Whistler CR93 Radar Detector Review
While most people try to follow the laws of the road, we all get caught going a little too fast occasionally. Avoiding speed traps can help you overcome a lot of tickets and aggravation.
With this whistler CR93 review, you will learn about all its features, the good and the bad. You will also learn how this device can save you headaches on the road.
Whistler CR93 Radar Detector Review
Whistler CR93 Radar Detector Specs, Pros & Cons
The Whistler CR93 radar detector offers a wide detection range, laser detection, voice alerts, and GPS capability. It also includes features like FDSR (Field Disturbance Field Rejection), a quick alerts system, and a stay alert feature to help you stay awake on long drives.
- Brand: Whistler
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Display Type: OLED
- Voltage: 12 Volts
- Product Dimensions: 4.93″L x 3.12″W x 1.31″H
- Radar Detection: Detects all Radar guns used today
- Laser Detection: Identifies Laser Atlanta Stealth mode, Laser Ally, and LTI Truspeed S
- Additional Features: Radar signature ID (RSID), Laser signature ID (LSID), pop mode, real voice alerts, bilingual OLED text display, Traffic Flow Signal Rejection (TFSR), and 6 filter modes.
Pros
- This detector is simple to use, and it is easy to update the firmware.
- It offers all the features one would need in a radar detector.
- This device doubles as a laser detector, making it of greater value.
- The large and bright OLED display is visible in all light conditions.
- The voice alerts are crisp and loud.
- This device offers a built-in GPS that allows you to connect to a database of radar threats.
- The stay alert feature helps you to stay awake and safe on long drives.
- This device offers FDSR, which is important for telling you when K-band collision detectors are interfering with signals.
- Comprehensive 360-degree protection against all radar guns in use.
- Advanced laser detection capabilities.
- Internal GPS for real-time traffic camera alerts.
- Bilingual voice alerts and OLED display for better user experience.
- Traffic Flow Signal Rejection to reduce false alerts.
Cons
- This device does not offer an Overspeed Alert.
- Some users might find the device too loud even on the lowest volume setting.
- Potential for false alarms, especially in areas with other electronic signals.
- The suction cups might need reapplication over time.
What Is a Radar Detector?
The purpose of installing a radar detector in your vehicle is to avoid speeding tickets. This small device detects when radar is being used to track speed.
When the device detects radar waves are being used, it sounds an audible and visual alert, allowing the driver time to reduce their speed, so they do not get caught in a speed trap.
Although some of these devices can be expensive, if you can avoid one single speeding ticket, the device pays for itself. Having the peace of mind of knowing you are protected from tickets is priceless.
How Do Radar Detectors Work?
When police use what are called “speed traps”, they will often park their cars in hidden locations and use a lidar radar gun to detect speeding vehicles.
This gun sends out radar waves that operate on bands X, K, and Ka. These waves are sent out by the gun, and they detect a vehicle and bounce the speed of the vehicle back to the gun. If the police see a vehicle speeding, they then go on a pursuit and will probably write the driver a ticket.
A radar detector can detect when these guns are in use. They give the driver time to react and slow their speed, so they can avoid getting caught in speed traps.
What Should You Look for in a Radar Detector?
Buying the right radar detector is extremely important, and not all of them are created equal. When purchasing a detector, you should choose one that offers the widest range of detection, for the best results. You should also look for the following.
- Choose a detector that detects K, Ka, X, and laser bands.
- Look for a detector that offers at least 10 decibels of sensitivity.
- Search for a scanner that has city and highway modes, for varying levels of sensitivity.
- Voice features are helpful, so you do not have to take your eyes off the road.
Design of the Whistler CR93
This radar detector is sleek and modern-looking. It is black with a low-gloss finish. The dimensions of this device are 4.9 x 3.1 x 1.3 inches and it only weighs 2.4 pounds.
The display is an OLED display, and it is super-bright, allowing you to see in all levels of light. This device offers a windshield mounting kit that allows the detector to stay in place on your windshield.
The device offers four buttons on the top. The volume button is on the side of the detector device, and there is a USB jack. There are also headphone jacks on both sides.
Features of the Whistler CR93
Those who are looking for a feature-packed radar detector have come to the right place. This device offers all the features you should look for in a radar detector. With the following information, we will break down each of these features and let you know how they work and why they are important.
Detection Range
This radar detector has a good detection range. It can detect K, Ka, and X bands, which is important for ensuring it picks up all radar guns being used.
Some users have had trouble with the detector picking up K and X bands. When we were testing the unit, we did not have any trouble, so it may be a location-based issue.
With this model, Whistler has updated its off-axis detection. This means it helps to detect radar threats behind the driver and when turning.
This device offers both city and highway modes, but some people have reported a bit of a problem when driving in the city. They say the unit beeps consistently, but again, we did not experience any issues during our extensive testing of this radar detector.
Laser Detection
The Whistler CR93 picks up a wide array of police lasers, including Laser Ally, LTI Truspeed S, and Laser Atlanta Stealth. As stated above, it is imperative radar detectors offer plenty of laser detection capabilities. More and more police are beginning to use lasers.
This device also offers (LSID) Laser Signature ID and (RSID) Radar Signature ID. Both of these help to ensure the detector is highly sensitive to laser guns.
Voice Alerts
When you are traveling down the Interstate or the highway, your rate of speed is going to be naturally higher. This is when having voice alerts is essential.
This device offers a voice alert system that will let you know when radar or lasers are being used. By alerting you with a voice, you do not have to take your eyes off the road to look at the device, making driving much safer. We really like that the voice feature tells you your rate of speed when it has detected radar.
GPS Capability
With GPS enabled, this device takes radar detection to a whole new level. With GPS, the detector connects with a database that warns drivers of red light and speed cameras.
The device will send out an alarm when you are near one of these or close to a speed trap. This gives you time to slow down, so you do not get caught speeding.
From time to time, the firmware for the GPS will need to be updated, and you can do this via the USB cord.
FDSR -Field Disturbance Field Rejection
Older radar detectors often had trouble because they could not differentiate between harmless radar detection and the police. For instance, radar detection is used in some stores, prompting the device to go off unnecessarily.
With FDSR, the device can tell you when it is picking up K bands from other vehicles and how strong they are. Hopefully, this will help to cut down on the times the detector goes off for no real reason.
Quick Alerts System
A detector is worth nothing if it does not let you know right away when the radar is detected. If the detector waits to warn you, it could be too late.
Thankfully, the Whistler CR93 offers lightning-fast detection and quick alerts, so you can act as soon as possible and avoid getting caught speeding. Once detected, the device notifies you within two seconds for police radar.
Stay Alert
There are very few radar detectors that offer this feature, but Whistler is one of the few. Have you ever been on a long drive, especially at night, and found yourself getting drowsy?
With this device, you can select stay alert. It requires you to press a button on the detector within five seconds of hearing the beep. If you do not press the button, the device emits a loud alarm that is sure to wake you up!
What Comes in the Box?
Like a kid on Christmas, everyone wants to know what comes in the box. The following offers information on everything you will find when it comes time for the unboxing.
- One Whistler CR93 detector
- One mounting dash pad
- One windshield bracket mount
- One direct wire kit
- One twelve-volt power cord
- One USB cord
- User manual and instructions
We highly recommend you carefully read through the entire user’s manual and instructions before attempting to mount your device and begin using it on the road.
Some people report having trouble with the mounting dashpad not sticking well. To solve this, make sure to clean the dash thoroughly and ensure there is no dirt or debris. Dash cleaners sometimes contain oils, so use plain soap and water. Make sure to follow the mounting directions in their entirety for the best results.
Is the CR93 the Same as the CR90?
Many people wonder about the updates they can expect when changing from the CR90 to the CR93. As far as design, the two are almost identical, with only some minor changes.
The CR90 is outdated and does not offer the more modern features of the CR93. The CR90 has been discontinued and is no longer for sale by Whistler. This newer model offers all the features drivers need to protect themselves against speed-detection devices.
FAQ
We love hearing from readers like you who submit questions. We receive many questions each day, and we love to feature some of them in our reviews when applicable. Today, we want to answer some of the frequently asked questions regarding the Whistler CR93. We hope you find them helpful.
What is a Radar Detector and how does it work?
A radar detector is a device installed in your vehicle to avoid speeding tickets. It detects when radar is being used to track speed. When the device detects radar waves, it sounds an audible and visual alert, allowing the driver time to reduce their speed.
What should I look for in a Radar Detector?
When purchasing a radar detector, you should choose one that offers the widest range of detection. It should detect K, Ka, X, and laser bands, have at least 10 decibels of sensitivity, and offer city and highway modes for varying levels of sensitivity. Voice features and a GPS capability are also beneficial.
Does the Whistler CR93 come with a real voice alert feature?
Yes, the Whistler CR93 features real voice alerts and has a bilingual (English/Spanish) OLED text display.
Does the Whistler CR93 High Performance Laser Radar Detector provide 360-degree protection?
Yes, the Whistler CR93 High-Performance Laser Radar Detector provides 360 degrees of complete perimeter protection. It is designed to detect all radar guns used today.
Does the Whistler CR93 have any feature to eliminate alerts from radar-based traffic monitoring systems?
Yes, the Whistler CR93 has Traffic Flow Signal Rejection (TFSR) and 6 filter modes that help eliminate alerts from radar-based traffic monitoring systems.
Can Whistler CR93 radar detector identify different types of laser modes?
Yes, the Whistler CR93 can identify Laser Atlanta Stealth mode, Laser Ally, and LTI Truspeed S. It features Radar Signature ID (RSID) and Laser Signature ID (LSID).
Does the Whistler CR93 come with an internal GPS?
Yes, the Whistler CR93 comes with an internal GPS that provides speed and red light traffic camera locations in North America. These locations can be updated via USB.
Is the Whistler CR93 the same as the CR90?
The Whistler CR93 is an updated version of the CR90. While the design of the two is almost identical, the CR93 offers more modern features and the CR90 has been discontinued.
Is it legal to use a radar detector?
In most states, it is legal to use a radar detector for non-commercial drivers. However, some states have certain requirements for mounting. It’s important to check the regulations in your state before using a radar detector.
My primary language is Spanish. Does this detector allow for other voice alert languages besides English?
You have the option of changing the voice alert and text to Spanish. There are no other languages supported at this time. Follow the step-by-step instructions in the owner’s manual to ensure you switch the settings to Spanish.
Are any tools required for installation?
If you plan on hard-wiring the unit, you may need a wire cutter and crimping tool. As far as mounting the radar detector, you will not need any special tools to get the job done, and the installation is fairly straightforward.
Can the police tell if someone is using a radar detector?
Some devices allow the police to know if a driver is using a radar detector.
Is it illegal to use a radar detector?
In most states, it is perfectly legal to have a radar detector, but many states prohibit commercial drivers from using them. Some states also have certain requirements for mounting. For instance, in the state of California, it is illegal to mount a radar detector on your windshield. Before mounting, be sure to learn about your state’s regulations regarding use and mounting.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to get caught speeding and have to pay an exorbitant speeding ticket or go to court. If radar detectors are legal in your state, these devices offer protection to help you avoid costly tickets and points being placed on your license.
No radar detector will be perfect, but the Whistler CR93 is close. It is packed with all the features you would need to ensure you can detect many types of radar and lasers.
You cannot go wrong with this model if you need a radar detector. With the GPS built-in, you will have access to an extensive database that will automatically alert you when you are coming upon a red light and speed camera.
We hope you have enjoyed this whistler cr93 review. Now is a perfect time to purchase and install this device, so you will not have to worry about falling victim to speed traps.