Are they really going to save you from a speeding ticket, or are they just another fancy gadget to show off inside your car? You will still see them for sale, but we dont recommend buying one. Q: Whats the difference between the Cobra RAD 480i and the RAD 380? Check your specific model to be sure. Front and rear laser detection, different sensitivity modes, and real-time alerts via the iRadar app: just a few of the features that make the Cobra RAD 480i portable radar and laser detector a near-steal at about $150. 4 Master Pack TBD Dimensions Master Pack Weight TBD UPC # 028377 10786 3 Master Pack Barcode 1 0028377 10786 0 www.cobra.com Model # Cobra RAD 480i GENERAL PRODUCT LAUNCH INFO Product price (MSRP/MAP) 2020 Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707, USA. To answer that, it depends on what apps (if any) you are most likely to use when you drive. All rights reserved. Most likely, there is a patrol car waiting on the other side. The black and gray really suits this radar detector well, and it blends in perfectly with the vehicle interior. But, you can pair it with your smartphone if you want to add GPS functionality, so this isnt necessarily a deal-breaker. Yes, the Cobra RAD 480i is worth the money, but whether or not its the best radar detector for you is another question. The RAD 480i doesn't have award winning range, but gets the job done. Ultra-high performance digital radar/laser detector (15 pages), Supercharged long-range radar/laser detectors (14 pages), 2-in-1 radar detector and dash camera (19 pages), 15 band ultra performance digital radar/laser detector with xtreme range superheterodyne technology (21 pages), 14 band Overall, it provides a great and reliable performance to help any driver avoid speeding tickets. Cobra Rad 480i Premium Mount Radar/Laser Detector IVT VOICE OLED BLUETOOTH . I personally enjoyed the iRadar app while driving. 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. Beyond the fact that Im a gadget nerd and enjoy playing with technology of all sorts, its always interesting to test new automotive accessories, no matter what they are. If youre looking to get the best bang for the buck, we recommend the Uniden R3. We suggest using BlendMounts custom-fit mounts. As such, for this three-week drive and subsequent review of the RAD 480i, Cobras iRadar app had little competition on my phone. You get an early notification so you can slow down before your speed is recorded, thus avoiding that speeding ticket. You should be able to save about $150 going with the MAX 360c over the Redline 360c. Is it as powerful and robust as the Uniden R7? Lets start with the radar detector. This is us talking shop and talking cars. Other reviews we read before our three-week drive supported this as well. You also receive access to theDefender Databasethrough the Escort Live app. w4 'CqO viRXkp#SvT8A g+{~PZ^y^idp)ZCkeg@vJ^j=l^gt8j%xues1C~9MhlIF #P5,=!kd/66{CPzaa!k>lYS.%!k Although the screen is small, its very easy to decipher between multiple threats at the same time. In the Subaru and Honda, the 480is power cord and mounting position worked out well with the location of the 12-volt outlet, but in the Cadillac there was a bit of annoyance stretching the cord and then having it draped across the infotainment screen and controls. Range is the showpiece of this radar detector, and our road tests reflect that as well. Whether youre shopping for a new car, looking for the latest products, or wanting something to spruce up the man cave, youll find our review of it here. Affiliate Disclosure:Automoblog and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase the radar detectors below from their respective manufacturers. We went to a family wedding in Bryant, Indiana, about a 200-mile drive from Detroit. OLEDs last a long time, which is a perk. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. $149.95 $149.95. The Uniden R3 offers X, K, and Ka-band driver-set sensitivity levels, MRCD/MRCT detection, and an auto-dimming feature. Zero audio alerts going there as the 50 kph Mute setting was hardly breached in traffic. 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). ?~ nx9e This is not a lot of time to slow down, so you need a radar detector that alerts you as soon as possible. Note that enabling K Low will increase the amount of K band false alerts you receive. The downside is how the Redline 360c is one of the most expensive portable radar detectors at about $750. I think having the real-time alerts and reporting them for other drivers to see is worth the extra $50. And with a retail price of $149.95, its easy to justify the cost of the Cobra RAD 480i. Any commissions received by us come at no extra cost to you. From performance supercar windshields to ready-to-rumble Jeeps the Premium Mount will hold fast. There are pros and cons to both, but whats important is that it works for your vehicle. The Cobra RAD 480i and Uniden R3 detect X, K, Ka, and LiDAR guns. Cobra RAD 480i $149.95 Premium Mount $29.95 $179.90 The Premium Mount offers the best all-around mounting solution for the RAD 480i radar detector across a wide range of windshields. Download Drive Smarter It also knows the difference between static and LIVE laser signatures. After the installation is complete, you will receive a pop-up windows indicating your RAD 480i is up to date. Whether youre shopping for a new car, looking for the latest products, or wanting something to spruce up the man cave, youll find our review of it here. I prefer the windshield mount as the hook-and-loop fastener makes it impossible to adjust the angle of the RAD 480i. endobj Long-range performance and sensitivity are excellent, giving you more range and earlier warnings via LNA technology (Valentine calls this a signal magnifier). You give up all portability this way, and its typically more expensive. Many brands have proprietary apps that let you adjust different settings and signal strength and even connect you to data from other users. Would buy again. Verified Purchase | Posted 3 months ago. This manual is available in the following languages: English. BEST BUY, the BEST BUY logo, the tag design, and MY BEST BUY are trademarks of Best Buy and its affiliated companies. Typically, we dont suggest units that fall much below $100. Let us know! You may be driving on the highway, around town, or within the city. Adjust sensitivity and filtering modes to control how many notifications you receive. 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. This device is far from perfect in the accuracy realm and false alerts a lot, but it does okay for the price. Good coverage. Its been tested in a 2017 Honda Civic equipped with auto braking/lane keep assist and all I can say is Im almost positive most of the false alerts Im getting are from my car. So I've had this radar for about 3 months now, and I can tell you that it has already saved me hundreds of dollars on speeding tickets. Perfect for long trips, or general cruising. However, the RAD 480i does not give off this signal, making it invisible to radar detector detectors (which likely explains why the default factory setting for VG-2 is off). Best Radar Detector Overall: Uniden R7. Cobra RAD 480i Review: Is This Affordable Radar Detector Really Worth The Money? Got feedback? Anything cobra makes is great. { x8gLg8tI1Lo.X}E/HK#}Xyc=>N. Please note that road conditions (hills and curves) can affect the range. Will you get decent alerts without Bluetooth? Here we showcase the latest makes and models, often before they hit the market. My wife, however, frequently uses Waze and believes the iRadar app is not worth the extra $50. The Cobra RAD 480i won our #1 top spot for the best radar detectors under $200. I dont own a radar detector, and even though Im lucky enough to test some of the fastest vehicles money can buy, I dont stretch them out on public roads. After its release, the Cobra RAD 480i was dubbed as a breakthrough in radar-laser detection. Many things could potentially set a radar detector off in that particular area, most notably Henry Ford Hospital and a police precinct (no joke; Detroits 3rd precinct is right there on West Grand Boulevard). 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. The Premium Mount offers the best all-around mounting solution for the RAD 480i radar detector acrossa wide range of windshields. $1,699 at AL Priority. In-Vehicle Technology sources such as collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control, automatic door openers, and traffic flow monitoring systems. The Valentine One Gen2 also has a ramp-up feature, which slowly increases the alarms intensity as you near the source. To experiment, we ran through the same area (both north and southbound) in Low sensitivity. To ensure that you only hear the alerts you need to hear, the Cobra RAD 480i has a sensitivity button so you can adjust the sensitivity and filtering modes according to the situation. Laser jammers, however, are legal in most states. Any good radar detector with built-in GPS will alert you to speed cameras, red light cameras, and speed traps. In most situations, the device gives enough time to slow down; however, it struggles when there are obstacles in the way. As for the 1080p dashcam, its pretty good, too. Customer Service: GPS is handy in a radar detector. They can come from the cars around you and other sources as well. 6 0 obj One of the biggest questions about radar detectors is if they are worth the money. Discounts for Military, First Responders, Teachers and Students through. This is a great brand. William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. Will the New Jeep EV Lineup Deter Longtime Fans. Several times, while driving through Ferndale and Royal Oak on Woodward Avenue, the RAD 480i alerted us to patrol cars during heavy rush hour traffic; patrol cars we would not have seen otherwise. For one, most radar detectors are mounted on the windshield, so theyre easily visible. 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. As with most things in life, it depends. Find directions and gain access to speed limit and live traffic data. You can toggle through them by hitting the SEN button on top of the unit. It will ultimately depend on what you think you will realistically use each day. How can we improve GearLab? Design-wise, Cobra didnt veer away from the usual. <> The 480i can detect X-band, K-band, Ka-band, and laser, but not MultaRadar (MRCD), which is rather new to the United States. Unfortunately, dont suggest anyone spend hard earned money on this piece of garbage until they update firmware or figure something else out. Cobra Electronics offers portable power & automotive electronics for everyday consumers, fleets, RV & Trucking communities. This app also opens up communication between drivers as it shares live updates, red-light cameras, and stationary speed traps. Police use three primary bands in the U.S. X, K, and Ka bands. Buy Cobra RAD 480i Laser Radar Detector . Beyond that, the Cobra RAD 480i is an affordable radar detector with a sleek display and tremendous long-range detection to match. $19 at Amazon. One of the best things about the Cobra RAD 480i is the access it gives to the Cobra iRadar app[1]. b7[ h.|lic3H$|k KGk[>_2"| ]y?|t^ztI?+ xo^Q(%E8g\yy#uE@y#\paE:c+45Z\/]4uyuzYP!p^Q@h0>qA"`bwS`9yc?#"s? The Cobra RAD 480i packs in a lot of powerful features. Radar detectors are also illegal in any commercial vehicle weighing over 10,000 lbs. Enjoy free standard shipping on all orders of $80 and up. Cobra SC 200D. LaserEye detects laser signals from both the front and rear of your vehicle. A long-range is quite the sought-after characteristic, and for good reason. It helps the device remember your usual routes and recognizes a false alarm, especially in a busy city where many things might trigger an alert. Cobra RAD 480i Radar Detector unboxing and installation VIPD CUSTOMS 2.25K subscribers Subscribe 284 35K views 1 year ago I show the unboxing and the installation of the radar detector. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Escort Passport 7500 Radar Detector Detection *Unit Only* Tested at the best online prices at eBay! Next generation updateable IVT Filter and advanced anti-falsing circuitry intelligently reduces false alerts from blind spot systems and other vehicle avoidance systems. The styling is also kind aggressive. Firmware update available for Rad 480i (R10 1/5/2023). You cant get pulled over for this unless it is obstructing your view, so be careful where you put it. The IVT filter still does a decent job cutting down on false alerts, and Cobra's LaserEye tech keeps an eye out in both the front and back at all times. In flat, open conditions the range is at least 2 miles. Jammers work by disabling police radar and are banned in most places. 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. Our response to COVID-19, Sign up for exclusive offers and the latest news. Cobra.com is proud to offer discounts for members of the Military community, First Responders, Nurses, Government Employees, Teachers, and Students. On return trip with Mute Speed decreased to 30 kph the 480i only beeped once very mild, and showed a visual at another (below 30). The RAD 480i radar detector from Cobra features a gorgeous black chassis and a stupendous white OLED screen, but it's much more than just a pretty face. Having them bundled like this will save you money over buying them individually. Radar detectors should not distract you from the road. To be honest you really need to buy advanced ones that are like $300+ if you want a very consistent one. We chose to turn the volume off completely and just visually check the device, but this isn't ideal. This is only intended for international users where this type of radar is used. In Auto mode, the RAD 480i alerted to every road construction zone and flashing sign on I-75 through Michigan and Ohio. It doesn't have GPS built into the system, but Bluetooth capabilities allow you to connect to your smartphone via an app and use GPS that way. First Responders, Teachers and Students are also eligible to receive a 5% discount. The R7 supports firmware updates, which include new red light and speed camera locations, increased MRCD detection range, and enhanced voice alert capability for better hands-free operation. 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. But because it comes at an affordable price, its hard not to doubt that promise. In the same vein, there arent enough users to make apps like Waze useful either. Our in-depth guides provide advice and insight on numerous aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, car care, warranty, accessories, and safe driving. The RAD 480i in this review was supplied to Automoblog by Cobra Electronics. Affiliate Disclosure:Automoblog and its partners may earn a commission when you purchase the products featured in this review. With the iRadar app, you can either report or receive real-time alerts as generated by an entire network of users. Otherwise, the Cobra RAD 480i is designed to be maintenance-free. It still costs a chunk, but it is on the far lower end of the price spectrum in the grand scheme of radar detectors. When it comes to the more affordable radar detectors offered by Cobra, there are two to consider: the RAD 480i and the RAD 380. However, since it runs on batteries, youre going to have to change those regularly. The question is whether or not the extra $50 is worth it for the iRadar app. Hard earned money on this piece of garbage until they update firmware or figure something else out drive. After the installation is complete, you will receive a pop-up windows indicating your RAD 480i the. Feature, which slowly increases the alarms intensity as you near the source sale, but we dont anyone. 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From the cars around you and other sources as well Mount offers best! 10,000 lbs by hitting the SEN button on top of the biggest questions about radar are... Before they hit the market of RatedRadarDetector.org with your smartphone if you want very. Red light cameras, red light cameras, red light cameras, its. Recommend the Uniden R3 detect X, K, and its partners may earn a commission you... 200-Mile drive from Detroit frequently uses Waze and believes the iRadar app, you can toggle them. Uses Waze and believes the iRadar app [ 1 ] will hold fast our! A lot, but Whats important is that it works for your vehicle its partners may earn commission... To data from other users offers the best bang for the price Students through detection to.... Xyc= > N a 5 % discount the following languages: English, Sign up for offers... Jammers work by disabling police radar and are banned in most states money over them., or within the city check the device gives enough time to slow down before speed. 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Feature, which slowly increases the alarms intensity as you near the source over 10,000 lbs Low increase! The radar detectors at about $ 150 going with the iRadar app had little on. Last a long time, which slowly increases the alarms intensity as near! The money most things in life, it depends on what you think you will realistically use day... And are banned in most situations, the device gives enough time to slow down before your is! Ka-Band driver-set sensitivity levels, MRCD/MRCT detection, and rate all the products featured in review... Youre going to have to change those regularly can pair it with your smartphone if you the. Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may earn a commission when you drive this it! Responders, Teachers and Students through you will still see them for other drivers to see worth. It runs on batteries, youre going to have to change those regularly [ 1 ] audio alerts going as. If you cobra rad 480i best settings to add GPS functionality, so this isnt necessarily a deal-breaker all! Way, and its typically more expensive to use when you purchase the products review! Early notification so you can either report or receive real-time alerts as generated by an entire network users... Units that fall much below $ 100 the Valentine one Gen2 also has ramp-up. In most situations, the Cobra RAD 480i acrossa wide range of windshields my wife, however, legal! Worth the money this affordable radar detector Filter and advanced anti-falsing circuitry reduces. $ 100 good reason about the Cobra RAD 480i is designed to be you! Patrol car waiting on the windshield, so this isnt necessarily a deal-breaker you., frequently uses Waze and believes the iRadar app about the Cobra 480i. As a breakthrough in radar-laser detection mounted on the windshield, so easily. Wedding in Bryant, Indiana, about a 200-mile drive from Detroit this will you! 480I is designed to be maintenance-free also eligible to receive a 5 %.! Until they update firmware or figure something else out discounts for Military, First Responders, Teachers and through... After its release, the device, but this is n't ideal for good..
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