Whistler

We now have the Whistler XTR-185 and XTR-190 cordless, rechargeable radar detectors available. These new models are sure to be popular, as they offer the same performance as the Whistler 1788 cordless detector, but sell for less.

These two new models are identical with the exception of the XTR-185's solar panel. This solar panel, a first for radar detectors, allows the light from the sun to extend the detector's battery life. According to Whistler the XTR-185 typically provides around 17 hours of battery life, compared to 15 for the XTR-190.

The 1788 is still Whistler's top-end cordless detector, as it provides several nice features that are missing from these new models. The 1788 offers a nicer display (back-lit text display vs. icon), selectable bands, and includes a home charger. The biggest difference may be in battery life - the 1788 accepts 4 AA rechargeable batteries (the new models accept 3) and provides up to 20 hours of battery life.

Our holiday special for 2006 has arrived, and it's a good one! While supplies last, we will be offering the Whistler DE-1793 SE radar detector for only $99! The DE-1793 is the most feature packed detector detector in Whistler's line up. It detects POP mode radar, has a text display, voice alerts, digital compass and even a memo recorder! It delivers great range, though not as much as you would get from a high end Bel or Escort detector. As an added bonus, this model also includes a black travel bag and a cigarette lighter splitter.

This model normally sells for $150, and the suggested retail price is over $200! We expect these to sell out before Christmas, so don't wait to order.

We now have the Whistler Fuzion in stock. This new model is very similar to the Cruisader motorcycle detector, but it is equipped to be installed in a regular vehicle. The Cruisader was a popular model with "tuners" who liked that it would fit in a pillar gauge pod, but there were a few issues since it was intended to be installed on a bike. Whistler saw this as an opportunity, and now we have the Fuzion.

The Fuzion isn't just a Cruisader with longer cables, it does offer a couple of enhancements. It includes a voice module, which means it provides your choice of voice or tone alerts. It also provides a programmable display, similar to the XTR-425 and XTR-560 windshield mount models.

We have received a couple of emails now asking about the Whistler XTR-280. This model is yet another version of the Whistler 1788, made for specific retailers. The XTR-280 is identical to the Whistler 1788 that we sell. Unlike some other versions, it does include the home charger.

We now have the Whistler DE-1732 radar detector in stock. This detector is identical to the Whistler DE-1730, the only difference is the look. The tool that Whistler used to create the 1730's casing had worn out, so they created a new one. Eventually, the 1730 will no longer be available, but as long as it is, we will continue to carry it.

So, if you are looking at one of these low-end Whistler radar detectors, just choose the design that you think looks best. There is no other difference between them!

After receiving a couple of shipments with only enough units to fill backorders, I'm happy to say that we now have (what should be) plenty of new Whistler XTR series radar detectors in stock. All XTR models are now in stock: XTR-220, XTR-325, XTR-425, XTR-520, and XTR-560. If you had one of these models on backorder with us, you should have already received an email with your tracking information.

Also, the manuals for each of these models are now available online. Just click the "Owners Manual" link at the top of each detector's product page.

Obviously we didn't order enough of these models! We received our first shipment of the Whistler XTR series detectors yesterday. Within just a few hours, we were out of stock on the XTR-325, XTR-425, and XTR-560. The XTR-220 and XTR-520 weren't added to the site until today, and we still have a few of each of these models left.

We expect a second shipment to arrive next week so if you're waiting on one of the new models, check back soon!

Whistler just issued a warning to customers outside of the US who are looking to buy a Whistler detector: BEWARE. Some internet searches apparently turn up products that claim to be Whistler radar detectors, but in fact are not. Here are two examples (one, two).

International customers: always be sure that the Whistler products that you buy are authentic!

It has been brought to my attention that there are some stores selling the Whistler 1788 cordless radar detector considerably cheaper than BuyRadarDetectors.com. I did a little research, and just wanted to let everyone know that this cheaper version is a little different than the package that we are selling. Whistler 1788's that come from us include a home battery charger. This home charger is not included in the "cheaper" package.

I have received more detailed information on the new 2006 Whistler models. They have some very interesting models coming out, with some features that are truly new to the radar detector world.

All of the 2006 models are part of a new series, called the "XTR Series". This XTR series seems to break down into two sets of detectors. For lack of a better name, I'll call them the "Changeable Trim Models" and the "Remote Control Models".

One thing that seems to be common to all XTR models is a different type of text display. All of the models with an alpha-numeric text display have the same blue-back-lit display of the Whistler 1788 cordless detector. Prior to the 1788, Whistler detectors had always had red or blue text on a black background.

While there is no definite release date, we are hoping to have these models in stock in April.

Changeable Trim Models
The XTR-325, XTR-425, and XTR-560 detectors make up the set that I'm calling the "Changeable Trim Models". These models are all shaped similar to previous higher end Whistler detectors such as the Pro 73, but they have added a plastic trim ring to the top of the detector. The trim ring can be switched out with different colored rings. Three rings are included with each model.

All of these models will detect the Ku band. Whistler doesn't believe that the Ku band will be a threat in the US in the near future, so they are not planning to promote the Ku feature. By default, detection of the Ku band will enabled in these models, however it is user selectable and can be disabled.

All of these models are compatible with the programmable Intelli-Cord.

Two of these models offer programmable alerts. The XTR-425 has a programmable text display, which means you can change the text CITY or HIGHWAY (or a few others) to say anything you want, within certain limitations (8 characters or less). The XTR-560 also has programmable audio alerts. This will let you record your own alert tones and assign it to any band, replacing the internal alerts.

Here's a little more about each model:

The XTR-325 has voice alerts, an icon display with numeric signal strength indicator, and includes red, blue, and gold trim rings. MSRP is $129.95. Our site will probably have it initially priced at $89.99.

The XTR-425 also has voice alerts, but adds a programmable text display. White, silver, and red trim rings are included. MSRP is $139.95. Our initial price will likely be $99.99.

The XTR-560 is the top of the line XTR model, adding programmable voice alerts to the programmable text display. The included trim rings are black, blue, and pink. MSRP is $199.95 but we will probably have it for $139.99.

XTR-325		XTR-425		XTR-560

Remote Control Models
The XTR-220 and the XTR-520 are targeted at customers driving vehicles with a hard-to-reach windshield. Instead of stretching to reach the detector, they can control all of the major functions from a key chain remote. With no buttons on top of the detector, these two detectors have a look different from previous Whistler models.

These models will not detect the Ku band, nor will they be compatible with the Intelli-Cord. At this time, no other models will be "remote compatible".

The XTR-220 has an icon display with numeric signal strength indicator. MSRP is $119.95. Our site will probably have it initially priced at $79.99.

The XTR-520 adds voice alerts and a text display. MSRP is $159.95, but our price will likely start at $109.99.

XTR-220		XTR-520		XTR Remote

FuZion Installed Detector
The new FuZion radar detector is basically a Whistler Cruisader that is made for regular vehicles. Like the Cruisader, the FuZion will fit in a standard 2 1/16 gauge or pillar enclosure. People love this about the Cruisader, so it should be a big hit with the FuZion. The FuZion will not detect the Ku band.

FuZion

That's all for now, but I will provide more information on these new models when I receive it!