Cobra XRS-9930 12-Band Radar/Laser Detector Reviews

• Stationary radars in San Francisco

  
  By A33SJOJMA35U77 on 2007-07-31
  I got this today and couldn't wait to try it out. So i drove around the Bay Area and had a good experience. I drove from Emeryville into the city, then hop onto 280 south down to redwood city, swing back onto San Mateo bridge and then up 880 north.
  
  First, the X band went off a lot in emeryville, which was okay to me since X band is known to have false alarms. But it didn't go off much at all when i was on the freeway.
  
  On 19th ave, there's a digital posting of your speed and so i know for sure there's a radar there. The speed sign is 1 block from golden gate park. I got a K1 alert as i exit the park and i never got anything else after i passed it.
  
  The next exciting road was the San Mateo bridge. It has a sign saying "Radar enforced". So i was wondering where the radar is. I entered the bridge and soon after i get a K1 alert. It lasted for maybe 20 seconds, then i get about 5 seonds of K2, and then 1 second of K3. So it seems to me that if I see K1, Ka1, or Ku1, I better slow down because if i see K3, I would be passing the cop.
  
  Two days later, i went on east bound bay bridge. And as i approach, i get a K1 for a very long time. Then as i enter the new section of the bay bridge still under construction, K2, and then K3 for about 20 seconds, then I saw from afar a speed post with speed limit at 35mph and a digital readout of car speeds. I got closer, it becomes K4, and then K5. I pass it, then it gradually went to K4, K3, K2, K1, then nothing. Few seconds later, I got another K1, then K2, K3, K4, then I see yet another digitial speed sign, and then K5. I also got a pop detection about 45 seconds later, I didn't see a cop tho.
  
  I should point out that on the same night, I went on the Dumbarton bridge where there is a "Radar Enforced" sign, but the 9930 did not went off at all. Also I passed by 2 parked cop cars without the detector going off. This shows that the detector only help you in certain situation. You still need to WATCH for cops.
  
  As for features, I really like the intelliMute, it's very accurate. I drive a stick shift so i'm very aware of my RPM. The display looks great, but it's a bit too bright at night. I didn't bother with the compass because i already have a build-in navigator. the setup was extremely easy and user friendly.
  
  I was originally going to buy an escort x50 used for $200, but amazon is selling this for $122 new. It make sense for me to get this. I don't normally speed. But i plan to drive to LA every month for the next year, and so there is no way i can stay below 70mph all the time. Highway 5 is mostly desert and farm land, so if i see a K1 alert, i'm going to slow down.
  
  I would recommend this model because it works and it's well designed. I had an older model of Cobra a few years ago and it was dead weight. This one is different. Not great, but good for the price
  
  Now the bad stuff:
  the powercord is sooo short, no one can use it without an extension. I found one in bestbuy for $8.
  The suction cup doesn't suck. I'm trying to use the velcro, but it doesn't seem to stick either. I'm thinking of getting one of those rubber mat for ppl to put cell phones on their dashboard.
  The sensitivity is not as great as an escort, but if you don't ignore the level 1 alerts, you should be okay.
  
  

• Do your research!!!

  
  By A2LZDKNP0Z4PW5 on 2007-06-10
  Due to their wide availability and good marketing the cobra name has become synonymous with good radar detectors to most people. Ignore the ratings on amazon, most radar detector enthusiasts will agree that cobra makes a sub-par product. Whistler, beltronics, and escort make products in the same price range that offer much better detection. Again, don't take my word for it - do some research online and see what the people who actually test radar detectors have to say.
  
  

• Nice little Cobra Radar

  
  By A1NUPBOSB6921S on 2006-08-31
  The only think i can say after purchasing this radar is that it is a nice little radar that really works on both interstate and city limits. Some of my friends have even borrowed this radar from me when they had to go to a different state, and i got a very good feedback from them.
  
  The only problem i had with this radar is Power (spiral) cord because the cigarette charger is besides the passenger seat in my 350Z, so i had to call cobra and they shipped me a straight cord without charging me a penny.
  
  Had some problem(took me 30 mins to figure it out)in calibrating the radar in the beginning.
  
  

• Cobra XRS-9930 in use

  
  By A1UA2XCGIMZ431 on 2007-08-23
  purchased this detector for 12 hour drives through 4 states I make about 5 times a year. Amazon's price was great and I did not expect this unit to compete with others costing 3x or 4x more. When mounted high on the front windshield, it has "OK" range - not great - but OK. It receives all the most common law enforcement radars in use today, but when it sounds off the transmitter is not all that far away - trust it and slow down for anything other than an "X Band" alert (I will probably turn that off in the menu ) I really like the auto volume control where it will turn down the alert volume after the first alarm - you don't need to listen to the beeping alarm at full volume. The voice announce of the type of radar is good also, you don't even need to look at the unit display to know what type of radar is being used. I hate the short curley power cord....made my own out of straight wire (Cobra sells one, but I'm too cheap). Good unit for the price !
  
  

• Cobra XRS - 9930 12 Band Radar/Laser Detector

  
  By A2F10PIADUI7IO on 2006-08-10
  So far, I love it. I have owned others in the past, but this one is the best by far. So far . it lets you know when anybody is around with radar or Laser. It's up to you to slow down...LOL
  
  
• Decent value, but definitely no Passport
  By A1ZFB5RO625QGY on 2007-01-11
  I would actually rate this 2 1/2 stars (2 was just too harsh). I recently had my Passport 8500 stolen, and just couldn't bring myself to plunking down another $300. On physical appearance between the two, the Cobra wins hands down. Unfortunately, that's as far as it goes. Protection seems OK, but it goes off so much in the city, it's hard to take it seriously. Unless I'm mistaken, turning off the POP protection needs to be done every time it is plugged in (major inconvenience, as it regularly gives off false alerts in the city). Passport kept its settings when unplugged. Mute button is on the detector itself (inconvenient to reach) whereas the Passport's is on the plug, which is much easier to reach. This is very minor, but the suction cups for the mounting bracket are so stiff that it is hard to get them to take on the windshield...especially if it's cold at all. I spent a ridiculous amount of time and effort just to get them to stick to the windshield. Hot water is your friend when mounting the Cobra. Also, the cord is short. Don't expect to mount this anywhere but straight up from your plug and at the very bottom of the windshield. Even at that, the cord will be stretched out, and flush against your dash. Don't understand the thought behind the cord, but luckily it works in my case.
  I have not yet been on a road trip with the Cobra, and I suspect I would have fewer issues with it. I do trust the protection, but don't care for all of the other nuances when driving in town. I find myself driving with it unplugged in the city more often than not. I didn't really expect to get Passport quality for this price, but I did have hope. Good protection for the dollar, but I should have bit the bullet and bought the Passport. Oh well.
  
  
• The verdict is still not in...
  By A3HFAWIFOT5RI7 on 2007-06-14
  I've had this detector since April 2007. So far, I like the compass display and the LCD screen. Some people have said they had problems reading it in the daylight. I've had no problems reading it, so it may just be how it gets mounted to their windshield or other variables. The one thing I have to say is that I am a litlle disappointed in the detection range. It has trouble detecting radar coming from the opposing lanes. This is problematic when driving in the city, because it is easier for the cops to turn around and pursue. So far I've had no major problems and have been able to utilise it with effectiveness. However, there have been a few times when it should have alerted me, but did not.
  
  Overall, it has good features and detects all the neccessary frequencies. However, it has poor range and gives many false alarms. So far the best evaluation I can give it: Good for the budget concious. If you can afford it I would go with the Escort Passport 9500i, it is a much better one and thus almost 2.5 times more expensive.
  
  Now the one feature that I have not yet seen yet is the ability to detect aircraft (some states use aircraft to patrol highways).
  
  
• Good but not great
  By AVM4A2ILUNH8Q on 2007-09-02
  The Cobra XRS 9930 is a good detector for the price. Now that it retails on here in the low $100s, it's not a bad deal. It's not the king of the road for detectors but for this price point, it's great and dare I say it, has great features. The screen seems little but is packed with info. The compass and volt meter are a great touch. The audio is very attention getting unless you have the stereo up loud... There is the option to plug in an external speaker from a 3rd party if you have to have it.
  
  If you turn off the unnecessary detection features like SWS, Ku, POP, VG2, and Spectre, you'll have a decent detector that doesn't false much. Just don't wait for alerts to ramp up to level 5. Be on the lookout as soon as you start to get an alert that you know isn't where you normally get a false alarm. I've passed cops and never had mine go above level 1. But it DID alert.
  
  True radar detector fanatics don't like Cobra because their circuitry causes false alerts on nearby radar detectors and their marketed to sound waay better than they are. But if all you care about is a decent detector for the price, this one will do. The only alternative in this price range with better performance is the Whistler XTR-690. It's a great detector that runs even with the XRS 9930 in some forms of detection and bests it in others. But if you have your heart set on this detector, it won't be a bad buy for the budget.
  
  
• XRS-9930
  By A3STWYXD11YNXD on 2006-08-23
  works great if there was a radar on I knew it, seems to hit on false X band probably automatic door openers, and the Glossy finish and Crome buttons can be a distraction depending on how the sun hits the unit. the Display is very easy to read, unit was very easy to set up.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Amazing Low cost Radar !
  By A3O06HPRMR5BOO on 2006-11-10
  This one does its job and has an excellent Car Battery Monitor which will definitely be useful in Winters :-). The Coloured LCD and voice alter is a real nice feature and it does detect every band, spectre n VG2. Be sure to configure it properly and use City n Highway modes to avoide false alarms.. Has saved me number of times already.. Good product..
  
  
• gowildcats
  By A384NCMV9MZL46 on 2007-01-27
  Make sure you manually turn on all the radar detecting features. The unit comes with only X and K bands features on.
  
  
• 4/5 for first detector bought
  By A141N766GFJ7SV on 2006-08-02
  First off, I got the xrs 9930 for $130 through amazon, which was more than 20% cheaper than other sites, thanks amazon :). Secondly, the detector itself is a 4/5, it detects city cops very well a 5/5 for that. But for Highway usage it doesnt catch it as soon as it should. This was my first detector and i am satisfied with it overall. The color screen is awesome, all my friends are impressed with it. The intellimute works brilliantly, and compass helps a lot. A tip though- turn off the X band in city driving, my detector goes off and every other traffic light (which I know it is supposed to) but it gets annoying.
  
  
• Cobra XRS-9930
  By AEF6D2NDPPZ3O on 2007-07-07
  Plug in cord is too short. I had read in other reviews, but since I planned on putting the radar detector on my dash, rather than my window, I didn't think it would be a problem. I was wrong it was still too short. I was able to make due with it, but I would be happier with a longer cord. Other than that, I'm very happy with the product.
  
  
• Vanga review
  By A2L83DOE57ABDY on 2006-07-27
  This is not a great detector.. overall simple thing is that if you can detect cops radar it means that you alread been detected by cop.
  360 range is not so good as this doesnt detect the cop radar if he is in the opposite lane in highway
  Straight range is ok.. it catches with in 1/2 mile
  
  
• It rocks compared to Escort 8500 Blue
  By A1T54RJA9TZANU on 2007-02-01
  I had a Cobra XRS-9330 for 23 months and helped me lot to warn WELL in advance. Never got a ticket. But as every one said, I wanted to the best and got Escort 8500 Blue from Best buy for $350. Believe it or not, I got pulled over twice in 3 weeks. I still didn't want believe that this unit is not as good as my old cobra. Thought the particular unit I had so I went back and exchanged it 3 times (I had Best buy replacement plan). No good. I just pass by the cop and it stay silent. I finally realized, this unit is not even close to the cobra I had but it is merely the mind set of people and the stupid radar detector review sites. Believe, its all the money making advertisement game. Do not go with them.
  Finally I returned my escort 8500 and bought a newer version of Cobra 9930 for $130 from amzon and it rocks compared to my escort. ESCORT SUCKS
  
  Go with Cobra or may be valentine (I never owned one)
  
  One problem I noticed is the auto mute and the intelli mute. It doesn't work the way it should be
  
  
• Not worth the money
  By A2FIU6NMFYSYH4 on 2007-02-22
  I recently bought this unit after returning 2 defective 9430 models by Cobra and I'll have to say there is no improvement as I had thought. My impression was 'pay more and get a better product' but in this case that is not true. This detector gave me nothing more than a series of false alarms or no alarms. When radar was detected correctly, it was either too late (less than 1/4 mile) or the alert signal did not increase as I approached the radar making me think it was another false alarm. Thankfully Cobra covers their units for one full year and it is on its way back for replacement. I will say that their customer service is much better than my luck with their radar detectors. I spoke to a live rep right away, something rare to get these days! A UPS postage paid sticker was sent right out to me. I hope the replacement unit works correctly.
  
  
• Works Better Than Expected
  By A2Q3BE8M7DRPOZ on 2007-03-08
  I was nervous about purchasing a detector. I bought a couple of cheaper "in-store models" before that didn't work at all. But, after reading the reviews here I felt confident about purchasing this one.
  
  This detector works great. I received a warning that was almost a half-mile away! And, Amazon offered the cheapest price (plus I had a special offer code.) I also received free shipping, which was great! They said in the confirmation e-mail that it would take a couple weeks to receive it, but I received it in less than three days!
  
  It's a great product! But, I would advise anyone who buys it not to speed just because you have a detector. They only detect if a radar or laser is turned on. If an officer is timing you between two points, there's no warning at all unless you see him. Use it as a "safety device" but use it with confidence!
  
  
• Excellent Radar/Lazer Detector
  By A27WHQDOQN2YDM on 2007-04-10
  The Cobra XRS-9930 lives up to the Name of Quality. The X and R bands activate when needed. The only negative is the LED Screen. Somewhat difficult to view in daylight. Have to have place in full center view. The Voice alert is what one has to count on in daylight hours. Overall Excellent product.
  
  
• Works o.k......
  By A16VSDODDPLZQN on 2007-05-12
  I replaced a Beltronics unit with this because I wanted audio and liked the compass and other features advertised. Can barley see the display in daylight. I get false POP alerts.. Wish I'd just upgraded to a Bel with audio.
  
  
• If you like driving fast and are on a budget then GET THIS RADAR DETECTOR!
  By A11HSY9KOAQNG6 on 2007-06-26
  I originally planned on getting a different radar detector for about $300 but I ended up not having enough money so I thought I would try out the XRS-9930. First off Amazon offered it at an amazing price. Second, it works like a charm! Yea it goes off at some traffic lights and at some gas stations but that is because they use high frequency security radars there. I'm a 19 year old college guy and I just got a new 2007 car so I knew I would need a good radar detector to keep me out of trouble. I've had it for about a month now and havent gotten pulled over once. Everytime there is a cop hiding on the highway or hidden behind a building this radar detector picks it up (for cops it says Ka Band). On the highway for cops it has gone off about 10 times and everytime I have had enough time to slow down. A couple times it started going off about a mile away! I havent regreted purchasing this product. Like I said before, if you know your a speeder and you want a good radar detector on a budget then I HIGHLY RECCOMEND getting this radar detector.
  
  
• Cobra 9930 Laser/Radar Detector
  By A28NZ0B2YU53ZL on 2007-06-30
  This unit is good, but false alarms like previous Cobra units. Also, the compass is easily interfered with and, therefore, inaccurate. Good display! Poor maximum volume.
  
  
• a nice budget detector
  By AQVY62Y01ZROC on 2007-08-01
  A top of the line of Cobra detectors for 130 bucks, I can't complain. The 9930 works well, awesome looking and is within of many ppl's budget. I had to replace the same one I bought at the end of 2006 because it was stolen from one of the Firestone workers (had quite a few problems with them, the last straw is when they took my detector, also the final time I take my car there). Yes, I didn't notice until 2 days later (It was the final four week, looking for tickets, driving options, etc... and the most important, I was satisfied when my gun was still under the seat and there was no scratches on the vehicle).
  
  I've used Cobra detectors for about 10 years, changing once every two years. Once you know how to use them, they work well. I had minor problems like the power button being loose, very week volume and constant K signal when the weather is hot (>90 F). The four (4) 9930's I've known have worked flawless (I lost one, currently have one, my wife has one and a friend has one). I have not used any other type of detectors and many cost over 200 bucks. However, Ppls I've known usually are satisfied with their detectors. I recommend the Cobra 9930, however you remember you get what you pay for. So, good luck.
  
  
• Great detector, good price
  By A1CWJ7WFM30C0U on 2007-09-14
  Great radar detetor. and the price is nice.
  I got it for just under $100 I signed up for the amazon credit card deal.
  I can leave this mounted in my car and not bite my nails about it being stolen, 300 to 400 for other detectors. vs. 100 for this one.
  Will this unit out perform a Valentine or a Bel, probably not.
  But am I driving a Porche or Corvette? No, I drive a Hyundai.
  But I have a long commute and this little gem just keeps me alert to any smokey bear traps along my daily commute.
  The compass is nice too.
  
  I've seen a few times where I saw no other cars and the K band starts to alert me, then about 8 seconds later, a local sherriff car crested the hill in front of me, that was cool. I was able to see this unit work.
  And it did what its supposed to do.
  Pick yourself up the hardwire kit so you free up your lighter socket.
  The power cord that comes with it is a tad short but sufficient.
  Again for this price its a sound investment.
  
  
  
• Cobra Gets It Done
  By A3MQ6ZZ9OX7R5T on 2006-08-24
  This device lets you know if the police have radar on (they do not always have it on). The Emergency Vehicle warning is helpful, but not all have the device to set it off. The compass is most used... Very easy to set up. Good unit for the money!
  
  
• Saved my butt already
  By A2JINM966L766H on 2006-08-25
  This morning on Rt. 80 in Jersey, I was unknowingly going about 75 and the XRS-9930 went bonkers. State Police came up quickly from behind. I saw him approach and signaled and moved over to let him by. He pulled along side my Triumph Rocket III and just made his presents noticed and went by quickly to a speeding cager going about 90 and pulled him. It is just a real good unit to keep me aware and alert of oncoming emergency vehicles. I don't like to speed but on the Rocket, I certainly need not to ignor the speed limit but often don't stare at the speedo because I need to keep my eyes on the road ahead. The alert tones keep me honest and safe... Good unit to say the least...
  
  
• Warning range is good enough
  By AP61J2X3QMBIR on 2006-09-30
  This is my second detector. Range is good. Works very well on highways.
  
  I was tagged by laser once, absolutely no warning :-(
  
  Using this more as a safety device and a reminder to myself not to speed....
  
  
• Cobra xrs 9930
  By A1FBMC68AESIKA on 2007-01-09
  This radat detector is the best one for the money, it takes some getting used because of all the bright colors on the display. The compass works great and is easy to program. The bright light can be difficult to see when the sun is shining and it glares a little bit but it is perfect at night. If its too bright you can dim the display or even turn it off and still have to radar working perfectly. Overall I enjoy having the companion, it has a few false alarms but, I have learned when its false and when I need to be careful, its hard to understand but, once you purchase it you'll understand.
  
  
• The best to date...
  By AG4056VJW13PI on 2007-01-09
  I had an older unit (can't recall what model, likely 2 or 3 generations older) that was stolen from my car one late night at work early on in 2006 that had survived both hurricanes (sat in water for a few days) and still worked. Sadly its demise wasn't the weather but the theft, so I bought this and was just ecstatic at how they still get better! Clearly built tough and does its job fine, love the color display, and the kicker was the volt meter! So many small features that though small, are VERY useful, like being able for the first time (that I can tell anyhow) to be able to shut off scanning of any particular band (with the exception of one don't recall which). Just the best, exceeded ALL my expectations.
  
  
• Cobra XRS-9930 12-Band Radar/Laser Detector ( compass ???)
  By A3CSDS5RW4XUPG on 2007-01-10
  Seems to work OK
  You can not use the compass if you use your rear window defroster .
  I have tried it in two cars and when you turn on the defroster the direction will reverse .
  
  
• bad sensitivity at low temperatures
  By A22WEHWW0H2W1H on 2007-01-29
  When outsite temperature is around 0 Celsius degrees or below, and the car and the unit it's not yet warm enough the detector acts very strange, it gives sudden false alarm like K 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 55 5 0 0 0 , Ku alarm 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 in spots where when it has normal temperature gives no alarm. And sometimes when on the highway , from nothing it gives a sudden alarm of strength 5 5 55 5 and then nothing my old cobra had no strange alarms like this one and it was smaller .
  the spiral coil it's not good to short , you need a straight one
  maybe the scale would be better if it was from 0 to 9
  
  
  
  

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