Cobra ESD 9000 Radar Detector
Written: Jan 15 '02
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Pros: Price, size, sometimes helps avoid tickets
Cons: Sensitivity is low, false alarms, useless Safety Alert
The Bottom Line: Even a cheap radar detector, like ESD 9000, is a good investment.
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| dkozin's Full Review: Cobra Electronics ESD 9000 Radar Detector |
The main question I was asking myself before buying a radar detector is “will it save me from getting a ticket”? I believe that now I have an answer.
According to “Car And Driver” magazine, there is a large difference in performance between the best detector they tested and the worst one. Although the price is not necessary the indicator of performance, usually the expensive detectors outperform the cheap ones.
The ESD 9000 is an inexpensive detector and comes with a $10 rebate, lowering the price to $74. The device comes with a mounting bracket, which attaches itself to the windshield by the suction cups or can be attached to the dash with a Velcro-type patch. The curly power cord is connected to the car’s 12v power outlet.
The unit detects all three radar bands (X, K, Ka) as well as several types of laser (LTI 20-20, ProLaser, Ultra Lyte Laser) and Safety Alert with Strobe Alert.
It also detects the radar detector detectors (the device that police uses to detect radar detectors) – VG-2. You can get more specs at the manufacturer’s web site.
So, going back to my original question – if the radar detector in general and the cheap radar detector in particular can save you from getting a speeding ticket.
Sometimes, police car can pace you on the freeway or determine visually you are speeding. Of course, in this case the radar detector won’t work. Also, there is not much chance to avoid the ticket when you are speeding and they use an instant-on radar or laser.
The opportunity arises when the radar is constantly on or your detector catches the instant-on radar when it is used against another car. This will give you a chance to slow down.
Success Story
Do I have a success story to report? I believe I do. A week ago I was going 52 in 25 mph zone and my radar detector detected the police radar in K band. I slowed down immediately and saw a patrol car, which didn’t stop me.
Good Investment
Does it mean that you will be able to speed and avoid speeding tickets? I doubt it. However, if you avoid even one speeding ticket, the device will pay off, since one speeding ticket is more than the price of the radar detector.
False And Real Alarms
The X-band alarms are usually false and caused by the automatic doors in the stores close by, traffic lights that detect the position of cars using radar, etc. The amount of false alarms in X-band is very high in city driving, so you can use city/highway switch that lowers the sensitivity in X-band.
The K-band alert is more likely a police radar. Also, a stationary radar with a speed display (the one that shows you your speed) usually uses K-band.
The Ka-band or Laser alerts are always police devices and must be taken seriously.
I found Safety Alert feature completely useless and annoying. Sometimes it goes off when I approach a railroad intersection, sometimes (in the same place) it doesn’t.
Bottom Line
Even a cheap radar detector, like ESD 9000, is a good investment.
Recommended:
Yes
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dkozin
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Location: California
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I love to push buttons on electronic (audio and video) equipment. It makes me happy.
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