The Veil Guy has posted an exceptional review of the Cobra XRS R9G and the XRS R7 radar detectors. This review is the most in depth look yet at these two new models from Cobra, and includes several great videos.
Keep up the good work, Veil Guy! Click here to read the review.
Cobra's new 2007 models, the XRS R9G and the XRS R7 are now available! We gave you a first look at these detectors when they were announced at CES, back in January. Both models are now in stock and ready to ship. Here is a brief look at some of the new features.
The most significant enhancement, found on the XRS R9G, is a built-in database of fixed speed camera and red light camera locations. The Cobra XRS R9G is equipped with a GPS locator, which keeps track of your current location. As you approach a camera the R9G will alert you, allowing you time to adjust your speed or stop for a red light. Cobra has worked hard to build an accurate database of fixed camera locations, and will continue to update the database as cities add new cameras. As the database is updated, you can connect the R9G to your computer (through a USB connection) and update to the latest database.
Having a GPS locator gives the XRS R9G the ability to offer several other features. A user database allows you to "mark" up to 1000 custom locations. You will receive an alert as you approach these locations in the future. This is perfect for saving areas that are commonly used by police as speed traps. A "speed display" shows the current speed of the vehicle. A GPS based digital compass is included as well, eliminating the need for calibration. It would have been nice to see a user programmable false alert database, such as is available with the Escort 9500i, but this is missing (most likely due to patents).
The GPS functions are only available on the R9G, but both XRS R9G and the XRS R7 have a truly innovative design. The radar detecting unit (RDU) is very discrete and should be mounted high on the windshield, by the rearview mirror. The display and all user controls have been split out into a separate "display unit". This display unit is wireless and can be mounted anywhere inside the vehicle. With this design, it would be very difficult for anyone to know that you had a radar detector. Both models include a direct wire kit and extended length cigarette lighter plug, making it easy to find a discrete mounting location for the RDU.
Both models offer the same full color graphical display as the XRS-9930. I still feel like this is the best display of any detector, regardless of brand. Ku band detection is supported, which is great for European customers or those travelling overseas.
While the sensitivity of Cobra detectors typically isn't in the same class as some other manufacturers, these new models offer some innovative enhancements that may make them preferable to many drivers.
Greetings from Las Vegas and the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show! Today, I had the opportunity to speak to each of the major radar detector manufacturers about the new models that they will be releasing this year.
Cobra has two new radar detectors that will be available around May of this year: the XRS R9G and the XRS R7. The design of these models is different than previous detectors. At a glance, you might think they are remote installed models, but they actually just give a new twist to windshield mount models.
A radar/laser detector (and GPS sensor for the R9G model) is attached to the top of the windshield, beside the rear view mirror. This detector produces alert sounds, there is no obvious display. This helps provide a discreet installation. The detector can be hard wired into the vehicle or plugged into the cigarette lighter for power (both adapters are included). The following is a picture of the R9G (the GPS sensor is on the right):
The display and controls for the detector are part of a separate, wireless unit that Cobra is calling a "remote". This remote has the same full color graphical display of the XRS-9930. It is wireless and can be mounted anywhere in the vehicle. It uses a rechargeable lithium battery that provides 40 hours of operation on a charge. A quick charger is included that will recharge the remote in around 2 hours, by plugging into the cigarette lighter.
The following is an image of R9G display, which can provide some perspective as to the size of these parts.
GPS
With the built-in GPS sensor, the XRS R9G will be programmed to alert drivers to fixed-location speed cameras and red light cameras. Cobra plans to build and maintain their own database of camera coordinates, and users will be able to update the R9G's database online as updates become available. Only the R9G model will offer the GPS functionality, the R7 will not.
Cobra seems to be dedicating themselves to GPS based countermeasures. A few months ago Cobra bought Performance Products LTD., a UK based company that makes a GPS based camera detection product called the Snooper. This aquisition gave them the GPS technology as well as a database of European camera coordinates. Clearly, Cobra believes that GPS will play a big role in the future of radar detectors, and they are investing heavily in it.
Performance
Cobra claims to have made significant improvements to their sensitivity with the XRS R9G and R7. They claim that we will see significant improvement in detection range, specifically for the Ka band. It was very encouraging to hear that but, as always, we will be looking for some independent test results to confirm these claims.
Pricing
The XRS R9G has a MSRP of $449.95. The XRS R7 is the same detector, but doesn't have the GPS capabilities. It has a MSRP of $349.95. No word yet on an actual retail price for these models.
We recently took advantage of an opportunity to pick up some Cobra 9550 detectors at a great price, and they are now available on the web site. This is an older model Cobra detector, but when new it was at the top end of Cobra's line. It is similar in features to today's XRS-9630. When new we sold the ESD-9550 for $119.99, but we now have it at half the original price - $59.99. This model may not have all of the features of the current models, but it's a great opportunity if you're shopping for a bargain.
Last week we got in our first shipment of the new Cobra 9930 radar detector. The XRS-9930 has a display that is unlike any detector that is currently on the market. In this post, I am going to talk in depth about this new display and provide lots of pictures.
Cobra calls this new display a "FULL-Color Extreme Bright DataGrafix™" display, but I'm just going to call it a "graphical display" as that seems to fit and sounds less gimmicky. Anyway, the best way to describe this display is that it looks like a small television or computer screen and, like those objects, it seems to be capable of displaying any color or shape. Take a look:
As you can see, this is a little different. First off, you'll notice that there is room for several bits of information. In the image above you can see the battery voltage meter, digital compass headings, and an icon representing highway mode. On a normal text display, standard on most mid-range and high-end detectors, there would only be room for one of these fields.
Continue reading "Cobra XRS-9930: Graphical Display Review" »
Ok, I realize that our selection of Cobra radar detectors has gotten quite large. With the 2005 models, PRO series models and now the new 2006 models, I can understand if those shopping for a Cobra are just a little overwhelmed :)
Anyway, below is a small chart that should make it a little easier to see the differences between the models. The biggest differences are in which models include POP mode detection, a text display, voice alerts and a compass, so those are the features we will list. Confused about what features are important? Check out our What To Look For In A Radar Detector guide.
| POP | Text Display |
Voice Alerts |
Compass | |
| 2006 Models | ||||
| XRS-9730 | X | X | X | X |
| XRS-9630 | X | X | X | |
| XRS-9430 | X | |||
| XRS-9330 | ||||
| PRO Series | ||||
| XRS-9780 | X | X | X | X |
| XRS-9680 | X | X | X | |
| XRS-9480 | X | |||
| XRS-9380 | ||||
| 2005 Models | ||||
| XRS-9700 | X | X | X | X |
| XRS-9600 | X | X | X | |
| XRS-9500 | X | X | ||
| XRS-9400 | X | |||
| XRS-9300 | ||||
| ESD-7000 | ||||
| Other Models | ||||
| ESD-9215 | X | |||
| ESD-6060 | ||||
Cobra has many different models. Choosing between them can be difficult. One question that we're always being asked is: What's the difference between the Cobra 9700 and the Cobra 9780? As far as the radar detectors themselves, there is no difference at all. The PRO 9780 does include a few add-ons that people seem to like: an aluminum travel case, a hardwire cord, and a cigarette lighter splitter.
While I'm at it, the Cobra PRO 9680 and the PRO 9580 are also identical to the XRS 9600 and XRS 9500, respectively, aside from the included accessories.
Also, you guessed it, the PRO 9480 and PRO 9380 are no different than the XRS 9400 and XRS 9300. Unlike the other PRO series models, however, these don't even include those extra accessories. My advice on the 93xx and 94xx? Buy whichever one is cheaper.
Twice.com has an interesting article about the 2006 Cobra and Whistler detectors [free registration required].
They point out that the new Cobra models will support the Ku band, but the Whistler's will not. Whistler's research apparently determined that the Ku band will not be used in the United States in the "near future".
New from Whistler are a couple of detectors with remote controls. They are also following Bel's lead by offering models with exchangeable colored trim.
From the article:
Whistler's new 2006 detectors include two with remote control modules and several models with exchangeable colored trim plates. The XTR-220 and XTR-520 come with a remote control that is useful in SUVs or minivans that have large windshields or dashboards where the detector may be hard to reach.
Whistler also has a model that will let you totally customize the detector's alerts. You can record your own audio message to play, and even customize the display text for each alert. I'm sure the enthusiasts could have some fun with that feature!
UPDATE 2/6/06 - The article is incorrect. Some Whistler XTR series models WILL support the Ku band.
Four of the new Cobra radar detectors are now in stock: XRS-9730, XRS-9630, XRS-9430, and the XRS-9330.
It doesn't look like too much has changed (so far) over last year's models. The biggest difference is that their entire line will now detect the Ku band. The Ku band is currently only used in Europe, but there are rumors that a radar gun manufacturer may be looking to bring Ku to the United States.
At any rate, these models will surely be popular with our European customers. Previously, customers needing Ku detection would have had to choose between the Bel RX65 and 995, both topping $250. Now, a detector supporting Ku band can be had for as little as $80.
As far as other differences, the new models are sporting a slightly different look. Cobra is also claiming improved performance in the 9730 and the 9630, but I'm going to wait to see some test results before I put that statement on the web site.
We're still waiting on the XRS-9530, XRS-9830, and XRS-9930 to arrive. The 9530 will be a 9500 with Ku band, but the 9830 and 9930 seem interesting. Both have what seems like it could be a revolutionary color display. Will post more details when they arrive.
