Cobra ESD 9000 Radar Detector

Pros: It's, well, cheap. X-band detection not bad.
Cons: Inadequate audio/visual display, no rear radar protection, marginal K/Ka band performance, overall cheapness.

Beating the cops at Radar Games leaves no margin for error. The penalty for failure is getting pulled over and very likely cited. At the risk of sounding elitist, if a person can't afford good, capable equipment, he's better off saving his money and not...

Pros: Price, size, sometimes helps avoid tickets
Cons: Sensitivity is low, false alarms, useless Safety Alert

The main question I was asking myself before buying a radar detector is “will it save me from getting a ticket”? I believe that now I have an answer.

According to “Car And Driver” magazine, there is a large difference in performance between...

Pros: basic options, the price is right
Cons: No extras

The Cobra 9000 series radar detector is just that, a radar detector. It doesn't have all of the fancy options that many of the other higher priced radar detectors have, but it does the basic job it was created to do.

This particular radar...

Pros: a good value with nice features
Cons: won't mount on the dash because the velcro don't stick to it

Update February 2001.
I notice that this radar is more effective if PROPERLY MOUNTED. Try to raise it at least a couple of inches above the top edge of the wiper and make sure it is PARALLEL to the ground (not pointing up or down). It has to be...

Pros: It is great if you want a ticket
Cons: It does not work

I bought the Cobra 9000 a couple of weeks ago at the local Costco. I had great expectations. I took it out of the package in the Costco parking lot, stuck it to the windshield (Next to my Cordless Escort Solo 5) and about 30 miles later I was sitting...

Pros: Is cheapness a Pro?
Cons: It's bulky and the display can be hard to see at times.

My parents bought this product for me once I got my new car (check other opinions). They wanted me to be "protected" from police because they knew that new drivers tend to have the urge for speed. I had no problem with using a radar and would use...

Pros: Early radar alert, StrobeAlert(tm)
Cons: Did not detect Laser (LIDAR) at all

I bought this product thinking that since it was so new, it had to be good. I soon learned that I made a mistake. The Cobra 9000 9-Band Radar/Laser Detector worked fine for radar. It gave me warnings several blocks ahead of the radar source. I soon...

I have this and a new escort. They are both very close around town driving, and have both saved me a ticket many times in the last 6 months. The Cobra does tend to pick up some false X band in the business areas, but I remain aware of it and it works out well. The cobra is a good buy and a good performer