bmason's Full Review: Cobra Electronics ESD 9850 Radar Detector
I purchased the Cobra 9850 radar detector because it definitely offers the greatest number of features for this price range. The hi-tech display, voice alert, 9 band sensitivity. Let me tell you: that is all bunk.
The hi-tech display? The one that is supposed to stay bright even in sunlight? Its terrible; even in moderately bright daylight it is completely unreadable. And even at night it is somewhat difficult to see.
The voice alert? Useless. The voice alert begins each warning by saying "Be careful." What use is that? The only point to a voice alert is to instantly know what type of radar/laser threat you are facing. By the time it is done saying "Be careful," I already have had to look at the display. Which I can't read anyway.
Nine band sensitivity? B.S. First of all, all new detectors will read all current radar and laser systems. Second, this thing has a worse detection ability than my three year old and out of date Uniden. It beeps like crazy in the city and gave hardly any warning at all when I came upon a speed trap.
Other gripes? The windshield mount is of such low quality that it causes the detector to bounce around all over the place. And I'm sure that it would not last more than a few months.
People are going to buy this model because it looks cool and it seems to have a number of cool features. Don't be fooled. If you are looking in this price range, buy a Bel 890 or the like. If you can save your money buy a Bel 980 for $250 or if you want the VERY best possible detector, buy the Valentine One for $400. Anything from Cobra is a total waste of money.
(I returned my Cobra and bought the Bel 980. I would have purchased the Valentine One, but I don't drive enough on the highway to justify the expense. I think the Val 1 is the best choice if cost is no object and the Bel for those who want high quality without the cost.)
9-band radar detector with 8-point digital compass Detects 4 radar signals, 3 laser signals, and 2 safety systems 6 visual alerts and 10 audio alerts ...More at Amazon Marketplace
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