Whistler XTR 220 Review

**hapsh** · 07-18-2006, 11:44 AM

I am just a noob and don't know very much about detectors. However, I thought I might post a quick review since there doesn't seem to be any reviews out there yet. I got an XTR-220 and have been using it for 3 weeks. X and K detection were decent at around 1800 feet but I am quite concerned about Ka. The times I have detected it from the State Patrol it was within 300 feet, not enough warning to slow down. I am not sure it is even picking up POP mode at all. There is a speed trap I go through every day and it NEVER detects the Cycle Cops quick point and shoot sessions. Yesterday I was positive they gunned me because I was within 40 feet and could see him aiming right at me. Not one blip out of the detector. I also get at least 2 VG2 false alarms a day, especially when I pass the airport. I have gotten 2 Laser alerts that I think were false as well.

**GET 1T DONE** · 07-18-2006, 02:10 PM

Maybe your unit is defective :?:

I've always been pleased w/my Whistler products. Hopefully you can get the issues corrected.

**venexoz** · 07-18-2006, 11:04 PM

Welcome you might have a defective unit also I would disable the VG2 depending from where you live, remember there are only two states where it is illegal which are Virginia and Wachington DC, try an exchange at the store where you bought it if not call Whistler.

**hapsh** · 07-19-2006, 11:08 AM

I may be willing to exchange it and try again, however I have yet to hear any other owners of this model to see if they have had better results. I disabled VG2 so I don't get those falses anymore. I have no idea on how to make sure Lidar detection is working because I am not sure they are even using it in my area. Does anyone know how to spot Lidar guns? I know they are stationary. What shape are they usually, and what does the lense look like?

**nimrod** · 07-19-2006, 11:36 AM

I purchased one a couple of weeks ago; have encountered a few laser falses (consider to be normal), otherwise seems to be a great detector for the money ($68.00 incl shipping.). Do not trust the vg cloaking however; by the time the unit shuts down you are busted. this happened to me on a previous whistler. This is only a problem in Va though.

**hapsh** · 07-20-2006, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by nimrod

I purchased one a couple of weeks ago; have encountered a few laser falses (consider to be normal), otherwise seems to be a great detector for the money ($68.00 incl shipping.). Do not trust the vg cloaking however; by the time the unit shuts down you are busted. this happened to me on a previous whistler. This is only a problem in Va though.

How is Ka? That is my main concern now. I have turned off VG2 because I don't need it. I get very good range on X and K, but Ka seems pretty dismal. The other day I was sitting at an intersection with a Motorcycle LEO facing me with his gun on constant ON, the detector didn't go past 4 even though we were 60 feet apart. Is it possible to have only one faulty band on a detector? It seems that if only one band is having issues it would be more of a design problem. I will exchange mine and give it a few more days. For now my Bel 795 is way better even though it does not have POP.

Regarding Lidar, I have spoke with a few guys in town that have high end Escorts with laser jammers and all of them told me that most of the time they don't pick up Lidar either, due to the beam being so tight.

**DiasBora** · 10-23-2006, 10:23 AM

do the 220's have rear detection?

**cooljay** · 10-23-2006, 11:19 AM

All RDs have a rear detection of sorts, just that the V1 is the one holding the patent right now for a rear horn. The rear detection on my Pro-73 works great. As far as VG2 falses these are known to come from several things such as cobras or other cheap RDs. I have never owned the 220 so I can't say 100% what is up with them. Ka can be a hard band to pickup but so far every time I've picked it up I've had at least 1,500ft+ warning time.

If you're worried about price but want a good RD I would suggest the Pro-58 from Roy http://www.radarbusters.com/products...ler/pro-58.asp . It's the ONLY RD under $100 Radar Roy will sell on his shop, because it's proven itself to be there.

It's possible you might have just gotten a bad unit and first thing would be try exchanging it, if you still aren't satisfied take it back and get your money back and get the Pro-58, you wouldn't be disappointed.