Whistler XTR-140 Radar Detector Review
If you're looking for a low cost, value for money radar detector, the Whistler XTR-140 Radar Detector could be just the device for you. Retailing for under $100, this detector has everything you would expect from a standard radar detector, without all the bells and whistles, for a fraction of the price of some of the more popular brands.
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!
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Whistler XTR-140 Laser/Radar Detector with Exclusive Twin Alert Periscopes
List Price: 3 new from $68.88  
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Eligible for free shipping!
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.
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