Sneak peak of whistler new Top end detector.

[Whistler-Insider]

In less than two weeks, at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Whistler will announce the new XTR-690 radar detector. This new detector will sport a re-engineered antenna which, according to Whistler, will deliver range very similar to that of a high-end Bel or Escort model. The best news is that this new model will sell for around half the price of a Bel / Escort! This kind of performance has been simply unheard of in this price range, making this a potentially far-reaching announcement.

Obviously we have to remain somewhat skeptical until the performance can be independently verified, but the Whistler technician that I have spoken with seems very confident. They have tested prototypes of the new engine against Bel / Escort models, and found the performance to be similar.

Performance aside, the XTR-690 will also differ physically from previous XTR series models.


No, those are not dual rear "laser eyes" near the back of the detector. The second "eye" is a "periscope" alert LED, an interesting new attempt to grab your attention when you get an alert. The buttons will be laser etched, which is a nice touch. The 690 will not support the colored "trim rings" that could be used with some other models. The display will be blue backlit with black text like is currently found on the XTR-425, XTR-560, and 1788:


Other new features include a battery voltage meter, and true VG-2 immunity (instead of cloaking).

The expected availability date for the XTR-690 will be April 2. We have an arrangement with Whistler, and will begin accepting pre-orders for this model very soon. More on that in the coming days.

[proudNMAmember]

Nice to read you will have "true" VG-2 immunity. I would like to see this one!

[jdong]

Wow, looks really nice, looking forward to this puppy.

Note that the 1793SE already can display voltage (hold up/down). This has actually come unbelievably handy for me when I run my inverter and laptop for a long period of time.... It'd be better if it could be configured to alert on low battery voltage.

[Stealthcb]

If they offer that at $150, I'll be trading in the Pro 73, even though I love it.

[cyberblob]

Maybe Roy could setup a preorder. I would like to test it.

[AliG]

Looks interesting.

[SmaartAasSaabr]

I think MSRP closer to $200 as stated on that site...

[Stealthcb]

I think MSRP closer to $200 as stated on that site...

The article said half the price of the high-end Belscorts. Since they're $300-$330, wouldn't $150-$165 be more accurate?

I didn't get to look at the whole site....

[sunofwolf]

Yea, I have all ready desided to send back my Pro-58 after I use it for two weeks,back to amazon for a full refund. I will say its defective and even get free shipping back and then I will buy this new whistler,ya screw amazon up the butt :twisted:

[Stealthcb]

Yea, I have all ready desided to send back my Pro-58 after I use it for two weeks,back to amazon for a full refund. I will say its defective and even get free shipping back and then I will buy this new whistler,ya screw amazon up the butt :twisted:

WTF? Is there something wrong with the Pro-58?