobra is an electronic twin of the XRS 9745, distinguishable by slightly different colors -- plus some chrome -- on the upper housing. On the road, the two behave nearly identically and their performance is very similar.

The alphanumeric text display can be dimmed at night and during daytime is usually readable except in direct sunlight.

Like all of the Cobra radar detectors in this group, the XRS 9645 sports an audio jack, a useful feature and unusual to find at this price point.

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Whistler Pro 78SE

When it was tested last year, the Whistler Pro 78 turned in the best test scores I've seen from Whistler since the early nineties. Its successor, the Whistler Pro 78SE, is better still.

There's more information about the Whistler Pro 78SE in a new review elsewhere on this site. But the test scores alone illustrate the Whistler Pro 78SE's outstanding performance for this price class.

One feature that gives this Whistler a competitive edge over the competition is Ka RSID, Whistler-speak for Ka-band radar signal identification. Ka band radar alerts are far more likely to be police radar than are X- and K-band alerts. Those two bands are shared by a host of devices that pose no threat--mostly radar-controlled automatic door openers--but while Ka band isn't similarly afflicted, it has its own problems.

Composite Ratings
Maximum Possible
Features
Ka Radar Sensitivity
K Radar Sensitivity
False alarms
Overall Value

Ka band's extraordinary width makes it home to plenty of signals generated by other radar detectors, particularly low-cost Korean imports. Many were made by BG Tech, Cobra's sole detector supplier as well as that of Early Warning, Radio Shack and other marketers. Harmonics of the local oscillators inside these older models create a Ka-band signal that most detectors find indistinguishable from the real thing.

But Ka RSID will tell you whether you're listening to an alert generated by an old Cobra radar detector—or, say, a brand new Stalker police radar gun over the next hill. This is a huge advantage to any driver who bothers to use it.

Ka RSID is also found on the Whistler XTR-695SE and XTR-690SE. Both receive the same electronic upgrades as the Pro 78SE and are worth a look by those shopping for upscale features with the same stellar performance.

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Whistler XTR-695SE

The Whistler XTR-695SE is the range-topping model and has a wider range of user-selectable menu options. This one uses an LCD text display that's fashionably backlit by the user's choice of color. Intense sun makes some of the combinations tougher to read, however.

Fortunately, the XTR-695SE is saved from potential banishment to a closet by virtue of its alert system. A pair of dazzling blue LEDs flashes during an alert, making it impossible to ignore. The user can also create a more contrasting display by careful manipulation of background and foreground colors.

Composite Ratings
Maximum Possible
Features
Ka Radar Sensitivity
K Radar Sensitivity
False alarms
Overall Value

Fortunately, its voice alerts and audible tones proved eminently capble of conveying necessary information, making the display more of a non-issue to most.

Alone among the high-end Whistlers, the XTR-695SE has a 2.5mm audio jack. This allows the XTR-695SE to power a remote speaker or, for motorcycle riders, a helmet headset. An auxiliary speaker is invaluable for those with powerful audio systems and a yen to rock-out to tunes while driving. Top-down convertibles are also prime candidates for some extra audio power. Under those conditions it's not unusual to miss a detector's warning, making the speaker a rather cost-effective piece of gear.

With the same class-leading detection range as its sibling, the Pro 78SE, the Whistler XTR-695's additional features make it a leading contender for best-in-class honors.

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Whistler XTR-690SE

Consider this Whistler the alternative to the Pro 78SE, identical save for the color of its display. While the Pro 78SE has a trendy blue LED screen, the XTR-690SE's is red.

Composite Ratings
Maximum Possible
Features
Ka Radar Sensitivity
K Radar Sensitivity
False alarms
Overall Value

Choosing between the two display colors is partly left up to one's fashion sense, although each color has its advantages. Many prefer a red display at night, citing aircraft cockpit instruments of that color as proof of superior legibility. Others feel that blue is more visible under a wider variety of lighting conditions. Regardless, the two radar detectors are comparable in price and perform identically.

With attributes shared with its siblings, the Whistler XTR-690SE rounds out the trio of new offerings, all equally imbued with performance, utility and valuable features including Ka RSID. Unlike the competing Cobras, all three Whistlers weigh in with remarkably consistent radar-detection performance, even under difficult circumstances.

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