Whistler 1788
($199.99 suggested retail)
The Whistler 1788 is styled very similarly to the very attractive new Whistler 1778 and 1776 models. It has a black lower case and an array of chromed buttons across the top. The titanium-colored upper case inset can be removed to reveal an all-black housing, sharply reducing windshield glare.
It's about twice the weight of the PNI cordless models, mostly due to its use of four very high-power Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AA batteries. Chief engineer Mike Batten says the big battery pack was a deliberate move, enabling the 1788 to operate without a duty cycle, the only cordless model to do so. The payoff is in improved performance.
The NiMH batteries re pricey compared to the AA alkalines of the competition. but since they come standard and recharge quickly, we'll take them. The weight penalty is largely offset by virtue of the batteries being rechargeable by merely plugging-in the supplied power cord. It also comes with a home battery charger. Both features are unique among cordless detectors, regardless of price.
The display is a large LCD design whose attractive blue backlighting is adjustable to meet ambient lighting conditions. Backlighting is necessary after dark and, with frequent alerts, battery life will be shorter, calling for a recharge after several hours of use. But with the power cord, recharging time is both simple to do and fairly brief.
In features the Whistler has a substantial edge over the two competitors. Standard are three different sets of audio alert tones, adjustable Battery Saver (auto shutoff) time, an abbreviated start-up sequence, VG-2 on/off, selectable band defeat (shutoff) for X, K Ka and/or laser plus three City mode settings: standard, low X-band sensitivity and X-band delete. The Whistler 1788 also comes with both dash mounts and a windshield mount. The latter thoughtfully comes with extra-large suction cups to handle the 1788's weight.
Band ID is alphanumeric and signal strength is depicted two ways, with a bar graph and numerically. There won't be any doubt about either the type of threat you're facing or its proximity.
The Whistler 1788 is unique in being the only cordless model able to detect both K and Ka-band POP radar. And it managed to do so even better than the 1776 and 1778, an engineering feat of some note, particularly in a cordless model.
Its Ka-band POP-mode detection range, however, is even less than that of the PNI Steel Eye, something to keep in mind if you live in one of the few areas where POP radar is used. Fortunately, it's able to spot the more commonly used Kustom Signals, Decatur and Stalker Ka-band radar units (they comprise 95% of the market) from much greater distances.
Range on X- and K-band is excellent. It's very good on laser as well-and vastly superior to the PNI Silver Bullet and Steel Eye, both of which are nearly blind to lasers. Other than the so-so BEE III Ka-band detection range, we spotted few weaknesses in the 1788's performance portfolio, making it a worthy travel companion.
Bottom line: best new under-$200 cordless model.
Rating: 4 Stars
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