What's the best radar detector?

[caesar]

My dealer was installing a radar detector on someone's car that was a grand or two. Seems kind of expensive, but if can save you some expensive tickets and hassle/ time, break-even could be justified.

How good are radar detectors these days, and who makes some of the better ones?

 

[amirm]

I have not looked this field for years since on the west coast radars are not used that much. But last I checked, I thought Valentine was the best. But I could be out of date. http://www.valentine1.com/

 

[Dimfer]

I have a Passport 9500ix and found it to be much better than the older units that I owned, I like it for it's very long range (approx 3 - 5 kms) because it gives you a lot of time to react on the highway. It also marks redlight cameras etc in the city, thus sparing you of the annoying false alarms in city driving. The custom install version of the same should at least be as good, probably better. I guess best approach is a combination of of a good detector and a jammer.

also best to know if radar detectors are legal in your area or not, because there are unit that have stealth feature, for areas where radar detectors and the like are illegal.

 

[rockitman]

I have used a Valentine since 2003. The rear radar detection is a key advantage of the valentine. No better detector, imo

 

[Audioseduction]

Valentine is the Best period!

 

[mep]

My last radar detector never went off until a cop was behind me with lights flashing and the siren wailing.

 

[Bruce B]

Ok... let's bump this old thread. I need a detector for my new hot rod. Called one place and they want about $5k for a custom installed Passport 9500CI. Is this a good one? I see Valentine mentioned. Haven't looked those up yet.

 

[Steve Williams]

The best radar is not to speed. It is tempting with our AMG's and Ferarris. I used to use one until I also got caught. For me it's just not worth spending 6-8 hours at Drivers school and/ or watch my insurance rates go up. Just a thought

 

[Bruce B]

The best radar is not to speed. It is tempting with our AMG's and Ferarris. I used to use one until I also got caught. For me it's just not worth spending 6-8 hours at Drivers school and/ or watch my insurance rates go up. Just a thought

I totally agree Steve, but it was the wife that is pushing for me to get one. I'm a MSF instructor and I know if anything goes on my record, it will jeopardize my employment!

 

[spazmatron]

Go for a spin around a track, will burn out your brakes and tires but that's a thrill. Can learn something about what your car can do plus what you cant!

Win win.

 

[DaveC]

Best is probably a Valentine One + custom installed laser detector/jammer, but jamming laser isn't allowed in some states. Colorado lumped it in with jamming radar now, but surprisingly a lot of states have no laws on the books regarding laser jamming and it's very effective.

If it were me I wouldn't want two separate products so a custom Passport that does laser jamming would be the way I'd go. $5k seems high, but I haven't looked into it, I can't afford it and jammers are illegal in CO anyways. I use a plain 'ol Passport. It works well for radar, might work for laser if you're lucky.

 

[Gregadd]

Back in the day I ysed an escort. I think Valentine spun off from them. Truckesr always used a CB. Communication is the best.Laser is deadly. It also can target a specific vehicle.s . It does not drift and is instant on.. Reaction time is minimal.

 

[Folsom]

Can it be installed so it's covert? I'm fairly certain where I'm at getting caught with one is just as bad as the fact you got pulled over...

 

[ack]

I am still using a Passport 5000 from the mid '90s, which is refusing to die. I have my eyes on the Max 360, which I feel is the only one that can truly catch laser all around through its little turret, and if situated high enough.

 

[Bruce B]

Can it be installed so it's covert? I'm fairly certain where I'm at getting caught with one is just as bad as the fact you got pulled over...

Radar detectors are legal in all states except Virginia, D.C. and on Military installations.

 

[NorthStar]

Ok... let's bump this old thread. I need a detector for my new hot rod. Called one place and they want about $5k for a custom installed Passport 9500CI. Is this a good one? I see Valentine mentioned. Haven't looked those up yet.

Five grands for a radar!

Get one for couple hundred bucks that covers front/sides/rear @ long range.

But know this too: You'll save some speeding tickets from the regular spotters the cops used, but if they have planes in the air...the sky is the eye.

___________

If you want to spend around $400 ...

? http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/best-radar-detectors/

___________

 

[DaveC]

Laser jammer laws:

http://www.guysoflidar.com/usa-laser-jammer-laws.html

ack, jamming is the only effective way to combat laser. Even if the detector catches it the chances you'll be able to slow down in time are slim. The only way you can win without a jammer is if your detector catches reflections off other cars before they target your car.

 

[treitz3]

Beware - Officers have been paying attention to emerging technology. In our neck of the woods, radar isn't even necessary. They are using drones to catch speeders.

Tom

 

[Blizzard]

I have the Escort 9500IX and it's excellent. I haven't gotten a ticket since buying it 2 years ago, and I can't remember the last time I drove the speed limit (except school zones of course) I often drive at speeds over 200kph on the highways.

https://www.escortradar.com/passport9500ix/

 

[Blizzard]

Laser jammer laws:

http://www.guysoflidar.com/usa-laser-jammer-laws.html

ack, jamming is the only effective way to combat laser. Even if the detector catches it the chances you'll be able to slow down in time are slim. The only way you can win without a jammer is if your detector catches reflections off other cars before they target your car.

In Canada it seems like they always have both going at all times. So they radar always tips you off so you can slow down by the time you're in range of the laser.