Pros: Improved KA Detection from previous models, Solid on X and K Band Detection
Cons: Laser detection is below par
The Bottom Line: This product is great for the average user, but if you have a lead foot go for a higher end detector. If you require Spectre Invisibility than get this detector.
dazbot's Full Review: Cobra Electronics ESD 9860 Radar Detector
After owning a Cobra 9850 and now upgrading to the 9860 I've noticed a big improvement in sensitivity on the 9860.
X and K band has always been pretty solid for Cobra, the detector gives you ample time to slow down when these threats are encountered. KA well thats another story! A big improvement has been made to KA detection on this unit. My area is just starting to get KA radar and the 9860 has picked up instant on KA from over a mile away on the highway. Seems like the OPP are finally getting rid of some of the old X and K band guns they've had for years.
Cobra's laser detection has always been a problem, even with earlier models. The laser sweep seems to be very narrow, as I have been clocked by laser and the detector did not make a sound. This has happened 2-3 times to date. Not once have I had the unit report Laser, even after watching the officer aim and clock my vehicle.
The 9860 is also immune to the dreaded VG-2 RDD, and I've confirmed with Cobra that the 9860 is also invisible to the new Spectre RDD. I hope this is true as Canada has imported roughly 80 Spectre units that are currently being used by the OPP. Cobra's newest Detector the 9870 has a built in feature to detect the Spectre, this will be useful for me but useless to most who live in the US.
Overall I would say this detector is Cobra's best to date. While they still have a long way to go to be in the same class as an Escort 8500 or Valentine 1, they are starting to climb the ladder. I would have opted for a higher end detector but Cobra is only one of two manufacturers offering Spectre invisibility right now which is very important to me.
**May 13, 2003 UPDATE**
I've had a little more time to test this unit now and I would like to share some results.
The Spectre invisibility seems to be holding up as I haven't been pulled over yet. ;)
Most of the radar in my area is K-band and a small percentage is KA radar. Here is one encounter I had recently.
I was driving on a major highway in Ontario, Canada going up a hill as I noticed my Cobra began to alert me to the presence of K-band. As I proceeded up the hill the signal increased to 2-3 bars and once over the hill the unit was screaming 5 bars of full K-band Alert. At the bottom of the hill was a lone OPP officer clocking vehicles as they passed. I would say the 9860 gave me a full mile of warning going up a hill. I was quite pleased. I was also clocked with laser not too long ago and the detector finally went off indicating laser was present, but it was only when the officer aimed directly at my vehicle, if I had been speeding I'd have no chance to react.
Overall I'm very pleased with the 9860. Its not the best detector but its well worth the money.
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