radar detector
 

I've decided to purchase a radar detector and I said to myself who can I ask but the guys/gals on this forum.
Which detector (name brand) should I buy? Where can I buy it? I'm looking to spend $350. max. Will $350 buy me a good one?
Just recently got spooked!
TIA,

mythbusters did a segment on radar detectors- none of them work... google it.

Go figure unless you like to feel cool when you get pulled over and have the cop tell you how "illegal" it is and make you pull it down...lol

I have to agree with the last post to some degree, but if you are going to buy one-the only one to consider is a Valentine One-I have always had one but rarely use as the older I get the less I speeed.

This has been discussed here before at length. Do a search.
Haven't seen that mythbusters episode but the working of my Valentine One over the last 13 years is no myth. Get yourself a V1 -- the benchmark. I have yet to see someone regreting it.
Z.

After months of research I've concluded the Valentine 1, the Escort 8500 x50, and the BEL RX65 are are the best units in that price range. The V1 does have the arrows which are neat but all of them offer 360 degree protection. Check out www.guysoflidar.com for some nice performance graphs. Can't go wrong with any of them. Most can be had brand new on ebay for $300 or slightly more for the V1. Don't recall if you have a 987 model and if so I've recently found and key switched 12VDC spare fuse to connect to. PM me if you want more info.

Call valentine, ask for an R unit, nuff said!

Tom, we all want more info. Please explain.
Z.

I call BS, the v1 has saved my ass many, many times over the years and PROVING that it works.

Also, Radar detectors are not illegal except for ..Virginia??
and I guess Canada..

I've had two: Some cheap Cobra one (in the $80 range) and the V1. The Cobra one, which, if I recall correctly, was purchased at Circuit City or Best Buy or some place like that. Yes, it worked, but it didn't tell me far enough in advance. It told me, like, just as I would be rounding a corner that there was a cop looking right at me.

The Valentine, on the other hand, is absolutely stellar. I haven't hard-wired it into my RS because I knew I wouldn't be keeping that car for very long. The V1 works like a charm. I would say to save up the $500 and bite the bullet. It's definitely worth it.

First, the Mythbusters episode was NOT about radar DETECTORS. It was about laser/radar jammers. Radar detectors work, while laser jammers are still being debated.

Secondly, the best detector you are going to purchase under $350 is the Escort Passport 8500, which retails for 299.95 for the red display and 339.95 for the blue. They are identical models. The blue simply costs more because of the necessary components for making it glow blue. Or, if you can get one, a refurbished V1 (typically called an R model). Give them a call and ask if they have any in stock.

Thirdly...hrm. Before I post a third, I need to check with the mods if it's okay for me to post. Don't want to be breaking rules!

I've had a V-1 for several years and it has saved me numerous times. The arrows really are useful. It may be worth spending a few more dollars to get it ($399), but I'm sure the Escort is also a good detector...but no arrows.

Ken

V1 directional arrows are no gimmick. It lets you know where to focus your attention. Without it, you're looking every which way. If warnings were 100% that's no problem, you simply slow down. However all detectors give falses, so the arrows help you weed out possible falses that much more, e.g. strip malls, road construction lighting, etc...


I swore I'd buy a V1 years ago after a few tickets, but I never did. When I knew I would get the box, I went ahead and got one. My only regret is I didn't buy one sooner (I know that sounds like a commercial, but I am in no way affiliated or profiting from V1). It's saved me a couple of times so far. Oddly I find myself speeding LESS since I know were to look now.


Where I live there are a ton of cops out, and usually they do sweeps, so always watch your rearview....

986_Girl will probably weigh in again. She has a business renting radar detectors and is in discussions about becoming a site sponsor.

She'll probably have a special offer for you.

i'm lookling at the V1. For those that own a V1 I can just plug it in my cigarette light and I'm good to go or do I have do something with the direct wire power adapter?
Who has direct wired into their car's electrical system? Was there any problems?

Alright, back to my third point!

I run a business renting radar detectors (as was stated previously), called Radars for Rent. We have five different models available that range anywhere between $40.00 and $50.00 for a 7-day rental (including all tax and shipping costs).

www.radarsforrent.com

This is a great way to try out a detector or two without making an outright commitment by purchasing one.

Yes, you can just plug into the cig lighter, I wired mine right into the fuse box, no issues.

I direct wired my V1 based on a walkthrough I found online with no problems. I also did it so that it turns off when I turn the car off, that way I don't have to do it manually everytime.

V1 All the way! Those arrows are really helpful to know where its coming from. I've had a mess of them and will upgrade my V1 before I buy another.

That's one more reason to buy a V1... it's upgradeable and unless the company goes out of business (doubtful) it may well be the last radar detector you buy for a long, long time.

LOL! I thought you were joking! :rolleyes:


I hope you all know that V1 has a 30day money back guarantee.


@Marc Gelefsky, which fuse slot did you use. I'm doing mine tomorrow along with install of RadarRack.

Me too..

986 girl, do you happen to have instructions or anyone else on the forum on how to hard wire so that it turns off when I turn the car off. I not that handy with electrical...but I can follow instructions. TIA