Ensure the unit is as low as possible but not obstructing its view, either to the front or rear. The question is whether or not the extra $50 is worth it for the iRadar app. Run (double click on Cobra_RAD_480i_Update_Installer_V1.0.exe) to install onto your PC and follow the InstallShield Wizard instructions. Overall, the design is pretty straightforward and you wont have any trouble figuring out how to use this radar detector whether youre a beginner or a pro at using these devices. In motion, the RAD 480i delivers alerts that are clear and easily understood. Will try in one of my other vehicles but as the Honda is the only vehicle I take on road trips this is upsetting. As a specific example: There is a busy section of M-10 that separates the New Center and Virginia Park neighborhoods here in Detroit. ][Ce.G2=>1/Vp"rc If you have a small car, putting a radar detector on the windshield might obstruct your view. In most situations, the device gives enough time to slow down; however, it struggles when there are obstacles in the way. Q: Whats the difference between the Cobra RAD 480i and the RAD 380? 9 0 obj However, for only <200$, you're getting a package that can read crash frequencies, cops, and more, at the range that's astounding to me. Whats the difference between the Cobra RAD 480i and the RAD 380? Tax will be calculated at checkout. This is us talking shop and talking cars. Find directions and gain access to speed limit and live traffic data. It has an ultra-fast long range protection, voice alerts, Bluetooth connectivity, and next-level IVT filtering for significantly less false alerts on the road. What more can I say? Both radar detectors have advanced technology to detect the radar bands from law enforcement. This is not a lot of time to slow down, so you need a radar detector that alerts you as soon as possible. Even though the Cobra RAD 480i is still one of the best picks in this price range, there are other nice radar detectors that retailfor under $200. Cobra RAD 480i Radar Detector unboxing and installation VIPD CUSTOMS 2.25K subscribers Subscribe 284 35K views 1 year ago I show the unboxing and the installation of the radar detector. This manual is available in the following languages: English. Price Checker. Voice alerts allow for hands-free operation and even alert you to the type of radar youre approaching. Although the visible displays are different, the main selling point of the Cobra RAD 480i over the RAD 380 is the iRadar app compatibility. LaserEye detects laser signals from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Here, you will only receive three bars based on the intensity of the radar alert: one for low, two for medium, and three for high. (362.9 g.), Master Pack Dimensions: 6.85 L x 10.20 W x 11 H (173.99mm x 259.08mm x 279.4mm). w4 'CqO viRXkp#SvT8A g+{~PZ^y^idp)ZCkeg@vJ^j=l^gt8j%xues1C~9MhlIF #P5,=!kd/66{CPzaa!k>lYS.%!k It will ultimately depend on what you think you will realistically use each day. 2023 Best Buy. With real-time updates, a small collection of features, and mid-level customization, this is a great budget-friendly option. It detects threats from miles away so you have more than enough time to adjust your speed. Earlier warnings provide greater protection against all radar and laser guns in use on the road. Its our pick for the best budget radar detector under $100. 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. The second is atrade-in program. Note that enabling K Low will increase the amount of K band false alerts you receive. Range is the showpiece of this radar detector, and our road tests reflect that as well. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. 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. As such, for this three-week drive and subsequent review of the RAD 480i, Cobras iRadar app had little competition on my phone. The Cobra RAD 480i will alert you to X, K, and Ka radar bands and laser (LiDAR) guns. Plus, get access the nationwide database of red light and speed cameras. The Premium Mount offers the best all-around mounting solution for the RAD 480i radar detector acrossa wide range of windshields. This is a great feature and usually goes along with the ability to lockout certain locations, but that's unfortunately not a feature this detector offers. 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 The RAD 480i is compatible with Cobras iRadar app (hence the i in the name). The Cobra RAD 480i offers four different sensitivity levels: High, Medium, Low, and Auto. 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 amount of tax charged on your order is contingent on your state. If your radar detector has app capability like this, you will be prepared, especially when driving on unfamiliar roads. Model RAD 480i Master Pack Qty. Furthermore, AutoLearn and GPS technology, Bluetooth and laser jammer capability, and a multicolor OLED display make the Escort MAX 3 a no-brainer in this price range. It will perform best if you mount it in the center of your vehicle (approximately) on your front windshield. We recommendthe three-year subscription ($49.95)versus the one-year plan ($24.95) as its a better value overall. Some police officers use RDDs, or Radar Detector Detectors, which can detect your units signal. Firmware update available for Rad 480i (R10 1/5/2023). Within Cobras product family, we would likely opt for the RAD 380 over the RAD 480i. The RAD 380 doesnt have these features. Join our community to stay up to date on cool car stuff and updates every few days: #1: Best of the Best: Escort Redline 360c, Best with Dash Cam: Cobra Road Scout Elite, 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. That said, I jumped at the opportunity to test the Cobra RAD 480i Connected Radar and Laser Detector. Connect to smoother driving with this Cobra detector. A lot can get in the way of radars, like buildings, trees, winding roads, and hills. It still costs a chunk, but it is on the far lower end of the price spectrum in the grand scheme of radar detectors. Bouncie GPS Vehicle Tracker Review: How It Works, Top Safety Features & Cost (2023), 12V Slime Inflator Review: An Easy Solution for Unexpected Low Tires, 5 Best Jump Starters (2023 Buyers Guide), Driving On Wet Roads: 6 Essential Tips to Increase Your Safety, Best Radar Detectors With a Dash Camera (2023 Buyers Guide), Furiously Ridiculous: The Worst Car Movies of All Time, 5 Most Romantic Classic Cars For Valentines Day, AAA Drivers Ed Review: Courses & Prices for 2023, 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70: Trim Levels, Safety Tech, Pricing & More. The warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials. I personally enjoyed the iRadar app while driving. RADAR & LASER DETECTOR: COBRA ELECTRONICS MODEL RAD 480I. Many brands have proprietary apps that let you adjust different settings and signal strength and even connect you to data from other users. Thanks to its triple-antenna design, the Redline 360c has twice the range as other detectors by Escort. They cant be sure in every case, but some highly trained police officers will be able to tell. Reach your destination safely and efficiently. Cobra RAD 480i BEST BUDGET RADAR DETECTOR The old "you get what you pay for" saw is more true with radar detectors than most other electronic gadgets. This model maintains the aesthetic of the, Many radar detectors today have DSP, and the, One of the best things about the Cobra RAD 480i is the access it gives to the Cobra iRadar app[. stream Cobra RAD 480i $149.95 Premium Mount $29.95 $179.90 The Premium Mount offers the best all-around mounting solution for the RAD 480i radar detector across a wide range of windshields. 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). 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. 7 0 obj OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES - available at www.cobra.com . Generally speaking, this device is an easy one to use, but it has a lot of room for improvement. All products purchased factory direct come with a 30-day money back guarantee. To be fair, other radar detectors do the same and you can filter out K band detection, but its confusing nonetheless. We also report on other significant announcements in the automotive industry. I then assembled a wide range that covered the gamut of prices out there . Were a news & analysis website covering anything related to cars, cars accessories and driving. 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. Just plug it in, download the app, and sync the device to your smartphone. All of these settings are available through clearly labeled and simple controls on top of the RAD 480is body and are easy to figure out with very little frustration. Its not that the RAD 480i is a bad unit, but if you drive through a lot of road construction zones by where you live, you might want to consider another unit. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Prices and offers are subject to change. The 480i can detect X-band, K-band, Ka-band, and laser, but not MultaRadar (MRCD), which is rather new to the United States. Overall, I found the RAD 480i to be useful and easy to operate. In Auto mode, the RAD 480i alerted to every road construction zone and flashing sign on I-75 through Michigan and Ohio. If the Redline 360c is out of your price range, browse through ourreview of the MAX 360c. Lol, I would like to see less false alerts an Ka band on highway use, Works great saved me a lot of times would recommend to anyone. 2nd Generation IVT Filter - User updatable system automatically reduces false alerts from moving In-Vehicle Technology sources such as collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control, automatic door openers, and traffic flow monitoring systems. I bet 2/3 of the people who buy this are bros who have tribal arm band tattoos and wear mostly Ed Hardy. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. User rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars with 462 reviews. To experiment, we ran through the same area (both north and southbound) in Low sensitivity. You may find the RAD 480i will issue a slow alert as you approach a hill or bridge. Its signal spreads out like radar, though not as widely. It might sound confusing as described, but the OLED display of the RAD 480i is crystal clear. But they can be difficult to see in bright sunlight. So, not only do you have protection from radar and laser signals, you also get advanced warnings on traffic and law enforcement cameras, speed limit signs, road hazards, accidents, and any road threat. Sales: This is useful for people in densely populated areas, but rural areas like where I live dont have many other Cobra users floating around to fill in data on the app. Cobra Electronics provides a one-year warranty from the original date of purchase. Plus, how comfortable do you feel knowing the only thing between you and that huge speeding ticket is a AA battery? Cobra uses LaserEye technology to detect signals from the front and rear, so it is best to mount the device in the middle of the windshield. 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. You only really have to worry about this if youre using your radar detector in a state or vehicle where it is illegal. Check your specific model to be sure. It's worked many times so far and I would recommend this product to a friend. Best in its class detection range protects against all radar and laser threats. 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. <>/XObject<>>>/BBox[ 0 0 633.58 812.86] /Matrix[ 0.11364 0 0 0.088576 0 0] /Filter/FlateDecode/Length 112154>> Other than that it works. At $99, the Cobra RAD 380 is a winner if you want something inexpensive but not cheap. Any commissions received by us come at no extra cost to you. Will the New Jeep EV Lineup Deter Longtime Fans. Though it responds to some interference at times, these false alarms are much less intense. endobj However, radar detectors are illegal in Virginia, Washington D.C., and most of Canada. Check Today's Price For Cobra RAD 480i There are no apps or fancy tech features to worry about; if you just need an extra set of eyes, the Cobra RAD 380 is a perfect choice. Cobra - RAD 480i Radar and Laser Detector. Cobra_RAD480i Cobra As you might imagine, there's not much to installing the RAD 480i. Enjoy free shipping on orders $80 and up. I upgraded my Cobra RAD 450 to the New RAD 480i and I have got to say Great Job Cobra. x}KJv?Z,>{'haGm7OD]LO_uZ?z.ohz^! That said, there are multiple display adjustments to cope with this, including an auto setting that adjusts to the ambient light. All trademarks property of their respective owners. Show More (5 items) When you think of radar detectors, you . Cobra RAD 480i Laser Radar Detector - Long Range Detection, Bluetooth, iRadar App, LaserEye Front and Rear Detection, Next Gen IVT Filtering, Black 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 gen IVT filtering to eliminate unwanted alerts. The RAD 480i might drive you nuts. This device has saved a few traffic awards and is very useful at detecting all different types of alerts at great distances! The Cobra RAD 480i detects all radar bands and laser guns and alerts you via an easy-to-read OLED display. Here in Maine, we have digital signage on the highways to communicate road conditions, and the Cobra alerted K band signals for every one of them. Great Unit On High mode goes off a lot which is explained in directions but definitely Lights the Ka band up from around corners and far distances. Ver ms detalles. For a small car, they only need about 500 feet. Spectre will also give some false alerts so leave that off as well. The app alerts you, in real-time, to things like red light and speed cameras. Instead, you must adjust the sensitivity of the entire device from high to medium to low. Many radar detectors today have DSP, and the Cobra RAD 480i is no exception. Aside from the IVT filter, another shield against false alerts is the adjustable sensitivity settings. 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. This app also opens up communication between drivers as it shares live updates, red-light cameras, and stationary speed traps. Design-wise, Cobra didnt veer away from the usual. 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. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. As an Amazon Associate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases, including the radar detectors featured in this article. You can access these modes via the Menu button on top of the unit. Lets find out in this Cobra RAD 480i review. Get . The opinions below are my own based on my personal experience with the product. Even if you are connected to the iRadar app, you can still manually change the sensitivity. 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. My only gripe is that I don't know what to do with the wire, and it's way too long so ultimately ends up getting wadded up in a cupholder. Bluetooth connectivity isnt essential, but its a handy feature to have. The styling is also kind aggressive. Gain access to the worlds largest, most accurate database of red light and speed camera locations and alerts. 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. For one, most radar detectors are mounted on the windshield, so theyre easily visible. Cobra RAD 480i Review 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 $148 at Amazon Price: $150 List Manufacturer: Cobra By Hayley Thomas Review Editor Mar 19, 2021 62 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #10 of 13 Features - 30% 6.0 Accuracy - 25% 7.0 Like its big brother, the R7, the Uniden R3 offers aGPS lockout featureto prevent any reoccurring false alerts. You can toggle through them by hitting the SEN button on top of the unit. No sponsored content. Please note that road conditions (hills and curves) can affect the range. We chose to turn the volume off completely and just visually check the device, but this isn't ideal. 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. Using the RAD 480i is as easy as flicking a switch on the side. $149.95 $149.95. View detailed alert information and access Cobra detector settings directly on your phone. 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. With the iRadar app, you can either report or receive real-time alerts as generated by an entire network of users. OLEDs last a long time, which is a perk. Cobra SC 200D. However, you can simplify things via the Less Detail mode. On the screen, youd find band identification icons and a numeric signal strength meter so you know how near or far away the police radar gun is. Millions of user-base traffic avoidance exchanges. Your RAD 480i is designed to provide you the truest alerts and minimize the distraction of Our response to COVID-19, Sign up for exclusive offers and the latest news. endobj Whenever we recommend a radar detector to someone or purchase one ourselves, we always look at these five things: The detection range determines how much time you have between an alert and the police radar signal in question. View the manual for the Cobra RAD 480i here, for free. Otherwise, you can grab the RAD 480i through Cobras official website for $149.95. You can toggle through them by hitting the SEN button on top of the unit. Cobra RAD 480i and Uniden R3 Detections. Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm EST Theyre made for all popular radar detectors and are meant to mount the unit in the best possible place for detection without blocking your view. Here we showcase the latest makes and models, often before they hit the market. Here are five of the best radar detector options for your vehicle. 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