Cobra Rad 250: Pros And Cons, Common Issues, And Best Places To Purchase
Cobra RAD 250 Information
The Cobra RAD 250 is a portable radar detector that detects X and Ka band radar signals. It also features LaserEye technology, which allows it to detect laser signals from 360 degrees around your vehicle. The RAD 250 has a bright OLED display that shows the type of signal detected, the signal strength, and the distance to the radar source. It also has a number of features to help you avoid false alerts, such as City Mode, Highway Mode, and Anti-Falsing Circuitry.
Image of Cobra RAD 250 radar detector
Here are the full specifications of the Cobra RAD 250:
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Radar Bands | X, Ka |
| Laser Detection | Yes, 360 degrees |
| Display | OLED |
| Alerts | Visual, audible, vibrate |
| Features | City Mode, Highway Mode, Anti-Falsing Circuitry |
| Power Source | Cigarette lighter |
| Dimensions | 104 x 67 x 34 mm |
| Weight | 100 g |
Features
- X and Ka band radar detection: The Cobra RAD 250 detects X and Ka band radar signals, which are the two most common types of radar used by law enforcement in North America.
- LaserEye technology: The Cobra RAD 250 features LaserEye technology, which allows it to detect laser signals from 360 degrees around your vehicle. This means that you can be alerted to laser speed traps from any direction.
- Bright OLED display: The Cobra RAD 250 has a bright OLED display that shows the type of signal detected, the signal strength, and the distance to the radar source. This makes it easy to see the alerts and take action quickly.
- City Mode and Highway Mode: The Cobra RAD 250 has two modes that can be used to reduce false alerts. City Mode reduces the sensitivity of the detector in urban areas where there are more potential sources of false alerts. Highway Mode increases the sensitivity of the detector for better detection of radar signals on the highway.
- Anti-Falsing Circuitry: The Cobra RAD 250 features Anti-Falsing Circuitry, which helps to reduce false alerts caused by things like automatic door openers, garage door openers, and microwaves.
What's in the box?
The Cobra RAD 250 comes with the following items:
- Radar detector
- Cigarette lighter adapter
- Suction cup mount
- Mounting bracket
- User manual
Conclusion
The Cobra RAD 250 is a powerful and easy-to-use radar detector that can help you avoid speeding tickets. It features X and Ka band radar detection, LaserEye technology, a bright OLED display, and a number of features to help you avoid false alerts. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable radar detector, the Cobra RAD 250 is a great option.
Cobra RAD 250 Compare with Similar Item
a comparison of the Cobra RAD 250 with some similar radar detectors:
| Feature | Cobra RAD 250 | Cobra RAD 350 | Cobra RAD 450 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radar bands detected | X, K, Ka | X, K, Ka | X, K, Ka, Ultra-Wide Ka |
| Laser types detected | All | All | All |
| LaserEye® technology | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Instant-On (Pulse) detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VG-2 alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| City and Highway modes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable sensitivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Falsing Circuitry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IVT (In-Vehicle Technology) filter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Signal Strength Meter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tone alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VoiceAlert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto and Manual Muting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Volume Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| QuietDrive™ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Language (English/Spanish) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Display | Icon | Icon | OLED |
| Dim Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Price (MSRP) | $79.95 | $99.95 | $149.95 |
As you can see, the Cobra RAD 250 is the most affordable of the three detectors, but it still offers a good range of features. The Cobra RAD 350 and Cobra RAD 450 are more expensive, but they offer additional features such as an OLED display, a longer range, and more advanced anti-false alert technology.
Ultimately, the best radar detector for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you're looking for an affordable detector with a good range of features, the Cobra RAD 250 is a great option. If you're willing to spend more money, the Cobra RAD 350 or Cobra RAD 450 offer even more features and performance.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the three detectors:
| Feature | Cobra RAD 250 | Cobra RAD 350 | Cobra RAD 450 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radar bands detected | X, K, Ka | X, K, Ka | X, K, Ka, Ultra-Wide Ka |
| Laser types detected | All | All | All |
| LaserEye® technology | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Instant-On (Pulse) detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VG-2 alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| City and Highway modes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable sensitivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Falsing Circuitry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IVT (In-Vehicle Technology) filter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Signal Strength Meter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tone alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VoiceAlert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto and Manual Muting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Volume Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| QuietDrive™ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Language (English/Spanish) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Display | Icon | Icon | OLED |
| Dim Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Price (MSRP) | $79.95 | $99.95 | $149.95 |
Cobra RAD 250 Pros/Cons and My Thought
The Cobra RAD 250 is an affordable radar detector that offers a good balance of features and performance. It can detect X, K, and Ka bands, as well as laser signals. It also has a built-in GPS receiver that can store and mark known speed trap locations.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Long range detection
- Built-in GPS receiver
- Bright color display
- User-adjustable sensitivity
- Muteable audio alerts
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- Some false alerts
- Not as bright as some other models during the day
- No built-in red light camera detector
User reviews:
- Positive reviews:
- "This radar detector has saved me from multiple possible speeding tickets."
- "It has a great system to determine if it's a cop or just a door nearby."
- "Can turn off individual radar bands when necessary."
- "Cannot beat the high functionality for the low cost aspect."
- Negative reviews:
- "Has more false reads than expected."
- "Daytime brightness is not as good as some other models."
- "Does not have a built-in red light camera detector."
My thoughts:
Overall, the Cobra RAD 250 is a good option for drivers who are looking for an affordable radar detector with a good range of features. It is not the most advanced radar detector on the market, but it does a good job of detecting radar signals and warning drivers of potential speed traps. The built-in GPS receiver is a nice addition, and the user-adjustable sensitivity allows drivers to fine-tune the detector to their individual needs. The main downside of the RAD 250 is the number of false alerts that it can generate. However, this is a common problem with radar detectors in general, and it can usually be minimized by adjusting the sensitivity settings.
If you are looking for a basic radar detector that won't break the bank, the Cobra RAD 250 is a good option to consider. However, if you are willing to spend a little more money, you may be able to find a radar detector with fewer false alerts and more advanced features.
Comparison to Cobra RAD 380:
The Cobra RAD 380 is a slightly more expensive radar detector than the RAD 250. It has a few additional features, including:
- Red light camera detection
- Longer range detection
- More sensitive radar detection
- Brighter display
However, the RAD 380 also has a few downsides, including:
- Smaller display
- No built-in GPS receiver
- Shorter battery life
Overall, the Cobra RAD 380 is a better radar detector than the RAD 250. However, it is also more expensive. If you are looking for the best possible radar detector, the RAD 380 is a good option. However, if you are on a budget, the RAD 250 is still a good choice.
Cobra RAD 250 Where To Buy
You can buy the Cobra RAD 250 and spare parts from the following retailers:
- Cobra Direct: The manufacturer's website is a good place to start your search for genuine Cobra parts. They have a wide selection of parts available for most Cobra models, including the RAD 250.
- Walmart: Walmart is a good option for finding affordable Cobra parts. They have a limited selection of parts available, but you may be able to find what you need at a good price.
- Amazon: Amazon is another good option for finding Cobra parts. They have a wide selection of parts available, and you can often find them at competitive prices.
- Best Buy: Best Buy is a good option for finding Cobra parts if you need them quickly. They have a limited selection of parts available, but they offer free shipping on orders over $35.
- Lowes: Lowes is a good option for finding Cobra parts if you need them in-store. They have a limited selection of parts available, but you can often find them at competitive prices.
- eBay: eBay is a good option for finding rare or discontinued Cobra parts. You can often find parts on eBay for less than you would pay from a retail store.
When buying Cobra parts, it is important to make sure that you are getting genuine parts. There are many counterfeit parts available on the market, and they can be of poor quality. Always buy Cobra parts from a reputable retailer to ensure that you are getting genuine parts.
Cobra RAD 250 Problems and Solutions
some common issues with the Cobra RAD 250 radar detector and their solutions:
Issue: The radar detector is not turning on.
Solution:
- Check the power cord to make sure it is plugged in securely.
- Try a different power outlet.
- If the radar detector still does not turn on, you may need to replace the power cord.
Issue: The radar detector is not detecting radar signals.
Solution:
- Make sure the radar detector is in the correct mode. For example, if you are driving in the city, you should set the radar detector to the City mode.
- Check the radar detector's sensitivity settings. You may need to increase the sensitivity settings to detect radar signals.
- If you are still having trouble detecting radar signals, you may need to reset the radar detector to factory defaults.
Issue: The radar detector is giving false alerts.
Solution:
- Make sure the radar detector is not picking up signals from other electronic devices, such as cell phones or power lines.
- Check the radar detector's filters. You may need to disable some of the filters to reduce false alerts.
- If you are still getting false alerts, you may need to reset the radar detector to factory defaults.
To reset the Cobra RAD 250 radar detector to factory defaults:
- Press and hold the "PROGRAM/MUTE" button for two seconds.
- The detector will emit three beeps and "PROGRAM" will appear on the display.
- Brief programming instructions will scroll through the display three times.
- Choose "RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS".
- The detector will reset to factory defaults.
These are just some of the common issues with the Cobra RAD 250 radar detector and their solutions. If you are having trouble with your radar detector, you can consult the user manual or contact Cobra customer support for further assistance.
Cobra RAD 250 Manual
Safety Information
- Before using the Cobra RAD 250 radar detector, please read and understand all of the safety information in this manual.
- The Cobra RAD 250 is not a toy. It should not be used by children or by anyone who is not familiar with its operation.
- Do not use the Cobra RAD 250 if it is damaged. If the unit is dropped, or if it comes in contact with water or other liquids, discontinue use immediately and contact Cobra Electronics for assistance.
- Do not mount the Cobra RAD 250 in a location where it could obstruct your view of the road or other drivers.
- Do not mount the Cobra RAD 250 in a location where it could be exposed to excessive heat or cold.
- Do not attempt to disassemble the Cobra RAD 250. If you need to have the unit repaired, please contact Cobra Electronics for assistance.
Before Use
- Before using the Cobra RAD 250 for the first time, you will need to install the batteries. The batteries are located in the battery compartment on the bottom of the unit.
- To install the batteries, open the battery compartment and insert two AA batteries, making sure to match the positive and negative terminals.
- Close the battery compartment and your Cobra RAD 250 is now ready to use.
- To turn on the Cobra RAD 250, rotate the On/Off/Volume control clockwise.
- To adjust the volume, rotate the On/Off/Volume control counterclockwise.
- The Cobra RAD 250 has two operating modes: City and Highway. To switch between modes, press the City/Highway button.
- In City mode, the Cobra RAD 250 will be more sensitive to radar signals, but it may also produce more false alarms.
- In Highway mode, the Cobra RAD 250 will be less sensitive to radar signals, but it will produce fewer false alarms.
Troubleshooting
- If the Cobra RAD 250 does not turn on, make sure that the batteries are installed correctly.
- If the Cobra RAD 250 is not detecting radar signals, make sure that it is turned on and that the City/Highway mode is set to Highway.
- If the Cobra RAD 250 is producing false alarms, try adjusting the sensitivity.
- If you are still having problems with the Cobra RAD 250, please contact Cobra Electronics for assistance.
Maintenance
- To clean the Cobra RAD 250, use a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents.
- To prevent the Cobra RAD 250 from collecting dust, you can use a dust cover.
- If the Cobra RAD 250 is not going to be used for an extended period of time, you should remove the batteries to prevent corrosion.
Warranty
The Cobra RAD 250 is covered by a one-year warranty. If the unit malfunctions within one year of purchase, Cobra Electronics will repair or replace it free of charge.
Contact Information
- Cobra Electronics Corporation
- 6500 West Cortland Street
- Chicago, IL 60707
- USA
- Phone: 1-800-543-1600
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.cobra.com
Additional Information
- The Cobra RAD 250 is not a perfect device. It can sometimes produce false alarms, and it may not detect all radar signals.
- The Cobra RAD 250 is not a substitute for safe driving practices. You should always obey the speed limit and be aware of your surroundings.
- The Cobra RAD 250 is not intended to be used in all countries. Please check with your local authorities to see if it is legal to use in your country.
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