Making The Case For Cobra (DP360) 2

[Cobra Kai]

Hey Everyone!

Sorry I haven't been around as much as before, but class has started again and I've been busy. I also work part-time so that leaves with even less time to browse around here, and much less post anything. In any case I've wanted to post for a while now regarding a "Part 2" to my original thread "Making The Case For Cobra".

Introduction

Before I continue I do want to point out a few mistakes I made in my old thread I made a comment about how the Uniden R1 and R3 were different performing detectors, and while they technically are different detectors (the R3 has GPS and the R1 does not) their detection performance is quite literally the same as was pointed out by @westwind77. My intention was not to deceive anyone, it was just a simple mistake and as @westwind77 stated there are other detectors I could've better made my case with. I also incorrectly called my thread "Making The Case For Cobra" when in truth all I am trying to make the case for is the DualPro 360 as I find Cobra's other offerings to be just ok or subpar. Other then that my thread was well received and I'd like to think it jump started the minor craze/interest for the DP360 as of late.

What's New? - A Comprehensive List Of Some Tests And Opinions

@DC Fluid acquired a Cobra DualPro 360 and has done quite a bit of testing over the past month or so and these tests can all be found here:

Cobra DP360 Unboxing and Observations
Cobra DualPro Arrow Transitions vs. Falcon HR Off Axis Videos
DC Fluid Max 3 vs. Dualpro 360 2 week evaluation Video
K-Band Tests
DC Fluids' Twas the Night Before Christmas K & Ka Test!
Cobra DP360 BSM Fail
DP360 Ka Band
DP360 In Action

@Bossdad71 also has many tests for the Cobra DP360 some new, and some older

Cobra DP360 IO reactivity
RD Bench Testing
Cobra DP360 IO Testing
Cobra DP360 IO Testing 2
K Band Testing
KA Bench Testing
KA Segmented Tests

Cobra Kai - And here are some encounters I have had with my DP360 while driving!

Cobra DualPro 360 Ka Band
Cobra DP360 Night Run

As you guys can see the DP360 has performed very well to the surprise of some, and not to the surprise of others. When the DP360 first came out it was stated by RadarBusters the DP360 was the "best detector money could buy" (value wise) back in late 2019. Today according to RadarBusters (this is purely for what it's worth...) these are the best detectorts in 2021 to buy.

Best Detectors Of 2021

According to them here's how in 2021 they rank up:

1. Uniden R7
2. Escort R360c
3. Escort 360c
4. Escort Max 3
5. Cobra DP360

I personally believe the DP360 should be ranked higher than the Max 3... but the reason I posted this was to highlight several things:

According to RadarBusters here is why you should buy a DP360:

• Currently one of the best radar detector available on the market for the money with arrows
• Dual antenna and directional arrows
• Extreme radar sensitivity
• All-digital signal processing (DSP) for extreme long range radar detection performance
• Exceptional at detecting instant-on police radar
• Best anti-collision sensor rejection filtering in the industry
• GPS enabled
• Builtin Bluetooth for wireless pairing to your smartphone
• Cobra iRadar ready
• Firmware and Photo Enforcement database are both user upgradeable
• Bi-Lingual Voice Alerts - English & Spanish

Every single one of these positives are and have been stated by myself, @DC Fluid and @Bossdad71! In fact when @Bossdad71 worked for Radarbusters he recommended the DP360 as the best value detector for the money! Even if you don't like Bob at Radarbusters or agree with what he says, when someone's observations mirror that of others it shouldn't be dismissed. There is however always more room for more testing, and your experience may vary.

My Take

With the testing done previously by @Bossdad71 and recent testing done by @DC Fluid it can be stated that the DP360 is arguably one of the best value detectors on the market right now. For $449 ($369 on sale) the DP360 has arrows, dual antennas, GPS, Bluetooth, iRadar (app), excellent BSM filtering, etc. If we compare the DP360 to other detectors such as the Radenso Pro-M, it's hard to argue buying the Pro-M over the DP360 as the DP360 offers better range, arrows, bluetooth, and arguably similar BSM filtering all for the same price or cheaper as the DP360 goes on sale alot (and the Pro-M does not). Even more so when you compare the DP360 to its older brother the M360 for $50 cheaper you get the same detection (some argue better detection), and most of the same features (minus some customization options and arrow display) that make it a very tempting if a not better choice over the M360. Against say the R7, the DP360 obviously loses out on range. But when on sale $369 vs. $429 (info based on Amazon Black Friday deals), the DP360's best value contention comes right back. What other detector WITH ARROWS can you buy for $369?? As @Vortex stated "The DualPro 360 is the cheapest RD on the market right now with arrows", and that is something that should not be ignored as the DP360 goes on sale alot (right now it's on sale for $399!). For me the urban driver, a detector with great range and BSM filtering is what is important, and the DP360 delivers here in flying colors. @DC Fluid drives on the highway with the R7 and occasionally switches to the DP360 when he's in the city!

Conclusion

I would like to thank everyone who has tested, and/or purchased the DP360. While I know it's not the best detector ever made, I feel it is definitely worth considering and worthy of being recognized as the great detector it is. Thank you all for time and for viewing my thread. Feedback welcome! Don't be shy!

- Cobra Kai

 

[L4D44]

Duuuuuude..... absolutely brilliant write-up! Now I know why you’ve been away from this board the past few days - collecting all the data/quotes for this thread.

The DP360 is currently $399 at Cobra direct, Best Buy and Amazon. $50 bucks saving of MSRP. I recently purchased it myself (send it out to @Vortex for some testing) and in the short time I owned and used it, it was great. I also have a Redline 360c and I believe the DP360 is quieter in the city than the Redline.

You, @DC Fluid, @Bossdad71 and @DrHow have all done a superb job breaking down the strengths and weaknesses (if any?) of this detector. If it wasn’t for y’all I don’t think I would have ever purchased a Cobra RD.

However this is a badass Cobra - nothing like we’ve really ever seen before from them. I really think it’s underrated and it needs to be talked about more. I would take it any day over the R1/R3, the Pro-M and the Max 3.

IMO arguably the best radar detector for $400 and under today. Oh and ARROWS too!

 

[Bossdad71]

but class has started again and I've been busy. I also work part-time so that leaves with even less time to browse around here,

Hows school and work going? Thank you for the write up. Very detailed and laid out

 

[DC Fluid]

Nice write up and thanks for compiling an index of previous threads!

I will counter the price comparison with the Pro M.
Pro M is for a very specific need dependent on your location.
Totally stealth which is required for most of Canada, as well as very small physically so easy to hide.
Pro M has proven MRCD that all others must compare to. DP360 has MRCD too, but unknown if it is up to the latest standard of the M360 firmware version.
Pro M can detect many more types of radar and speed cameras, more than any other detector out there I think. A very world wide platform.
Pro M can match, but rarely beat M360 DP360 detections on most setups and bands, but I would summarize it as overall a small step behind in sensitivity to the DualPro.
Pro M still holds a small edge in BSM filtering abilities, notably the Honda junk.

Now the DualPro, with all the praise above I think what needs to be said; This is the easiest plug and drive detector I've ever had. So automated with lockouts, filtering, and Auto Mode for an easy city setting. Auto Mode really impressed me in my latest testing as it had the smallest disadvantage for any Escort product I've used. They nailed the sensitivity speed sensitive ramp up.
It just works so easily, arrows work smoothly and properly, it's fairly handsome (male voice...), and those Beltronics tones make Escort tones sound like a dying cow! LOL.

Yes I agree the Max 3 is not worthy of a top 5 detector ranking, at least until they fix all the issues it has.

The DualPro is the detector to buy for those that don't want to be messing around, just put it up and it beeps when I'm in danger, and looks after all the other stuff by itself. All the other features are just icing on the cake.

 

[Cobra Kai]

Duuuuuude..... absolutely brilliant write-up! Now I know why you’ve been away from this board the past few days - collecting all the data/quotes for this thread.

The DP360 is currently $399 at Cobra direct, Best Buy and Amazon. $50 bucks saving of MSRP. I recently purchased it myself (send it out to @Vortex for some testing) and in the short time I owned and used it, it was great. I also have a Redline 360c and I believe the DP360 is quieter in the city than the Redline.

You, @DC Fluid, @Bossdad71 and @DrHow have all done a superb job breaking down the strengths and weaknesses (if any?) of this detector. If it wasn’t for y’all I don’t think I would have ever purchased a Cobra RD.

However this is a badass Cobra - nothing like we’ve really ever seen before from them. I really think it’s underrated and it needs to be talked about more. I would take it any day over the R1/R3, the Pro-M and the Max 3.

IMO arguably the best radar detector for $400 and under today. Oh and ARROWS too!

View attachment 171195

Thanks for your feedback man, that's what I've been trying to do/show. The DP360 isn't the greatest detector ever made, but some people ignore it because they assume it must be bad because of Cobra's past which to a degree I can understand. But it's not a reason to not buy the detector or give it a try.

Did I read your comment correctly? @Vortex has yours now on loan for testing or you want me to send mine to be tested?

Hows school and work going? Thank you for the write up. Very detailed and laid out.

Both are going very well, I am studying forensic Crime Scene Technology right now and should graduate next semester. As for work well... Hard work is a hard work .

Nice write up and thanks for compiling an index of previous threads!

I will counter the price comparison with the Pro M.
Pro M is for a very specific need dependent on your location.
Totally stealth which is required for most of Canada, as well as very small physically so easy to hide.
Pro M has proven MRCD that all others must compare to. DP360 has MRCD too, but unknown if it is up to the latest standard of the M360 firmware version.
Pro M can detect many more types of radar and speed cameras, more than any other detector out there I think. A very world wide platform.
Pro M can match, but rarely beat M360 DP360 detections on most setups and bands, but I would summarize it as overall a small step behind in sensitivity to the DualPro.
Pro M still holds a small edge in BSM filtering abilities, notably the Honda junk.

Now the DualPro, with all the praise above I think what needs to be said; This is the easiest plug and drive detector I've ever had. So automated with lockouts, filtering, and Auto Mode for an easy city setting. Auto Mode really impressed me in my latest testing as it had the smallest disadvantage for any Escort product I've used. They nailed the sensitivity speed sensitive ramp up.
It just works so easily, arrows work smoothly and properly, it's fairly handsome (male voice...), and those Beltronics tones make Escort tones sound like a dying cow! LOL.

Yes I agree the Max 3 is not worthy of a top 5 detector ranking, at least until they fix all the issues it has.

The DualPro is the detector to buy for those that don't want to be messing around, just put it up and it beeps when I'm in danger, and looks after all the other stuff by itself. All the other features are just icing on the cake.
View attachment 171196

Thanks man. I don't disagree with what you said regarding the Pro-M. But you have to take into consideration the opposite of what you listed the strengths are. For those of us who don't live somewhere where a stealth detector or MRCD detection (or the other detections it offers) are needed the Pro-M basically lags behind in many areas which makes it a hard sell for me. I feel like it has it's place as a specialized detector, but your average person in the U.S who doesn't live in Virginia won't get their money's worth buying a Pro-M. When I had it I wasn't impressed by the build quality, or performance and felt for $449 I could do much better which is why I returned it and got the DP360.

I agree 100% about the alert tones, "Cobratronics" takes an easy win there, and as far as ease of use is concerned... Well that's why I bought it . It's a no frills detector that does what it's supposed to. A Max 360 with the fat trimmed off .

Post automatically merged: Jan 28, 2021

Edit: L4D44 I just found the thread where you volunteered to send @Vortex your DP360! You're the man boss! I've been trying to get @Vortex to test the DP360 for months now!

Post automatically merged: Jan 28, 2021

@L4D44

 

[DU5T3R]

I like what you guys are saying, but my prediction is that Vortex is going to come back with some pretty low scores when it comes to range (sensitivity). I like the idea of a quiet detector that is essentially plug-and-play for my wife's car. She hates it when my R7 goes off (I'm hearing impaired, so I have the volume pretty loud). But if the detection is about the same as Vortex was getting on the Max 360C, with which the DP360 shares the same platform, I think there is going to be some disappointment (the Max 3 was more sensitive than the Max 360c on Ka). Great job on the write up!

 

[Cobra Kai]

I like what you guys are saying, but my prediction is that Vortex is going to come back with some pretty low scores when it comes to range (sensitivity). I like the idea of a quiet detector that is essentially plug-and-play for my wife's car. She hates it when my R7 goes off (I'm hearing impaired, so I have the volume pretty loud). But if the detection is about the same as Vortex was getting on the Max 360C, with which the DP360 shares the same platform, I think there is going to be some disappointment (the Max 3 was more sensitive than the Max 360c on Ka). Great job on the write up!

Thanks for your feedback. Regarding @Vortex we'll see what happens. If he rates it great or not then so be it.

Vortex Testing
Vortex Testing 2019

If the DP360 gives similar performance to the M360c like the links above, I consider it a big win given the fact it's doing so at hundreds of dollars cheaper. I honestly think the M360c did fine, but for range Uniden is king.

 

[DC Fluid]

Vortex was pretty ho-hum about the GT360, his least favorite of the Max platform
He has valid points about the features of the GT falling short of the Max.
However there has been firmware updates and a few different features included in the DualPro that can increase it's appeal.
Performance will be similar. BSM remains to be seen after more controlled comparisons.
It's hard to get over the tiny in display arrows on the DualPro when in a direct comparison with a Max.
Cosmetic appeal only holds so much weight in an evaluation.
Price is where things get interesting..
If DualPro can regularly be 399 or 369, then new with warranty price for it's performance is outstanding. Max 360c still asks for way too much money IMO, and the Max 360 would need to be much closer to 400 dollars to be a winner against a DP.
I guess we'll wait and see, I really believe the DualPro to be a Max 3 competitor, arrows or increased range for the same money.
Of course the Max 3 has taken itself out of contention for now with it's glitches.

 

[Z06fan]

Thanks for your feedback man, that's what I've been trying to do/show. The DP360 isn't the greatest detector ever made, but some people ignore it because they assume it must be bad because of Cobra's past which to a degree I can understand. But it's not a reason to not buy the detector or give it a try.

Did I read your comment correctly? @Vortex has yours now on loan for testing or you want me to send mine to be tested?



Both are going very well, I am studying forensic Crime Scene Technology right now and should graduate next semester. As for work well... Hard work is a hard work .


Thanks man. I don't disagree with what you said regarding the Pro-M. But you have to take into consideration the opposite of what you listed the strengths are. For those of us who don't live somewhere where a stealth detector or MRCD detection (or the other detections it offers) are needed the Pro-M basically lags behind in many areas which makes it a hard sell for me. I feel like it has it's place as a specialized detector, but your average person in the U.S who doesn't live in Virginia won't get their money's worth buying a Pro-M. When I had it I wasn't impressed by the build quality, or performance and felt for $449 I could do much better which is why I returned it and got the DP360.

I agree 100% about the alert tones, "Cobratronics" takes an easy win there, and as far as ease of use is concerned... Well that's why I bought it . It's a no frills detector that does what it's supposed to. A Max 360 with the fat trimmed off .

Post automatically merged: Jan 28, 2021

Edit: L4D44 I just found the thread where you volunteered to send @Vortex your DP360! You're the man boss! I've been trying to get @Vortex to test the DP360 for months now!

Post automatically merged: Jan 28, 2021

@L4D44

I haven't owned a Cobra in ~30 years so I enjoyed your review and will look forward to seeing some testing. I completely agree with your comments about the Pro M. That's the most disappointing detector I've ever owned and the only detector I've ever sold after only owning it a couple months. Performance was average and the build quality was subpar. I agree with @DC Fluid that in certain areas, the Pro M is one of the better options, but outside of those areas, there are far better choices. Vortex made the Pro M popular with that one review (tells you how much influence he has because it quickly sold out) and Radenso should send him thank you notes every month. I'm analytical so I usually "wait and see" before I purchase products. I'm ashamed to say I bought into the hype on the Pro M and quickly realized it.

 

[goblin]

Let's agree on one thing please...

This is NOT a Cobra...
This is an EscortTronic, or a BelScort.
Why am I hesitating to name it ? I live in an idealistic world, where Beltronic was not yet fully absorbed as of a couple of years ago, and where Beltronic's swan song was secretly hidden in the GT-360, with some Beltronic tech cramming secrets in it, thinking "let this teach them - their cheapest 360 platform shall be the one with all the hidden goodies and shall be better than everything else, for those savvy buyers who won't be snobbish. May the secret remain hidden !!!"

I absolutely love my DP360L, just wish I had a GT-360 so it could connect to EscargotDrive.

Now, if any "offline" "testing" can help:

- There is a speed cam in Queens, NY, at the angle of Skillman and 38th street (it is not on google Streetview, but is in Waze's db).
- I get by it at least once per week, for the last year or so, usually after 7pm (if that matters).
- My DP360 is absolutely, completely, totally blind to it. Not a peep (the camera is in iRadar though).

- Same for the camera on Sedgwick ave between Saxon ave and Dickinson ave, in the Bronx. Note that this one might sometimes (rarely) bring a little "K" beep, grayed out. Or nothing at all.

In case this helps define to what type of cameras this detector is totally blind (camera's description must be in an online db somewhere ? ).

 

[L4D44]

Did I read your comment correctly? @Vortex has yours now on loan for testing or you want me to send mine to be tested?

He already has mine to run some arrows transitioning testing with the DP360 and a bunch of other detectors.

 

[Cobra Kai]

He already has mine to run some arrows transitioning testing with the DP360 and a bunch of other detectors.

Yeah as the 10 minute period for editing ran out and I gave your post a like.

 

[Cobra Kai]

I haven't owned a Cobra in ~30 years so I enjoyed your review and will look forward to seeing some testing. I completely agree with your comments about the Pro M. That's the most disappointing detector I've ever owned and the only detector I've ever sold after only owning it a couple months. Performance was average and the build quality was subpar. I agree with @DC Fluid that in certain areas, the Pro M is one of the better options, but outside of those areas, there are far better choices. Vortex made the Pro M popular with that one review (tells you how much influence he has because it quickly sold out) and Radenso should send him thank you notes every month. I'm analytical so I usually "wait and see" before I purchase products. I'm ashamed to say I bought into the hype on the Pro M and quickly realized it.

I agree 100%. I bought the Radenso Pro-M based on that review. It was then learned to get what I want, not what other people want me to get. Nothing against @Vortex but he in my opinion gave the Pro-M some praise it didn't deserve.

 

[Z06fan]

I agree 100%. I bought the Radenso Pro-M based on that review. It was then learned to get what I want, not what other people want me to get. Nothing against @Vortex but he in my opinion gave the Pro-M some praise it didn't deserve.

Yeah, I was really looking forward to using it when I ordered it but quickly realized that it was an average/sub par performer so I sold it. I did love the small size but that's the cheapest feeling detector I've ever owned. It only took me a couple days to realize that I had bought into the hype. It's kind of funny because there really haven't been any stellar reviews on the Pro M since.

In Radenso's defense, that detector was developed before the current group bought the company and at a deeper level (this is me working on trying to convince myself), we all helped fund Theia development. Let me know if that logic helps you sleep better at night too .

 

[DC Fluid]

He already has mine to run some arrows transitioning testing with the DP360 and a bunch of other detectors.

It's in his photo lineup on the latest Vortex Facebook post!

 

[Cobra Kai]

Yeah, I was really looking forward to using it when I ordered it but quickly realized that it was an average/sub par performer so I sold it. I did love the small size but that's the cheapest feeling detector I've ever owned. It only took me a couple days to realize that I had bought into the hype. It's kind of funny because there really haven't been any stellar reviews on the Pro M since.

In Radenso's defense, that detector was developed before the current group bought the company and at a deeper level (this is me working on trying to convince myself), we all helped fund Theia development. Let me know if that logic helps you sleep better at night too .

A couple days huh? I found out in a few HOURS it wasn't for me lol. My $60 Whistler felt like it was built about the same as the Pro-M (The Pro-M obviously better performing).

Hey man I sleep just fine at night with my DD-214 blanket and knowing I never have to wake up to do PT or jump out of an airplane ever again .

 

[DC Fluid]

BTW, I'm getting more BSMs down here on the coast than back home, 2 today.
24.170 ond 24.060.
More small cars and fancy brands here instead of 50% pickups and 40% SUVs, LOL.

 

[L4D44]

It's in his photo lineup on the latest Vortex Facebook post!

Nice! Maybe I’m a little biased but the DP360 (along with the V1G2) are the best looking detectors out of the bunch!

 

[DC Fluid]

Nice! Maybe I’m a little biased but the DP360 (along with the V1G2) are the best looking detectors out of the bunch!

Yes you are!

 

[Z06fan]

A couple days huh? I found out in a few HOURS it wasn't for me lol. My $60 Whistler felt like it was built about the same as the Pro-M (The Pro-M obviously better performing).

Hey man I sleep just fine at night with my DD-214 blanket and knowing I never have to wake up to do PT or jump out of an airplane ever again .

What took you only hours took me days. I'm a little slower than most, LOL.

For sure brother. I love sleeping in my own warm bed at night. Glad that I did it and glad that it's in the rear view mirror for both of us!