RAD 480i Features Windshield Mounting Option Assemble Suction Cup Bracket Adjust Suction Cup Bracket to ensure your RAD 480i has a level view of the road However, since it runs on batteries, youre going to have to change those regularly. Switching to Low, however, corrected this. It does exactly what it is supposed to, although it goes off on a lot of other bands. Cobra - RAD 480i Radar and Laser Detector. Through the iRadar app, you can view an alert history, set over speed reminders, and manage different devices (a number of other Cobra products are also compatible with the app). The RAD 480i is the best performing radar detector in its class with 2x the detection range of its predecessor for advanced warnings plus next generation IVT filtering to eliminate unwanted alerts. Typically, we dont suggest units that fall much below $100. The DualPro 360 features an easy-to-read four-color OLED display, and you can choose the display color you prefer from green, copper, blue, and red. As such, we opted for Low sensitivity. While more expensive units like the Uniden R7, K40 Platinum 100, and the Escort MAX 360c have their perks, buying something at that level, with that many features, might be overkill if all you want is a little extra peace of mind. User rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars with 462 reviews. In town, the radar detector does well with Ka band and the alerts were generally very accurate. If these simple troubleshooting techniques dont work, we recommendgetting in contactwith Cobra. We like the colorful OLED display, which includes a signal strength monitor and directional arrows that tell you where the alert is coming from. As with most things in life, it depends. To be honest you really need to buy advanced ones that are like $300+ if you want a very consistent one. The roads you drive on are not the same. The Escort Redline 360c is our top pick for the best portable radar detector on the market due to its exceptional 360-degree detection range, advanced features, directional arrows, Stealth technology, Wifi, GPS, AI, and Escorts additional offerings such as a trade-in program, Escort Live app, price-match, and ticket-free guarantee. It will perform best if you mount it in the center of your vehicle (approximately) on your front windshield. 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. Check out our in-depth guide to radar detector laws here. Should you receive an alert while connected to the app, the type will show on the OLED display (like a red light camera or speed trap, for example). Otherwise, we suggest not using Auto mode and keeping it more simple: Low for city driving and High for when you are on the open road. In motion, the RAD 480i delivers alerts that are clear and easily understood. There are pros and cons to both, but whats important is that it works for your vehicle. Integrated Bluetooth and an open API make this a versatile option that you can use with other devices, apps, and accessories. 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). Good coverage. Is it as powerful and robust as the Uniden R7? Like the Redline 360c, the MAX 3 is also covered by Escorts ticket-free guarantee program for one year after purchase. Provides Early Warnings and rapid response on all radar bands. Police use three primary bands in the U.S. X, K, and Ka bands. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. <>/XObject<>>>/BBox[ 0 0 633.58 812.86] /Matrix[ 0.11364 0 0 0.088576 0 0] /Filter/FlateDecode/Length 112154>> The styling is also kind aggressive. Sales: A few things the RAD 480i offers to help fight against false alerts are IVT filtering and band sensitivity adjustments. The RAD 380 is a no-frills unit that detects police radar and laser guns; its all of the benefits and none of the mess. It has impressive long-range detection and good false alert filtering. The LaserEye should have a clear view out of your rear window to ensure maximum coverage. Range is the showpiece of this radar detector, and our road tests reflect that as well. Long-range performance and sensitivity are excellent, giving you more range and earlier warnings via LNA technology (Valentine calls this a signal magnifier). There is a volume wheel on the side, but the alerts are very jarring regardless of volume. Instant-On Ready Detects radar guns with "instant-on" (very fast) speed monitoring capabilities Tone Alerts With adjustable volume UltraBright Data Display Is easy to read City or Highway Modes to reduce false alerts Safety Alert Traffic warning system distinguishes important safety alerts from other K band signals You will still see them for sale, but we dont recommend buying one. It offers great detection range, lighting-fast response, advanced anti-falsing circuitry, and access to the iRadar app. Increased awareness and ultimate road coverage. However, radar detectors are illegal in Virginia, Washington D.C., and most of Canada. The Cobra RAD 480i went from making a lot of racket to nothing. The display screen will show you alerts according to your desired detail mode. In More Detail mode, the RAD 480i displays the detected band, signal strength, and frequency (pulse rate for lasers). I bet 2/3 of the people who buy this are bros who have tribal arm band tattoos and wear mostly Ed Hardy. endobj Ensure the unit is as low as possible but not obstructing its view, either to the front or rear. The difference between the Cobra RAD 480i and the RAD 380 is the absence of Bluetooth, lesser range, and access to the iRadar app. That said, I jumped at the opportunity to test the Cobra RAD 480i Connected Radar and Laser Detector. You'll want to turn off the X band since that is the majority of the time lasers from brick and mortar stores. You can toggle through them by hitting the SEN button on top of the unit. Even though Cobra left out some important ones like GPS location lockouts, the power of community shared updates with the app is huge. Get all speed and red light camera notifications plus real-time shared alerts from the Cobra community. This data alerts you to things like an unforeseen red light camera, speed trap, construction work, school zone, or police radar activity. Select "RAD 480i" from the list In the iRadar app, the RAD 480i entry will display "Connected" when it has paired. 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. GPS is handy in a radar detector. If you live in an area with long straight roads and want a budget-friendly device, this is a good choice. CES 2023: The Biggest Trends for Pros; Best iPhone models; Best note-taking apps for iPad; Brightest flashlights; Best home battery and backup systems One of the best things about the Cobra RAD 480i is the access it gives to the Cobra iRadar app[1]. Although the visible displays are different, the main selling point of the Cobra RAD 480i over the RAD 380 is the iRadar app compatibility. That said, there are multiple display adjustments to cope with this, including an auto setting that adjusts to the ambient light. Cause your eyes don't need to be taken off the road when driving. Its good, does its job but it really scans every laser on the road. The question is whether or not the extra $50 is worth it for the iRadar app. $149.95 $149.95. It might be worth something towards the purchase of the Redline 360c. Will the New Jeep EV Lineup Deter Longtime Fans. Keep the installation in mind when youre choosing the one thats right for you. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. For the most part, yes. It picks up X, K, Ka, Laser, Spectre, VG-42. Be mindful if this happens, especially if the intensity of the alert increases as you climb the hill or begin to cross the bridge. GPS also allows you to monitor your speed more precisely and makes it so you can mark red light cameras and other hazards that you notice along your route. Penpen55 | Verified Purchase. The OLED display screen is one of our favorite things about the RAD 480i, especially when driving at night. If youve been using radar detectors for a while now, you know all too well how annoying false alerts are. Our in-depth guides provide advice and insight on numerous aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, car care, warranty, accessories, and safe driving. This is not a lot of time to slow down, so you need a radar detector that alerts you as soon as possible. However, you can simplify things via the Less Detail mode. 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). Please note that road conditions (hills and curves) can affect the range. Receive continuous updates to firmware for improved performance and accuracy. See special price in cart: Add Bundle to Cart You also receive access to theDefender Databasethrough the Escort Live app. Here we showcase the latest makes and models, often before they hit the market. Unfortunately, dont suggest anyone spend hard earned money on this piece of garbage until they update firmware or figure something else out. The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Cobra_RAD480i Cobra As you might imagine, there's not much to installing the RAD 480i. Our Bronze Medal award goes to the Cobra DualPro 360 its easy to use with its seven buttons, including a mute button, positioned along the top of the unit. Depending on your preferences and what you want in a radar detector, the Cobra RAD 480i is either amazing or lackluster. Bluetooth allows you to connect to other gadgets and devices, including your smartwatch and smartphone. In most situations, the device gives enough time to slow down; however, it struggles when there are obstacles in the way. I upgraded my Cobra RAD 450 to the New RAD 480i and I have got to say Great Job Cobra. High sensitivity has no filtering to pick up as many alerts as possible, medium features minimal filtering, low is maximum filtering, and there is an automatic setting that changes sensitivity based on the vehicles speed. Any good radar detector with built-in GPS will alert you to speed cameras, red light cameras, and speed traps. The tones will become faster for X, K, and Ka bands as you approach the source, whereas a laser alert will be more sudden and direct by contrast. Its not fancy, but for about $60, its a good option for an affordable radar detector. *You help support TechGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Some models continue to serve power through the 12V outlet (where most portable radar detectors and other accessories plug in) even though the car is turned off. The second is atrade-in program. Customer Service: Connect to smoother driving with this Cobra detector. No ads. )r1k4,^~l3R1* ]G93 hYi ?8#}_L@3H%+ H`G{^H9'k xKHlsE P@F+T{dsv'#]T`av ]oOd;@1Lv()EY`D" Y0lDz'_f;H34K{rftI3+ x=93E@. The Cobra RAD 480i has no trouble detecting LiDAR. William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. The RAD 380 doesnt have these features. The Cobra RAD 480i is a great detector for those on a budget. Lets start with the radar detector. Cobra 29 LTD. $129.95. superheterodyne technology (15 pages), 14 band high-performance digital radar/laser detector with xtreme range superheterodyne technology (15 pages), Manual will be automatically added to "My Manuals", OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES - Available at Www.cobra.com, TRADEMARKS ACKNOWDLEGEMENT, WARNINGS, and REGULATORY INFORMATION, Radar Detector Cobra RAD 480i Quick Start Manual, Radar Detector Cobra RAD250 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra RAD350 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra RAD450 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra RAD500G Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra RAD 380 Owner's Manual, Radar Detector Cobra SPX 5500 Important Information Manual, Radar Detector Cobra SPX 6700 Specification Sheet, Radar Detector Cobra 12 BAND XRS 9950 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra SLR 600 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra Elite Road Scout Owner's Manual, Radar Detector Cobra XRS 9745 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra XRS 888 Operating Instructions Manual, Radar Detector Cobra XRS 9345 Operating Instructions Manual, Page 18: Trademarks Acknowdlegement, Warnings, And Regulatory Information. It offers great detection range, lighting-fast response, advanced anti-falsing circuitry, and access to the iRadar app. Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm EST Its definitely a step above any base model radar detector, but beyond the iRadar app, there may not be much else to chew on if you are a bells and whistles type of person. The GPS lockout feature remembers up to 2,000 individual locations to prevent reoccurring false alerts (like automatic doors in a shopping plaza, construction zones, or digital signage). Spectre will also give some false alerts so leave that off as well. This radar detector has a bright OLED display thats easy to read. OLEDs last a long time, which is a perk. You should be able to save about $150 going with the MAX 360c over the Redline 360c. The Cobra RAD 480i has twice the range of other radar detectors in its class. 9 0 obj Otherwise, you can grab the RAD 480i through Cobras official website for $149.95. The advantages of a corded detector are that it remains very portable and never runs out of batteries. Other reviews we read before our three-week drive supported this as well. It's also easy. Radar detectors are illegal only in Virginia, Washington DC, and most parts of Canada. The Cobra RAD 480i is a great option for a radar detector under $200. Here are five of the best radar detector options for your vehicle. Design-wise, Cobra didnt veer away from the usual. No questions asked. With that quick look, lets dig in a little deeper into the features of the new Cobra RAD 480i. Setting your detector to Low or Medium sensitivity delays the audio alerts for weak X band and K band signals until they become stronger. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Installation usually comes in one of three flavors: A corded radar detector is the most common and comes with (you guessed it!) The downsides to hard-wiring? Though it responds to some interference at times, these false alarms are much less intense. Auto sensitivity wasnt much better for us on the open road either. One possible explanation is a dirty power outlet or cigarette lighter socket. Get real-time alerts to red light, speed camera, and law enforcement activity from a community of over 3 million drivers. 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). Previous firmware releases also include improvements to fix screen freezing, BlueTooth Communication, and general fixes. Would buy again. But they can be difficult to see in bright sunlight. This metric has three parts; the initial set-up, easy adjustment post initial set-up, and of course, how easy it is to understand the alerts. The new Cobra RAD 480i is definitely one of the best radar detectors on the market today. The first is a 30-day price match promise. We recommendthe three-year subscription ($49.95)versus the one-year plan ($24.95) as its a better value overall. Unlike other radar detectors, the RAD 480i does not have a color display, opting instead for a black and white combo that is sofer on the eyes. Affiliate Disclosure:Automoblog and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase the radar detectors below from their respective manufacturers. When you compare the price to what you get, the RAD 480i is a great deal. Radar jammers are illegal, so you should definitely get a radar detector. Check Today's Price For Cobra RAD 480i Not only is it thinner and sleeker, but it also has new power and volume controls that are much easier to use than on the Gen1. From setting up your profile to customizing app alerts and device settings, you can easily control your Cobra detectors and dash cams from within Drive Smarter. Detect laser signals from the front and rear of your vehicle. From performance supercar windshields to ready-to-rumble Jeeps the Premium Mount will hold fast. (A single beep will sound when the signal is first . Its also easy to get a solid mounting point almost anywhere on the windshield with the dual suction cups. The most obvious reason is to avoid a speeding ticket. It offers shared alerts from other drivers and updated locations for speed cameras and red lights. The Valentine One Gen2 has an entirely new look and design from its predecessor. The worlds largest database of threats and our community of drivers sharing real-time alerts. Just change the brightness settings via the DIM button on the top of the unit, based on your preferences (Bright, Dim, and Dimmer). Having them bundled like this will save you money over buying them individually. Even though we were driving at slightly higher speeds, we were still in Detroit proper or rather, we were still doing city driving. In 49 states, yes. The new Cobra RAD 480i is definitely one of the best radar detectors on the market today. I think having the real-time alerts and reporting them for other drivers to see is worth the extra $50. I was able to test the RAD 480i in three different vehicles: a 2020 Subaru Legacy, a 2020 Cadillac XT6, and a 2020 Honda Civic Si. If your radar detector has app capability like this, you will be prepared, especially when driving on unfamiliar roads. GearLab is reader-supported. This way, you wont be bombarded by false alerts and you get the performance you expect. Cobra - RAD 480i Radar and Laser Detector, Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability, CA Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information, Limit Use of My Sensitive Personal Information. Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and amember of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. stream For a small car, they only need about 500 feet. The RAD 480i radar detector from Cobra features a gorgeous black chassis and a stupendous white OLED screen, but it's much more than just a pretty face. Laser jammers, however, are legal in most states. Youre not going to get the same performance as you would from our top picks, but this one is impressive for the price. They are also illegal in all 50 states for commercial drivers, such as truck drivers and taxi drivers. :M=$AG,X-ns;28*GirFlIObA~)+a YM.WtlL?&dvQ 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. 028377107863. Learn how we're building advanced technology into all of our detection, protection, communication, and power solutions. <> Or are you better off with another model? Im still not a radar detector convert and wont be buying one for personal use, but the 480i would be on my list if I was. Many radar detectors today have DSP, and the Cobra RAD 480i is no exception. It also allows users to mark locations. For one, most radar detectors are mounted on the windshield, so theyre easily visible. This model maintains the aesthetic of the Cobra radar detector line,and thats not a bad thing because the products look sleek and modern. And with a retail price of $149.95, its easy to justify the cost of the Cobra RAD 480i. Cobra.com is proud to offer a discount of 5% to select customers who have served our country in the Military and their spouses and immediate families. 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. 4.3 (462 Reviews) . Voice alerts allow for hands-free operation and even alert you to the type of radar youre approaching. The warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials. Instead, you must adjust the sensitivity of the entire device from high to medium to low. Although we dont often recommend radar detectors under $100, this one is an exception. Best in its class detection range protects against all radar and laser threats. The RAD 380 rarely, if ever, interrupted us with false alerts. In flat, open conditions the range is at least 2 miles. Will you get decent alerts without Bluetooth? The closer the bar moves to the left, the closer you are to the iRadar alert. Generally speaking, this device is an easy one to use, but it has a lot of room for improvement. We also report on other significant announcements in the automotive industry. If you consider the average cost of a speeding ticket in the United States (around $150, not counting the increased insurance premium), then yes, a radar detector makes sense. This device is far from perfect in the accuracy realm and false alerts a lot, but it does okay for the price. Its signal spreads out like radar, though not as widely. The Cobra RAD 480i won our #1 top spot for the best radar detectors under $200. endobj IMO it makes you a better driver. 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).. To be fair, other radar detectors do the same and you can filter out K band detection, but its confusing nonetheless. The RAD 480i, on the other hand, seemed to struggle with false alerts, especially in Auto Sensitivity mode. IVT, or In-Vehicle Technology filtering, helps filter out technology like Blind Spot Monitoring on more modern vehicles. The RAD 480i is also VG-2 capable, meaning it can identify the infamous radar detector detector. Typically, radar detectors themselves emit a low-level signal that VG-2 can sniff out. Here is How it Works. It was a stark contrast. 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 Review: Is This Affordable Radar Detector Really Worth The Money? The volume scroll is on the side for easy adjustments, which is something we find convenient. Cobra RAD 380 (top) and Cobra RAD 480i (bottom). If the Redline 360c is out of your price range, browse through ourreview of the MAX 360c. All of the radar detectors on our list detect all of the most popular radar bands, as well as offering laser detection. I prefer the windshield mount as the hook-and-loop fastener makes it impossible to adjust the angle of the RAD 480i. The RAD 480i might drive you nuts. Firmware update available for Rad 480i (R10 1/5/2023). What the Cobra RAD 480i lacks in range and accuracy it makes up for in features. It also knows the difference between static and LIVE laser signatures. On top of the device, you have the different buttons like the menu, mute, dim, and SEN for sensitivity settings. Select Free Ground Shipping over $80 at checkout. There is also a mode that allows the detector's sensitivity to automatically change based on the speed . The Premium Mount offers the best all-around mounting solution for the RAD 480i radar detector acrossa wide range of windshields. 5/5. To update the firmware, connect RAD 480i to your PC using a standard USB-A to USB-micro cable. Cobra's 50 years of continuous innovation empowers drivers of all kinds, from professional truck driver to commuter to boater, to drive smarter and safer. Show More (5 items) When you think of radar detectors, you . Its much cheaper thanthe DualPro 360and the Road Scout, but you still get amazing performance from the Cobra RAD 480i. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. See More Details, Les clients internationaux peuvent magasiner au www.bestbuy.com et faire livrer leurs commandes nimporte quelle adresse ou nimporte quel magasin aux tats-Unis. Multiple sensitivity modes, location marking, and compatibility with Cobras iRadar app help make the RAD 480i a well-rounded radar detector for something in this price range. Let us know! I cover automobiles and their impact on consumers. Sometimes we go in-depth and analyze something, or we talk about car history or motorsports, or maybe were just giving our thoughts on something in the automotive industry. Radar detectors are also illegal in any commercial vehicle weighing over 10,000 lbs. Visual display lit up only for a few of the strongest door openers. Does Bluetooth make your radar detector more feature-rich? Whether that hassle is worth it will be up to you, but it would be helpful to determine the location of your vehicles power outlet and how the cord might impact your driving experience before buying. A radar detector that has Bluetooth connectivity to an app on your smartphone but leaves out a few favorite features in exchange for a friendly price, Sensitivity adjustments cannot be performed individually. In-store pricing may vary. 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. I bought a rear-view mirror mount to anchor this thing in the best possible location for laser signatures (radar experts recommend using your rear-view mirror to mount any radar detector). Many brands have proprietary apps that let you adjust different settings and signal strength and even connect you to data from other users. By no means would I say its an extended range, especially compared to any other radar detectors Ive used in the past. The Redline 360c quickly filters out interference and false alarms by learning where they are, using intelligent-GPS technology to learn your daily route. Why is it a Best-Seller? Enjoy free shipping on orders $80 and up. The Cobra RAD480i looks much like the RAD 450, but with curved sides. As for the competition, theUniden DFR9is worth looking at in this price range. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to access the Cobra community and receive real-time driver alerts from the Cobra iRadar app. The Valentine One Gen2 also has a ramp-up feature, which slowly increases the alarms intensity as you near the source. 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. Aside from the IVT filter, another shield against false alerts is the adjustable sensitivity settings. The Cobra RAD 480i detects all radar bands and laser guns and alerts you via an easy-to-read OLED display. Price Checker. Since it false alerts often it can be challenging to focus on the road. More Detail is the factory setting, and its the setting we prefer. But you better make sure you have a passagner when using the app. endobj iRadar - Wirelessly connects to the Cobra iRadar app to alert to: Shared Radar and Laser Alerts, Red Light Cameras, Speed Cameras, Live Police. Make sure these areas are free of dirt, dust, and corrosion. This one is for the pros. If you have a small car, putting a radar detector on the windshield might obstruct your view. 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. Even though it has wires, they wont be in your way because theyre strung through your cars interior to stay out of your eyesight. I have used this whilst highway driving and city driving. Join our community to stay up to date on cool car stuff and updates every few days: Audi activesphere Debuts With Futuristic Interior, Self-Driving Mode & Off-Road Muscle, Porsche 911 GT3 RS Tribute to Carrera RS Package: Saluting The Most Iconic 911. Valentine recommends this mode for city driving. 8 0 obj endstream Not satisfied? View detailed alert information and access Cobra detector settings directly on your phone. Works well. We went to a family wedding in Bryant, Indiana, about a 200-mile drive from Detroit. Here is How it Works. This is us talking shop and talking cars. Some police officers use RDDs, or Radar Detector Detectors, which can detect your units signal. This manual is available in the following languages: English. I personally enjoyed the iRadar app while driving. They should be easy to understand while driving and play the role of copilot seamlessly. Jammers work by disabling police radar and are banned in most places. For large semis and other trucks, a speed gun can measure speed from a mile away. Unfortunately, the RAD 480i does not come with a carrying case, so Igrabbed this oneon Amazon (as an Amazon associate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases). To install the new firmware, click the green software update button. One of the biggest questions about radar detectors is if they are worth the money. You cant get pulled over for this unless it is obstructing your view, so be careful where you put it. The GPS feature also lets you mark points along your drive where you commonly see red light cameras and speed traps so you can customize your alarms.