We wanted to see whether the Whistler XTR-140 Radar Detector was any good (i.e. if it actually provided us with enough warning time and a decent on-road range) - so we put it to the test to find out!

Whistler XTR-140 Laser/Radar Detector with Exclusive Twin-Alert Periscopes

• List Price: $79.95
  
• Sale Price: $38.95
  

Whistler XTR-140 Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
The Whistler XTR-140 Radar Detector has a decent range of bands stacked in its inventory, with the common X-Band and K-Band. Unfortunately, it does not support Ka-Band which is the most commonly used wavelength for Emergency Service radars.

The device also has the optional VG-2 cloaking output, which can be turned on and off as necessary.

Display & Layout
This detector is compact, with a flat screen at the back for visibility, and 3 control buttons on the top. The alert volume control is on the left of the device - which is handy for changing whilst driving. The speaker is actually at the top of the machine, which makes for centralized alert sound distribution.

The display at the back utilizes a series of simply letters, which illuminate in different colors when different bands are detected. This is not the most sophisticated display we have come across, and it doesn't show the strength of the band detected.

Unique Technology
Whistler has incorporated a few handy pieces of technology in to this device, although nothing is exactly groundbreaking (and we wouldn't expect it to be for the price).

There are two modes - "city" and "highway" - which adjust the internal sensitivity of the sensors. In city mode, there are far fewer "false alarms" than on the more temperamental highway mode.

Performance & Range
The Whistler XTR-140 Radar Detector performs as you might expect a radar detector to perform for less than $100. The base level of detection is there, but the sophisticated extras such as the "safety warning system" and so on are lacking. In our testing, the detector was able to pick up an X-Band broadcast from a distance of 900 meters.

Our Rating of the Whistler XTR-140 Radar Detector
The Whistler XTR-140 Radar Detector is a good start if you are looking for a basic, common sense radar detector. As we have already pointed out, don't expect a whole box load of features with this machine, as you will probably come out disappointed. Still, if it's a base model you are looking for; the Whistler XTR-140 Radar Detector gets 4 stars from us, and does represent value for money.

We recently tested this machine out on the open road, and whilst it is slightly embarrassing to have to admit it, we did have to consult the user manual on the first run, to determine exactly what it was that the system was telling us. Once we understood it though, it was like a magical clairvoyant device was permanently attached to our windscreen!

Whistler XTR-695SE Enhanced High Performance Radar/Laser Detector

• List Price: $269.95
  
• Sale Price: $132.09
  
• Used From: $133.99
  

Whistler XTR-695SE Radar / Laser Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
There's no point in going through all the bands included in the Whistler XTR-695SE Radar / Laser Detector here, because all you need to know is that the machine does all of them. That's right; there is not a single exclusion.

What is more important is the way that the machine delivers the notifications. As we have already pointed out, this Whistler model steps things up a bit, and makes for a dynamic experience thanks to a system called Ka KSID. With this feature, you'll not only be provided with the overall band which has been detected, such as K, X, Ka, etc, but you will also be provided with the signal frequency and pulse rate.

This helps to determine whether or not the signal is genuinely coming from a law enforcement detector, or whether it is a false alarm such as a shop security device, or car alarm.

Unique Technology
The same applies to laser signaling as for Ka signaling. LSID, very similar to KSID, also provides laser frequencies to support decision making.

Oh, and just to throw in a few more useful features, the Whistler XTR-695SE Radar / Laser Detector also includes a digital compass, and a vehicle battery monitor - convenient!

Display & Layout
If there's anything that lets the Whistler XTR-695SE Radar / Laser Detector down, it's the very simple display. Green backlighting and a slightly smaller screen than usual are strange additions to this detector, given the quantity of information that it will have to report. However, in actual testing, the screen seems to work well, and doesn't run out of space to provide the frequency information.

Performance & Range
The Whistler XTR-695SE Radar / Laser Detector is incredible when it comes to performance, and it would be safe to say that it would easily give the likes of Beltronics and Escort a run for their money. On road testing gave advance warning with enough time to slow down (this was especially the case with the important Ka band), and after learning what the advanced signaling was telling us, we had a better insight in to what the machine was actually telling us.

Our Rating of the Whistler XTR-695SE Radar / Laser Detector
The Whistler XTR-695SE Radar / Laser Detector is a clever piece of engineering, and we've got to give credit to Whistler for creating such a user friendly device. Admittedly, it takes a bit of getting used to, but once you're used to it, you'll probably want to award it 5 stars like we have.

Recently, Whistler (the manufacturer) has undergone a few structural changes to their company, and this is in fact the first product to be released from them since this time.

So, it does well on paper, but how well does it do in reality? We put it to the test to find out.

Whistler PRO-78 SE High-Performance Radar Detector with Blue Text Display

• List Price: $229.95
  
• Sale Price: $142.94
  

Whistler PRO-78 SE Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
The Whistler PRO-78 SE Radar Detector provides protection from all of the major bands currently in use by law enforcement agencies - such as K, Ka, and the slightly newer Ku. Additionally, VG-2 and Spectre support come standard, and each of these bands noted above can be individually switched on and off.

One of the most useful functions of the PRO-78 is the band prioritization function. Usually, if two bands are detected at the same time, a typical radar detector will simply switch alerting between the two. However, the PRO-78 is unique in that it chooses the most important band, and only focuses on that one.

Display & Layout
This radar detector by Whistler seems to have taken a page out of Beltronic's design book with the Whistler PRO-78 SE model. It would appear that they have gone with a blue backlighting and blue LED user screen to give the device an added "cool" look.

User buttons have also been significantly modified from past models, and are now conveniently and elegantly positioned in groups on top of the unit.

Unique Technology
The Whistler PRO-78 SE Radar Detector provides for a number of clever technological developments, including real voice alerts when a signal is detected, an auto-dimming feature which adjusts the power of the lighting on the unit at night, and 3 individual sensitivity modes, which are able to provide different levels of detection depending on your driving location.

Performance & Range
In our tests, the Whistler PRO-78 SE Radar Detector performed above average in "line of sight" tests, where we had a Ka omitting radar advancing towards our test vehicle in a straight line. The PRO-78 SE started picking up the signal from 1,400 meters away, which is just over a mile.

In cornering tests however, the Whistler PRO-78 SE Radar Detector only scored an average mark, as it was only able to detect a Ka band from 600 meters away.

Our Rating of the Whistler PRO-78 SE Radar Detector
Overall, we feel that this "new look" Whistler product is definitely here to give the market a bit of a shakeup. Currently retailing for under $100, the Whistler PRO-78 SE Radar Detector provides all of the features found in models priced at $300 - $500, so it definitely represents value for money. We award 4.5 stars to Whistler for the PRO-78 SE model.

If this has happened to you before (or even a few times) - it's probably time you considered a product such as the Whistler RLC-100 Speed Camera Detector. So what exactly does the RLC-100 do, and how does it work? You'll have to read on to find out.

Whistler RLC-100 Red Light / Speed Camera Detector (Black)

• List Price: $139.99
  
• Sale Price: $39.95
  

Whistler RLC-100 Speed Camera Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
As we previously said, the Whistler RLC-100 Speed Camera Detector is not like other radar detectors in that it actually doesn't detect radar bands at all. Instead, the unit contains a built in GPS receiver, which connects to a minimum of 3 satellites each time it is powered on.

Once your exact location has been pinpointed, the inbuilt computer compares your location to a pre-programmed database of existing fixed-position speed cameras and red light cameras, whilst duly keeping track of your movements.

Once the system notices that you are coming within 500 meters of a known camera, it will warn you - and therefore give you plenty of time to slow down.

Display & Layout
The Whistler RLC-100 Speed Camera Detector is certainly not the most attractive machine to have stuck on your windscreen - but then again it is much more compact than other GPS receivers with the same or similar functionality.

In this model, the display resembles the face of a clock - with large digits making it very easy to see from the driver's seat.

Unique Technology
One of the things we like most about the Whistler RLC-100 Speed Camera Detector is that you get free updates to the pre-programmed database for an entire year. With the cost of the device being so low to begin with, we think that this represents tremendous value for money - and would be happy to say that this is indeed a highly competitive offering.

Performance & Range
You certainly won't miss a warning with this machine. The Whistler RLC-100 Speed Camera Detector alerts you to oncoming red light cameras and fixed-position speed cameras at a distance of 500 meters, and then again at 100 meters - so that you have a generous amount of time to reduce your speed before your vehicle is in the limelight.

Our Rating of the Whistler RLC-100 Speed Camera Detector
Because of the specialisation of this product - we found that it really does the trick well. The Whistler RLC-100 Speed Camera Detector alerted us to 3 speed cameras as we drove around town, which was a 100% success rate. Of course - if we were speeding (we weren't!) we would have had plenty of time to slow down and avoid a ticket, so 5 stars is awarded to this machine.

We decided to put this particular model to the test, to see exactly how well this cordless version could perform, given the lack of a fixed power source. Here are our findings.

Whistler XTR-540 Cordless Radar Detector with Digital Compass

• List Price: $169.95
  
• Sale Price: $99.40
  

Whistler XTR-540 Cordless Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
If you thought that the cordless design of this unit would mean less bands being searched for, you might like to think again. This device equals and even beats some of the top wired radar detectors when it comes to signal detecting selection.

K, Ka, Ku, X, Instant On, and SWS are all programmed in, and this model actually takes band detection a step further than most by allowing for future bands to be manually programmed in - technically future proofing the entire device.

Display & Layout
This is probably our favorite Whistler design so far. Based on other similar models, the Whistler XTR-540 Cordless Radar Detector is slightly more compact, and features well laid out edges and curves. Everything seems to fit together nicely, and the screen is a suitable size. Notifications are clearly displayed, whilst automatically adjusting backlighting is useful when driving at night.

Unique Technology
Probably the most radical difference between this product and others in the same price range is the new specialty "POP Mode" detection. POP, or Instant On as it is sometimes called, is an extremely difficult band for radar detectors to pick up, because the omitting device only fires a beam of light at your car for a fraction of a second - unlike wide spectrum bands such as K and Ka, which require 2 to 3 seconds of data to read your speed.

Ultimately, this means that the radar detector needs to be extremely quick to report POP signals, so that you can immediately slow down. The Whistler XTR-540 Cordless Radar Detector has you covered in this respect, with the POP Mode specifically looking for POP leakage (signal bouncing off other vehicles) at a very impressive distance.

Performance & Range
With the unique POP Mode enabled, we set out for a road test with an Instant On radar installed in another vehicle. Amazingly, the results were clear from the very first test. Not only does the machine pick up POP leakage from a huge distance, it is able to provide an incredible amount of warning - even around corners - to help you avoid a speeding ticket.

Our Rating of the Whistler XTR-540 Cordless Radar Detector
Being cordless, we went in to this review thinking that we would find a number of areas which were compromised because of the reduction in power. If anything, we found the opposite. The Whistler XTR-540 Cordless Radar Detector performed incredible well, and we are proud to be able to award it 5 very large stars.

With the Whistler XTR-695 Radar Detector, the manufacturer has clearly looked to place the model in the middle ground (no man's land), by providing the basic features by default, with many advanced features in the background which can be optionally turned on or off as necessary.

We took an in depth look at this device, putting it through our usual checklist of necessary features and specifications, to see whether or not the mixture of sophistication and simplicity was balanced or alternatively a little out of skew.

Whistler XTR-695 Laser/Radar Detector with Radar Signature ID, Laser Signature ID, 7-Color Display, Real Voice Alerts and External Audio Jack

• List Price: $249.95
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  
• Used From: $120.00
  

Whistler XTR-695 Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
Because Ka band is the most commonly used detection band employed by law enforcement agencies these days, the Whistler XTR-695 Radar Detector has a major focus on improving the range and performance of this signal in particular. The unit has a function called Ka Max, which is able to be turned on and off according to your requirements.

When off, all of the bands (X, K, Ka, etc) share the same detection strength - that is, the range for detection of all of these bands is almost identical. However, when Ka Max is switched on, the Ka detector is awarded extra power at the expense of less important bands such as X - and therefore the performance of this individual band can be significantly increased.

Display & Layout
The display screen on the Whistler XTR-695 Radar Detector is slightly bigger than other Whistler models, and this is definitely a good thing. Previously, it was a bit of a struggle to see the specifics of a notification (especially if the unit provided frequency and strength details), so this issue has been completely resolved with the XTR-695. Also, there are 7 different back light colors for you to choose from!

Additionally, the user buttons on top of the machine have been streamlined, and are now arranged in a far more logical way.

Unique Technology
There are a few added extras on this unit which we have never seen on any other radar device. One of these is the "stay alert" feature, which provides random test signals requiring a button press within a certain amount of time. We're not sure whether anyone would actually use this, but it is a clever feature to keep you awake if you're tired.

Perhaps a slightly more useful feature is the automatic battery monitor, which is able to keep an eye on your vehicle battery capacity, and switch the detector off (when not in use of course) if you forget to manually turn it off when exiting the vehicle. This certainly saves flat batteries as a result of your radar being left on overnight.

Our Rating of the Whistler XTR-695 Radar Detector
We think the Whistler XTR-695 Radar Detector finally represents an evolution of the radar detector industry, and the added features on this model clearly show that this company is not afraid of innovation and creativity. Therefore, this model gets a concrete 5 stars from us.

In the next few paragraphs, we'll reveal our findings on the testing of the PRO-3450. We took the time to install it - by the book - in our test vehicle, to see whether the exterior sensors could prove more efficient than a wind shield mounted version.

Whistler PRO-3450 Remote Installation Laser-Radar Detector with Blue Tri-Directional Display

• List Price: $329.95
  
• Sale Price: Too low to display
  

Whistler PRO-3450 Remote Installation Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
The Whistler PRO-3450 Remote Installation Radar Detector is similar to a standard radar detector in that it is able to detect the standard bands, including Ka, K, X and Laser. There are a variety of laser bands pre-programmed - including Lidar (the ultimate in speed detection technology).

The reasons for a remote installed device are obvious when you look at the actual physics behind detecting these bands. It is much easier for an externally mounted sensor to pick up a signal than a detector inside the vehicle, because there are literally no obstructions. Believe it or not, even though the windscreen is clear - it still dampens down the signal, and therefore does have a tangible effect on signalling.

Display & Layout
The rear mounted sensors are almost invisible to the naked eye. They camouflage well with the grill, and would not clearly stick out - even if you were purposely looking for them.

As for the interior display, the Whistler PRO-3450 Remote Installation Radar Detector pro screen is actually quite "cool" - with its blue back lighting and multiple user buttons to cycle through the available menus.

Probably the most important thing here is that the console is thin, flat, and compact - making it easy to position almost anywhere around the dashboard.

Unique Technology
Unfortunately, the Whistler PRO-3450 Remote Installation Radar Detector doesn't provide support for laser scrambling - and therefore we cannot refer to it as both a radar detector and scrambler. On this level, it is insuperior to similar remotely installed devices from Beltronics and Escort.

However, it's not all bad news. The device has 3 sensitivity modes (city, highway and ultra highway) - which allow you to determine how particular the sensors should be. Additionally, the stay alert feature sporadically tests driver awareness to alerting you every so often during a long trip. This is a useful feature, but not necessarily amazing.

Performance & Range
The exterior sensors do make a difference here. If there is one clear difference between a remotely installed device and a windscreen mounted device - it's the range at which you receive alerts. The Whistler PRO-3450 Remote Installation Radar Detector did tremendously well in this area.

Our Rating of the Whistler PRO-3450 Remote Installation Radar Detector
Once again, Whistler has shown that they are capable of creating a monster radar detector. This machine performs in line with our expectations, and provides appropriate technology where necessary - which ultimately adds to a final score of 5 out of 5.

However, once you compare the features with the price, the cynicism begins to subside, and the abilities of this machine become clearer. Hence, in the interests of transparency and honesty, we set out to review the XTR-265 (even though we have done so before) - to see exactly where it stands against the competition today.

Whistler XTR-265 Laser-Radar Detector (Grey)

• List Price: $89.99
  
• Sale Price: $48.52
  

Whistler XTR-265 Laser / Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
The Whistler XTR-265 Laser / Radar Detector is not totally obsolete. The machine still provides the ability to detect superwide Ka bands, and also emits the VG-2 protection signal around your vehicle to hide the presence of a radar detector.

Additionally, Whistler's patented POP mode technology is present in this model - providing superior detection of instant-on radars and POP bands (the bane of modern day driving).

Display & Layout
This is the area where the Whistler XTR-265 Laser / Radar Detector is clearly lacking. Being one of the first models in the XTR range, the design and layout is old, cluttered, and not the prettiest. The user screen is static, small, and at time, difficult to see.

It would be fair to say however, that for $50 (the approximate retail price of the machine) - elegant looks shouldn't be expected in the first place. Hence, if you are willing to forgive Whistler for their oversight in this area (not that it was an oversight at the time of design / planning) - this machine will probably be the right fit for you.

Unique Technology
There's more on board here than you might imagine at first. The 360 detector eye is mounted on top of the unit, and is able to detect bands from all around the vehicle.

A vehicle battery saver is also installed - which shuts the device down after 3 hours of "idle" processing - to conserve vehicle battery life. If you're like us, this is an invaluable addition, because we often forget to turn our radar detector off when exiting the vehicle!

Performance & Range
The performance of the Whistler XTR-265 Laser / Radar Detector is "on par with what you would expect" - as said by one of our office workers. The device will save you from a speeding ticket if the law enforcement officer is using Ka band or POP radar, however don't expect a massive "alert time" or a generous advance warning of signals. The technology for that is just simply not there.

Our Rating of the Whistler XTR-265 Laser / Radar Detector
The Whistler XTR-265 Laser / Radar Detector gets 4 stars from us. It would get less, if the price was higher. But because this is clearly a product which is targeted at the driver on a budget, we are willing to forgive Whistler for its oversights (such as not including Ku band and that horrendous design theme), and would recommend the device to anyone wanting an entry level radar detector.

In our last review of the season, we wanted to give the Whistler XTR-330 Laser / Radar Detector a decent test to see whether or not it was still a valid product in today's market. Sure - it's capable of detecting modern radar and laser signals, but does the performance and range stack up to those mid-ranged devices which retail for an extra $50 or so dollars?

Whistler XTR-330 Laser/Radar Detector with Patented POP Mode Detection

• List Price: $119.95
  
• Sale Price: $54.49
  
• Used From: $50.00
  

Whistler XTR-330 Laser / Radar Detector Specifications & Features

Band Detection
The Whistler XTR-330 Laser / Radar Detector offers support for Ka, K and X bands - but once again, Ku is nowhere to be found. This is becoming a common theme with the older Whistler products (and probably for good reason - they're older!).

What you will find though is a 360 lasereye on the top of the unit, which is able to detect signals throughout a 360 degree area. Additionally, alerting priority is a new feature which puts Ka signal notifications ahead of X or K notifications - ensuring you don't mistake a signal as "fake or annoying".

Display & Layout
You'll remember from our XTR-265 review that we didn't think much of the design of the unit. We are pleased to say that the Whistler XTR-330 Laser / Radar Detector makes significant improvements in this area, with the much needed addition of design curves and a contrasting colour theme.

The display is bigger on this model, but it is still static, and doesn't provide us with a huge amount of information about the signals being picked up. Still though, for the price, this is forgivable.

Unique Technology
Voice Alerts!!! Finally, a Whistler product which talks to us. The voice alerts provide information on the type of band which has been detected, but not the strength of the signal - which is alright. This allows you to focus on your driving, and give more attention to the preventative action you might be required to take, rather than looking at and assessing the device's screen to determine what is going on.

Performance & Range
The performance of the Whistler XTR-330 Laser / Radar Detector is impressive. We were pleased with the functioning of the notification system and voice alerts - leaving the ultimate test to be the range.

We found the XTR-330 to be fairly average in this area. Obvious, priced around $60 - we weren't expecting 2 or 3 miles of forewarning. And we didn't get that. Instead, we probably received about 1 mile or so to take action - which is still not bad. Hence, the XTR-330 does "OK" in this area.

Our Rating of the Whistler XTR-330 Laser / Radar Detector
We think that the Whistler XTR-330 Laser / Radar Detector deserves 4.5 stars. It is a clear improvement on the previous XTR models, but still leaves out some vital functionality (such as Ku band). Overall though, this is not a bad buy - especially at the current price.

Whistler's great new 'attention grabbing-feature' is on board the XTR 140. The unit will beep once every 30 to 60 seconds to test your alertness. If you don't press the designated button within 5 seconds, an alarm will sound.

You will always get the most important alert first if there are many threats picked up at one time with the Alert Priority feature. The XTR 160 also features a practical battery saving option that shuts down the detector automatically if you should forget to do so.

You get protection against X, K, Ka and Super Wideband Ka bands. You are also protected when VG-2 type of detection is near you.

Radar guns transmits signals with "Instant On" or "Pulse" features wherein the signal is not transmitted until the police officer releases the radar when the vehicle is within range. The XTR 140 can detect this type of detection to keep you from being caught in speed traps.

Whistler XTR-140 Laser/Radar Detector with Exclusive Twin-Alert Periscopes

• List Price: $79.95
  
• Sale Price: $38.95
  

You are also alerted to SWS alert bands that many emergency vehicles emit as well as road construction crews, so you'll always know when there is an approaching emergency vehicle or road work going on nearby.

With the built-in LED ALert Periscope, there is an LED light on the top of the unit that will flash to grab your attention to a threat.

The Whistler XTR 140 features both auto and manual muting. In auto mute, the detector will automatically mute or lower the volume after the first few seconds of an alert. With manual mute, you can push a button on the device to silent the warning alert.

The Whistler XTR 140 is a very reliable and effective radar detector that will alert you to speed traps along your route.