Cobra XRS 9970G Voice Alert 15 Band Radar and Laser Detector

• NOTE: The Cobra XRS-9970G is a bundle of the XRS-9965 detector unit and GPS locator that includes a lifetime subscription to AURA Database
• 1.5-inch full-color touchscreen display provides enhanced data display and simple navigation of unit features
• GPS locator and lifetime subscription to AURA Database alert you to verified speed trap/red light camera locations, dangerous intersections
• Detects all 15 radar/laser bands with super-fast lock-on detection circuitry
• 8-point electronic compass, Voice Alert, car battery voltage display/low car battery warning and much more
• Provides complete immunity to VG-2 and alerts for Spectre I/IV radar detector-detectors
• One-year limited warranty
•  1.5 inches Full-Color Touchscreen Display
• Gps Locator Included For Speed/Red Light Cameras
• Patented Pop Mode Detection
• Voice Alert Warns Driver Of Specific Threats Being Detected
• Digital Signal Strength Meter

I purchased this radar unit for my Hummer H2. I am very familiar with radar being a commercial pilot. I've owned radar detecting equipment off and on for 32 years. This is the most sophisticated highly sensitive unit I've owned and its easy to set up and operate. Its mounted on my dash since I cant reach the windshield from the drivers seat. The radar detector performs great. It has many features to reduce false alerts. I like the intellimute feature. It senses your RPMS and mutes the sound up to a preset RPM that you have entered, plus speed alerts you can preset. Mine is set at 75. It will chime and says "speed alert" if speed is exceeded, very handy and shows your speed when alerting. It has picked up state troopers in town blocks away, plenty of time to adjust your speed. The screen is visable in bright daylight, but I use the blackout feature which it goes dark after a preset time you enter but it will light back up upon a radar/gps signal. The icons can be set to different colors (green blue red orange or multi) to match your dash light colors. You can tell if its a false hit because it will only read out KA band, but a police radar hit will show the frequency he is using. The touch screen is priceless. Just a touch of an icon will change a feature and is very easy to change settings on the go, and the red-light/speed camera/speed trap detection is indispensible. As I was driving the interstate on a camp trip the Cobra 9970G alerted (caution speed trap area). Right after it alerted I looked over at the oncoming lanes and a state trooper had someone pulled over with lights flashing. This thing really works. The AURA Database is constantly updated every 12 hours and is free with the purchase of the 9970G. You can also manually set different alert locations up to 1000 of them. I usually set it up for school zones. It will alert you well ahead of them.

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I can remember the last radar detector I had was a Cobra. They sure have come a long ways since the long strip of red lights that would increase in increments when a signal was detected. The Cobra XRS 9970G is all digital, full color touch screen and has an easy to read display. Gives you 360 degrees of protection. The voice alerts are a plus to let you know if you are being targeted. Measurements are approximately 5 x 3 And weighs about 7 ounces. There are so many features in this little piece of equipment. The extra features I find the most helpful is the GPS Locator, the low battery warning and the speed indicator. We have a rebuilt 1984 Mustang drag car that is street legal and the speedometer is not accurate. Using the speed indicator on the radar detector has been extremely helpful to monitor our speeds. With so many features and options, you will need to play around with it to feature out how to set the features and display to your needs. The Cobra XRS 9970G offers false recognition detection but it still goes off whenever I pass certain banks, municipalities or building with some kind of security system. It does not happen all the time but I have come accustomed of knowing which buildings and areas will give me a false detection.

At first I was confused after reading about the AURA Database feature in the manual, but after doing some searching on Cobra's website I found out that AURA stands for Advanced Universal Road Alert.

Description quote from Cobra's website:

"It warns drivers of thousands of driving threats that could cause unintended traffic violations as well as accidents. The result is that AURA-equipped drivers have heightened situational awareness--extra help to know what's around them, and what's ahead. The AURA database stores GPS coordinates of speed and red-light cameras and driving hazards. Users can access this database online and download daily updates onto various devices. One such device is a GPS locator (a USB flash drive) that connects to various AURA-compatible units and synchronizes the database to the device for the most current driving hazard warnings. Given the rate at which new photo enforcement cameras are being installed, providing daily updates is critical to providing motorists with the most reliable protection possible."

The AURA database covers all of the United States.

The AURA Database is nice feature to have at no cost since it is sold as an ad-on for older units/inexpensive models for $99.95 for 12 months plus $29.95 per year after the first year. With the Cobra XRS 9970G it is a LIFETIME subscription at no charge. It is not a very difficult procedure to do. All you need is to have a computer with internet connection. Register your product on Cobra's website.

** Make sure you input the serial number on the GPS Locator and not the serial number of the radar detector.** You will see on the menu an option to "update my data". Follow the easy to install directions. Make sure you download the program prior to connecting the GPS drive in the computer. After the first initial install, all you have to do is plug the "included" USB adapter cable to the GPS Locater Unit and insert it to a USB slot on computer, it will automatically update. It states they are constantly adding more speed traps and cameras so it would be a good idea to update on a regular basis.

NOTE it is Windows 7 compatible, which is what I use.

The only negative things I can say about this unit is that the 12V DC power plug could be a tad bit longer and that I wish it came with an optional longer tilt/adjustable mounting bracket. I would of preferred to place the unit in the middle of the dash by placing the windshield suction cups on a mounting disc plate (like the ones used with navigation systems). However, you can adhere the unit on your dashboard with the enclosed double-sided tape. Since the lip of the display screen overhangs, you will have to mount it with the display hanging off the edge of the dash. If you prefer to mount the unit to your windshield, it comes with two small suctions cups attached to a small bendable bracket. When I tested to see how the unit would sit on my windshield of my SUV I found that the weight of the unit caused it to droop downward even after I adjusted the bracket's angle. I believe it was because the windshield in my SUV (Dodge Durango) is very slanted. Also since the suctions cups are small, they kept coming "unstuck". If it offered one big suction cup, I think the hold would be much stronger.

Some states do not allow items to be adhered to the windshield, verify what your state's regulations are. It is banned from using radar detectors in the state of Virginia and it's even illegal to have them in your vehicle. In New York State it is prohibited in motor vehicles weighing over 18,000 pounds or commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds.

UPDATE: I found the perfect dash mount to use with the Cobra XRS 9970G the Radar Detector Car Dash and Windshield Mount. This offers more flexibility in how you want to mount the unit. The large suction cup keeps it securely in place and it even comes with a double-sided tape dash mount plate.

Read Best Reviews of Cobra XRS 9970G Voice Alert 15 Band Radar and Laser Detector Here

touch screen is surprisingly spacious and the ease of configurability is a real advantage over comparable detectors.

I got this more for the fixed location camera alerts than for the radar, and so far it has scored 100pct on that. I checked it against all the known locations the first night it came in, and on the way I picked up a few more I didn't know about.

The software (once you find it on the site not the easiest thing in the world to do) works very well. It runs itself as a background utility which I recommend you remove from your startup if you need the ram, altho it's small and not a huge deal. The pro to keeping it in startup is that u can update the gps just by plugging in and it autosenses the con is the little bit of ram, but to get around that you'd just have to run it from your programs menu then plug in (dunno if youd have to remove it from startup again; probably).

The radar functions have been good thus far it kept me out of one potential ticket in the last week. I have not really learned how to work with the intellimute function yet, but I haven't had time to really read the details in the manual either.

All in all, if you can find this for just over $200, it's a very good product. I experimented with a device before it for just under a hundred that did nothing but find the speed and red light cameras, and it was pretty junky. It was a no-name brand that I was hoping would be an up and comer, but it turned out their software was so bad it rendered the device nearly unusable. That is not the case with the Aura dbase equipped Cobra. Right out of the box the fit and finish is excellent, and the functionality has been nothing short of superb thus far.

Highly recommend.

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The Cobra XRS 9970G arrived as I was heading out the door for a two hour trip. I opened the box removed the device from its packaging got in the vehicle and powered it up. I did not attach the windshield mount which actually appears to be a coated metal with a couple of rubber stops that I believe are to keep the unit from "tapping" the windshield, it looks well designed and fits snuggly in the unit. I ordered a bean bag holder and it was being shipped seperate, if that does not suffice I feel the windshield mount may work although as others have mentioned the power cord will be maxed.

Three miles down the road in highway mode I entered my own small home town and was alerted with a "speed trap" warning! I felt it was slow in this warning for I was already upon the spot the local officer sits in waiting. I was however amazed that this location was even in the data base! Maybe on city mode it would have been ample time but I don't intend to be toggling back and forth as I drive. My sole purpose for the purchase was to remind me of this type of location, and all the new fixed locations that seem to be appearing as our cities and states try to find additional sources of revenue.

Further into my journey I did receive a "POP" warning which was generated by State Patrol and also a traffic alert as all oncoming traffic was being rerouted off I-80. I am not an excessive speeder, but I don't want to be caught napping.

After arriving at my destination I decided it was time to register the GPS and download the most current data from Aura. My laptop has a Vista operating system and this update was done without a hitch. No chance of entering the wrong SN either the site shows you a picture of the unit and asks again if your SN you entered is correct. Pretty fool proof.

The best feature I believe is the touch screen, yes its a little small, but how many screens is too many on your dash? The icons are clear and the alerts are as loud as you care to make them. For my purpose this is a great unit at a great price, the Cobra site lists the unit currently about $200 more than Amazon.

2/24 After having the cobra for two months I don't know how I ever got by without one. At twice the price I would say it has added value. The alerts are timely, even had it alert that an emergency vehicle was approaching... and then one turned in the intersection in front of me! Truly more than a radar detector, this thing is better than a spouse in the passenger seat! That being said...and in all honesty, it's incredible.

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Let me save you the 10 hours I spent researching radar detectors in articles, expert tests, expert reviews, and user reviews from cnet, amazon, etc.

In summary: Tested this unit extensively myself in two long trips. Great camera detector/GPS function, so a 5 rating on all other bells and whistles, BUT did not have much of a range to detect radar, period. Thats a fact recorded in test after test from the independent pros you can look up on the internet.

THE MAIN PURPOSE: TO DETECT RADAR IS WEAKscientific actual test by so many in comparison TESTS!!!! Tried to ignore that and love this unit, but I, a week later had to face the reality. This level of protection is avail for about $150. (yes, with GPS camera,etcothers have given the models, and are avail. on Amazon.com.

(ALL indep. test show this is a 1 miler, and the next group is 4 and the best is 9 !!! I explain below, its not the miles point, its that more miles equals more detection strength period You often wont get 2 miles in on rating 9 miles due to variables, but that one rated 1 mile, this one, gave me 200 ft repeated !!! So, strength is what counts (and it so happens they can only do the road tests using miles and over the hill... etc. see below.

Additional (GOOD) information:

For this price, many others have the same range/performance (many standardized comparison TESTS by independents say ONE mile) and for the best rated in everything (like the escort 9500ix (paid $427 yesterday at At Amazon fulfilment-a used but NEW return, avail. reg. 487. to 499. (ret.), have 9 mile detection ranges! There are many variables. EVEN the one with the 9 mile may only give a 1.5 mile warning over a hill or if ...(many other reasons), SO, imagine this unit or the fancy Rad .... (which uses your cell phone as a display-nice idea, but again, no range, and has GPS red-light/speed camera/ locations too, for about $150, (SAME 1 mile range), when their are hills/obstacles/or the police car is BEHIND you (which in my TUNDRA with topper) may only alert when it is less than a block behind you within sight (with one signal bar) and within seconds (several times I was only doing about 30 mph, and he was doing 35 mph) jumps to 5 signal bars. WHAT if I was going OVER the speed limit, perhaps 80 in a 70? Too late, completely ineffective. So that HIGH range 9 mile tested radar may give me 1 mile (not a visual for the ofc. to be necc. (legally/policy) to write the citation) notice here, perfect! So, dont be fooled and think 1 mi range in those test is good when ALL others have a min. of 4 miles (in the next upward category). Over the hill, its not a 9 mile notice for none of them! Test show less than 70% detection at 1/4 mile on this unit for that! Others 97% of the time at 1/4 mile! Get the point. The numbers dont mean much (or do they?) , EXCEPT more range is your best chance at not getting a ticket!!!!

NEED GPS/RED-LIGHT/SPEED CAMERA? Now, my dilemma was that I wanted the BEST range that included GPS for red light camera detection. IF you can do without that need, the Bel str driver (SAME PRICE) rates marginally higher than the escort/passport 9500 XI (same price toosame company, and the same as BEL too I readwhat a monopolyand sneaky marketing strategy, most you buy will be owned by same co?)

BUT, most importantly, without gps/right light camera... ALSO, for mere $150. you can get one of the best detection rated (comparable to the BEST out there, with 9 mile detection too!) The Bel 995! or the Bel RX65 (a bit lower (marginal) detection range). Note the GX95 (has gps and is much more money)

So, if you have a budget and just want the best DETECTION, dont spend it on this unit, others that show a NINE mile detection range (remember its not really the stated miles, the test were under IDEAL straight-away, in-line conditions BUT IT DID COMPARE DETECTION STRENGTH AND A 9 MILE VS. A 1 MILE (like this one, means somethingas I noted in MY experience this week)

Google it for yourself: "RADAR DETECTOR TESTS" or "comparisons" , and many other terms, most will land you in the same four indep. testing sites, with all the brands model numbers! Interesting too, all those test, have similar RESULTS. Beware of the ones that have an interest in selling you a detector, they may be biased, check for documented specs on the results, most give you the comparison charts, explain the testing, etc.

See for yourself, bottom line this one and the Bel Rad for Android or I phone (great concept for a screen and app.) ALL show this one with a ONE mile detection range (again its only FEET under many conditions), while the next group shows a min. of FOUR mile detection, and the best group shows 9 mile detection! Again, dont get hung up on miles, what you need to note is the STRENGTH is weaker in this one and...

THE BEST rated by all is a BEL for about something like $1200 to 2k, that goes in the grill with a remote, BUT ALMOST SAME RESULTS AS THE 9500 XI, redline, and 955.

Also, I read that the BEL 995 (159. on ebay is EXACTLY (made by same co that owns both) as the Passport 8500 (identical results in tests).

Oh, I must mention, YES one of the bells and whistles on this unit gx65 is lifetime camera updates free. Passport 9500 will give me 90 days, and then 19.95 a year, but an expert told me to simply update it when received, then on the 85th day. Then a year later buy the subscription and update it immediately and then make sure to do it again 11.5 months later, skip about a year in purchasing it (cameras are NOT updated that oftenbut for $20?maybe worth doing, I will just skip 6 months to be safe) and do this cycle again, and always be almost up to date?

So, price and gps (red light camera data bank, etc. will determine decision , but get the best DETECTION ABILITY you can, not bells and whistles is my recommendation!

USER RATINGS? One last thing, as with ALL products, BUY the ones where the vast majority of the ratings are 4 and 5, ignore the 2% that give it a one, read them for entertainment, or to read that they are in another country and they are pissed that it was not written in the sales ads,or it arrived not working or they didnt like the instructions provided.

People will give the BEST radar detectors out there a ONE rating? THEY ARE CLUELESS and have false expectations contrary to testing and scientific evidence and reality and limitations! GO check all this out, and you will see its true. IF They simply write that they suddenly got a warning too late, once they saw the police vehicle and poss. got a ticket, so the expensive detector is useless and sent it back. ITS not a POLICE CAR detector, RADAR needs to be in the process of being emitted, duh! Cops do flick on and off the radarlikely what happened!!

LASER (cop standing over the hill, standing there pointing it directly at YOUR vehicle (very narrow beam) and nails you, as you get the alertnothing works for this, except expensive jammers on the market!

Again ref. ratings: So, don't let those reviews with a few percent giving it a ONE rating ( I know when you see 20 or 30 ratings on ONE you become concerned, BUT dont if you see 350 with a rating of 4 or 5, (20 is insignificantsee my comment on clueless and .... above) don't let that throw you off. But, I have noted most cops in the City drive around with the RADAR ON, and I see them shortly after detection! IT WORKS!

Oh, Pet PEEVE now: Amazon LIED, they said buy it in x hours if I paid additional 1 day deliv fee .. which I did, and it will be delivered tomorrow. Said it even AFTER I purchased it, went to bed, woke up today and checked and its not being delivered until another DAY.

Calling to get my next day B.S. deliv day fee back !!! Why say it Amazon, "Buy within the next xxxx and receive it .... (paying extra) NOT TRUE they lied? Calling in 5 min. to hear the excuse, but they should not make the claim and fool people and state it as a FACT that IT WILL be received by (unusual, rare exception and perhaps a plane crash? or common intentional misleading marketing/sale gimmick to entice buyers (as they did me !!

BUT, Amazon is taking the Cobra back and has taken other items back (they do keep some of the payment made to make you pay for shipping back though, but, OK!

Enjoy the review and if you think... mark it as HELPFUL, so others will go right to it !! Thanks.