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Whistler’s radar detectors have been around since the 1970s, and the company is well known for its high-quality devices. Whistler offers a wide variety of radar detectors, which are particularly helpful if you have a lead foot. So, which Whistler radar detector is the best of the best? Check out this buying guide to find the best whistler radar detector to suit your needs.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Whistler CR73 Laser Radar Detector
- Best Value: Whistler CR68 Performance Laser Radar Detector
- Honorable Mention: Whistler LR-300GP Laser Radar Detector
- Honorable Mention: Whistler CR93 High-Performance Laser Radar Detector
- Honorable Mention: Whistler CR70 Laser Radar Detector
- Honorable Mention: Whistler XTR-135 Radar Detector
Types of Whistler Radar Detectors
Corded
Many high-performance laser radar detectors include cords. You typically mount them on the windshield with suction cups. This type of radar detector provides the best range when it comes to alerting you well in advance to any law enforcement in the vicinity. These units are inserted into an auxiliary plug (i.e., cigarette lighter).
Cordless
This type of radar detector does not feature a cord. The advantage is that they are very portable, and you can easily use them between several vehicles. They are much easier to install, and you don’t have to worry about a cord dangling from your windshield and connecting to an auxiliary port. However, you have to consider the battery life.
Remote Mount
These radar detectors are permanently affixed to your vehicle. They are hidden so thieves and police are unable to see them. Since these built-in devices are concealed, they are becoming increasingly more popular among consumers. Overall, they are very convenient to use. However, they tend to be much more expensive than other types of radar detectors.
Best Whistler Radar Detectors: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Whistler CR73 Laser Radar Detector
Best Value
Whistler CR68 Performance Laser Radar Detector
Honorable Mention
Whistler LR-300GP Laser Radar Detector
Honorable Mention
Whistler CR93 High-Performance Laser Radar Detector
Honorable Mention
Whistler CR70 Laser Radar Detector
Honorable Mention
Whistler XTR-135 Radar Detector
Our Verdict
Our pick for the best Whistler radar detector is the Whistler CR73 Laser Radar Detector. It’s simple to use, and it strives to eliminate false alerts.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Whistler CR68 Performance Laser Radar Detector.
Benefits of Whistler Radar Detectors
- Detection of speed traps. No one likes getting a speeding ticket. A laser radar detector determines if your speed is being monitored by law enforcement and alerts you if you’re being tracked by police.
- Storage of important data. Many radar laser detectors feature GPS, which allows you to save the locations in which law enforcement usually monitor drivers’ speeds. This can help you avoid traffic tickets.
- Detection of speed-monitoring and red-light cameras. The best radar detectors have a feature that allows you to download the GPS coordinates of red-light and speed-detecting cameras. Then you know in advance if you’ll be approaching these locations so you can avoid getting ticketed.
Whistler Radar Detector Pricing
- $50 to $100: The best whistler radar detector under $100 typically has real voice alerts, a stay-alert feature for longer drives, and X-band, K-band, super wideband, and Ka-band protection.
- $100 to $250: These units often have 360-degree protection, enabling them to detect signals from the front, sides, and back of the vehicle. They often have three different city and highway modes to decrease false alarms. Many are cordless with rechargeable batteries, and some have Wi-Fi-enabled dashboard cameras.
- $250 and up: You will find top-end and remote-mount radar detectors in this price range, which feature Radar Signature ID (RSID), Laser Signature ID (LSID), Field Disturbance Sensor Rejection (FDSR), POP Mode, and a bilingual text display.
Key Features
360-Degree Laser Detection
Some radar detectors only have one laser sensor, which only detects laser beams that are directly in front of a vehicle. Look for devices that provide 360-degree protection. They use multiple sensors to find laser pulses to the front, sides, and back of a vehicle. These units tend to be more expensive, but they are also more reliable.
City Mode
The majority of radar detectors have a default highway mode. This level of sensitivity is much higher than what is known as city mode. This is important because you want to receive the least number of false alerts from devices that are similar to radar guns, including automatic garage door openers. The city mode is helpful when you’re driving in urban areas because it can differentiate between radar, laser, as well as emergency vehicle signals.
Voice and Visual Alerts
The great thing about a voice alert is that the device lets you know audibly when it picks up a radar signal. You can keep your eyes on the road and don’t have to look at the unit’s digital display. Radar detectors also feature visual alerts, including flashing lights, which are helpful if you don’t want voice alerts to interrupt your driving experience (or your classical music playlist).
GPS
Not only do radar detectors with GPS tell you about radar in your proximity, but they also let you know your vehicle’s speed, direction, and location. They can alert you if you’re driving over a speed limit, and many are adjustable, so you don’t need to manually change from city to highway mode. GPS units can also store locations that may feature a sudden decrease in speed limits or are known for featuring law enforcement patrols. Some models also have downloadable databases with the locations of speed and red-light cameras.
Other Considerations
- Smartphone-Compatible: The best radar detectors are becoming increasingly technology-friendly. Many are simple to integrate with your Android or iOS smartphone. They include apps that let you track enforcement areas and also let you alert other drivers in the area. Some units even transmit alerts to your phone with Bluetooth.
- Tinted Windows: If your vehicle features a windshield with a metallic film, or tinting, it can interrupt the range of a radar detector. Fortunately, not many vehicles these days use metallic film for tinting purposes. However, if you have a darker tint on your side windows and/or rear windshield, it can reduce the sensitivity of a radar detector, particularly laser signals.
Tips
- While using a radar detector can help you avoid a speeding ticket, the best way to prevent interactions with the police is by driving safely and obeying the law.
- Make sure to mount your radar detector as recommended by the manufacturer. If it’s too high, you won’t receive certain alerts because police often target either the front license plate or headlamps. As a result, the device won’t receive the “splatter” from a police laser gun.
- Don’t put too much confidence in your radar detector. You also have to be aware of your surroundings and make sure to scan the road ahead. Cruisers coming from the opposite direction use moving radar, which can be trickier to detect.
- The size of your vehicle determines how quickly police radar can detect your speed. Radar and laser devices shoot energy at your vehicle to figure out its speed, and the larger the target the easier it is. The speed of large trucks can be determined much farther away compared to a compact car.
FAQs
A: Radar detectors identify any radar in the area, such as police radar that is used to identify speeding vehicles. A radar detector identifies radar devices based on the radio waves they emit.
A: Every state has its own laws regarding radar detectors. The only state where the devices are illegal is Virginia. They are not sold in the state, and you can be fined up to $250 for simply having it in your vehicle, even if it’s not turned on.
A: As we mentioned previously, it depends on the size of your vehicle. If you drive a large truck, police can detect you from over one mile away. If you drive a small sports car, police equipment will work within 500 feet.
