Speaking of money - Cobra seems to have been able to piece this radar detector together at a relatively low cost, and they've passed the savings on to you - the consumer. This makes for a highly competitive product which only has our performance test to pass in order to score full marks.

Cobra XRS 9970G Voice Alert 15 Band Radar and Laser Detector

• List Price: $389.95
  
• Sale Price: $211.93
  
• Used From: $204.99
  

Cobra XRS 9970G Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
Standard bands, such as Ka, K, X, and Instant On can all be taken for granted with the Cobra XRS 9970G Radar Detector. We are now moving in to a territory where those bands are almost standard on any radar detector model.

New band additions are the most exciting features of the Cobra XRS 9970G Radar Detector. Ku band - the new standard in speed detection - has been added, as has Spectre I/IV protection and VG-2 immunity.

Display & Layout
The Cobra XRS 9970G Radar Detector sports a whole new concept when it comes to radar detector design. Unlike almost all other detectors which use a dynamic Micro-LED screen, the XRS 9970G hosts a 1.5" touch screen, which makes signal identification and strength an absolute breeze. The screen is color, and looks especially good at night.

Unique Technology
Another incredible addition to the Cobra XRS 9970G Radar Detector is the inbuilt database of fixed position speed cameras and traps. How many times have you driven along a well known road at 10mph above the speed limit, only to forget that there is a speed camera tucked away behind the bush? A week later, you're $150 out of pocket - and this is the fourth time that the same camera has pinged you!

Don't be fooled again. The Cobra XRS 9970G Radar Detector will warn you of fixed cameras in advance, so that you have plenty of time to slow down. This is also especially useful for out-of-town driving, when you are unfamiliar with the area.

Performance & Range
There is absolutely no way that we could fault the range on the Cobra XRS 9970G Radar Detector. With up to 2,500 meters of advance notification of standard Ka band (direct line of sight), and over 1,500 meters of rear protection - this really is the ultimate radar detector.

Another great feature worth noting is that the graphics display is able to show you the direction that the band is coming from - allowing greater awareness of your surroundings.

Our Rating of the Cobra XRS 9970G Radar Detector
Seriously - the Cobra XRS 9970G Radar Detector scores 6 stars, and that's on a scale of 1 to 5. This is a highly advanced device with clever new features which will make the product usable long in to the future.

We put the Cobra XRS 9545 Radar Detector to the test on a stretch of open track to see exactly how this new model performs. Our results are included below.

Cobra XRS 9545 Voice Alert 14 Band Radar/Laser Detector with POP Radar Gun Detection and DigiView Data Display

• List Price: $149.95
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $73.99
  

Cobra XRS 9545 Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
There are 14 bands pre-programmed in to the Cobra XRS 9545 Radar Detector - 7 of which are radar bands, 6 lasers, and the handy safety warning system. This scope should cover all of the bands required for general motoring purposes.

In addition, VG-2 cloaking comes built in, as does Spectre I/IV alerting. The LaserEye 360 provides detection from all angles, including from behind - which is most useful for people who do a lot of driving on highways and open roads.

Display & Layout
The Cobra XRS 9545 Radar Detector is much sleeker than previous Cobra models, and it provides a much more streamlined user interface. 4 user buttons are positioned on top of the machine, with the volume setting on one side, and the on / off button on the other.

The text display uses micro LED's, which is by far the best type of display to be found on such a device. This allows for signal type and strength to be displayed at the same time.

Unique Technology
We always fall for convenient added extras, and thankfully the Cobra XRS 9545 Radar Detector has plenty of them. One thing we most like is the voice alerting system, which can be turned on and off. Whilst on, the machine will announce the band type when any of the 14 bands are detected, and will follow this by specific beeps to indicate the band strength.

Another useful feature is the Safety Warning System, which provides advance warning about approaching emergency vehicles and road hazards, before you get to them.

Performance & Range
Whilst the Cobra XRS 9545 Radar Detector isn't at the top of the list when it comes to range, the company has certainly made inroads in recent times in this area. In our testing, the machine alerted us to Ka-Band wavelengths at a distance of 1,100 meters on a straight stretch of road, and 420 meters around a sharp bend.

The 360 degree detection ability is also remarkably useful, with rear detection of X-Band output at approximately 500 meters.

Our Rating of the Cobra XRS 9545 Radar Detector
It's clear that the Cobra XRS 9545 Radar Detector is nothing like the old Cobra radar detectors. Huge improvements have been made with this model, with performance and range being the most obvious advances. This device definitely gets 5 stars from us.

Queue the introduction music as we reveal the Cobra XRS 9345 Radar Detector. With plenty of on board technology, and at just half the price of a speeding ticket, can you really afford to be without one? Following are some important details on the device, including its ability to pick up certain radar bands, and its performance under difficult conditions.

Cobra XRS 9345 14-Band Radar/Laser Detector with POP-Mode Radar Gun Detection and VG-2/Spectre Alert I Surveillance Immunity

• List Price: $80.49
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $69.50
  

Cobra XRS 9345 Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
The Cobra XRS 9345 Radar Detector provides you with 14 band protection, which is on par with a number of expensive, top of the line radar detectors out there on the market. The important bands, such as Ka and K come as standard, as does the modern POP / Instant On function.

Even with all of these abilities, the most important inclusion is Ku band support, which makes this radar detector future-proof. Modern speed detecting systems are utilizing Ku band technology, and whilst Europe is now Ku ready, the USA is slowly moving towards it. Hence, you'll be able to rest assured that you have advanced technology on board with the Cobra XRS 9345 Radar Detector.

Display & Layout
Traditionally, Cobra's design team has fallen asleep when given a new task, evidenced by the seemingly "ugly" designs which they have released in the past. It seems that they were woken up for this model however, as the Cobra XRS 9345 Radar Detector sports a refreshing design, smart interface, and easy to use top side buttons.

Aside from the 360 degree detector on the right hand side, everything else has been packed inside the machine, making it compact and sleek.

Unique Technology
There's nothing worse than a radar detector which harps on and on, long after a signal has been detected. This is especially true in the case of false alarms, or unnecessary / obsolete bands such as X-band.

Thankfully, Cobra solves this with a system called "IntelliMute Pro", which provides an initial burst of sound when a band is newly detected, and then takes the tone down to a lower level after a few seconds.

Performance & Range
We didn't test back side range on this machine, but on the front side (oncoming radars) the device did especially well, picking up a standard Ka band pulse from 1,400 meters away. This places the Cobra XRS 9345 Radar Detector at the top of the chart when comparing Cobra models.

Our Rating of the Cobra XRS 9345 Radar Detector
Finally - a decent piece of engineering and development work from Cobra. After thinking long and hard about what to award the Cobra XRS 9345 Radar Detector, we decided on 5 stars for its compact and sleek design, decent performance, and clever technology.

Then again, for less than $50, what were you expecting? In all likelihood, you probably knew that the device you ended up with would be an ugly duckling, but you were possibly hoping that it had something special under the hood. So does it? Well, you'll have to read on to find out.

Cobra ESD7100 9 Band Radar/Laser Detector

• List Price: $59.95
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $34.40
  

Cobra ESD7100 Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
Arguably the most important bands which need to be included in a radar detector these days are Ka band and K band. Anything else is helpful, but not vital. Thankfully, the Cobra ESD7100 Radar Detector provides us with these necessities (and a few extras on top of that).

Furthermore, Cobra have even provided us with state of the art LaserEye technology, which is able to pick up signals coming from any direction - not just from the front! And, further still, there's VG-2 immunity, so you won't get in trouble when you joyride around with this machine turned on.

Display & Layout
Oh dear. If only we could skip this section entirely. The Cobra ESD7100 Radar Detector is not pretty, but the good thing about it is that it doesn't profess to be. There's nothing worse than a design which screams "ugly" only to be countered by developers and designs as being "elegant and slender". Amazingly, Cobra has admitted from time to time that the design of the Cobra ESD7100 Radar Detector needs improvement, and all way can say to this is that yes, we agree.

Unique Technology
Having recovered from writing the above paragraph, we can now get back to the positives of this machine. One technological inclusion worth noting is the "Instant-On" sensor, which is able to pick up pre-signals from the latest speed detection machines.

Instant On radars do not provide a continuous signal, which makes it difficult for radar detectors to spot them. However, the Cobra ESD7100 Radar Detector is able to spot leakage and noise from these radars, and therefore provide advance warning to drivers before their vehicle gets pinged.

Performance & Range
When it comes to radar detector performance, you often get what you pay for. Because you're paying under $50 for the Cobra ESD7100 Radar Detector, the performance is in no way equivalent to top of the line radar detection systems. In our road test, we were notified of an oncoming, continuous Ka radar at a distance of 600 meters, and the machine picked up leakage from an Instant On radar at just 200 meters.

Our Rating of the Cobra ESD7100 Radar Detector
For the price, the Cobra ESD7100 Radar Detector does offer decent value for money. This machine will give you the important K and Ka band protection, albeit as a relatively close distance. The design is awful, but we can quickly forget about that by looking at the price.

Overall, 4 stars is in order with the Cobra ESD7100 Radar Detector.

We recently road tested the Cobra XRS 9645 to see how it would perform in a variety of everyday situations. This is what we found during those tests.

Cobra XRS 9645 15 Band Radar/Laser Detector with New DigiView Data Display, Pop Mode Radar Gun Detection Mode and Digital Compass

• List Price: $169.95
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  

Cobra XRS 9645 Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
In total, this radar detector from Cobra is able to provide advance warning of 15 separate bands, including 7 radars (Ka, K, Ku, X, POP, SWS, VG-2), 6 lasers, and 2 separate safety signals.

Laser detection is especially good in this model, with support for LTI lasers, Ultra Lyte, ProLaser (all models), Stalker LIDAR, and Speedlaser.

Additionally, alerts will be issued to drivers when a Spectre radar band is detected - which is the band used when law enforcement agencies are trying to discover which vehicles have a radar detector and which don't.

Display & Layout
The design of the Cobra XRS 9645 Radar Detector is not substantially different from any of the past Cobra models, and is in fact eerily similar to the full Cobra XRS range. Features worth pointing out are the three top mounted user functionality buttons, which are surprisingly easy to push down.

These buttons control functions which pop up on the user display, which is clear, precise, and easy to read. The backlighting is a "greenish" color, bordering on yellow at times. This is not the most attractive radar detector screen, but the main thing is that it works well and is easily identifiable.

Unique Technology
Cobra has continued its LaserEye support in the Cobra XRS 9645 Radar Detector, which provides 360 degree protection from all of the supported bands. As a result of this on board technology, it is recommended that you place the radar detector in the middle of the windshield, as this will give the unit the best chance of seeing through all of the windows in the vehicle.

Performance & Range
Performance is excellent in the Cobra XRS 9645 Radar Detector. The company has incorporated a number of new features in to this model, including the IntelliShield (which picks up and cancels false signals) and the electronic memory, both of which help to increase range and performance. We would rank the overall ability of this unit as "above average", and our road testing proved that it is definitely scores an A- in this field.

Our Rating of the Cobra XRS 9645 Radar Detector
Cobra has come a long way in the radar detector field since first starting out, and the Cobra XRS 9645 Radar Detector certainly proves that. This model corrects a number of issues with previous XRS models, but more importantly, it provides excellent protection from all different types of radar bands and lasers.

The XRS 9645 scores 5 stars from us, and we would be happy to recommend it for everyday motoring or long distance traveling.

But before you switch off and write this Cobra XRS 9845 Radar Detector off as being yet another XRS release - allow us to give it a proper review. After all, the 9845 is the top model in the series, and an impressive one it is.

Cobra XRS 9845 Voice Alert 15 Band Radar/Laser Detector with Digital Compass and Upgradeable Alert for Speed and Red Light Cameras

• List Price: $230.94
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  

Cobra XRS 9845 Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
Like those which have gone before it, the Cobra XRS 9845 Radar Detector features full band detection ability, including the standard bands such as K, Ka, X, and SWS - and adding the newer band - Ku, in to the picture.

This means that the product is now on par with units from the great manufacturers such as Beltronics and Escort, and it can therefore provide some degree of competition in this area of the market.

Finally, VG-2 protection has been added, and Spectre monitoring has been transferred over from previous models - making the XRS 9845 a safe, hidden, and highly useful product.

Display & Layout
This XRS model definitely takes the top prize as far as design and layout is concerned. Further refinements by Cobra have resulted in a slender, sleek and elegant looking unit, which stays attached to the windscreen almost as if its longevity depended on it.

The backlighting on the user screen is blue, and the size of the screen itself has been increased so that it now spans 2 lines. This makes viewing the signals an absolute pleasure and a total breeze.

Unique Technology
Lost? Well, all you need to do is turn to your Cobra XRS 9845 Radar Detector. With an 8 point digital compass, you'll be able to navigate yourself out of even the most awkward of positions. Furthermore, voice alerts, a battery voltage monitor, and an optional GPS fixed-position speed camera add-on are all things to get excited about.

Performance & Range
The 9845 is the top model in the XRS range, not just because it is the prettiest or the most inclusive, but because it genuinely does a better job of detecting bands than its predecessors.

The Cobra XRS 9845 Radar Detector was able to see almost 2 miles ahead of our position to pick up oncoming Ka bands, and as for POP and laser notification - we had plenty of time to slow down to avoid a ticket. Whilst not as effective as the $400 Beltronics systems available out there, this Cobra unit is a pretty high quality substitute.

Our Rating of the Cobra XRS 9845 Radar Detector
We were impressed by the Cobra XRS 9845 Radar Detector and its ability to go where no other Cobra model has gone before. With Ku support, VG-2 stealth, and an array of on board goodies, the XRS 9845 gets a well deserved 5 stars.

So what does that leave us with? We unwrapped a brand new Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar Detector and put it to the test to see what was included, and what was missing from this unit.

Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar/Laser Detector with Ultra Bright Data Display, Safety Alert and VG2/Spectre Surveillance Undetectable

• List Price: $59.95
  
• Sale Price: $34.93
  

Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
The Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar Detector does provide us with basic coverage for common radar bands, such as Ka, K, and X - but it stops well short of providing support for newer and more technically challenging bands such as Ku.

A number of laser bands - such as Lidar - are also included however once again; there are a few modern laser bands which will be missed by the unit. For a radar detector retailing at under $50 - you're actually getting value for money, given that Ka is included.

Display & Layout
In designing the Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar Detector to be as cost effective to manufacture as is physically possible, Cobra has opted out of the dynamic user display in favour of a static, backlit one.

When an applicable band is detected, the unit will sound an alarm, and light up the applicable band symbol on the front of the device. Whilst this shows you exactly which band has been detected, it doesn't go so far as to tell you how strong the signal is - unless you have the sound turned up.

Unique Technology
Despite its relatively low cost, the Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar Detector does actually have a few clever bits of technology. Take for example the 360 degree LaserEye, which is able to detect signals from all angles around the car - broadening the use of your radar detector unit.

Additionally, there are multiple sensitivity settings for different types of driving. Highway driving requires a more sensitive mode (as there are less shop alarms and false signals) whilst city driving could probably allow for the sensitivity to be let down a notch.

Performance & Range
The best way we could think to describe the range and performance of the Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar Detector would be "generally good". For the average driver, which does not need to travel long distances or spend hours in the car at one time - this radar detector will certainly do the trick.

But, for those looking for impressive on board technology and intelligence - the Cobra ESD7400 probably won't cut the mustard.

Our Rating of the Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar Detector
After weighting up all of the factors in this review such as performance, ability and price - we decided that the Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar Detector deserves a 4 star ranking. There are a lot of things missing from this product, but then again - that was to be expected for the price.

The design of the Cobra XRS R9G is fresh and innovative. The detector has three parts: the actual radar detector that you mount by the rearview mirror, the GPS locator which you mount next to the detector and a wireless control/display panel that you can mount where you wish. You'll have great access to the controls and a discreet mounting.

The radar detector unit is a simple design that has no display and just one button for power. The GPS locator connects to the radar detector and these should be placed high on the windshield near the rearview mirror.

The XRS-R9G is controlled with a small control panel called the RDU (remote display unit). On the RDU is a color graph display that is easily viewed in both daylight and at night.

Cobra XRS R9G Intelilink Wireless Remote Radar/Laser Detector

• List Price: $399.99
  
• Sale Price: $148.18
  
• Used From: $278.50
  

The Cobra XRS-R9G radar detector provides you with speed alerts, a digital compass, current speed, voice alerts and IntelliMute which will automatically mute the detector according to your speed. The unit also detects POP radar and even can support the Ku band that is used in Europe.

You're provided with 360 degree detection against all types of laser guns and the XRS R9G responds to all types of radar used by police. This unit is also immune to the VG-2 radar detector-detector and will alert you when VG-2 in in use nearby.

The radar detector itself is a simple rectangular unit with just one button for power. You receive a hard wire kit and a long straight power cord that allows you to route the cable in a discreet way so that it is not seen.

The control panel that controls the radar detector is called the RDU-short for remote display unit. Included on the RDU is a full color graphical display that is easily viewed in all lighting conditions. The functions that are on the RDU are volume control, menu, mute and more. This control panel is a wireless unit and is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery. You receive a holster with the RDU for mounting purposes and also you get attachments so that you can clip the unit on a visor or vent in your vehicle.

Cobra XRS R7 Intellilink Wireless Remote Radar/Laser Detector

• List Price: $269.99
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $103.95
  

The Cobra XRS-R7 provides you will voice alerts and an IntelliMute feature that automatically mutes the detector based on your speed. The XRS-R7 responds to every type of radar that is currently being used by police and gives you 360 degree detection against all types of laser guns. The R7 is immune to the VG-2 radar detector-detector and provides you with alert when VG-2 is being used near you.

The digital signal strength meter on the XRS R7 provides you with the relative proximity to the target.

The Cobra XRS R7. It's discreet, it's powerful and it will accurately and reliably alert you to speed traps and radar guns to get you to your destination problem-free.

The ESD 7000 detects all radar frequencies currently in use in the United States and Canada. This detector provides complete immunity to VG-2 detector-detectors and you get 360 degree detection of laser signals with this unit.

With the on board Safety Alert, you are alerted of the presence and/or approaching emergency vehicles, railroad crossing and other road hazards along your route.

With the Cobra ESD 7000, you can select the operating mode to reduce the frequency of false alerts in highly populated areas, such as garage door openers and microwave devices.

This six band detector monitors radar from the X, K, and Ka Superwide bands. If there is a radar laser gun pointed toward you, the ESD 7000 will send you an immediate alert, so you can slow down and pass the speed trap.

The Safety Alert function will let you know when there are emergency vehicles in your area. This feature will allow you to avoid traffic back ups caused by accidents and road work.

Cobra ESD 7000 6-Band ESD Radar/Laser Detector

• List Price: $59.99
  
• Sale Price: $31.99
  
• Used From: $25.00
  

The AutoMute function on the Cobra ESD 7000 automatically mutes the alert tone in City/Highway Mode, and you can quickly switch between modes to prevent the false alarms.

The Cobra ESD 7000 is effective also against Spectre 1 detectors and Laser 360. The icons on the display are bright and are easily read in all lighting conditions.

The unit is compact and discreet, and measures just 3.86 inches long by 2.76 inches wide and it weighs just 4.26 ounces. A windshield bracket is included for easy installation.

For peace of road on the mind, the Cobra ESD 7000 is an affordable and proven effective radar/laser detector that lets you enjoy your trip without worrying about speed traps along the way.