RADAR DETECTORS

[DaninCO]

I was wondering about radar detectors. I read the car and driver magazine which tests the best high end detectors. I live in a small town in CO and i usually travel on a 2 lane high way. Does anyone know a good detector for this area? I just want something decent. I dont need anything really fancy like the Valentine One or Passport 8500. It seems like those are for more big cities where there can be alot of interference and things. Any help would be awesome. The price i was looking to spend was around 100 or so.

 

[jjue]

Generally, you get what you pay for. I use to have some Cobra piece of crap that I got second hand for very cheap until I threw it out the window on I-55 in Jackson, MS. I eventually replaced it with an Escort Passport 4600 which was a high school graduation gift from my dad (actually, it came with the '94 Explorer that he use to drive until I graduated HS) in 1997, and I have received one speeding ticket, which was fixed by a friend, so far. A lot of it is know how and when to drive, especially with a radar detector. I'm pretty sure that all depends on surroundings.

Personally, if I lost my 4600, I'd replace it with the 8500 in a heartbeat. I leat a buddy of mine use my 4600 not too long ago, and he ended up buying 2 8500's, one each for him and his fiance. One of my uncles has the Valentine One, and he likes it as well. My sister's Bel Vector TSi sucks, and I almost threw it out the window as well since I let her borrow my 4600 for a trip. It took a lot to hold me back, and everytime we travel home from school together, we take the 4600.

 

[aldive]

I wouldn't consider anything but the 8500 http://www.escortradar.com/8500.htm

Good luck....

 

[RFR2212]

It may be good, but the price sure is up there too...
Pete

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by RFR2212
It may be good, but the price sure is up there too...
Pete

What does it cost for a speeding ticket? The added cost of insurance? Your time in court or traffic school?

When looking at it in that light, the 8500 is a real bargin.

 

[RFR2212]

Originally posted by aldive


What does it cost for a speeding ticket? The added cost of insurance? Your time in court or traffic school?

When looking at it in that light, the 8500 is a real bargin.

Or ya simply adhear to the speed limit.... then it takes care of the whole need of a radar detector.... they tell us in drivers ed, if we hadnt gotten a ticket by age 18, that they thought we did fairly well retaining what we learned... or just got lucky.... well, I'm 20 years young, and ticket free... My insurance is surely showing that
Pete

 

[LiKuiD]

yea i second that....just go the speed limit. i have a cobra radar detector that i use on major highways but other then that its pointless for me....even on the highways my truck has trouble going over 80 so i dont worry about it too much but i like to know whats around me

 

[KMac]

I've got the Passport 8500 and I can tell you one thing: not only is it a radar detector; it's a Chevy Z71 detector. Almost every time I get a false detect there's a Z71 approaching me from either direction. I called Escort and quizzed them about it. They had no answer. When I asked if it might be the OnStar System triggering it, their tech people said it most definitely CAN trigger the 8500. In fact, they told me if I had OnStar in my vehicle there was a 90% chance I would get false detects.

Other than that, the unit is great. Although it still picks up every strip mall and convenience store. I think the only advantage of the Valentine unit is it provides arrows telling you which way the radar is coming from.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by KMac
Although it still picks up every strip mall and convenience store. I think the only advantage of the Valentine unit is it provides arrows telling you which way the radar is coming from.

How do you have it set? Mine does not pick this stuff up when srty not to.

 

[nosaj122081]

I bought my Uniden factory refurbished for less than 100 clams, best buy on anything I could find... If I was gonna spend 200+ for a detector, I'd go all out and get the Valentine. Rear facing detection, directional indicators, , reprogramable, upgradable, it is really the finest radar detector I've ever seen (I don't even have one , my friend does and I absolutely LOVE it!). But if you want a great buy, check Uniden's factory refurbished units, they practically give them away.

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

I bought the Val One for my Dad for b-day and he used to race. It has saved him numerous times that I know the old Passport would have missed. The thing really is worth every penny.

 

[Frshpwdr2k]

Passport Shmashport... Get a V

Get a Valentine One... it has changed my life :smoke:

 

[DocVijay]

I have the BEL Vector LR Remote.

I like it alot because when I close the ash tray (that's where the main unit is installed) it disappears. I prefer the low profile, stealth approach. It also works really well. I'll try to get my install pictures up on my site soon.

 

[jjue]

I know someone who has both the 8500 and a 2001 Z71 with Onstar, and he doesn't have a single problem.

 

[DaninCO]

Thanks but

Thanks for the responses but no one really answered my question. I know what the best dtectors are i just wanted to know which one is the right one for me and my little town.

 

[DocVijay]

Resistance to interference is secondary.

The most important factor, especially for the two-lane situation for you, is range. The top of the line detectors such as the Valentine, usually have the best range too. Check the latest issue of Car and Driver; they have a detector test. The detector with the longest range was hands down the Valentine. It swept all categories. Second was the Escort 8500. It may seem like a waste of money, but you do get what you pay for. I myself have a Bel, but I chose it for stealth reasons.

 

[Yosilky]

Do you have the bel 980? Anyone know, does the v-one suction to the windshield and stuff? are any detectors cordless?

 

[DocVijay]

If you're asking me, I have the Bel Vector LR Remote. It's the one where you mount the control unit anywhere you want; mine's in the ash tray. The radar unit is mounted up front; I put mine behind the grille on the driver's side. There are also two laser units that suction cup to the front and rear glass. I think this gives much better laser coverage than the standard unit up front stuck to the windshield. I love my detector, and when it's off, I close the ashtray and it's gone. Can't tell I have one.

 

[Yosilky]

I think i'm gonna go with either that or the 980 but i don't think i'm gonna mount the laser things in the back and stuff, is it hard. Don't u have to get all of that seperate. I have a 95 explorer i dunno what would work best

 

[DocVijay]

It's actually quite easy.

When you buy the Vector LR Remote, you get everything you need. There is the control unit, the radar unit, two laser units, and one cable for the radar unit. The laser units have a suction cup to hang from front/rear windows. Both have a long cord with a plug that looks like a regular headphone plug. They plug right into the main unit. You bolt the radar unit somewhere up front where it won't be blocked by metal parts. one cable conects the radar unit with control unit. Only tricky part is to find the power wire. You can use the switched power wire from the radio. then just ground it and you're done.