Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar Detector Review
Currently retailing for under $50 - the Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar Detector is clearly targeted to the bottom end of the radar detector market. To be fair and realistic, we shouldn't be expecting technological miracles, such as Ku, SWS, or VG-2 detection prevention to be built in - given the actual cost of this technology.
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.
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Cobra ESD7400 Performance Radar/Laser Detector with Ultra Bright Data Display, Safety Alert and VG2/Spectre Surveillance Undetectable
List Price:  
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Eligible for free shipping!
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.
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