Buy Radar Detectors

Almost two years ago, a rumor started floating around that a radar gun manufacturer may be producing a radar gun that operates using the Ku radar band. There are already speed measurement devices that use the Ku band, but they are rare and are used predominately in a few European countries. Cobra and Whistler reacted to this rumor by adding Ku band detection to their 2006 detectors.

Ku is NOT coming to the US!

Well, the holiday shopping season is now over but don't let that stop you from taking advantage of this special! We have the Whistler SRT-30R and Whistler SRT-35R radar detectors available now at $34.99 and $39.99, respectively. These models were created exclusively for Radio Shack, and sold there for as much as $80. Radio Shack was not able to sell as many as they planned, so we took advantage of an opportunity to pick them up at a great price. Of course, we're passing the savings on to you.

The SRT-30R is a very basic model, similar in performance and features to the DE-1732. The SRT-35R is a slightly larger model that ads a bright icon display and 3 city modes, comparable to the DE-1734C. If you're in the market for a budget detector, this deal is for you.

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.

Now that we're carrying the Bel STi Driver, we're already getting the question: "Is it worth the money?" For some people, the STi Driver is well worth the money. Most of you, however, would be fine to stick with a Bel RX65 or an Escort 8500 X50 Black and save $100.

The biggest benefit of the STi Driver is that it doesn't "leak" a signal that could be detected by "radar detector detectors" (RDDs). RDDs are used by police in areas where radar detectors are illegal to sniff out vehicles that have a detector. So, if you're in a state or country where radar detectors are illegal or if you sometimes drive through these areas, or if you drive a vehicle that is over 10,000 pounds the STi Driver could be a very wise investment. (Radar detectors are illegal in all states in vehicles over 10,000 pounds.)

On the other hand, if you're like most of us and live in an area where radar detectors are legal then you won't find much of a reason to spring for the STi Driver. Some users claim that performance is slightly improved in the STi over the RX65, but not enough for us to recommend your spending the extra cash. The feature set is very similar between the RX65 and STi as well. The biggest difference is that STi offers automatic brightness control that will brighten/dim the display based on conditions. The STi also comes with a nicer case, an external speaker, and a direct wire SmartCord. One advantage for the RX65 is that it will detect the Ku band, which is used in some European countries.

Our recommendation: If you drive a vehicle over 10,000 pounds, drive in areas where radar detectors are illegal, or if you want the best regardless of price, get the Bel STi Driver. Otherwise, stick with a Bel RX65 or an Escort 8500 X50 Black.

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 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.

In this, the sixth article in my series, we will look at how a motorist can learn how to avoid and beat the driving while intoxicated or operating under the influence rap.

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!