Customer Reviews

Whistler PRO-58 Pro-Series Radar/Laser Detector with POP Detection

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

I got this radar detector about a month ago and have since driven over 3000 miles with it averaging 15 mph over. I have had enough of a warning every time there has been a cop using radar. I one time I was with a few other cars going 120-125 mph and the ka warning came on, i only had enough time to get down to 80 but since every one ells was going faster i was not the one to get the ticket. This is not going to perform like the Vi, and i would not suggest major speeding 35+ over the limit with this unit. But if you are like many Americans who instead of talking on the cell phone and eating like to drive a little above the suggested limit, this is a great tool to have. I should add that it is by no means fool proof. Even the V1 is not fool proof, they will not help with laser. I would suggest the use of a CB radio, a police scanner (BCT-8) and laser jammers for more well rounded perfection. I would also like to state that by no means am condoning high speed driving, as a mechanical engineer i would as well suggest not go to slow either, it is the difference in speed that kills, so do not pass at a grater difference then 15mph when possible and try to stay as close to the average as possible. Also don't drive some junker at 100mph, if you do feel the need for speed please, for all of our safety drive a BMW, Audi or Porsche... these vehicles where designed for it and you neon or crown vic. was not. Back to the item at hand, it will more then pay for it self after your first cop encounter.

I've been using this radar for a few months now and am relatively happy with the results. I like the colors of the lights and the look of the radar itself is pretty decent ~ although perhaps a little large. The best part about it so far seems to be its range. I've had more than a couple occassions that it alerted so soon I started to wonder if it was a false alarm only to discover it saved my butt well in advance! I also like that after a few loud beeps, it drops the volume on the alert - makes it especially nice when in front of a store with security alarm. My only complaint is that it could be louder.

For the ridiculously low price of approximately $75 dollars you get a pretty good unit. It doesn't have the range of the top end guys like Escort or Valentine. When the Ka radar light comes on, SLOW DOWN!!!. You're probably just about line of sight with the boys in blue (gray, khaki, whatever...). It's POP signal is actually more reliable than my wife's $400 Escort. I think the POP on the Escort is actually more of a snooze button. The PRO-58 paid for itself on the first missed ticket. For a guy who thinks speed limits are really just suggestions (no officer or judge has ever bought that line of reasoning mind you), what more can you ask for ?

Well I bought this product a few weeks ago and so far no tickets. I live in Louisville, Kentucky and I think we are the 14th largest city in the country (something like that). Even when in city mode there are a lot of false alerts especially around Walgreen's, Rite Aids, and banks. Also I couldn't find what city mode to put it in from a choice of C, C1, and C2. I looked online at Whistler's FAQ and it says C1 is for larger cities and C2 is for smaller cities and completely eliminates detecting X band radar, and I have no idea what just regular C does. Besides that, being sort of large, and when I mounted it, it sort of tilted upward and still does this is a pretty good radar detector. Again I still haven't been pulled over, and I would recommend this product and it is priced well though I think it is a little out dated and I think law enforcement will be coming out with something new that this detector doesn't provide protection against.

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.

I bought this few weeks back and the installation was easy. It detected rada and laser few times for me already. I will say it does the job. I have it on all the time.

The only thing I don't like is the false alarms. I have to use city mode all the time or this will go off too often with automatic doors and so on.

I have had this Radar Detector for about 6000 miles now and it works great! I have used Radar Detectors for the last 20 years and this one is definately among the best. Amazon has one of the best prices that I have found.