COSTCO Whistler XTR 550

**vfr750** · 01-21-2008, 02:33 AM

Hey Folks,
Newbie on the radar detector scene. I picked up a XTR 550 at COSTCO the other week and am finding that is was marketed with that model number specifically for them. Anyone know what platform or model it is really is? Is it a reasonably good detector for $82.00?

Thanks in advance!

**jdong** · 01-21-2008, 09:53 AM

Judging from the looks and price, I'd guess it's a part of the Pro-73's platform, which is a bit below the expectations of this community in Ka sensitivity. Mike B can tell us for sure

However, I own a detector of this platform and live in a Ka infested area, and it's always performed great for me. Turn off POP for enhanced range and filtering.

**zr1** · 01-21-2008, 02:43 PM

Costco has a good return policy. I'd personally go with the Vector 940 they have for $140. For the Whistler brand, the Pro 78 gets some fairly high praise on this site, but then you're talking $175 or so.

Which generation VFR do you run?

**jdong** · 01-21-2008, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by zr1

Costco has a good return policy. I'd personally go with the Vector 940 they have for $140. For the Whistler brand, the Pro 78 gets some fairly high praise on this site, but then you're talking $175 or so.

Which generation VFR do you run?

Well there's a big difference between $80 and $140, so the OP should drive around with his XTR-550 and give it a shot. It's not that bad a unit and might deliver the level of performance he needs. And who can beat Whistler's tech support and customer service?

**kuba** · 01-21-2008, 08:25 PM

i use to have the 550, its just like the xtr 500. I upgraded a couple weeks later to a pro 78. WAY BETTER. not too much more too (between $40 and $60 more). WAY worth it. 550 is ok for slow speeds when u get a some time to respond. but going 50+ around a curve, those alerts end up being like 2 seconds.

**jdong** · 01-21-2008, 09:32 PM

The XTR-690/Pro-78 REV C are fantastic units, mine never ceases to amaze me. Is it the same as my V1? Of course not, but it also doesn't have a $400 price tag

**vfr750** · 01-22-2008, 02:52 AM

Thanks folks! I am gonna upgrade. I am most worried about all the freaking radar vans in our area now (Prescott Valley, AZ).

I am really worried about the bike I ride ... been followed a couple of times. I guess it is a type of racial profiling.

**kuba** · 01-22-2008, 05:10 AM

Costco wont have a problem taking it back. I took mine back in a plastic bag, they had to ask me what it was. When looking around for ur pro78 (if thats what ur going to get) make sure its not on the unauthorized dealer list.

http://whistlergroup.com/unauthorized.asp