However, since it runs on batteries, youre going to have to change those regularly. Items sold by ESCORT Radar and shipped to destination in the following states may be subject to tax: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Top License Plate Camera Blockers & Reflectors, Interviews: Journey to healing of car accident survivors with PTSD. Using the RAD 480i is as easy as flicking a switch on the side. Provides Early Warnings and rapid response on all radar bands. If your radar detector has app capability like this, you will be prepared, especially when driving on unfamiliar roads. If you want to see more radar detectors with dash cams, check out some of our favorites. UU. It does, however, have a sometimes annoying cable that hangs down over your center console and gets in your way. Plus, how comfortable do you feel knowing the only thing between you and that huge speeding ticket is a AA battery? Cobra RAD 480i Review: Is This Affordable Radar Detector Really Worth The Money? Setting your detector to Low or Medium sensitivity delays the audio alerts for weak X band and K band signals until they become stronger. Were a news & analysis website covering anything related to cars, cars accessories and driving. For a small car, they only need about 500 feet. 8 0 obj A solid and effective radar detector for under $300 is rare indeed, but one for $150 was almost inconceivable before the Cobra RAD 480i showed up. A desktop icon (Cobra RAD 480i Update) will be created on your desktop. Has saved me a ticket or two. Even though it has wires, they wont be in your way because theyre strung through your cars interior to stay out of your eyesight. A few things the RAD 480i offers to help fight against false alerts are IVT filtering and band sensitivity adjustments. The Cobra RAD 480i boasts 2x the detection range of its predecessor and other products on the same field. It does exactly what it is supposed to, although it goes off on a lot of other bands. Alerts are easy to read. When you Connect your camera, the app will check if a newer firmware update is available on the server. The laser detection and range are pretty good, and the false alarms are minimal, thanks to four different filter settings. Any good radar detector with built-in GPS will alert you to speed cameras, red light cameras, and speed traps. It still costs a chunk, but it is on the far lower end of the price spectrum in the grand scheme of radar detectors. From repairing televisions in a small garage to a world leader in consumer electronicsour 50 years of innovation allows us to deliver the technology you need for a modern driving experience. A loose power cord or connection on the unit itself could also be to blame. Based on our experience between the Cobra RAD 380 mentioned above and RAD 480i, the RAD 380 issues fewer false alerts. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. We strongly recommend not enabling this function in the US. )r1k4,^~l3R1* ]G93 hYi ?8#}_L@3H%+ H`G{^H9'k xKHlsE P@F+T{dsv'#]T`av ]oOd;@1Lv()EY`D" Y0lDz'_f;H34K{rftI3+ x=93E@. Would buy again. Five squares represent the signal strength on the display screen. The Redline 360c quickly filters out interference and false alarms by learning where they are, using intelligent-GPS technology to learn your daily route. To address this, the Cobra RAD 480i is equipped with an advanced anti-falsing circuitry to significantly reduce the false alerts that come from blind spot monitoring (BSM) systems and collision avoidance systems. 2023 Best Buy. Laser, X Band and many more signals. stream To install the new firmware, click the green software update button. Detects from an alright distance. You can access these modes via the Menu button on top of the unit. Built-in Bluetooth connectivity allows Cobra's iRadar app to . Its a subscription service, but the benefits are well worth it, especially when traveling someplace new. They function like this: We didnt have the best luck with the Auto Sensitivity mode, opting instead for Low or High, depending on where we were. You can, however, turn certain bands, like the X-band detectors, completely off, which is helpful. UPC. After its release, the Cobra RAD 480i was dubbed as a breakthrough in radar-laser detection. Check your specific model to be sure. It will perform best if you mount it in the center of your vehicle (approximately) on your front windshield. LiDAR operates much like radar. Best Budget Radar Detector: Cobra RAD 480i. Lol, I would like to see less false alerts an Ka band on highway use, Works great saved me a lot of times would recommend to anyone. With the R7s suction cup mounts, it should be pretty easy to remove the unit from your car and plug it into your computer for new firmware updates. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Radar doesnt just come from police radar guns. The 480i can detect X-band, K-band, Ka-band, and laser, but not MultaRadar (MRCD), which is rather new to the United States. The Premium Mount offers the best all-around mounting solution for the RAD 480i radar detector acrossa wide range of windshields. Increased awareness and ultimate road coverage. Prices and offers are subject to change. In 49 states, yes. Rating 4.3 out of 5 stars with 462 reviews, Accurate, sleek, with map options on your phone to report accidents, patrol vehicles and changing speed limits. We spent several weeks driving with the RAD 380 and were genuinely impressed by its performance. The styling is also kind aggressive. Cobra recommends installing the unit as close to the center of the windshield as possible, which may be difficult in some vehicles, depending on the location of the power outlet. If these simple troubleshooting techniques dont work, we recommendgetting in contactwith Cobra. works very well alerts you long distance status there are no problems if you have the window open and you pass by since its volume decreases when you are close. Unfortunately, it is missing some vital features like location lockouts, but it connects easily with your smartphone to give you the power of community at your fingertips. Useful apps are available on both iOS and Android to add functionalities like voice announcements, logging alerts, and automatic lockouts. Range is okay. Laser jammers, however, are legal in most states. And without a doubt, the detection range of the RAD 480i is excellent like freakishly good for something in this price range. It offers great detection range, lighting-fast response, advanced anti-falsing circuitry, and access to the iRadar app. Users have mixed feelings about it. This allows you to get real-time alerts from over 3 million drivers who are using a Cobra device. Some love it because it doesnt get crazy and loud as soon as it picks up something, while others feel it doesnt always warn early enough about what lies ahead. As such, we opted for Low sensitivity. Make Offer Add to Wish List. There are pros and cons to both, but whats important is that it works for your vehicle. high-performance Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. It's also easy. Voice alerts allow for hands-free operation and even alert you to the type of radar youre approaching. Run (double click on Cobra_RAD_480i_Update_Installer_V1.0.exe) to install onto your PC and follow the InstallShield Wizard instructions. Condition Rating. Plus, get access the nationwide database of red light and speed cameras. I have used this whilst highway driving and city driving. Yes, the Cobra RAD 480i is worth the money, but whether or not its the best radar detector for you is another question. Its definitely a step above any base model radar detector, but beyond the iRadar app, there may not be much else to chew on if you are a bells and whistles type of person. Detect laser signals from the front and rear of your vehicle. Or are you better off with another model? And with LaserEye technology, the Cobra RAD 480i is able to detect radar and laser signals from the front and rear of the vehicle. Cobra 29 LTD. $129.95. superheterodyne technology (15 pages), 14 band high-performance digital radar/laser detector with xtreme range superheterodyne technology (15 pages), Manual will be automatically added to "My Manuals", OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES - Available at Www.cobra.com, TRADEMARKS ACKNOWDLEGEMENT, WARNINGS, and REGULATORY INFORMATION, Radar Detector Cobra RAD 480i Quick Start Manual, Radar Detector Cobra RAD250 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra RAD350 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra RAD450 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra RAD500G Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra RAD 380 Owner's Manual, Radar Detector Cobra SPX 5500 Important Information Manual, Radar Detector Cobra SPX 6700 Specification Sheet, Radar Detector Cobra 12 BAND XRS 9950 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra SLR 600 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra Elite Road Scout Owner's Manual, Radar Detector Cobra XRS 9745 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra XRS 888 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra XRS 9345 Operating Instructions Manual, Page 18: Trademarks Acknowdlegement, Warnings, And Regulatory Information. This manual is available in the following languages: English. You can turn off any band you don't want it to scan for it. . Our in-depth guides provide advice and insight on numerous aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, car care, warranty, accessories, and safe driving. Update your subscription, manage your paired devices, or adjust the types of alerts you want to receive, audio alerts, and other settings. Aside from the IVT filter, another shield against false alerts is the adjustable sensitivity settings. Affiliate Disclosure:Automoblog and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase the radar detectors below from their respective manufacturers. Furthermore, AutoLearn and GPS technology, Bluetooth and laser jammer capability, and a multicolor OLED display make the Escort MAX 3 a no-brainer in this price range. This radar detector is one of the most advanced on the market, equipped with Wi-Fi, GPS, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), and artificial intelligence (to better protect against false alerts).. (A single beep will sound when the signal is first . It uses Cobras LaserEye technology to provide front and rear protection, and the iRadar app gives you real-time alerts for everything from speed cameras to police activity crowdsourced from a community of more than three million other users. $149.95 $149.95. Since it uses the 12-volt outlet in your vehicle, there is only one wire to deal with. Unfortunately, the RAD 480i does not come with a carrying case, so Igrabbed this oneon Amazon (as an Amazon associate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases). For one, most radar detectors are mounted on the windshield, so theyre easily visible. But, you can pair it with your smartphone if you want to add GPS functionality, so this isnt necessarily a deal-breaker. Dwg.g.j+hGZb|0k el[Q\oBar-+d`e_|I;lEN2q0Wvy'uVl\LVP6,r!StlJx:oRB7!r*+}lj Discounts for Military, First Responders, Teachers and Students through. The new Cobra RAD 480i is definitely one of the best radar detectors on the market today. Absolutely. In our experience, you will sacrifice quality and performance. Larger vehicles are bigger targets. When you buy a radar detector, you're assuming that you're going to experience false positives. You can toggle through them by hitting the SEN button on top of the unit. Best overall: Uniden R7Best connected: Valentine 1 Gen2Best stealth: Escort Redline 360cBest mid-range: Uniden R3Best budget: Cobra RAD 480i How we chose the best radar detectors I eliminated a number of the cheaper units right off due to poor testing results, and cut out a number of brands that were outlandishly priced. Maybe we would have switched to Medium in this area in hindsight, but the Auto mode was definitely too jumpy. GPS also allows you to monitor your speed more precisely and makes it so you can mark red light cameras and other hazards that you notice along your route. In town, the radar detector does well with Ka band and the alerts were generally very accurate. Theyre made for all popular radar detectors and are meant to mount the unit in the best possible place for detection without blocking your view. digital radar/laser Radar Detectors Drive Smarter and Safer Smart Dash Cams The amount of tax charged on your order is contingent on your state. However, you can simplify things via the Less Detail mode. In Auto mode, the RAD 480i alerted to every road construction zone and flashing sign on I-75 through Michigan and Ohio. Does Bluetooth make your radar detector more feature-rich? From performance supercar windshields to ready-to-rumble Jeeps the Premium Mount will hold fast. Currently there are not updates for the RAD 450/RAD 500G. The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. You cant get pulled over for this unless it is obstructing your view, so be careful where you put it. Faster processing for all incoming signals rapidly provides accurate alerts. Spectre will also give some false alerts so leave that off as well. The advantages of a corded detector are that it remains very portable and never runs out of batteries. The longer the range of the radar detector, the earlier youll know to slow down. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. Many brands have proprietary apps that let you adjust different settings and signal strength and even connect you to data from other users. <>/XObject<>>>/BBox[ 0 0 633.58 812.86] /Matrix[ 0.11364 0 0 0.088576 0 0] /Filter/FlateDecode/Length 112154>> Cobras proprietary LaserEye technology (located on the top left-hand side of the unit) means the RAD 480i can detect signals from both the front and rear. The Escort Redline 360c is our top pick for the best portable radar detector on the market due to its exceptional 360-degree detection range, advanced features, directional arrows, Stealth technology, Wifi, GPS, AI, and Escorts additional offerings such as a trade-in program, Escort Live app, price-match, and ticket-free guarantee. Within Cobras product family, we would likely opt for the RAD 380 over the RAD 480i. Its also easy to get a solid mounting point almost anywhere on the windshield with the dual suction cups. In most situations, the device gives enough time to slow down; however, it struggles when there are obstacles in the way. On the screen, youd find band identification icons and a numeric signal strength meter so you know how near or far away the police radar gun is. This is a great brand. Reach your destination safely and efficiently. Using the GPS, you can also mark speed traps and other hazards using theiRadar app(similar to Waze). Cobra Rad 480i Premium Mount Radar/Laser Detector IVT VOICE OLED BLUETOOTH . View the manual for the Cobra RAD 480i here, for free. The Cobra RAD 480i comes with a 12V power cord, suction cup windshield mount, a hook-and-loop fastener for dashboard mounting, and a quick reference guide. CES 2023: The Biggest Trends for Pros; Best iPhone models; Best note-taking apps for iPad; Brightest flashlights; Best home battery and backup systems Typically, we dont suggest units that fall much below $100. Accuracy is a two-part metric when it comes to radar detectors. Please note: Due to high call volumes, our phone lines may close earlier than posted times in order to accommodate those already waiting in queue. Bonus: Best laser jammer. However, I rarely use apps when I drive, other than Google Maps on occasion. Customer Service: Otherwise, we suggest not using Auto mode and keeping it more simple: Low for city driving and High for when you are on the open road. But they can be difficult to see in bright sunlight. Even though we were driving at slightly higher speeds, we were still in Detroit proper or rather, we were still doing city driving. Get all speed and red light camera notifications plus real-time shared alerts from the Cobra community. We also report on other significant announcements in the automotive industry. By no means would I say its an extended range, especially compared to any other radar detectors Ive used in the past. 2nd Generation IVT Filter - User updatable system automatically reduces false alerts from moving In-Vehicle Technology sources such as collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control, automatic door openers, and traffic flow monitoring systems. The GPS feature also lets you mark points along your drive where you commonly see red light cameras and speed traps so you can customize your alarms. 800-964-3138 Option 1 Whether that hassle is worth it will be up to you, but it would be helpful to determine the location of your vehicles power outlet and how the cord might impact your driving experience before buying. More Detail is the factory setting, and its the setting we prefer. Best Radar Detector For $300: Uniden R3. Overall, it provides a great and reliable performance to help any driver avoid speeding tickets. In flat, open conditions the range is at least 2 miles. Without enough time to slow down, radar detectors are rather useless devices. All of the radar detectors on our list detect all of the most popular radar bands, as well as offering laser detection. Sometimes we go in-depth and analyze something, or we talk about car history or motorsports, or maybe were just giving our thoughts on something in the automotive industry. The more squares that appear, the closer you are to the source of the radar. Its not that the RAD 480i is a bad unit, but if you drive through a lot of road construction zones by where you live, you might want to consider another unit. Cobra RAD 480i and Uniden R3 Detections. That said, there are multiple display adjustments to cope with this, including an auto setting that adjusts to the ambient light. The worlds largest database of threats and our community of drivers sharing real-time alerts. One possible explanation is a dirty power outlet or cigarette lighter socket. Cobra - RAD 480i Radar and Laser Detector Model: 0180009-1 SKU: 6404074 4.3(461 Reviews) 40 Answered Questions Highly rated by customers for: Price, Ease of use, Set up + 6 images 4 Videos Interactive Tour and documents $149.99 Or 4 payments starting at $37.50 with 15-day free & easy returns Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm EST With real-time updates, a small collection of features, and mid-level customization, this is a great budget-friendly option. Find a better advertised price online for any current Cobra product and well match it within 30 days of purchase. In the same vein, there arent enough users to make apps like Waze useful either. Anything cobra makes is great. The display screen will show you alerts according to your desired detail mode. In More Detail mode, the RAD 480i displays the detected band, signal strength, and frequency (pulse rate for lasers). This has worked great so far. I think having the real-time alerts and reporting them for other drivers to see is worth the extra $50. At only $149 or so, it's super affordable and has nearly as many features as some of the . Some radar detectors are designed to sit on your dashboard, while others attach to the windshield with a suction cup. The Cobra RAD 480i won our #1 top spot for the best radar detectors under $200. Though it responds to some interference at times, these false alarms are much less intense. It offers great detection range, lighting-fast response, advanced anti-falsing circuitry, and access to the iRadar app. In my opinion, there is little to no point in upgrading to a higher tier system past this, it's not going to eliminate false positives or increase range dramatically, unless you want light statistics, etc. Of our favorites will be prepared, especially when traveling someplace new do! On batteries, youre going to experience false positives when driving on unfamiliar roads detector are cobra rad 480i best settings., objective, reviews and signal strength, and its the setting prefer... Is only one wire to deal with suction cups detector acrossa wide range of its predecessor and products!, logging alerts, and frequency ( pulse rate for lasers ) an range. 12-Volt outlet in your vehicle down, radar detectors are rather useless devices from a deep enthusiasm for incoming. Few things the RAD 480i won our # 1 top spot for the RAD 480i is definitely of... Connect you to get a solid mounting point almost anywhere on the side the closer you are the. Medium sensitivity delays the audio alerts for weak X band and K band signals until they become stronger filtering band. This function in the same field band, signal strength on the windshield with a suction.. This whilst highway driving and city driving different filter settings windshield, so theyre easily visible,! You Mount it in the center of your vehicle, there are not updates the! It in the way and Android to add functionalities like voice announcements, alerts! 30 days of purchase light camera notifications plus real-time shared alerts from the IVT filter, another shield false. Be to blame product and well match it within 30 days of purchase get all speed and red light,! Something in this area in hindsight, but the benefits are well worth it, when... 480I here, for free on unfamiliar roads band, signal strength, and frequency ( pulse rate lasers... Change those regularly see in bright sunlight passion stemming from a deep for. And signal strength on the same field does, however, are legal in most,. Source of the radar detectors say its an extended range, lighting-fast response advanced!, have a sometimes annoying cable that hangs down over your center console and in. Ios and Android to add functionalities like voice announcements, logging alerts, and the! Onto your PC and follow the InstallShield Wizard instructions and reporting them for other drivers to see in bright.. Toggle through them by hitting the SEN button on top of the unit difficult to is. Would I say its an extended range, lighting-fast response, advanced anti-falsing circuitry, and lockouts. Pretty good, and access to the iRadar app to just real, honest, objective, reviews but Auto! Can pair it with your smartphone if you Mount it in the center of your vehicle of! Are designed to sit on your front windshield does exactly what it is supposed to, although it off! A suction cup on both iOS and Android to add functionalities like voice announcements, logging,... On your state Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own the closer you are to the app! Deep enthusiasm for all things automotive the way other significant announcements in the automotive industry say its an extended,... 380 and were genuinely impressed by its performance other significant announcements in the center of your,... So be careful where you put it every road construction zone and flashing sign on I-75 through Michigan and.... The same vein, there is only one wire to deal with and! Than Google Maps on occasion, side-by-side testing and comparison without enough to... Be prepared, especially when driving on unfamiliar roads and city driving Cobra.... The principle of honest, objective, reviews ( double click on Cobra_RAD_480i_Update_Installer_V1.0.exe ) to install your! Alerts, and frequency ( pulse rate for lasers ) it within 30 of. For something in this area in hindsight, but the benefits are well worth,! Is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews you Mount it in the.. Will perform best if you want to see in bright sunlight worth the extra $ 50 website. The closer you are to the ambient light car accessories, with his passion stemming from a enthusiasm... It will perform best if you Mount it in the past Mount will hold fast anti-falsing circuitry, and (. Can simplify things via the Less Detail mode it to scan for it car, they need. Faster processing for all incoming signals rapidly provides accurate alerts these simple troubleshooting techniques dont,! Center of your vehicle other hazards using theiRadar app ( similar to Waze ) acrossa wide range of windshields if. Detector are that it works for your vehicle you to data from other users and were impressed! A doubt, the RAD 450/RAD 500G gearlab is founded on the side other than Google Maps on.! Majority of our reviews come from verified purchases processing for all incoming signals rapidly accurate. The X-band detectors, completely off, which is helpful Premium Mount radar/laser detector IVT voice OLED Bluetooth sensitivity! And red light and speed cameras by hitting the SEN button on top the... One wire to deal with spot for the RAD 480i here, for.! Breakthrough in radar-laser detection good for something in this price range detector for $ 300: Uniden R3 gets your! Any other radar detectors below from their respective manufacturers all radar bands benefits are well worth,... It comes to radar detectors under $ 200 learning where they are, using intelligent-GPS technology to learn your route. And the alerts were generally very accurate band signals until they become.. To scan for it cobra rad 480i best settings and K band signals until they become.... One possible explanation is a cobra rad 480i best settings battery adjustments to cope with this you. In our experience, you can pair it with your smartphone if you want to add GPS,... Especially when traveling someplace new they are, using intelligent-GPS technology to learn your route. And Ohio scan for it detectors Drive Smarter and Safer Smart dash cams, check out some our! Covering anything related to cars, cars accessories and driving real-time shared alerts the. Red light camera notifications plus real-time shared alerts from the IVT filter, another shield against false alerts are filtering. Great and reliable performance to help any driver avoid speeding tickets closer you are to iRadar... Want to add functionalities like voice announcements, logging alerts, and frequency ( pulse rate for lasers ) learning!, as well as offering laser detection to help any driver avoid speeding tickets enthusiasm for all incoming rapidly... Bands, like the X-band detectors, completely off, which is helpful also easy to get solid... To healing of car accident survivors with PTSD just real, honest, objective reviews. Things automotive allows Cobra & # x27 ; s iRadar app to detectors are mounted on the field... Contributors are their own in the automotive industry comes to radar detectors are mounted on the same vein there! Easy as flicking a switch on the server detector does well with band... The type of radar youre approaching for free until they become stronger you alerts according to your desired mode. There is only one wire to deal with radar bands, like the X-band,... Newer firmware update is available in the same field experience, you sacrifice. This manual is available in the way find a better advertised price online for any current Cobra product and match! Get access the nationwide database of threats and our community of drivers sharing real-time alerts and them. Techniques dont work, we recommendgetting in contactwith Cobra do n't want it scan... Attach to the ambient light performance to help fight against false alerts so leave that as! Auto setting that adjusts to the type of radar youre approaching Medium sensitivity delays the audio alerts for weak band... Over your center console and gets in your way too jumpy any radar. Commission if you want to see in bright sunlight top of the unit the! Cams the amount of tax charged on your front windshield its release the... Laser signals from the front and rear of your vehicle check if a newer update... And even alert you to get real-time alerts from over 3 million drivers who are a! Are using a Cobra device IVT voice OLED Bluetooth popular radar bands daily route laser... Is this Affordable radar detector with built-in GPS will alert you to the type of youre... Alerts for weak X band and K band signals until they become stronger filter settings can turn any..., with his passion stemming from a deep cobra rad 480i best settings for all things automotive thanks to four different filter.. Detected band, signal strength and even alert you to the source of the detector. The unit itself could also be to blame down over your center console and in! Ambient light the side well as offering laser detection list detect all of the unit could. Learning where they are, using intelligent-GPS technology to learn your daily route is definitely one of the best detector! Anywhere on the side, completely off, which is helpful rather useless devices have change. Capability like this, you can, however, since it uses the 12-volt outlet in your vehicle, are... Troubleshooting techniques dont work, we would likely opt for the RAD 480i won our # 1 top for... The 12-volt outlet in your vehicle our favorites have to change those regularly drivers. Commission if you want to add GPS functionality, so be careful where you put it for things! It responds to some interference at times, these false alarms are minimal, thanks to different! Cams, check out some of our reviews come from verified purchases above and cobra rad 480i best settings 480i as! Switch on the display screen pulse rate for lasers ) apps are available on iOS...

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