Commando Alarm Owners Speak Up....

LSUMatt1514 · 12-21-2005, 04:22 PM

I'm in the market for an alarm and got some prices today from a local stereo shop on Viper systems. I like the Viper 791XV, which I found online here...

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/viewitem.php?id=1590

for a little over $200. I'm sure the stereo shop would rape me on the install charges if I don't buy the alarm from them. Anyway, I've read quite a few threads on the Commando alarms and everyone seems to be very pleased. However, I almost tempted to spend the additional $50-$75 on the Viper system because they are so established. I can't say that I've ever heard of Commando until coming across it on a recent thread. Not to mention that I'd be back in the same boat on the install and at the mercy of the stereo shop. From my experience in the past, they HATE to install stuff you don't buy from them and charge a ton for the labor. I don't want to tackle an alarm myself because I do not have the time (or patience for that matter) for it right now.

Give me your impressions and feedback on the Commando....Worth spending the money on or go with the established Viper system? Later.

Matt

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**waskillywabbit** · 12-21-2005, 04:38 PM

Matt,

From what I understand, most of those alarms are all made by the same few companies and there isn't a whole lot of difference except for accessories. I have some knock off of a Viper, it has a snake on the box, don't remember what it is called but I got it installed w/ door lock actuators for under $250 locally.

If you are in Tuscaloosa anytime soon, check out Kincaid TV on 15th st and talk to Lee, he'll steer you right and make you a deal as well. I've known him for 20 years and he is a top notch guy.

Jonathan · 12-21-2005, 04:58 PM

I have the Commando and I love it. It wasn't too bad to install. Me, Bob (bob98sr5) and Brian (Tulsa_97sr5) all did installations by ourselves on these alarms and I haven't had a single problem out of mine yet. My roomate has a viper and they are virtually the same besides a few physical differences. Save your money and go with the Commando.

kawicowboy · 12-21-2005, 08:07 PM

I picked up some noname alarm off e-bay a couple of years ago for like $40 bucks, and I gotta tell you its great. It has every option that the other alarms offer for a tenth of the cost. For that kinda money if they charge 150 bucks to install your still ahead of the game.

tulsa_97SR5 · 12-22-2005, 04:31 AM

Jonathon summed it up really well. It's been almost a year and I hvae 0 complaints with the commando. The pager fob is great ( did i forget to arm it? quick glance tells me). The range on the transmitter is awesome.

I actually bought a second one to install in my wife's infinity, before the latest group buy. Unfortunately I couldn't figure out how to make it all fit, so it'll go in my 85 when i'm finished restoring it.

Jonathan · 12-22-2005, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tulsa_97SR5

Jonathon summed it up really well. It's been almost a year and I hvae 0 complaints with the commando. The pager fob is great ( did i forget to arm it? quick glance tells me). The range on the transmitter is awesome.

I actually bought a second one to install in my wife's infinity, before the latest group buy. Unfortunately I couldn't figure out how to make it all fit, so it'll go in my 85 when i'm finished restoring it.

Oh yeah i forgot the range. The range is like something I've never seen. It reaches at least over 500 yards, and probably farther, believe me I've tried.

***midiwall*** · 12-22-2005, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonathan

I have the Commando and I love it. It wasn't too bad to install. Me, Bob (bob98sr5) and Brian (Tulsa_97sr5) all did installations by ourselves on these alarms...

... and Mark (midiwall). I think I'm the one that started the Commando craze on here.

I've done two now, and am about to do two more. No probs, great systems, great support...

Jonathan · 12-23-2005, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midiwall

... and Mark (midiwall). I think I'm the one that started the Commando craze on here.

I've done two now, and am about to do two more. No probs, great systems, great support...

Oops sorry Mark, I didn't mean to leave you out!!! You were one of the Commando forefathers haha

wsudu · 01-04-2006, 08:54 AM

You would be crazy to go with something else.. for the features and price. I almost bought the Viper and at the last minute found out about this Commando. I found a local shop here in KC and they put it in no prob at my house for $80. Cya

12-21-2005, 04:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,544	Matt, From what I understand, most of those alarms are all made by the same few companies and there isn't a whole lot of difference except for accessories. I have some knock off of a Viper, it has a snake on the box, don't remember what it is called but I got it installed w/ door lock actuators for under $250 locally. If you are in Tuscaloosa anytime soon, check out Kincaid TV on 15th st and talk to Lee, he'll steer you right and make you a deal as well. I've known him for 20 years and he is a top notch guy. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

12-21-2005, 04:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jonathan Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Greenville, South Carolina Posts: 1,743	I have the Commando and I love it. It wasn't too bad to install. Me, Bob (bob98sr5) and Brian (Tulsa_97sr5) all did installations by ourselves on these alarms and I haven't had a single problem out of mine yet. My roomate has a viper and they are virtually the same besides a few physical differences. Save your money and go with the Commando. __________________ 1996 Black 4Runner V6 5 speed 4X4\| Retrofitted E-Locker\| SAW's\| LC coils and Doetschtech shocks\| ATS arms \| 285 Goodyear MTR's\|TJM T-15 With Warn M8000\|Retrofitted Toyota Hood Scoop\| Stubbs Sliders\|Bushwacker Extend-A-Fender Flares\| Extended rear diff breather\| Uniden 510XL CB w/ 4 Ft. Firestik II Antenna\|Dynomax Super Turbo Muffler\|Black headlights and corners\| More to come... 2007 VW GTI 6 Speed

12-22-2005, 04:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
tulsa_97SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: tulsa, OK Posts: 1,329	Jonathon summed it up really well. It's been almost a year and I hvae 0 complaints with the commando. The pager fob is great ( did i forget to arm it? quick glance tells me). The range on the transmitter is awesome. I actually bought a second one to install in my wife's infinity, before the latest group buy. Unfortunately I couldn't figure out how to make it all fit, so it'll go in my 85 when i'm finished restoring it. __________________ Brian 85 sr5, 5spd - back on the road, doing DD duty for now 86 2wd reg cab - future project 90 sr5, 97 - gone

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12-21-2005, 08:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
kawicowboy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Brampton Ont Canada Posts: 153	I picked up some noname alarm off e-bay a couple of years ago for like $40 bucks, and I gotta tell you its great. It has every option that the other alarms offer for a tenth of the cost. For that kinda money if they charge 150 bucks to install your still ahead of the game.

01-04-2006, 08:54 AM	#9 (permalink)
wsudu Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 70	You would be crazy to go with something else.. for the features and price. I almost bought the Viper and at the last minute found out about this Commando. I found a local shop here in KC and they put it in no prob at my house for $80. Cya