This was the first detector I bought after driving without one for about 5 years. It is a weak little unit. Like one reviewer said, any radar detector will give false alerts-true. Also, cops don't always run radar so don't expect a signal everytime you pass a cop-true. Finally, yes, cops don't necessarily leave their units on while running radar traps. They can flip it on and off, leaving it undetectable until your in the "kill zone."HOWEVER, this is still a horribly weak radar detector that is not worth it even if you just need a "little detection." It's only ability to detect is strong continuous radar aimed straight at it from a relatively short range. This will serve no practical purpose in day to day driving. In general, Cobra products are notoriusly inconsistant in picking up radar. Right now, the only units RadioShack sells that are reliable units with outstanding sensitivity are the Beltronics Vector series. These units all have the same antenna inside, just different features. So, for [$], the Vector 940 is a great buy. I have owned the Cobra in question and speak from experience. In the time I ran it, before realizing I had wasted my money, I only had one good radar encounter where it spotted a cop hiding behind a small hill in the interstate median. Other than that, when it did manage to even alert, it was always when the cop was right on top. If you really need a detector, you need to invest a tad more money and move up to the Bels. Again, please don't think this is a case of "well, for the price, this is an okay detector." It's not. Unless you live somewhere dead flat with straight roads, this unit is going to serve no useful purpose.

It dosent alert you untill your like right next to the cop and its already to late.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

FOR ALL YOU SPEEDERS!!!

I am 22 years old and this MESSAGE is for all the negative comments on here. First off I agree with the saying:

"it's a radar detector, NOT a cop detector."

It'll ONLY go off when the cops pull that trigger or even have it on standby mode with some of the "lasers/radar signal" leaking out. Educate yourself on radar guns before you leave a dumb comment/review on here. You're just making Radioshack's products look bad when a lot of them are really good products. Like the saying, "you get what you pay for."

For those that are going 50+ on 25 mph zones, you are just asking for a ticket if you're that dumb to speed in a zone like that. What if you killed someone? We don't need stupid people like you around. My brother and cousin died because his friend was speeding, killing himself in the process.

Just because you have a radar detector doesn't mean you can speed.

PRODUCT WORKS GREAT FOR THE PRICE. NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, YOU JUST GOT TO KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT RADAR GUNS AND HOW TO USE IT. VERY USER FRIENDLY THOUGH IT DOES GIVE SOME FALSE READS BUT THATS WITH ALL RADAR DETECTORS.

Thank You.

Dont buy this product, ive had it for 3 weeks. Eventhough i havent been pulled over yet, you can see the COP way before the radar goes off. I mean a police car past me by, and it didnt go off until the cop was ahead of me......

IN OTHER WORDS DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT BUYIN IT.........................

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

i borrowed it from a friend and got pulled over last night it worked out in the i slowed down from 90 to 73 but i was still in a 55 not fair enough warning at all the minute it went off my breaks went on and i was still screwed dont buy it

This is my first detector and I am really happy with it. Last weekend I was travelling with a couple of friends and one of them was telling me that he drives over 120 mph every time he goes to see his parents and he is always keeping an eye on cops. When he saw my detector working and alerting about a cop (with the radar gun ON) he was totally convinced about buying one.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

THIS RADAR IS HORRIBLE.I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY AND CAME UP OVER A BRIDGE AND I COULD SEE THE COP OVER THE BRIDGE,MY RADAR DID NOT GO OFF UNTIL I WAS WITHIN 30FT FROM HIM

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

Oh come on!
" a cop drove past me and it didn't work ". No wonder we're the laughing stock on BBC's Top Gear. A cop needs to have the detector ON so out gadget can work....It's a RADAR detector, not a COP detector. Wankers!

By unkknown from yonkers, new york on 2/11/2008

I just bought this product, it works on the highway, the distance is not that great, i could spot a state trooper b4 it goes off.

Its very annoying, way too many false alerts, especially if u live in new york city. The only plus i could say is... it keeps you awake.

And it goes off when their truck near by, also when your on your cell phone. But the leaser (L) detection works, everytime the L comes on, their alway a state trooper near by.

The product works best on highway and long distance!!..

But im returning this radar detection sooon and getting a better one. hope this help whos ever reading

I disagree with negative feedback on this product because of the fact that all radar detectors will give false alarms in the city. You have to remember than AM waves, power doors, or even security systems can set off an alert. For the money, it definitely is worth having around. I've spotted several hidden cops with this already. If you don't drive long distances or get pulled over often, however, this may not benefit you as much.

By demonxxx from San Antonio, TX on 1/9/2008

Excellent, rarely a false alert!!!!!

I have tested this detector. I have road by police sherrif and state trooper and emergency cars nothing has happened the only thing this picks up is the automatic doors at the store near my house.

Driving down the road was three car lengths away from a police car that was running radar before it picked up the radar. A car moved in front of me and it stopped picking up the radar. I am returning mine tomorrow.

I've had no problems from this detector. Although you do have to be careful for when officers decide to hide and spring radar on you as you pass.

Use common sense and you will have an enjoyable experience. Slow down at obvious places. "Dense brush" Keep it under 65. I don't believe any radar detector will help a habitual speeder. 100 in a 55 and you are asking for it.

Pz

This is garbage, a cop drives right in front of me and the detector doesnt go off or anything, save your money for something better.