Review Cobra XRS 9955 Radar Detector
Those of you that have following me for any length of time know that in the past I have not been a big fan of Cobra radar detectors and one of my most critical reviews was during the Fireball Cross Country race in 2007.
During this event, as I was “Fireballing” down I-10 just outside of Baton Rouge, I powered up Cobra’s first GPS based unit. But only fifteen minutes later, after listening to continual false alerts, I pealed it off the windshield and tossed it to the rear of our car.
This year, while I was at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) checking out their new line up (their gorgeous assistants and radar detectors) something inside of me told me that perhaps I should give the Cobra brand another shot and do a full review of their products for 2009. So last week a case of various Cobra radar detectors arrived at my office.
The first thing that caught my eye as I pulled each unit out of the box was Cobra’s claim of their new units having “fifteen band detection.”
I’m sure that you’ve had a difficult time believing someone after you caught them in a “little white lie” as I feel the same way too. But giving them a chance to explain I read the fine print on the back.
Two Safety Systems:
Safety Alert and Strobe Alert, ok, I’ll agree to these two. The Strobe Alert is a great feature that alerts to the flashing strobe emitters of emergency vehicles. And then Safety Alert, although not in widespread use is a great feature that warns of approaching hazards.
Six laser signals?
Listed are six models of laser guns that the XRS995 detects, all of which are within the same spectrum (band).
Seven radar signals?
Ok I can see listing X, K, Ka and even Ku, even though it’s not used in the USA. But listing VG2, the Spectre 1 and the Spectre IV?
But I maintained an open mind as I stuck the XRS9955 onto my windshield for six days of driving around the Phoenix area.
During my radar detector tests I always try to keep the unit programmed in the highway mode. This mode offers the best sensitivity to pick up police radar at longer distances. However in this mode you often are bombarded with false alerts which are the chief complaints of radar detector owners.
However, I was pleasantly surprised of the low quantity of false alerts I did receive with this unit. Sure when I was in close proximity of a grocery store or other establishment that had the automatic door openers the unit did alert. But I do not consider these alerts as false, as they transmit on the same frequencies of police radar.
Also when operated in this mode the Cobra XRS 9955 performed well at sniffing out police radar traps encountered on K and Ka that were a respectable distance away.
I found that the “DataGrafix” display was very easy to see even in Arizona’s blinding sun. The graphic alerts and notification was also a cool feature showing an image of a radar gun and band as it was alerting along with a signal strength meter that has multi colored balls.
One persistent problem I did have with the XRS9955 that I would attribute to Cobra’s small suction cups and the stiff suspensions of my truck, that the detector would frequently fall off the windshield.
Overall I would rate my driving experience over the past six days with the XRS9955 from fair to good in radar performance.
So today I decided it was time to see how the XRS9955 would fair against my arsenal of laser guns on the airstrip in front of my home. The detector did a fair job in identifying the laser alert when vehicle was over 800 feet away. But as I would expect with any dash mounted radar detector, as the vehicle came in closer proximity to the laser source and the beam width narrowed, the detector had difficulties in alerting.
Next the Spectre testing, I have both the Spectre II and the Spectre III. The only reason I even considered doing this test was to validate Cobra’s claim of complete undetectablilty to the Spectre I and its ability to alert to the Spectre I through IV.
Well I’m disappointed to report that both my Spectre I and III sniffed out the XRS9955 and that the Cobra never chirped an alert.
But overall, I can honestly say that the XRS9955’s overall performance is compatible other radar detectors in its price category and that the added features of its compass and display are an added bonus.
Radar Roy’s Rating – Three Stars
27 Responses to “Review Cobra XRS 9955 Radar Detector”
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Hi, I just read your report about cobra 9955, wich one would you recommend, as an overall better equipment ? Thanks. Hugh.-
Well if you’re looking for a good unit check out the Escort 9500ix. Also be sure to sign up for my free buyers guide at http://www.RadarRoysBuyersGuide.com. I have a full review there of all the popular radar detectors and laser jammers along with a free gift card that you can use.
How does this compare to the XRS 9930 VP? It’s been discontinued so got a good price at Costco. My wife hates it so we are returning it. Too many false alarms. Need a better choice at a reasonable price.
The 9930 is very low end with range and performance
Hi,
I am getting myself a new car and thinking of getting a Cobra XRS 9955. I believe that jammers are illegal in South Africa so don’t want to go out of my way to end up in jail or a massive fine 🙂
Will this unit be fast enough to detect Lasers/Radars before hand on the highway or even in town?
Thanks
Nothing is faster than the speed of light, so no, the 9955 would not be an effective weapon against laser
Hey Roy,
Thanx for doing what you do!! I’m looking to purchase either the Cobra 9955 (possibly not after recent review) or Whistler 78 SE. Any chance you might have gift cards still available?
Again, Thank You,
Allan
Yes, the gift cards are still available. You can get them at http://www.radarroysbuyersguide.com
Thanx again Roy but I must be overlooking them. However, I was wondering if you can advise me on my possible decision to purchase a Whistler 78 SE? Do you think this is a good decision? Do you think I would have ample protection for under $200? I viewed a few reviews and it seems to be one of the better “cost efficient” models on the road. Can you recommend a better performer in that price range? I no longer considered the Cobra 9955 since one review stated Cobra is a terrible leaker. One last question, can you be stopped if a patrolman simply notices that you are using an RD? Or fined if one is seen in your car?
Most appreciative!!
Allan
Hello Roy,
An acquaintance of mine who is a RD enthusiast tells me that it’s not really worth buying a radar detector since “instant on” is primarily used and almost never can be detected. Is this true?
P.S. Just a note: I AM LOOKING FOR SOMETHING
THAT WILL CONVINCE ME TO PURCHASE A RD!
PARTICULARLY THE WHISTLER 78 SE (only one
possibly in my price range if reliable) IF
SOMEONE WITH YOUR REPUTATION CAN TELL ME IT
IS A GOOD INVESTMENT!
Thank You
Your friend doesn’t sound to much of an enthusiast about radar detectors if he didn’t teach you the procedure of having a rabbit infront of you to beat Instant on.
You never run infront of a pack, always behind, when they are shot with IO you get notice
I have a cobra 9950 with the gps locater for the price it does well for as the red light and speed cam work well in B.R. but want to know what you think of the 9950 with gps locater. Thanks
I have a cobra 9950 with the gps locater for the price it does well for as the red light and speed cam work well in B.R. but want to know what you think of the 9950 with gps locater.Do want to say that my laser will go off when they hit the car in front of me. Thanks
I am looking at the Cobra XRS 9960G/9970G and know you are not a big fan of Cobra- however is there an alternative giving the complete package of radar/laser/speed/red light camera detection on the market. Thanks tom
No, I’m not a big fan of Cobra’s simply because of all the false alerts the units give off. If you’re comfortable in hearing these alerts all the time then yes, go for it. However I want to know where the cops are, not where all the local gas stations and supermarkets are.
Hi there, I just got a speeding ticket. This Cobra 9955 did not sound anything until the police stop me and give me a ticket. The police use the photo radar gun. Anyone know this Cobra 9955 detect the photo radar gun? Please let me know. Thanks.
@Tom, that is SOP for a Cobra, that is why they are not on top of my list. If the officer pulled you over, this was not a photo radar gun. Sounds more like you got nabbed with Laser. For that I would recommend a laser jammer
hey i have a new impala and i kind of have a lead foot… So i was wondering if you would recommend the cobra XRS-9955 Radar? If not which would you refer?
@brittany If you have a lead foot, no I wouldn’t recommend the Cobra.
What I would recommend is either the Escort 8500 or if your budget allowed it, the Escort 9500ix
If you sign up for our buyers guide, we do have a 10% off discount code
To give this 3 stars and then give 3 stars to the Whistler Pro78se is a travesty. The Whistler will outperform this detector on every band and in every way. Even a cheaper model from Whistler will do better.
Hi,
Thanks for the review. What do you think about newer models 9965 or 9970. Do they pass Spectre test?
Thanks!
Vinnie, thanks for your question. No the Cobra models cannot defeat the Spectre even though they claim they can
Hello, I´m living at EStonia and today police taked my 9955XRS Cobra away from me. In our country now i must go to the court and there i get 15 days or 1000 USD trafic ticekt. Please give me advice what is the best model to buy so that police do not find it. They had this Specter thing in their car.
You need a radar detector that is undetectable, therefore I would recommend the Redline: http://www.radarroysbuyersguide.com/redline
dears,
i bougth this detector from one week ago, and im still practicing as u can say, but i have 2 questions if u can answer please reply to my mail
safooos@yahoo.com
1.why the detector alert after i cross the radar?
2. there is any effects by the sun on the device?
regards,
Saif,
What about the new Cobra XRS 9990?