SCMA News March 18, 2025 – The Whistler Group, a name long associated with innovation in mobile electronics, is making waves once again with its recent revival under new ownership. After a challenging period that saw the company close its doors, Whistler has re-emerged, now headquartered in Cincinnati under Goliad Products, LLC. The company’s website, whistlergroup.com, is back online, signaling a fresh start for the brand and its iconic radio scanners.
A Storied History
The Whistler Group traces its roots back to 1971, when it was founded in Bentonville, Arkansas. Over the decades, it carved out a niche as a leader in automotive electronics, particularly with its radar detectors and radio scanners. The latter became a favorite among hobbyists and professionals for their ability to tune into public safety communications, earning Whistler a dedicated following. The company’s product line eventually expanded to include power inverters, dash cameras, and more, cementing its reputation for quality and innovation across 50 years of operation.
The Unexpected Shutdown
The Whistler Group faced a major setback in December 2024 when it abruptly ceased operations. The closure left customers in the lurch, with no access to support, software updates, or new products. The sudden exit reduced competition in the scanner market to a single major player, Uniden, and sparked widespread concern among enthusiasts. Reports of lost repair units and a lack of communication from the company only deepened the frustration, leading many to believe Whistler’s legacy had come to an end.
A New Chapter Begins
That narrative shifted in February 2025 when Goliad Products, LLC, a Cincinnati-based firm formed by industry veterans, acquired Whistler’s assets. The official announcement came on February 14, 2025, via a press release on whistlergroup.com, reigniting hope for the brand’s future. Under its new leadership, Whistler is focused on revitalizing its product offerings, with a particular emphasis on its radio scanners. The company has relocated to a new facility in Cincinnati and is working to rebuild trust with its customer base.
Latest on Software Updates, Hardware, and Support
Since its relaunch, Whistler has made strides to address past shortcomings. The company’s website now features a live EZ Scan software download site, allowing users to update their scanners once again. As of March 6, 2025, Whistler confirmed that EZ Scan updates are available, marking a significant step toward restoring functionality for existing owners. However, some challenges remain—update servers for certain models are still offline, and not all software issues have been resolved, suggesting that full restoration is a work in progress.
On the hardware front, Whistler is currently manufacturing over 1,000 units of its top-selling scanner models to restart domestic distribution. Models such as the TRX-1, TRX-2, WS1040, WS1065, WS1010, and WS1025 are listed on whistlergroup.com, though availability is limited to this initial run. The company has not yet announced plans for new scanner designs or upgrades to compete with modern offerings like Uniden’s SDS series, leaving some to wonder if Whistler will innovate or rely on its legacy lineup. Older GRE models, inherited when Whistler acquired GRECOM, are not currently supported with firmware or manuals on the site, limiting options for owners of those devices.
Support services are also being reestablished, though they are not fully operational. Customers can submit inquiries via a contact form on whistlergroup.com, but comprehensive repair services and legacy upgrades (e.g., for the GRE PSR-800) remain unavailable as the company ramps up. Whistler has acknowledged these gaps and is prioritizing customer feedback, with plans to exhibit at Hamvention in Dayton, Ohio, in May 2025 to engage directly with the community.
The Road Ahead
The Whistler Group’s return has sparked cautious excitement among fans. The availability of EZ Scan updates and a limited hardware run are positive signs, but the lack of full server functionality, new product announcements, and robust support for older models leaves some questions unanswered. The company’s leadership has promised to listen to customers and innovate, with updates posted on whistlergroup.com/blogs/news and through partners like RadioReference.com.
For now, Whistler is tuning back into the market, one scanner at a time. Whether it can reclaim its former glory—or push the boundaries of scanner technology—remains to be seen. Enthusiasts are encouraged to visit whistlergroup.com for the latest developments as this reborn brand finds its frequency in 2025.
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