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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

... 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

 

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