Radar detector recommendations?

[Clovis]

I commute almost entirely on I-25 and it's between cities where the state likes to hang out.

Any good recommendations?

I've always heard that Valantine One's are the best but they're also $500.

Thanks,

-Clovis

[SD_GR]

The "big 3" are generally high $ but in threads like this people will almost inevitably say "V1" or "Beltronics 9xx" or "Escort." They're all right. The top end units are very good.

My feeling is that the midrange Beltronics units offer good value and high bang:buck ratio.

Google "Radar Roy" and find his site; look for tests etc. and judge accordingly.

[Officer Cartman]

I've been using Valentine 1's since the mid-90s, and it's easily paid for itself 10x over!

It's one of those deals, you get what you pay for. If memory serves, it was only $400 for one, and you usually can find older units on eBay and other sites for a little less $$.

[silverbullet207]

I've been using Valentine 1's since the mid-90s, and it's easily paid for itself 10x over!

I second this! it has paid itself of a million times and its always at the right second!

[djclue8713]

I agree with the first two posters, you do get what you pay for. It all depends on your situation. I've been running an Escort Passport 8500 X50 for the past year now and it has saved me from quite a few roadside visits. It set me back $300. I was looking at the V1 with it's arrows and all, but it would be too chatty for me in the city. My work commute is 60% city 40% highway and the X50 does just fine. I like it's ability to change display modes and automute has proven invaluable as well. I hardwired it in my vehicle so I don't tie up my cigarette lighter.

Here's a few pics of my install:

[rapidwrx]

Used to own a V1 and it gave me 5 years of ticket free driving. Just recently switched to the Escort 9500ix for the red light camera/speed trap detection. The red light camera detection works great and you can update it online to keep up with the ever increasing number of them.

Sold the V1 because it was essentially useless around town because every single automatic door opener would set the thing off. The Escort is much smarter and learns where the false warnings are using GPS. 2 alerts of the same frequency in the same location and it marks the reading as false and never beeps again. It also doesn't beep if you're going below 30mph.

That being said, I think the V1 had better range on the highway where it matters most. If i end up getting a ticket with the Escort, I'm switching back. Definitely go for the higher range models though, it's a great investment in the long run.

[Drews]

Don't speed and then you don't have to buy one.

[EJ257]

I drove without a detector for many years without a citation. I finally picked one up just as a second bit of protection; I rarely need to adjust my speed when it picks up an officer, but it's enough to double-check the speedo in case I lost track of how fast I was going.

My Valentine 1 does give me false positives, but Ka is the only band used here (and that's only used by officers), so it's easy to filter them out. I paid $400 for mine new.

[elblako91]

Heres the deal radar detecters DO NOT save you from instant on KA band. So if your on a freeway at 2 in the morning with no traffic then don't speed because they will hit you at the last second with instant on and clock your speed. Ask me how i know :rolleyes

I use an escort 8500x50 (smurf blue) and it has saved me a few times but after some tickets i don't speed anymore i just use it as a tool to warn me to check my speed incase i wander over unknowingly.

If you want to speed use a "Rabbit" which is where a car passes you and you keep up with him but have quite a distance between the two of you. That way when the "Rabbit" gets hit with radar your radar detector will pick up on it and you have time to slow down.

[Crb03]

Don't speed and then you don't have to buy one.

This common sense quote is brought to you by Vagisil.

This reminds me, I need to see if theres a update for my valentine.

[wo^tron]

I am a proud v1 user as well. I had the 9500i but i always found myself wondering "Where are the cops?"
It's saved me a lot on long road trips and its not too bad in the city here. I have even picked up a few (too many) under cover cops with it :/

Usually when I am going a bit on the fast side I have someone in front (a rabbit) to take the brunt and I just watch the rear. But its mainly just so I dont get any unwanted surprises while I'm driving

[rage-wrx]

I listened to Radar Roy and went with the Cobra 9970G with gps for $199 and it has saved me on many occasions.Its an ugly lookin unit but gets the job done.It has alerts for school zones,red light cameras,speed traps,approaching emergency vehicles,etc.

[rage-wrx]

Google "Radar Bob" and find his site; look for tests etc. and judge accordingly.

I think you meant Radar Roy

[Drews]

This common sense quote is brought to you by Vagisil.

This reminds me, I need to see if theres a update for my valentine.

Hey I didn't say I didn't have a radar detector.

[Vez]

I've used a Beltronics RX65 for years and absolutely love it. However, if I were to go out and buy a new detector, the V1 would be the only thing I feel would be an upgrade.

As was said earlier, Valentine, Beltronics and Escort....you really can't go wrong with any of them. Conversly, a cheap radar detector will only disappoint you and cost you even more money in the end.

Another thing to keep in mind, it's a radar detector, not a cop detector. You can always be the first car radar was use on and thus, no prior warnings.