Best in its class detection range protects against all radar and laser threats. A radar detector that has Bluetooth connectivity to an app on your smartphone but leaves out a few favorite features in exchange for a friendly price, Sensitivity adjustments cannot be performed individually. Its good, does its job but it really scans every laser on the road. Detects from an alright distance. Its also easy to get a solid mounting point almost anywhere on the windshield with the dual suction cups. We do have a couple of bones to pick with the 480i in this department, though. This metric has three parts; the initial set-up, easy adjustment post initial set-up, and of course, how easy it is to understand the alerts. It does not come with all the bells and whistles, but considering the price, it's a pretty good deal. Ensure the unit is as low as possible but not obstructing its view, either to the front or rear. Maybe you wont continuously have the thing alerted you down the road but spend the extra money and get one that works. Items sold on EscortRadar.com and shipped throughout the US may be subject to tax. So, not only do you have protection from radar and laser signals, you also get advanced warnings on traffic and law enforcement cameras, speed limit signs, road hazards, accidents, and any road threat. Dont toss your old Escort unit just yet. I can see how the more expensive ones benefit by filtering out useless signals. You only really have to worry about this if youre using your radar detector in a state or vehicle where it is illegal. In-store pricing may vary. Since it false alerts often it can be challenging to focus on the road. You will still see them for sale, but we dont recommend buying one. Here are five of the best radar detector options for your vehicle. Even though it has wires, they wont be in your way because theyre strung through your cars interior to stay out of your eyesight. 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. The worlds largest database of threats and our community of drivers sharing real-time alerts. Cobra Rad 480i Premium Mount Radar/Laser Detector IVT VOICE OLED BLUETOOTH . This is a great brand. You will inevitably need to upgrade if you'd like to stay current with the devices that law enforcement uses, but this detector will do just fine for now. I don't intentionally speed, but this has detected a few speed traps and put me on extra alert to watch my speed saving me potential tickets. However, radar detectors are illegal in Virginia, Washington D.C., and most of Canada. My main issue aside from the false alerts would have to be that its supposed to block out/eliminate blind spot mirrors and vehicle avoidance systems. The RAD 480i is also VG-2 capable, meaning it can identify the infamous radar detector detector. Typically, radar detectors themselves emit a low-level signal that VG-2 can sniff out. Prices and offers are subject to change. Model: 0180009-1 | SKU: 6404074. The Cobra RAD 480i has twice the range of other radar detectors in its class. If you have a small car, putting a radar detector on the windshield might obstruct your view. Multiple sensitivity modes, location marking, and compatibility with Cobras iRadar app help make the RAD 480i a well-rounded radar detector for something in this price range. But they can be difficult to see in bright sunlight. Yes. Im still not a radar detector convert and wont be buying one for personal use, but the 480i would be on my list if I was. Even though Ive tested a few different radar detectors over the years, I still consider myself to be an amateur user, and the 480i makes it very simple to figure out whats going on. Accuracy is a two-part metric when it comes to radar detectors. It detects threats from miles away so you have more than enough time to adjust your speed. 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. Perfect for long trips, or general cruising. Some police officers use RDDs, or Radar Detector Detectors, which can detect your units signal. This model maintains the aesthetic of the, Many radar detectors today have DSP, and the, One of the best things about the Cobra RAD 480i is the access it gives to the Cobra iRadar app[. The volume scroll is on the side for easy adjustments, which is something we find convenient. 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. I typically dont like using the audio alerts, but the 480is sounds arent as alarming or intrusive as some of the other units Ive tested. Most likely, there is a patrol car waiting on the other side. This manual comes under the category Detectors and has been rated by 7 people with an average of a 9. Unfortunately, dont suggest anyone spend hard earned money on this piece of garbage until they update firmware or figure something else out. If youre interested in an affordable radar detector at this price point, check out the rest of our top picks for radar detectors under $200. A cordless radar detector gets rid of the annoying cable and remains highly portable. This is useful for people in densely populated areas, but rural areas like where I live dont have many other Cobra users floating around to fill in data on the app. The Cobra iRadar app is available for free from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (Apple). Penpen55 | Verified Purchase. The Cobra RAD 480i offers four different sensitivity levels: High, Medium, Low, and Auto. Through the iRadar app, you can view an alert history, set over speed reminders, and manage different devices (a number of other Cobra products are also compatible with the app). The downside is how the Redline 360c is one of the most expensive portable radar detectors at about $750. Unlike other radar detectors, the RAD 480i does not have a color display, opting instead for a black and white combo that is sofer on the eyes. From performance supercar windshields to ready-to-rumble Jeeps the Premium Mount will hold fast. Further road construction in Indiana sent the RAD 480i into a frenzy. The Cobra RAD 480i is a great detector for those on a budget. This guide toradar detector lawsin the United States will help if you have additional questions. While driving in Auto mode, especially on roads like I-94 and M-10 through Detroit, we would often receive a barrage of false alerts. Condition Rating. Some radar detectors are designed to sit on your dashboard, while others attach to the windshield with a suction cup. A: Inside the box, youget the Cobra RAD 480i, the windshield mounting bracket, and a power adapter. No sponsored content. I like to go fast when we go on road-trips and this saves me every time. :M=$AG,X-ns;28*GirFlIObA~)+a YM.WtlL?&dvQ To update the firmware, connect RAD 480i to your PC using a standard USB-A to USB-micro cable. There is also a mode that allows the detector's sensitivity to automatically change based on the speed . We only received one VG-2 notification during our three-week drive, and we could never visibly see the source. Overall, I found the RAD 480i to be useful and easy to operate. Some models continue to serve power through the 12V outlet (where most portable radar detectors and other accessories plug in) even though the car is turned off. However, I rarely use apps when I drive, other than Google Maps on occasion. Your RAD 480i is designed to provide you the truest alerts and minimize the distraction of { x8gLg8tI1Lo.X}E/HK#}Xyc=>N. We also report on other significant announcements in the automotive industry. The Cobra RAD 480i packs in a lot of powerful features. I think having the real-time alerts and reporting them for other drivers to see is worth the extra $50. Like the Redline 360c, the MAX 3 is also covered by Escorts ticket-free guarantee program for one year after purchase. To experiment, we ran through the same area (both north and southbound) in Low sensitivity. Sales: No, really, leave this for professionals to install because it requires wiring the unit directly into your cars electrical system. I bought a rear-view mirror mount to anchor this thing in the best possible location for laser signatures (radar experts recommend using your rear-view mirror to mount any radar detector). I cover automobiles and their impact on consumers. Yes. Cobra Electronics provides a one-year warranty from the original date of purchase. It's worked many times so far and I would recommend this product to a friend. However, if you want the best of the best, and your budget will allow it, the Redline 360c is worth every penny. Why is it a Best-Seller? The latest devices do more than just alert you to the presence of law enforcement and may even be able to help you or your teen driver stay safe. It might sound confusing as described, but the OLED display of the RAD 480i is crystal clear. See More Info on the Cobra iRadar Community. 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. To be fair, other radar detectors do the same and you can filter out K band detection, but its confusing nonetheless. Although the visible displays are different, the main selling point of the Cobra RAD 480i over the RAD 380 is the iRadar app compatibility. User rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars with 462 reviews. The tones will become faster for X, K, and Ka bands as you approach the source, whereas a laser alert will be more sudden and direct by contrast. The Cobra RAD 480i is one of Cobra's newest upgrades in their radar/laser detector family. Join a community of 3.5 million driving enthusiasts sharing and receiving over 100 million real-time alerts each year. endobj When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. All products purchased factory direct come with a 30-day money back guarantee. The Cobra RAD 480i offers four different sensitivity levels: High, Medium, Low, and Auto. The closer the bar moves to the left, the closer you are to the iRadar alert. Although it will depend on your preferences, the iRadar app is a nice bonus. 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 Its simple to understand and has less of a learning curve than other radar detectors Ive tested. Although the screen is small, its very easy to decipher between multiple threats at the same time. Do you have a question about the Cobra RAD 480i or do you need help? Price Checker. As such, for this three-week drive and subsequent review of the RAD 480i, Cobras iRadar app had little competition on my phone. The downsides to hard-wiring? It has an ultra-fast long range protection, voice alerts, Bluetooth connectivity, and next-level IVT filtering for significantly less false alerts on the road. This is a great feature and usually goes along with the ability to lockout certain locations, but that's unfortunately not a feature this detector offers. Great Unit On High mode goes off a lot which is explained in directions but definitely Lights the Ka band up from around corners and far distances. 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. stream 800-543-1608 Option 3 This device has saved a few traffic awards and is very useful at detecting all different types of alerts at great distances! Plus, the best radar detectors will have some kind of stealth technology to hide you from RDDs. Join our community to stay up to date on cool car stuff and updates every few days: Audi activesphere Debuts With Futuristic Interior, Self-Driving Mode & Off-Road Muscle, Porsche 911 GT3 RS Tribute to Carrera RS Package: Saluting The Most Iconic 911. When you Connect your camera, the app will check if a newer firmware update is available on the server. You can access these modes via the Menu button on top of the unit. The interactive map makes it easy to, Hello my name is Gloria, I had another one for many years and it broke down, I just bought this one from the same brand and it works very well, I recommend it 100%, One of the best so far i got is really good and nice and it doest the job right, Im so grateful for this product! It also allows users to mark locations. 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. or to medium and low sensitivity settings. This is us talking shop and talking cars. The GPS capabilities are great for displaying the speed limit, your current speed, and warning you of any red light or speed cameras in the area. The laser detection and range are pretty good, and the false alarms are minimal, thanks to four different filter settings. Otherwise, you can grab the RAD 480i through Cobras official website for $149.95. RAD 480i Features Windshield Mounting Option Assemble Suction Cup Bracket Adjust Suction Cup Bracket to ensure your RAD 480i has a level view of the road Overall, it provides a great and reliable performance to help any driver avoid speeding tickets. This device is far from perfect in the accuracy realm and false alerts a lot, but it does okay for the price. If you find one of their products, including the Redline 360c, advertised at a better price online, they will honor it up to a month after the original purchase. From there, a black warning bar serves as a count down of sorts, working from right to left. The RAD 380 rarely, if ever, interrupted us with false alerts. Will the New Jeep EV Lineup Deter Longtime Fans. Previous firmware releases also include improvements to fix screen freezing, BlueTooth Communication, and general fixes. Without enough time to slow down, radar detectors are rather useless devices. Otherwise, as a private citizen, unless you live in Virginia or D.C., its okay to have a radar detector in your vehicle. Will you get decent alerts without Bluetooth? Here we showcase the latest makes and models, often before they hit the market. Run (double click on Cobra_RAD_480i_Update_Installer_V1.0.exe) to install onto your PC and follow the InstallShield Wizard instructions. 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