The quick “plug and play” setup makes it a great choice if you only need a little something to help you avoid a ticket. The RAD 380 is an affordable radar detector with a straightforward, no-frills design. To save your ears (and sanity), the RAD 380 has an Auto Mute feature, which kicks in after the first few beeps. For example, if the RAD 380 is beeping rapidly, it’s most likely showing a 4 or 5 on the display. The audible and visual alerts run in tandem. Visually on the display, the number 1 constitutes a weaker signal, while 5 is the strongest. Different alert tones correspond to the type of signal detected, including separate tones for laser signals.
The RAD 380 will advise you of a radar band’s signal strength via audible tones and a numeric signal meter on the display. IVT filters reduce false alerts caused by other vehicles with radar-based safety features, like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. IVT stands for “Intelligent Vehicle Technology,” and it’s a common term you will see when shopping for a radar detector. IVT Filterīoth the RAD 380 and 480i have an IVT filter. Based on my experience, the Cobra RAD 380 does a better job than the RAD 480i when filtering out false alerts, especially in highway mode. This setting gives you the most possible time to respond to an alert while driving at higher speeds, but in lower-cost radar detectors, like the RAD 380 and 480i, it can cause false alerts. Highway mode means a radar detector is at its most sensitive, making it more apt to alert on the wide-open road. It’s especially helpful in urban areas where multiple X and K band signals are present (like automatic doors or traffic signage, for example). City mode makes the RAD 380 less “sensitive.” Put another way, a radar detector’s City mode will make it less prone to false alerts. The RAD 380 has two sensitivity modes: City and Highway. VG-2 is unlikely to be an issue as radar detector usage for your personal vehicle is legal in every state except Virginia and Washington D.C. The factory setting for VG-2 is off, but you can turn it on. The RAD 380 is also VG-2 capable, meaning it picks up the infamous “radar detector detector” signal.
A giant “L” appears when a laser signal is detected. The Cobra RAD 380 detects X, K, and Ka radar bands by flashing the appropriate letters on the display. The RAD 480i has the same feature in the same spot. That triangular piece is Cobra’s proprietary LaserEye technology, which allows the 380 to detector signals from the front and rear. A small plastic piece resides on the top left of the unit, shaped like something you might see in an algebra book. The RAD 380 detects all radar and laser (LiDAR) guns from both the front and the rear. The RAD 380 does not come with a carrying case, so I grabbed this one on Amazon (as an Amazon associate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases). The RAD 380 comes with a 12V power cord, suction cup windshield mount, a hook-and-loop fastener for dashboard mounting, and a quick reference guide. It’s not a fancy radar detector, but it does the trick. Whether navigating the rugged industrial areas of Detroit or the more open expanses of I-94, the little RAD 380 was a great companion. Last summer, I spent three weeks driving with the Cobra RAD 380 across Michigan in two different vehicles (a small sedan, then a larger SUV). Shop Cobra Electronics Cobra RAD 380 In-Depth: What It Offers Cobra RAD 480i comparison guide will discuss the differences between these units and why the RAD 380 is the better choice. As of this writing, the RAD 380 retails for $100 on Cobra’s official website, with the RAD 480i going for $150. When it comes to locking out false alerts, the RAD 480i can be a bit stubborn (if it locks them out at all).
In heavy traffic and on the highway, the RAD 380 performs better and issues fewer false alerts.
COBRA RAD 480I VS IRAD BLUETOOTH
While the 480i offers Bluetooth connectivity via the iRadar app, it’s not as functional or user-friendly as something like Waze. Specifically, the RAD 380 and RAD 480i, made by Cobra Electronics, provide a little extra peace of mind without breaking the bank. While high-end models are available for upwards of $700 to $800, some units under $200 offer good performance for the price. How much should you spend on a new radar detector? It partly depends on how you drive and where you live. The opinions below are my own based on my personal experience with them. These radar detectors were supplied to Automoblog by Cobra Electronics. Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog may earn a commission if you purchase the products below.
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