Astro Saber XTS3000 vs Astro Saber III

shammond · Post by **shammond** » Tue Mar 26, 2002 11:53 am

Have the opportunity to buy either the XTS3000 or the Saber III. Is one radio any better than the other?

What are the pros and cons of each?

What is the going price for one in good to excellent condition.

Thanks,
Steve

MT2000 man · Post by **MT2000 man** » Tue Mar 26, 2002 12:20 pm

It really all depends if you like a Jedi style "snap-togeather" radio (as Elroy puts it

or if you like a "built like a rock" radio. I personally think that I would choose the Astro saber because of its durability. Price wise, you'll be looking for between $1500-$1800 used (on E-bay, in good to excellent condition)

Good luck in your choices, and I'm sure Elroy will help as well with the comments

Monty · Post by **Monty** » Tue Mar 26, 2002 12:49 pm

Hi:

Short and simple !

Astro Saber lll is a superior radio !

I have had many a customer with complaints
about the XTS series....But its a free world
and you can make your own decessions.

I am sure there are persons who will offer
a alternate point of view...

I do know every XTS5000 was recalled for a
Firmware Glich

MS

Post by Pj » Tue Mar 26, 2002 2:43 pm

My .0234533 cents accounting for inflation...

I own two Astro Saber's model 3. Before that I owned two analog sabers. Never had a problem with them, and as stated, built like a rock. My PD has a small fleet of the older sabers, and no major problems with them.

Our PD is now upgrading to the XTS3000 due to an upcoming digital upgrade. So far the supervisiors have received them, and they are not liked too well. Bulkly, unclear audio and a few other misc complaints. I don't think that we have had any true problems with them yet, but they are only a year old at this point.

The problem is, it is rumoured that the Astro Sabers will be discontiuned this year. That will limit part and availablity, but only after 7 years or so (hopefully). Motorola usually supports the radios for a fixed periord after the last radio is made.

I think that the sabers are just a better radio. Do a search on the Astro fourm, and you will find all sorts of pro/cons in past discussions about them.

Julian · Post by **Julian** » Tue Mar 26, 2002 3:20 pm

After dealing with both portables personally, I liked the XTS. Screen was better, audio was good, and battery lasts MUCH longer than the Saber.

Cpd014 · Post by **Cpd014** » Tue Mar 26, 2002 4:01 pm

XTS3000 IS GREAT BUT GOOD LUCK TRYING TO GET THE RSS FOR IT ALOT OF NONSENSE YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH WITH MOTOROLA TO GET IT. ASTRO SABER IS PROBALY THE SAME FOR ALL I KNOW

Elroy Jetson · Post by **Elroy Jetson** » Tue Mar 26, 2002 5:26 pm

Just execute an RSS licensing agreement with Motorola and then order RVN-4184, and you've got XTS and Astro software both.

Others have said it well. Every major issue or concern I have with the XTS, from its snap-together construction and unclear audio (worst on I models but better on II's and III's since that rubber keypad dampens the housing vibrations) is all right there.

I had XTS's and Astro Sabers, at least two of each. I sold the XTS's without regrets. What more can I say about that?

I predict that Motorola will replace the Astro Saber with a newer radio with similar construction and ergonomics, and takes the same accessories. It's too good NOT to!
Even the guys at the depot will tell you that they don't see Astro Sabers coming in for repair very often, while they've always got some XTS's in for work.

Elroy

shammond · Post by **shammond** » Wed Mar 27, 2002 1:56 pm

Many thanks to all that replied. I appreciate the help.

I bought the Astro III today.

Thanks again for all your help.

Steve

MT2000 man · Post by **MT2000 man** » Wed Mar 27, 2002 2:55 pm

Excellent, also when you do receive it, let us know how you like it !