Radar/laser Detectors

[MHSD]

Got Saved by the Laser shifter twice this morning. Thank you Escort!!!!

[METHLAB]

I need a detector. I have an old one in a drawer in the basement, but it's really old.

[Stealth01]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (METHLAB @ Apr 18 2008, 09:38 PM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=41583]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

I need a detector. I have an old one in a drawer in the basement, but it's really old.[/b]

Well, there are several things to look for. First off, decide how much you are willing to spend. These things get as expensive as $450, so decide your budget.

Then figure out how much warning you need. Are you a habitual 20-over guy? If so, go top-end, something like a V1, RX-65, or 8500 X50. If you need a little less warning time, you can move down into the cheaper range.

I run a Whistler Pro-78, and I love it. The only time I got a ticket using it was when I didn't pay attention to it warning me.

[SpeedRacer]

Shane seriously get a valentine 1 plz.... dont go cheap on something that if it fails can cost you yer license

[METHLAB]

Yea, I shoulda had one in the first place and I wouldn't have f'd myself last month...

[MazdaTom]

Even with the V1, if you're going fast enough to lose your license, you're probably screwed anyway.

I'm not sure I see the point in the V1's directional arrows. How often have you received an alert while you're speeding, looked at the arrow and decided whether or not to hit the brakes based on the direction its coming from? Seems kinda gimicky to me. Now the V1 might be the superior detector, but the arrows are gimicky.

I have an 8500 X50. I like its easily distinguishable alert tones. I also like the fact that when I don't have any pending alerts, it acts as my car's voltage gauge.

[METHLAB]

That's neat! I won't get one for a bit I'm guessing. I just don't drive as much, too much worky.

[Stealth01]

Definitely the V1 is the most sensitive (longest range) RD out there, but it is also one of the chattiest. That means if most of your driving is city driving, you'll get a TON of false alerts, which can cause complacency. That's what bit me -- I thought the K-band signals were from an airport radar so I ignored them.

The key is to get an RD you TRUST. If that's the V1, so be it. But I would say these are your top choices:

1. V1 - $450. Longest range, but very chatty.
2. Escort 9500i -- $499. Good range, and GPS programmable, so you can lock out known falses.
3. Escrot 8500 X50 - $300. Very good range, lots of fantastic features, good filtering.
4. Bel RX-65 $300. Almost the same thing as the X50.
5. Bel V995 $250. International detector with VERY good range a few less features than the RX-65.
6. Whislter Pro-78/XTR-690 $150. Range ALMOST as good as the RX-65, but without tech mode.
7. Bel RX-55, $150. Just about the same performance as a Pro-78, but with a shorter warranty.

[METHLAB]

Great info bro, thanks a lot!

[MHSD]

either the Valentine one or the escort 9500

[HBMazda6]

Checkout http://www.radarbusters.com, it's run by an ex-cop who does nothing but finds and tests products to beat radar guns and stuff. Right now the top rated detector is "Escort Passport 9500i Radar Detector", some features ...
GPS intelligence
Allows you to mark known speed trap locations
Instant On POP mode
X, K, Ka, Ku and Laser Operating Bands for full radar coverage
Complete immunity to VG-2 radar gun
Voice Alerts
1 year limited warranty
It's running about $450.00.

Hope this didn't come too late for you.

[kingtut]

Definitely the V1 is the most sensitive (longest range) RD out there, but it is also one of the chattiest. That means if most of your driving is city driving, you'll get a TON of false alerts, which can cause complacency. That's what bit me -- I thought the K-band signals were from an airport radar so I ignored them.

The key is to get an RD you TRUST. If that's the V1, so be it. But I would say these are your top choices:

1. V1 - $450. Longest range, but very chatty.
2. Escort 9500i -- $499. Good range, and GPS programmable, so you can lock out known falses.
3. Escrot 8500 X50 - $300. Very good range, lots of fantastic features, good filtering.
4. Bel RX-65 $300. Almost the same thing as the X50.
5. Bel V995 $250. International detector with VERY good range a few less features than the RX-65.
6. Whislter Pro-78/XTR-690 $150. Range ALMOST as good as the RX-65, but without tech mode.
7. Bel RX-55, $150. Just about the same performance as a Pro-78, but with a shorter warranty.

So... is this info still pretty accurate? I've been thinking about getting one, but wanted to stay around 100-150-ish. Is there some store I can pick up one of these Whistlers at?

[I`m Batman]

So... is this info still pretty accurate? I've been thinking about getting one, but wanted to stay around 100-150-ish. Is there some store I can pick up one of these Whistlers at?

Or you can just not speed and save yourself $150.
Unless you "feel the neeeeed... the neeeeed for speeeeeed!"

[kingtut]

Or you can just not speed and save yourself $150.
Unless you "feel the neeeeed... the neeeeed for speeeeeed!"

Excellent point- Really, I don't speed...nor do I feel the neeeed, either:lol:
I just figured it would be nice to have. Sometimes I like to get a little boost going, and before I know it- I'm speeding. Perhaps for those rarities:D

[erod550]

Yea it's not necessarily about speeding all the time. Just sometimes you go to pass someone and give it a little gas and boom there's the cop. You're only speeding for 10 seconds but they got you. Or sometimes you're all by yourself on the highway and not watching your speed closely and get nailed not even realizing you were speeding. The detector just helps keep you aware of your surroundings.