rocksolid's Full Review: Whistler DE-1743 Radar Detector
Before going too much further on this review, first think about why you are buying a radar detector and how much you have to spend. If you are buying it to keep you out of tickets because you speed drastically, you may wish to look elsewhere. However, if you're unsure whether or not you need a radar detector, stick around -- many speeding tickets cost anywhere from 70-125$ or more, minus the insurance increases. Thus, if this detector (I paid about $85 after taxes) can keep you from ONE ticket, its done its job...
SHOP AROUND
This detector was easy enough to find at Wal-Mart, Meijer, or Best Buy, so don't worry there. I found it cheaper at Best Buy, but I didn't want to mess with online shopping so it's probably cheapest there :)
SETUP/USE
Plug it in, stick it on the windshield, presto. Options are easy to navigate with the instructions around, but if you want to change thing while you're on the road, it could be troublesome (4 buttons control more than 10 options by the length of time they're held in -- can get difficult to remember which button does what) but overall the more dynamic functions get their own buttons. The display is intuitive (the display epinion has is slightly wrong -- there is an LCD to give signal strength) and is pretty easy to read in all but direct sunlight. Voice Alerts are very nice and easy to understand, and are uncommon in a detector of this price.
ACCURACY/SENSITIVITY
This is where the unit really shines, as it competes/beats units with a much heavier price tag hanging from it. Recognizing every band now is pretty standard, but it segregates K from Ka, and gives the strength of each signal to help one determine if an alarm is false. It picks up signals from reasonably far, so for the average commuter this product is an excellent investment. If you like to see the redzone of your sportscar very frequently, this detector isn't for you -- check out a Bel or Escort. But for peace of mind, the accuracy blows away competitors for the price, and is very accurate at determining which threat you are up against. In cases where the accuracy isn't high enough, an industry-leading 3 city mode options comes into play. The first lessens the alert for which signals, the second lowers X sensitivity (the ones that automatic doors set off) and the third turns off X band detection. All in all, for the money this is tough to beat.
CONCLUSION
If you don't live in Virginia and don't always obey the speed limit, consider purchasing this unit. It strips some bells and whistles (no pun intended) that you don't need and replaces them with good detection, making it an excellent value that pays for itself over and over.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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