Best Detector

[razorduck]

I'm sure this has been discussed on here before, but I'm new here so here goes: What's the best radar detector out there for both dependability and price?

[onechuck]

Hands down...Valentine1...Saved my ass a ton of times. The only problem I have now is because I have a radar detector is I speed everywhere. Even if I drive a different vehicle, so be careful, it is addicting.

[dreamst8]

Valentine One ... Bar NONE!

[raqball]

I had a V1 and recently got rid of it because of to many false alarms... The thing alerts to other radar detectors never mind everything else...

I went with a Bel RX 45 remote radar detector with laser shifters... LOVE IT...

Here is my install..

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...highlight=rx45

[razorduck]

Thanks for the posts!(and I hope the reviews keep coming).

[dreamst8]

I liked the BEL products also, but have experienced TONS of failures...and Lots of warranty exchanges and then they tried several times (on diff models) to replace my brand new unit with a REFURB, so not anymore... And I have also exp false alarms etc..but sent my V1 in for a tune up, (45$) and now its better than ever and reduced falsies... Any detector will need a re-tune one every year or so, as they are exposed to weather extremes and high & low temps, allowing sensitive electronics to waiver from intended specs..

[Kwik]

Valentine 1. It has saved my bacon many times!!

[VictoryMuscleCars]

IMO, the best radar detector on the market currently is the Escort 9500ix. Talk about a totally awesome device… I am beyond amazed and happy with the purchase.

The price tag was a bit hefty at $500, but if I can avoid a few speeding tickets by watching the watchers it more than pays for itself. The 9500ix has all the latest bells and whistles to make any techie or gadget guy drool.

The coolest feature is its GPS capability and the “AutoLearn” functionality. The features work together to help eliminate those annoying false alarms. It takes 3 false alarms for the unit to eliminate it by storing its GPS location. How cool, eh?

Another awesome feature is its safety camera, red light and speed camera database. Escort does a really great job of putting out weekly updates. In order to update the device you log into your web based account download the update and then upload to the unit. The process is super easy and most importantly… it works!

Bottom line, it is one of the most accurate and powerful detectors I’ve ever owned. I know that detectors are not full-proof, but I really like the added intelligence and comfort that I’m not going it blind, if you will. This baby rocks!

[John Shields]

Originally Posted by razorduck

I'm sure this has been discussed on here before, but I'm new here so here goes: What's the best radar detector out there for both dependability and price?

None they don't work. Get the episode of MythBusters where they do the RADAR testing and then the photo camera stuff. If the RADAR detector picks it up, you've already been tagged. Not to mention most departments have moved on to LIDAR (laser) and there's no detectors for those (though some claim to have made scramblers... but they don't work for the other and vice versa).

My suggestion... don't speed. Simple as that. But if you want to spend hundreds on a system that picks up microwave ovens and other electronics then be my guess. But like I said, if you're picking it up, they've picked you up too. Unless of course they're sitting there with their RADAR waving around and not really looking for stops.

[mikeSS]

the big named one are good like Valentine or escort ... theres not a better one... if it cost more then 300+ then its a good one..

[raqball]

Originally Posted by John Shields

None they don't work. Get the episode of MythBusters where they do the RADAR testing and then the photo camera stuff. If the RADAR detector picks it up, you've already been tagged. Not to mention most departments have moved on to LIDAR (laser) and there's no detectors for those (though some claim to have made scramblers... but they don't work for the other and vice versa).

My suggestion... don't speed. Simple as that. But if you want to spend hundreds on a system that picks up microwave ovens and other electronics then be my guess. But like I said, if you're picking it up, they've picked you up too. Unless of course they're sitting there with their RADAR waving around and not really looking for stops.

I agree with the camera's... ALL detectors are worthless against them... The best you can hope for is the the camera's location is pre-programmed into the detector and it warns based on that info...

Most detectors are also worthless against LASER / LIDAR.... With one exception..... Shifters really do work!!!! I have been hit with LASER / LIDAR several times by friends and my speed was never registered until I turned the shifters off....

Most windshield mounted systems don't / cant have shifters and most remote mount systems have shifters....

My RX 45 is WORTHLESS against camera's but does great against everything else, laser and lidar included....

As far as X, K, and KA go, most modern detectors will pick up the signal 1/4, 1/2 or a mile in advance if another vehicle you can't even see has been targeted ahead of you....

[VictoryMuscleCars]

Originally Posted by John Shields

None they don't work. Get the episode of MythBusters where they do the RADAR testing and then the photo camera stuff. If the RADAR detector picks it up, you've already been tagged. Not to mention most departments have moved on to LIDAR (laser) and there's no detectors for those (though some claim to have made scramblers... but they don't work for the other and vice versa).

My suggestion... don't speed. Simple as that. But if you want to spend hundreds on a system that picks up microwave ovens and other electronics then be my guess. But like I said, if you're picking it up, they've picked you up too. Unless of course they're sitting there with their RADAR waving around and not really looking for stops.

Radar detectors do work for most types of speed scan systems used by police. I did not see Mythbusters, but I wonder if they were testing Laser effectiveness with detectors. It is true that if a detector starts beeping due to picking up Laser there's essentially no help or hope... you're getting a ticket. In order for police to use Laser they must be in a fixed location... meaning they cannot drive and use Laser at the same time. So, keep an eye out at all times.

The radar bands that can be used in a moving vehicle are listed out below (info that was shared with me from Escort):

X band - 20% are police the remaining 80% would be alarms, garage doors etc.

Ka band - 20% are police the remaining 80% would be alarms, garage doors etc.

K band - 60% are police the remaining 40% would be alarms, garage doors etc.

The community that I live in the police basically utilize speed scan systems all time (K & Ka bands)... the patrol men are basically casting a net across the city while driving. When my Escort radar goes off I immediately slow it down big time. If it's an actual police man I'm thankful and if I pick up 2 more "false" alerts my system stores as a false positive. Pretty sweet!

I'm in no way suggesting or condoning speeding in any way. I don't speed that much, but at times it's pretty tough with a 400 hp vehicle.

For me I just like watching the watchers and having a sense of what the police are doing, if you will. And I totally agree with John... don't speed.

[SGOS252382]

I use an Escort/Passport 8500 and it works great. It's saved me too many times to count.

[Entaille]

Originally Posted by John Shields

None they don't work. Get the episode of MythBusters where they do the RADAR testing and then the photo camera stuff. If the RADAR detector picks it up, you've already been tagged. Not to mention most departments have moved on to LIDAR (laser) and there's no detectors for those (though some claim to have made scramblers... but they don't work for the other and vice versa).

My suggestion... don't speed. Simple as that. But if you want to spend hundreds on a system that picks up microwave ovens and other electronics then be my guess. But like I said, if you're picking it up, they've picked you up too. Unless of course they're sitting there with their RADAR waving around and not really looking for stops.

agreed. the only thing my radar detector did was alert me to false positives and have me slow down after I've already been tagged. I sold it quickly. It's a false sense of security.

the worst of it is - you'll put faith in it, and you'll let your guard down. you should be aware of your surroundings before you put the gas down.