Buy Radar Detectors is pleased to announce the 2008 lineup of Whistler radar detectors. Whistler's 2007 introduction of the XTR-690 and Pro 78 radar detectors has been a huge success, so we've been anxious to see what they had in store for us this year. We're sure you won't be disappointed!
There are five new models, all of which are expected to become available in May. Pricing information is not yet available for models other than the XTR-695.
Whistler XTR-695
The Whistler XTR-695 will retail for $189, and will almost certainly replace the Pro 78 as the most popular detector in the series. It uses the same platform as the Pro 78 and XTR-690 so there will be little difference in range or false alert filtering, however there several are new features and as well as aesthetic improvements over the XTR-690. The most noticeable addition is the ability to change the background color of the display. Users can select from 7 available colors, but more importantly a background color can be linked to a specific type of alert. As an example, X band alerts could have a green background color, K band could be blue, with Ka red. This could help quickly alert you to the seriousness of a threat.
The XTR695 also introduces a Ka radar and laser "Signature ID" feature, which will be a big hit with enthusiasts. This feature gives a driver additional information to help determine if a threat is real or false.
As you become accustomed to driving in a certain area with a detector, you tend to learn where false alerts will occur and what band(s) of radar police in your area typically use. Normal radar band identification (X, K, Ka) is very useful, as it helps a driver determine if the alert is a real threat or a false alarm. The X and K radar bands are relatively small, and there is little fluctuation in the frequencies that a detector will pick up in these bands. Ka, however, is a monster. There are three common frequencies used by Ka radar guns in the United States, but there are also three other less common Ka frequencies that are used and cannot be ignored by a detector. When the Whistler XTR-695 receives a Ka alert, the Signature ID feature allows the detector to display the frequency of the Ka radar gun closest to the detected frequency. This effectively breaks the Ka band down into smaller segments, which can be much more useful when determining the validity of a threat.
The laser Signature ID feature works a little differently. During a laser alert, the XTR-695 will display the pulse rate (PPS) of the laser being detected. The Whistler XTR-695 even allows drivers to lock out individual PPS rates, preventing future alerts for that PPS. This feature is the answer to the prayers of many drivers who suffer through daily laser falses because their route takes them by an airport or other laser source.
An audio jack has also been added. This is a nice benefit for motorcycle owners, or those looking to attach an external speaker. It also creates the ability for a 3rd party, like Cheetah, to develop interfaces to the 695. We may now see an interface that allows the GPS Mirror to communicate with the XTR-695!
This model also has all other features you would expect from a flagship Whistler model: voice alerts, selectable bands, compass, 3 city modes, twin periscope LEDs, a volt meter, an industry best 3 year warranty and more.
We will begin accepting pre-orders for the XTR-695 very soon!
Whistler Pro 68
The new Whistler Pro 68 will replace the Pro 58, which will be discontinued. The Pro 68 will have the same blue icon display of the 58, but will add twin periscope LEDs. Range will be similar to the Pro 58, but additional filter modes have been added. A two year manufacturer warranty is included. No pricing information is available at this time for the Pro 68.
Whistler XTR-575
The Whistler XTR-575 radar detector will include a 72 point digital compass and blue back-lit text display. The XTR-575 uses Whistler's mid-range platform, so performance will be similar to that of the Pro 68. Although no pricing information is available at this time, it is likely the XTR-575 will be the lowest priced model with this platform. The XTR575 also offers selectable bands, twin periscope LEDs, and a 1 year warranty.
Whistler XTR-550
The Whistler XTR-550 replaces the XTR-500, which will be discontinued. It has the same bright red text display of the XTR-500 and also offers voice alerts. The XTR550 uses Whistler's smaller platform, so performance will be similar to the XTR-330 and XTR-260. Twin periscope LEDs and a 1 year warranty are included.
Whistler XTR-130
The Whistler XTR-130 will be the new low end model in the series, joining the XTR-140. The XTR130's features will be similar to the 140, but with only one city mode and no periscope LEDs.
An update will be posted here once these new models are in stock. Check back soon for pre-order information on the XTR-695!
UPDATE (4/10/2008) - The detectors listed above are only the new models that will be released soon. Many current models will still be available. The following is the full lineup of available models: XTR-130, XTR-140, XTR-185, XTR-190, XTR-260, XTR-330, XTR-550, XTR-560, XTR-575, XTR-690, XTR-695, 1788, Pro 68, Pro 78, Pro 3450, Fuzion
Is the "improved / reengineered performance" of the Whistler XTR-695 and Pro78 worth spending over $100 more than the low end XTR 140, 260, 330 and 550 models. I just want reliable detection and don't care about reducing too many false alarms.
1st time buyer I read the tests guys did and I see the pro78 did ok is it worth the xtra $ over a pro68 live in NJ
Thanks
The main difference between a Pro 78 SE and an XTR-690 SE is that the Pro 78 SE has a blue display and an auto dim feature, and the XTR-690 SE has a red display. Other than that, in regards to performance, they are the same.