Radar Detectors

Ken C.

Ken C.

Jack of all trades, master of none.
Staff member
Super Mod
Joined
Jun 14, 2000
Messages
15,401
It has been at least 10 years since I owned a radar detector and I need to educate myself on what's new in the radar technology. What can you guys recommend? I plan on traveling alot this summer and would like to get something that isn't too expensive but is still a good unit.
 
I use a Solo from Escort. It uses batteries and is very sensitive .Saved me a lot of tickets for sure.
 
We are using more and more Laser these days. All the older designs K & X band radars are being replaced as they go out of service.
 
Can someone recommend a good laser detector? :confused:
 
K.V. Collucci said:
Can someone recommend a good laser detector? :confused:
Click to expand...


How much do you want to spend? Escort radar detectors are one of the best but are a little pricey.
 
Valentine One.

It is simply the best. You know when your detector goes off? The next step is to visually spot the patrol car, especially if it is a Ka band signal. The Valentine tells you where to look. It tells you which direction the signal is coming from. I had one stolen when I left my car unlocked at work and bought another. I wish I knew how many tickets it has saved me.
 
Larry B. said:
How much do you want to spend? Escort radar detectors are one of the best but are a little pricey.
Click to expand...

Ok, I just talked with my brother (cop, he's working the night shift like I am) and he suggested Cobra if I want a good detector and I'm on a budget. I'm looking at the XRS-9600. Any comments on this make/model?
 
I looked it up and it seems to have all the features you would need for about $115.00. I can't comment on how good it is as I never used one.
 
Before I got the V1 I'd had Cobra, Escort, Uniden. No comparison. It is worth forgoing a couple of knives IMO.
 
spyderknut said:
It is worth forgoing a couple of knives IMO.
Click to expand...

Blasphemer!!! No radar detector is worth more than a knife!!! You should hang your head in shame for even suggest it. :p ;)

Anyway.....just bid on the Cobra on eBay. :thumbup:
 
Ken, the old IAFF sticker in the rear window has served me well all these years.

No batteries, or cables required!

:D
 
K.V. Collucci said:
Blasphemer!!! No radar detector is worth more than a knife!!! You should hang your head in shame for even suggest it. :p ;)

Anyway.....just bid on the Cobra on eBay. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
I consider it an investement. I'd rather buy a great detector than to get a ticket and have my insurance rates go up. Less tickets mean MORE knives.
 
Ken,

Did you win on your eBay auction? If not, I'd strongly suggest Escort. Review after review always has Escort at the top of their lists. Like others, I'm a big fan of theirs. I currently have the SOLO but am close to needing to update it (it's several years old).

Though the battery model is highly convenient, I've heard (only "heard") that there are compromises made in detecting over a corded model. I have yet to see a side-by-side comparison of a cordless vs. a corded (of the same brand).

I'm a very alert driver and usually see police cars long before they can see me. I also know both where the usual speed traps are and where good speed traps might be. Mine has saved me many of times!
 
K.V. Collucci said:
Blasphemer!!! No radar detector is worth more than a knife!!! You should hang your head in shame for even suggest it. :p ;)


obviously ya dont drive like i do lol, my detector has saved me enough money to buy several custom folders believe you me, & thats not even considering insurance costs, i drive a 'vette FWIW.

the very best detector is a valentine, imho one of the main pros is the Ti case vs platic on most others, which breaks/cracks up, the sensitivity without lots of falses, and the directional arrows, also they offer upgrades on old units, only con is the price ~$450, i got a used one for $150 & liked it enough to buy another new one from valentine. i have heard the batt operated escort arent very good, but i haent checked out the new reviews in a yr or so, they might have improved, i do know some Bels are ok too but are near the V1 price.
Click to expand...
 
Do you get the GPS/ laser detectors over there in the US?

Or dont you have fixed location speed cameras?

I have one that tracks you by GPS and alarms for fixed location cameras and also has a laser module for mobile cameras.

Obviously the GPS only works if there is a company producing speed camera locations for it. Plus they arent cheap mine cost the equivalent of around $600
 
Some states in the USA do not allow VIDEO speed traps. I watched an episode of Fifth Gear that went into good detail about those GPS/laser/radar based detector units. I would really like to have one in the USA personally but, no one I am aware of offers the GPS database to make it work.

OT: Why can't we get the European episodes of Top Gear and Fifth Gear in the USA? BBC America doesn't offer them and the Discover channel and Speed channel episodes are inferior and incomplete.

Personally, I use a new model Escort 8500 X-50. It works very well and was the highest rated detector that was rated by a reputable source. So far, there have been no laser detections in the backwaters I drive in. I have seen lots of instant on hits though. Detection over hills and around curves is great. As long as you are trailing someone else, you aren't apt to be tagged from behind and you will alert off the lead driver. Don't "tail gate" on the interstate and you will have time to slow down and will avoid being ticketed in a convoy. Of course, this one do much for aircraft sighting you visually but, most revenue generators are small towns in rural or remote areas. Highway Patrols are about public safety not, revenue so driving "safe and sane" generally is enough in my experience. I should note that I rarely go more then 5mph above the posted limited because 80MPH is fast enough with older drivers doing 45MPH in their motorhomes on the same road. Approch speeds like that really get your attention even when are paying attention. Popping over a hill doing 80PMH to see a stalled car in the lane of traffic at the bottom makes for a huge pucker factor when you can't merge into the high speed lane because some idiot is "dead heading" there.

Drive Safe. Getting there faster means nothing if you spend your time at the side of the road with the police officer or, worse yet don't make it to your final destination.

p.s. I should note that this current Escort Passport model is my third one. All have been good values and offered good performance for the times and technology available.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top