sachbvn's Full Review: Whistler DE-1788 Radar Detector
The Whistler DE-1788 was my first purchase in radar detectors. I had researched and reviewed many Whistler and Cobra models. I was still on the fence about which brand I wanted to buy when I walked into Radio Shack and saw that this model was on sale. On clearance even!! I remember having read pretty good reviews on Whistler products and a positive review of this model so I purchased it for $99.99 prior to sales tax.
Two features that I was really looking for if I could find at a decent price were: Cordless capabilities and POP detection. The cordless feature was pretty much worthless since it will shut itself off even while you are still driving. As for the POP detection, I didn't have the radar detector long enough to truly test this feature.
The DE-1788 also came with the , now pretty much standard, X, K, Ka, and VG2 radar. The VG2 came with the setting as - default OFF. When I turned it on I seemed to get several false readings while on the interstate. The K, and Ka seemed to give sufficient range - for those two detections alone I would probably give 3 stars.
What angered me the most, and eventually the reason I returned this detector, was that the mounting piece broke less than five minutes outside of the store. Mounting is simple - two rubber suction cups mount to a metal piece that slides into the detector. You hear and feel a faint "click" when you slide the mounting bracket into the detector. Naturally you would give the device a little "tug" to make sure it is firmly into place. Firm is laughable in this situation. The mounting piece broke instantly, and by no means did I go "Ganges Khan" style on it! They provide no other way to mount the detector - though sticky sided Velcro tape would hold it to your dash. I have read another review from Amazon that had this same problem, I am sure it is poor quality and not just one bad experience. Another problem with mounting the radar detector (if you somehow manage to NOT break your mounting bracket) is that the detector is VERY heavy because of the batteries in it. Once stuck to your windshield it flops all over the place and does not look sturdy at all.
The second major reason I returned this purchase was the pure lack of volume for detection. The volume knob goes to seven. Why seven? I have no idea, but I don't think ten would even be loud enough. I listen to my music fairly loud, not crazy loud, and it didn't provide enough volume to alert me of a detection. Without a doubt I could easily miss a detection going on unless I saw the display change.
Amazon offers this product for $128.25 right now + shipping. Their's comes with a home charger for the batteries, however this to me is pointless because who wants to drag the batteries back and forth between the house and car? Not to mention, I am sure the battery cover on the detector would break after a few short uses.
Overall, I would not recommend this detector. For the consumer looking to purchase a new radar detector - either spend a little more and buy a nicer model or keep looking. You can find Cobra models that work better and have much better quality. I use a Cobra XRS-9600 that I purchased from Amazon for $100 - free shipping. Very pleased with the Cobra so far.
360º radar (X, K, Ka, superwide Ka) and laser detection Blue text LCD screen displays outdoor temperature 3 city and highway modes and quiet mode S...More at Amazon Marketplace
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