New guy opinion

[KheSanh1968]

I'm new to this site and I find getting a worthwhile answer is difficult from some of the posters. If I ask for an opinion I expect something other than smart-ass criticism from a frequent flyer on your forums like djrams80. If I knew everything about radar I wouldn't have come to this site to begin with. Overall, I have learned that Cobra is not a good choice. For a motorcycle used 4 months a year in the central US, I don't want to spend a ton of money. I have learned that I can't get all the functions I want in any unit. Having the headphone output, compass, and decent KA reception would be my short list, but I can't even find that. An analog compass does not work well on a Honda Goldwing. I've have tried some motorcycle designed units. The bike speaker system and other electronics seems to pull the compass off.
Yes, I do have an older GPS on the bike but it's difficult to see in the daylight and change pages to see my direction quickly. So, if anyone of the critical posters would care to buy me a Garmin Zumo 550 GPS and a high-end Radar with headphone jack I will be happy and never ask a stupid irritating question again.

[stray444]

Here's a straight answer, If you want a great detector for the money just go out and get a whistler PRO-78 from amazon or somewhere cheaper. Upgrade to REV C.

[SAfricanCracker]

Yea, from what I've researched. The Whistler PRO's are the best cheapest radar detectors. If you don't want to spend a lot, but want something/anything better than a Cobra, Whistler is a great buy.

[tjbender]

If you're dead set on a Cobra, don't bother buying a detector at all. You're better off with your own two eyes than you are trusting even the best Crapra to save you.

Whistler Pro-78 or a Bel Vector are the way to go.

[djrams80]

If I ask for an opinion I expect something other than smart-ass criticism from a frequent flyer on your forums like djrams80.

Here are my 3 comments in reply to your threads:

Cobras are horrible RDs. Take a look at the latest GOL test results:
http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-20...ctor-test.html
Once you use something better, you'll be shocked at how bad your Cobra really was.

This is a fact. Cobras do very poorly in every radar detector tests done by GOL. I even gave you a link to prove it.

If you want a compass and good performance and at resonable price......then you should look at the Whistler XTR-690.

For $160 you can have an excellent detector, wonderful customer service, and a compass!

It will be way better than any Cobra that you buy. Whistler units are a great budget alternative, so there is no need to buy a Cobra.

Thank Gawd! Someone with a decent alternative with a friggin' compass! What's up with the recent compass push?

It seemed like someone came up with a RD with a compass(a feature that seems very important to you) that performs well and will not cause false alerts for the rest of us that use RDs that perform well. In case you didn't know this, Cobras are notorious for causing false alerts on other RDs in the vicinity of them. Therefore, I personally think the Whistler XTR-690 is an excellent choice.

Is it me, or has the compass become an amazingly popular feature?

This comment was not directed specifically at you. This question has come up recently and I was wondering why.

I personally don't see what I said that was so offensive, but if you were offended, I apologize. Either way, this is a fact: Cobras are bad at detecting radar, especially Ka band. A radar detector that doesn't detect radar very well seems like a bad choice to me and probably to most of the members of this message board. I can only guess that you came here for advice. The consensus on all of your topics has been for you to get something other than a Cobra. Silverstreak98 came up with an excellent option of the Whistler XTR-690. If you still end up getting a Cobra, then I'm not sure why you asked for our advice in the first place.

[djrams80]

You could also read this thread:
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=34871

[penelopy19]

I have a Whistler pro 78 and it gives off false alerts. Laser also goes off alot. The reason i cant stand it so much is because its VERY loud and obnoxious even on the lowest setting. I wouldn't suggest buying one. :shock:

[joseph12]

penelopy19 i am totally agree with u,the pro 78 is a horrible RD,U are lucky because u still get false alert from your Amazing PRO78,i even don't get any alert after i got the ticket.There are so many die hard FANS OF pro78!They all say it is a good RD,they are lying to themself and other ppl who want to buy a new RD in the future!

[penelopy19]

Joseph12::

Ya im going to give it another chance after talking with Mike B. Im going to see what the REV C update does and if i like it. Maybe try sending it in for the upgrade? Im sending mine in and i will keep you posted on what i think about it! Im hoping for the best

[joseph12]

Don't waste your money dude!let's buy a bel or escort!i owned a pro78 rev c b4,but it made me very disappointed!