Whistler PRO-58 Pro-Series Radar/Laser Detector with POP Detection
See it at Amazon.com for $119.99Average Customer Rating
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest FirstBest Detector < $100
I was a bit skeptical about this detector after reading the single bad Amazon review. There is also not much on the web about this specific model, although there are some good reviews about the Pro 73 and 1793SE (similar models) to be found using Google. I finally contacted Whistler directly and discovered that there are no differences between the 58 and 73 in terms of their antenna chassis or ability to detect radar/laser. Since I don't need any of the extra features of the 73, I went ahead and purchased the 58 (w/Radar Roy's recommendation; radarbusters.com). Another factor that influenced my decision was that there are only a few budget (< $100) detectors that can detect POP.
During the first week of use (in Houston), I've had a few falses near stores (about the same number as I had with my friend's Escort 7500) and one verified cop car on the highway (K band) this morning. The detector gave me about a 10 s warning before I saw it passing in the opposite direction. I'm guessing the previous reviewer may have been overlooking the fact that this is a RADAR/LASER dectector, not a cop car detector.
If there's anything negative to report about this detector, it's that it LOOKS cheap, and you're not going to have the same kind of range as with the $200-300+ detectors (esp. Ka band). However, a 2 mile (speedzones.com) warning is sufficient for me to ease off the gas (I am a "casual" speeder, if there is such a thing) and no detector is foolproof, so I'm happy with this purchase and the $100-250 saved.
BEWARE Vehicle Battery Saver is NOT Selectable, the description is not correct
Overall this seems like a nice Radar Detector for the price, but the Vehicle Battery Saver is NOT Selectable and is always on, which means if you drive for 3 hours or more it sounds an alarm. By sounding an alarm you will automatically hit the brakes thinking its an alert, but it is not. After sounding the alarm, it then turns itself off. You then have to manually turn it back on. This is very annoying. Only buy this only if you drive less than 3 hours. The description for this product is not correct. On the WHISTLER PRO-73, the Vehicle Battery Saver is Selectable, whcih is the same product except with text.
detect what?
I recently purchased the whistler Pro 58 radar detector. Would I reccomend this product? Well, that depends on if you want me to lie to you. This product does not identify a law enforcement threat until you are within 500 feet(I'm being generous) of the patrol vehicle.
I have had my detector for 3 days thus far, and since that time while driving at night I have spotted the the reflective decals of the patrol vehicles before my Whistler Pro 58 notified me of their presence. If you want to throw your money away; I'd say buy the product. If you want something that works well, look elsewhere.
not bad for the money
the pro-58 seems to be a great detector on the highway as it is stronger on picking up laser and pop radar than any other model in it's price range. the previous reviewer may need to check the specs on his windshield to see if it has an instaclear coating that will dramatically weaken the detection (i had an eclipse that i couldn't even use a detector in). also location of mounting is crucial with this detector. the best spot is just under the rearview mirror, however, that is an inconvenient location due to the wiring hanging all over the car. the best location i've found for this detector is about 5 inches up from the windshield wipers. this allows longer range detection and allows the cord to drape inconspicuously over the dashboard. never ever ever mount the thing on the dashboard...you might as well put it in your glove compartment. hope this helps those who have bought this device. IT DOES WORK!
Walkabout USA
I recently drove from San Antonio, TX to Columbia, SC. to visit my son in Army Basic Training. The trip was rather long and I knew I would need some serious protection to travel to the east coast. I reviewed and researched radar detectors for a few weeks off and on. I finally settled for the Whistler Pro-58. I wanted something that was as modern and up to date as possible, and at the same time, be affordable. Being as we had not been to that part of the country before, I didn't know what to expect as far as Highway Patrols and local Law Enforcement. I can say that this system worked out great! It worked in all bands and I was happy to actually see a Laser (Even though that was in Memphis, Visited Elvis,on the way back). Oh, beware, Tennesee is loaded with DPS!
Anyway, we saw some X and K band radars in some smaller towns and Ka in the larger cities. The false alerts were there, but not too bad. The keep you awake mode was good to have, as every time it beeped, my ears perked up and I looked around a bit. I enjoyed using this product as it was quite simple and easy to understand. The only problem I saw was range, but we all want a 10 mile warning right? The range was decent, provided you don't do more than 10 over. It was well worth the price and even if I had gotten one ticket, this was still cheaper! I have had Whistlers in the past, this one is worth the money! Cudos Whistler!