{"id":620,"date":"2011-04-10T01:21:42","date_gmt":"2011-04-10T05:21:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/techiteens.wordpress.com\/?p=620"},"modified":"2013-07-23T16:32:42","modified_gmt":"2013-07-23T16:32:42","slug":"cobra-radar-xrs9970","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.techiteens.com\/review\/cobra-radar-xrs9970\/","title":{"rendered":"For those who live cautiously, Cobra lends a hand"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cobra XRS 9970G<\/h1>\n

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For years Cobra Electronics has been a leading manufacturing company in mobile communications, delivering inexpensive products such as GPS systems, radios, and radar detectors. Much of these Cobra products fill the shelves at local retailers, competing against Garmin and Beltronics. To some degree, Cobra products have been overlooked to the more costly and feature packed devices of contending companies. However, if Cobra keeps pumping out top shelf products such as the XRS 9970G Radar Detector they may just take the competitive edge.<\/p>\n

The design of the Cobra XRS 9970G stands out amongst even the most feature packed radar detectors. The XRS is brandished with a 1.5\u201d full color touch screen that makes navigating through its components an easy-to-do job when driving. Most detectors are limited to 1 or 2 buttons that it a hassle to change bandwidths, volume level, etc., especially when you\u2019re trying to focus on the road. Likewise, the screen is surprisingly bright and legible during daylight hours and the blackout feature makes it a comfortable driving experience at night. You already have headlights in your eyes, the last thing you need are blinking lights on your dashboard. The icon colors on the display are also adjustable to green, red, orange, blue, and a multi feature that adds some flare to the inside of your vehicle. Likewise, the audible voice alerts proved to be a godsend and a perfect complement to the detector. The XRS comes with an easy-to-install mounting bracket for the dash, and optional double-sided tape\/velcro and suction cups for windshield mounting. The versatility is endless.<\/p>\n

The XRS comes with a lifetime membership of AURA updates. AURA updates cost around $100.00 for the first year, and upwards of $30.00 for yearly updates afterwards. This already makes it a money saver for those who don\u2019t enjoy making payments, who does? This AURA database covers all of the U.S. and Canada and alerts drivers of upcoming speed traps, red light camera spots, and dangerous intersections. It is also equipped with a GPS Locator and detects all 15 radar\/laser bands. The accuracy of the detector was commendable and alerts the driver with more than enough time to slow down. There is still room for some error as with all radar detectors, and may give you a false detection every once awhile. However, the sound alerts make it an easy job to find out if there\u2019s a state trooper waiting for you or the automatic doors on the gas station.<\/p>\n

The XRS is also equipped with features that can be seen on a GPS unit, including an accurate speedometer and even has a battery level indicator. The unit is powered by a 12V DC cable that plugs into your car outlet. The cord was a bit short and had a bit of a cheap feel. Virtually, that is the only issue that I discovered on the unit.<\/p>\n

Overall, the touch screen is sensitive and didn\u2019t have an issue getting used to it. The accurate readings and voice alerts made this an above par unit. The lifetime AURA membership and GPS Locator made this an obvious steal. If you\u2019re looking for a radar detector that does more than read bandwidths, check out the Cobra XRS 9970G.<\/p>\n

Specifications:<\/strong><\/p>\n