Hands-On With Cobra's XRS 9960G GPS Radar Detector (GPSmagazine.com)

Verdict: You, Sir, Are No Escort Passport 9500 or Beltronics GX65 (but you're still pretty good, and a whole lot cheaper)

The XRS-9960G is Cobra's top-of-the-line radar detector, boasting 15 band radar/laser detection combined with GPS technology that alerts you to verified speed and red light camera locations, dangerous intersections, and reported speed trap locations for the United States and Canada. The unit also advertises increased detection range, and the best possible defense against new POP mode radar guns.

I spent a few days driving around with the XRS-9960G, and overall I found it to be a solid radar detector with good GPS functionality, and a good value. But it is outclassed by the more expensive units out there, and doesn't provide adequate false alert protection.

Specifications:

Unit Dimensions	5.2"H x 3.1"W x 1.9"D (132 mm H x 79 mm W x 48 mm D)
GPSL 55 Unit Dimensions	0.92”H x 1.7”W x 0.59”D (23.5mm H x 43mm W x 15mm D)
Unit Weight	6.5 oz. (184g)
GPSL 55 Unit Weight	0.38 oz (11g)
SKU#	XRS 9960G

Features:

Feature	Benefit
S-XRS™ Maximum Performance	Super-Extreme Range Superheterodyne Technology, with super-fast sweep circuitry, provides maximum detection range and the best possible advance warning to even the fastest of the instant-on radar guns
Full Color Extreme Bright DataGrafix® II Display	1.5” OLED display provides enhanced data display in easy-to-read vivid colors. Allows user to select from 5 different color schemes to match dash illumination (Full Color, Blue, Orange, Green, and Red).
Car Battery Voltage Display/Low Car Battery Warning	Provides approximate voltage of your car’s battery and also alerts user whenever car battery voltage falls below 11.9 volts
Pop Mode Radar Gun Detection	Detects the latest Radar Gun Pop (Super-fast Instant-On) Mode
Ku Band Detection	Detects Ku Band Radar Gun currently being used in Europe. Be ready when it comes to U.S.
IntelliMute	Relative speed sensing auto-mute system that virtually eliminates false alerts
IntelliMute Pro	Relative speed sensing auto shutdown feature will render your detector undetectable by currently available radar detector-detectors
IntelliView	Picture-in-picture shows radar/laser alerts simultaneously with GPS locator based alerts
15-Band Detection	Detects all 15 radar and laser signals listed in table below
8-Point Electronic Compass	Automatically provides an accurate electronic direction heading
Strobe Alert	Works with tens of thousands of emergency vehicles currently equipped with traffic light controlling strobe emitters. Provides advanced alert of the presence and/or approach of these vehicles
SmartPower	Automatically shuts off power to the unit when ignition is turned off
LaserEye	Provides 360 detection of laser signals
Safety Alert	Warns driver of emergency vehicles and road hazards from systems equipped with Safety Alert transmitters
VG-2 Alert	Alerts the user when they are under surveillance of VG-2 radar detector-detectors
VG-2 Undetectable	Provides complete immunity to VG-2 radar detector-detectors
Spectre Alert	Alerts user when they are under surveillance of Spectre I/IV+ radar detector-detectors
Spectre Undetectable	Provides complete immunity to Spectre I radar detector-detectors
Frequency Display Mode	Super-fast CPU determines the frequency of the Ka radar and laser gun frequencies in nano seconds
IntelliShield False Signal Rejection	Reduces the frequency of falsing in densely populated urban areas. The city mode has 3 levels of setting for enhanced false signal rejection
City/Highway Modes	Allows the user to select operating mode, reducing the frequency of falsing in densely populated urban areas
Digital Signal Strength Meter	Provides the user with relative proximity to the target
Auto Mute	Automatically mutes the alert tone for enhanced driver convenience
Dim Mode	Allows the user to dim the radar detector display enhancing night driving visibility
System Ready Prompt	Notifies the user that the radar detector has correctly completed a self-test and is ready

GPS Features:

AURA™ Camera & Driving Database (included)	GPS-based technology warns the driver of fixed speed and red light cameras, speed traps and dangerous intersections across North America. The AURA database is updated daily and provides the industry’s most complete and accurate coverage and reliability. GPS Locator and Lifetime subscription** included.
IntelliScope	Provides information about the direction of Location Based Alerts relative to your moving vehicle using Global Positioning System
Programmable Location Alert	Add up to 1000 location-based alerts of your choice
Programmable Speed Alert	Provides alert when exceeding driver-preset speed limit
Digital Speedometer	Provides accurate, current vehicle speed using Global Positioning System
Latitude/Longitude Information	Provides accurate latitude/longitude information using Global Positioning System
8-Point Compass	Provides accurate, 8-point directional reading using Global Positioning System

Cobra XRS 9660G Retail Box
Figure 1: Cobra XRS-9960G Retail Box

Figure 2: What's in the Box

The XRS-9960G ships with the following items in the box:

XRS-9960 GPS
GPSL 55 Receiver Unit (The GPS receiver)
Vehicle Power Adapter
Mini USB to standard USB Adapter Cable
Adhesive Velcro Strip
Windshield Mount
Printed manual and product registration card

Figure 3: Cobra GPSL 55 Unit

The included GPS module connects to the mini-USB port on the left side of the radar detector, as shown below.

XRS 9660, Left Side
Figure 4: XRS-9660G, Left Side

Here you see the GPSL 55 module plugged into the 9660G.

XRS 9660G, With GPS Attached
Figure 5: XRS-9660G, With GPS Attached

The GPS module sticks out about an inch to the side, detracting from an otherwise sleek looking unit.

XRS 9660G, Right Side
Figure 6: XRS-9660G, Right Side

A headphone/audio out jack is located on the right side of the 9660G.

XRS 9660G, Top
Figure 7: XRS-9660G, Top

The control buttons are well placed, making it easy to memorize each button's placement and function without having to look at the unit when driving.

Installing the XRS-9660G in the Car

Figure 8: Vehicle Power Adapter

The included power adapter connects to any available cigarette lighter adapter in your car.

Figure 9: Inserting the Windshield Mount

The windshield bracket slides into the rear of the 9660G until it snaps into the locked position.

Figure 10: Windshield Mount Release Button

To remove the windshield bracket from the device, press the release button on the top of the 9660G, as shown above.

Figure 11: Power Adapter

Connect the power adapter to the 9660G's power plug.

XRS 9660G, Attached to the Windshield
Figure 12: XRS-9660G, Attached to the Windshield

The first time you mount the XRS-9660G to the windshield using the included mount, you might think you received a defective unit. That is, until you realize that you have to bend the mount upwards into the desired position.

XRS 9660G, Mounted to the Glass
Figure 13: XRS-9660G, Mounted to the Glass

Pushing the front of the radar detector upward towards the roof of the car allowed me to achieve a more level position when using the 9660G with the included radar detector.

Still, the included mount feels flimsy, and there was a considerable amount of shake when driving around. I often thought it was going to fall of the glass completely (though it never did).

XRS 9660G, Mounted to the Glass
Figure 14: XRS-9660G, Mounted to the Glass

XRS 9660G
Figure 15: XRS-9660G

Press the power button on the XRS-9660G, and within a few seconds the bright display reports that it has acquired GPS signals and is ready to go.

Conclusion

Overall, I was impressed with the XRS-9660G's GPS capabilities. Although Cobra uses a proprietary database for speed trap and red light camera locations, it seems to be on par with the database used in the more expensive Escort and Beltronics radar detectors.

Known speed traps and red light cameras were accurately reported, and the unit was able to learn new locations at the press of a button. The GPS unit quickly acquired a signal, and generally worked well.

I was also impressed with the built-in Emergency Alert system. While driving around my local neighborhood, the 9660G suddenly flashed an ambulance icon. Sure enough, a few seconds later, and ambulance passed me driving in the opposite direction. The 9660G is able to detect strobe alert systems that many municipalities use, including mine, apparently. When equipped with this system, an ambulance or fire truck approaching an intersection can alert the traffic signal light and request a green light so they can safely cross the intersection. The 9660G detects this invisible light, and notifies the driver that an emergency vehicle is approaching. This system is not used everywhere, but in my testing it worked well.

However, unlike more expensive radar detectors, the XRS-9660G suffers from lots of false alerts. When driving outside the city, I received false K-band alerts with regularity. In the city, X-band alerts were common (though you can disable the X-band alerts when driving in a city, and increase the threshold for K-band alerts if you want to reduce the number of false alerts).

I also strongly disliked the flimsy windshield mount, which seems inadequate for such a heavy radar detector. I also would have preferred an integrated GPS solution rather than an add-on USB module that sticks out to the side of the unit.

Cobra's XRS-9660G is a decent radar detector that offers good value for the money. If you're on a tight budget, the 9660G offers about 75% of the functionality of more expensive units at about half the cost.

However, if you want a true high performance radar detector, you're better off saving up and getting a Beltronics Pro GX65 or an Escort Passport 9500ix.