Time For A Radar Detector

[ravensjeff]

Looking for some advice on different styles of radar detectors before diving in and studying what I might want. I am not rich, but I can afford to get a decent one. It might need to be a stealth/hidden type of unit since my state frowns on owning them. I'm not sure what makes certain units better then others- range? ability to detect radar in different locations/directions? Sensitivity? And then actually getting one installed.

I'd like to get some recomendations on personal experiences some have had and then I'll do some research. I just have zero knowledge on the subject. Thanks for any help.

[Xmicro_SS]

There are a few good ones. I have a Passport 8500 right now which saves my butt regularly. But I am going to use that in my truck and switch to a Valentine one in the Camaro. It gets better reviews and has the face plate module that can be tucked away easily.

http://www.valentine1.com/

It is Ideal for SITUATIONAL AWARENESS!!

[Tricky1]

I hope to try this one once I get some info on the display.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53829

[Xmicro_SS]

Originally Posted by Tricky1

I hope to try this one once I get some info on the display.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53829

What I like about the Valentine, is the fact that it tells you WHAT DIRECTION the signal is coming from!!

[Synergy_synner]

+1 for V1. Can't beat Valentine Research.

[chutoyy]

V1 here. Saved me at least 7 times... No Joke (400 mile trips, you get bored going only 70mph...)

And V1 has a concealed display, so you can mount the v1 somewhere stealthy, then put the display on the dash.

[Nutbutt]

Depends on what kind of driving you are going to be doing. The escort is a great choice if you are not going to be breaking the sound barrier and just need the security of the radar detector. If you typical habits are +15mph over the limit go with the V1 you won't regret it !
For the mount I would go with The Blend Mount, http://www.blendmount.com/. This allows a nice tight mount to your rear view mirror giving a great view for the detector but also making it very stealthy. Also go with the direct wire option which I think is the best.

[strobi]

All my driving is on open highway...mainly interstates...the ESCORT Redline...is made for that!

[BigMatt]

I love my V1, has paid for itself many times over lol

[pnyklr]

Radar is not the biggest threat, LIDAR is. Research your options based on that.

What is your price range?

-Funk

[ZombieEatsYou]

Since you're in MD; if you go over to VA or DC you'll want to take a look at the Beltronics STi Driver: undetectable to radar detector detectors.

[Racer-X]

The 8500 or the new 9500ix from escorst are good... what you need with it is the ZR4 shifter to protect you from LIDAR. all the detectors will do with LIDAR is tell you that you are now getting a ticket.... the ZR4 in conjuntion will help prevent it.

[Racer-X]

you can also do the 9500ci if you have the coin to throw at it. roughly 2k + for the unit and install.

[deljaso]

Originally Posted by ravensjeff

Looking for some advice on different styles of radar detectors before diving in and studying what I might want. I am not rich, but I can afford to get a decent one. It might need to be a stealth/hidden type of unit since my state frowns on owning them. I'm not sure what makes certain units better then others- range? ability to detect radar in different locations/directions? Sensitivity? And then actually getting one installed.

I'd like to get some recomendations on personal experiences some have had and then I'll do some research. I just have zero knowledge on the subject. Thanks for any help.

I've been obsessed lately with finding a radar detector. I recommend a lot of reading over at www.radardetector.net forums.

If I needed the highest sensitivity and lived in a state where it's illegal to have radar detectors, I'd get an Escort Redline because it is invisible to radar detector detectors.
Because I don't live in a state where they are illegal, and I want to see what the arrows are all about, I just ordered a Valentine 1 (and if you call the customer service number on valentine's website and ask for a refurb/return unit, you get it for $359+shipping, a $40 savings). The V1 is also a $100 cheaper than the redline. I was originally looking on ebay, but decided against that for warranty reasons and not encouraging theft. From ebay prices, it looks like the V1 holds its value well so if you don't want it anymore you can sell if for $350 or so, not bad.