Whistler XTR-695 Radar/Laser Detector with Real Voice Alerts and External Audio Jack
Whistler XTR-695 Radar/Laser Detector with Real Voice Alerts and External Audio Jack by Whistler
List Price:$249.95 Our Price:$99.99 You Save:$149.96 (60%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Car Audio or Theater See more product details
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Customer Review: Whistler's Newest Detector is Cutting-Edge Summary: 5 Stars
Wow.
This is my first radar detector, and I spent hours and hours researching and reading reviews. I was going to initially go with the Bel Vector 955, which is one of the industry leading detectors out there, but the sheer amount of features and performance drew me to the XTR-695.
I've owned this detector for a month now, and every option in this feature-packed detector comes in handy. First time it went off, the RSID flashed up with the frequency, indicating a positive match on a known police radar. One mile later, I passed a state trooper. Since then, this little device doesn't disappoint. I've set colors to certain bands so I know just by the color what I'm up against. The periscope leds give you a quick heads up, even under the loudest circumstances. Even on windy roads in the countryside, I can still detect radars coming up in enough time to let me react.
One of the greatest features of this detector (I think) is the sheer stealth of it. I chose this detector over the Bel because the Bel has a silver casing that reflects sunlight, giving everyone a clear view that you have a detector. The Whistler is jet black, leaving no glare, and besides the two windshield cups, people really can't see that you have a detector until they are close to you (Whistler recommends you install the detector as low as possible on the windshield, right above the wipers, got my first laser detection when I finally did that).
The XTR also has several modes of dimming, so you can essentially tell the detector to turn off all lights until it gets a signal. Coupled with the fact that I've turned off X-Band to reduce false alerts, this detector stays silent and out of sight until I need it to be, which is really great since I believe a detector should be as small a distraction as possible until you really need it.
One of the biggest gripes people have with this detector is that the display is a little hard to read. Sure, it doesn't look like GPS device when it goes off, so this doesn't bother me, and I consider it an added bonus since I don't need a marquee on my windshield just to tell me the letter "K" and the number "9" (which indicates the band and strength). I can read mine just fine when it goes off, and i don't need to read it when it's not detecting anything. You don't even need the display since a woman's voice can alert you to the band, and the periscope leds flash faster with the strength of the signal.
All in all, a strong detector for a steal. My buddy has a Valentine-One, and while I didn't feel like spending $500 on a top-notch detector, the Whistler XTR-695 is worth every penny (it's saved me a speeding ticket a few times too!), and the RSID and LSID is worth it alone, since when I see those frequency digits displayed, I'm 99% confident that there will be law enforcement around.
Description of Whistler XTR-695 Radar/Laser Detector with Real Voice Alerts and External Audio Jack
Whistler's Pro-Series Line! Can Whistler improve for 2009? YES! Our new SE versions of our high performance units include a feature called "Ka Max" mode. This feature improves on our already impressive Ka perfromance. All the SE models include our popular features - Radar Signal ID (RSID) and Laser Signal ID (LSID). Whistler's XTR-695 is a detector that maximizes sensitivity and minimizes falsing. Ka Max Mode gives you improved Ka Band sensitivity. Radar Signature ID displays known Ka gun frequencies to help distinguish threats, and Laser Signature ID does the same by displaying pulses per second of received laser signals. Take advantage of 360-degree coverage for all radar and laser bands, Whistler's patented POP-mode detection, and a wealth of bonus features like a 72-point digital compass and vehicle battery voltmeter.
The XTR-695 maximizes sensitivity and minimizes falsing. Click to enlarge.
7 Color Backlit LCD Text Display The XTR-695's brilliant text display provides distinct visual confirmation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates engaged modes of operation. You can choose from 7 different display colors for a bit of personalization, even assigning a different color for each band, or scrolling colors.
Filter Mode There are times when a radar detector can emit the same frequency as police radar and can cause your detector to falsely alarm. Sometimes a detector can display a signal when picking up another radar detector in vehicle close by. The Whistler Filter Mode checks the signal to verify if it's a legitimate police radar or a false alert from another detector.
Auto Dim Mode The Auto Dim feature automatically switches the illumination of the text display between the bright and dim settings according to varying light conditions so that the text display will always be easy to read.
INTELLICORD Ready Add the Whistler INTELLICORD and you'll be able to remotely control the radar detector in settings such as power on/off, city modes, dim/dark and quiet/auto quiet with a simple press of a button.
Real Voice Alerts
Real Voice provides added information to the detected signal over and above the simple band ID tones from internal speaker. Click to enlarge.
7 different display colors. Click to enlarge.
Real Voice provides added information to the detected signal over and above the simple band ID tones. The unit says "X band" when it detects an X band signal. This allows you to keep your eyes on-the-road. Real Voice is also used to articulate Safety Warning System messages and feature selections. Real Voice will be used to articulate the following:
Band Identification
Safety Warning System messages
Feature Selection
Low Profile Alert Periscopes Whistler's Low Profile Alert Periscopes provide an added attention getting visual alert. The two extra LEDs flash on and off when the unit alarms to provide a unique visual alert.
3 City Modes/Highway Mode Highway mode provides full audio and visual warning of laser/radar systems while maintaining full sensitivity. Highway mode is the default setting of all Whistler's laser/radar detectors. City mode helps reduce the annoyance of automatic door openers and burglar alarm alerts by providing an initial alert (same distance as Highway Mode) then remaining quiet unless the signal strength becomes very strong. When the signal increases the unit will alert briefly to notify you of the change in signal strength.
Stay Alert The Stay Alert feature is designed to test a driver's alertness. Within 30 to 60 seconds after the feature is engaged an alert is sounded; to show alertness, the driver must press the volume, city or the mute button within 3-5 seconds. If a button is pressed within 3-5 seconds, the cycle is repeated. If a button was not pressed within 3-5 seconds the unit alarms at full volume and the display shows an unique visual alert.
Quiet/Auto Quiet Modes Pressing QUIET before a signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode, which automatically reduces the audio level after the initial warning to a low audio level setting. Pressing QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.
Alert Priority When two or more signals are received at the same time, the alert priority is: Laser, VG-2, Speed Radar, Safety Radar.
Example: If X band is alerting, then suddenly a VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2 warning will override the X band alert.
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off your detector within 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. The timer is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or any button is pressed before the 6 hours have expired. The detector will alert you with an audible and visual warning before it shuts off.
Safety Warning System--SWS This relatively new radar is not for speed detection at all, it is used to keep you informed of highway safety. Transmitters are installed and programmed (for example: in emergency vehicles) to make you aware of possible situations that may require your attention, such as: ambulance vehicles that are moving or stationary, road hazards ahead, road construction delays or detours, etc.
What's in the Box Whistler XTR-695, Power Cord, Windshield Mount, User's Manual