Whistler Pro 78SE

A few experts recommend the Whistler Pro 78SE as a good budget radar detector, but usually as a second choice to the Beltronics Vector 955 (*Est. $175). The Beltronics unit beats the Whistler in one head-to-head test, detecting radar better on straightaways, around curves and over hills. However, neither unit can detect radar from as far away as a top-of-the-line detector like the Escort Passport 9500ix (*Est. $525), tests show. Critics do give Whistler credit for improving its detectors' sensitivity to the much-used Ka-band radar, but some users complain about false alarms. This basic detector lacks advanced features such as speed/red-light camera alerts, found on the Escort Passport 9500ix.

SpeedZones.com compares the Whistler Pro 78SE with multiple other radar detectors in its expert tests. RadarTest.com tests it against a couple of rival budget detectors, and LaserVeil.com reviews three budget Whistler models. RadarBusters.com rates the Pro 78SE, but there is no full test. This new model had gotten only a few owner reviews at Amazon.com when we checked.