Cobra ESD 7400 Radar Detector Review

Driver Experience Test
Today we selected the Cobra ESD 7400 radar detector from our arsenal for my “Low Priced Radar Detector Review.” And I didn’t have to travel far to rate the performance or so should I say lack of, on this detector.
The Cobra ESD 7000 retails for as much as $59.95 and is advertised as being a six band radar detector capable of detecting the three radar bands used in the USA, VG2, Laser and Cobra’s Safety System.
Before heading out of town for our 85 mile trip, we pulled into the local Circle K convenience store to get a cold drink. Parked nose out in the parking lot was a Wickenburg Police Officer running a dash mounted K band radar gun with the antenna pointed forward in my direction. The Cobra did not alert until I was literally fifty feet in front of the patrol car.  It was evident that the officer’s radar gun was left in constant on, as the officer himself was inside the store getting himself a cold drink.
I parked alongside and got my cold drink and pulled out of the parking lot with the officer directly behind following. If I maintained a distance less than fifty feet the detector had no problem detecting the officer’s radar gun, any further the detector fell silent.
I continued west to head out of town and came across another Wickenburg Officer that was operating a Ka band radar gun parked along the side of the road. Again the Cobra did not alert until I was pretty much on top of him.
Realizing that if continued my normal test route was worthless and that I would be spending more on fuel then the detector was worth, so I called it a day.
I have tested hundreds of radar detectors in my day and very few have ever received a no star rating. My “Zero Star” rating has historically been reserved for those devices advertized as being capable of scrambling police radar and found as worthless as placing a brick on your dash. I’m very disappointed in that such a well known and respected company such as Cobra has lowered the bar in marketing a device such as this.
Radar Roy’s Badge Rating – Zero Badges

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