We all know Cobras are crap, why do so many people own one?

**rose1** · 03-15-2008, 06:18 PM

It seems like every car that I look into that has an RD, about 80% of them are cobras. We all know that crapras are just that, crap, but it seems like they outsell escorts, bels and v1s. Why is that?

**lennyo3034** · 03-15-2008, 06:24 PM

They are cheap, And they look cool so obviously that means they perform the best.

**Ghost917** · 03-15-2008, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by lennyo3034

They are cheap, And they look cool so obviously that means they perform the best.

**JDS** · 03-15-2008, 06:36 PM

The people who own the Cobras are not part of the group you refer to as "we all".

Next question.

**marker227** · 03-15-2008, 06:40 PM

One high schooler in my class who I think he's a junior (i'm not sure), was boasting about how "cool" it was to pick up the cops from a few hundred feet away. He was ecstatic..... "Wow! It like picks up the cops from a few hundred feet away!!@@ It's so cool. I haven't gotten a ticket yet." He said.. :roll:

I then replied..."you know thats the LOWEST quality and brand out there? RD's typically pick up miles

." He said, "I know, but i haven't gotten a ticket yet."

**Silverstreak98** · 03-15-2008, 06:41 PM

ROFL........silly noooooooooobs

**bunny** · 03-15-2008, 07:18 PM

most would rather pay $100 instead of like $400 for an RD.

**erickonphoenix** · 03-15-2008, 08:17 PM

There is a certain perspective I've observed on low end detector users. That they don't need the best just good enough to cover any small lapses in judgement they might have in the future. Aside from the fact Cobras leak and set off some premium detectors as a rule I don't mind Cobra users. If they really just need something to help them tap the brakes when their five over the limit then it's a fine investment. They're lame detectors but not everyone drives like Alex Roy.

I do find it kind of puzzling to see them on high end machines. At one of my local watering holes there's a red C5 convertible vette with a Cobra mounted dead center pointing at the sky. I would strike up a conversation and try and educate him but I think he's the local meth dealer so I just keep my distance.

He wears fingerless gloves and a denim vest with "american bada$$" embroidered on the back. So draw your own conclusions.

**justin81** · 03-15-2008, 09:45 PM

I was thinking about this recently too after a good buddy of mine bought a Cobra. When I told him I was looking to upgrade my original 8500, he suggested I buy a Cobra because they are awesome and his has saved him numerous times. :roll:

My gut feeling is that Cobras appeal largely to the average uneducated consumer. The Cobra units are typically anywhere from 150-200 dollars cheaper than the high end units. On top of that, they boast so many features such as 7/8/9 band detection, a compass, voice alerts, and other crap that sucks people in who simply don't know any better.

As much as I hate to say it, I sometimes feel like we are in the minority. I don't think it's unreasonable to assume that most of the posters here have a little bit more than just a casual interest in speed enforcement and therefore we have a greater knowledge base than average joe motorist. We know not to buy Cobras because they suck, but does average joe motorist know this?

That being said, I really don't mind being the minority. I say let Cobra/RMR people continue to peddle their crap. More rabbits for us, and more distractions for the LEOs.

**Nighthawk243** · 03-15-2008, 10:02 PM

2 reasons: 1) They're cheap as hell... The ESD-737/7000 can be had for 40 bucks at Wal-Mart. 2) They're sold at consumer level stores such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Autozone...etc meanwhile you will NEVER see any Beltronics, Valentine Research, or Escort products there.