Best Reviewed
Radar Detectors
- Best radar detector overall Escort Passport 9500ix *Est. $500
- Best midrange radar detector Beltronics RX 65 *Est. $300
- Best radar detector under $200 Beltronics Vector 955 *Est. $150
- Best "invisible" radar detector Escort RedLine *Est. $500
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- Warns of speed and red-light cameras
- Free camera database updates for life
- Removable USB key makes updates easy
- Cheaper than similarly equipped rivals
- Good laser-gun detection
- Invisible to Spectre 3 and 4 RDDs
- Big color display
- Weaker radar detection than others
- Reflections can make screen hard to see
- Bulky
- False alarms
Reviewers say the Cobra XRS 9960G is the least expensive radar detector that offers the new speed/red-light camera alerts. Experts also say it's not as good at detecting old-fashioned radar as pricier models, including the top-rated Escort Passport 9500ix (*Est. $500).
Real-life testers say they have driven past radar guns without a peep from the Cobra, although they get plenty of false alarms. Still, some reviews recommend the Cobra for its impressive feature set, including a big color display (although it can be hard to see in bright sunlight), free camera database updates for life (although like Escort, the Cobra database is not Mac-compatible) and a portable USB key that Popular Mechanics finds convenient. You can simply take the key to your PC, rather than toting your laptop all the way out to the car, as the tester finds he has to do with the Escort Passport 9500ix (he says it has to stay plugged into the cigarette lighter during updates).
The Cobra XRS 9960G also proves invisible to Spectre 3 and 4 radar-detector detectors in one test, something the Escort can't claim -- but critics say that's rarely important, because radar detectors are legal in most of the United States. If you want an invisible radar detector, critics say the Beltronics STi Driver (Discontinued) is a better detector than the Cobra, although the STi Driver doesn't offer traffic-camera warnings.
SpeedZones.com includes the Cobra XRS 9960G in its most recent exhaustive tests, showing how the Cobra stacks up against the competition. LaserVeil.com and CNET conduct in-depth tests of the XRS 9960G by itself. Popular Mechanics doesn't test the unit, but the review notes some especially useful features. Amazon.com customers report on the XRS 9960G's real-life performance.
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| Cobra XRS 9960G Voice Alert 15-Band Radar/Laser Detector with 1.5-Inch Full-Color Display, GPS Locator, and Red Light/Speed Features | |
(90 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. SpeedZones
The Cobra XRS 9960G is one of only three radar detectors that proves invisible to police radar-detector detectors in this comprehensive test. It also successfully warns testers about red-light cameras. However, the Cobra doesn't detect radar guns as strongly as other units do.
Review: Annual Radar Detector Test 2009-2010, Editors of SpeedZones.com
This retail site sells a laser light-absorbing spray for cars, but the proprietor also tests radar detectors. After testing the Cobra XRS-9960G's radar and red-light camera detection over hundreds of miles in several states, he concludes that it's "the best Cobra radar detector yet," but with too many drawbacks to make his list of recommended models.
Review: Cobra XRS-9960G Review, "The Veil Guy", Updated March 22, 2009
3. CNET
CNET has tested only two radar detectors, the Beltronics RX 65 and this Cobra. Reviewer Wayne Cunningham gives the Beltronics model a better rating, saying the Cobra's "radar-detecting performance may not be up to par."
Review: Cobra XRS 9960G Digital Radar and Laser Detector, Wayne Cunningham, April 17, 2009
4. PopularMechanics.comDetails/Subscribe
Popular Mechanics doesn't test the Cobra XRS 9960G, but reviewer Glenn Derene likes its removable USB key on sight. He says it will make updating the Cobra's traffic-camera database much easier than on his otherwise favorite model, the Escort Passport 9500ix.
Review: Cobra's New Radar Detector Makes Adding Speed Trap Updates Easy, Glenn Derene, Jan. 6, 2009
5. Amazon.com
The Cobra XRS 9960G averages 4 stars (out of 5) in more than 20 customer reviews, but some owners note drawbacks.
Review: Cobra XRS 9960G, Contributors to Amazon.com
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Escort Passport iQ 5" Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Radar/Laser Detector
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
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