Best radar detector (no laser jammmer)?

[Ferzerp]

I want it as insurance of sorts.

(because http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2277896)

I have no clue about these. Price isn't really a factor. Quality is.

 

[JackBurton]

IMO, It's between the Escort Redline and Escort 9500ix. The Redline provides unmatched Ka and K range, while the 9500 has a GPS to tag redlight cameras. I chose the Redline over the 9500 because I'd rather have longer range than GPS features, and so far it has been great! Love the thing. I have it hardwired and use a blendmount for a clean install.

 

[onza]

OMG DRIVE SLOW YOU SPEEDER.

/sarcasm off

I own the Escort 8500 X50 Blue - does it's intended job.

The best? - Valentine 1 imo.

 

[JackBurton]

OMG DRIVE SLOW YOU SPEEDER.

/sarcasm off

I own the Escort 8500 X50 Blue - does it's intended job.

The best? - Valentine 1 imo.

The top radar detectors are Escort Redline/9500ix, Valentine One, and Belltronics STi Magnum. That being said, I'd definitely rate the Redline over the Valentine One for range. They're all around the same price (~$500), so take a look at the features and reviews for yourself before deciding.

 

[onza]

The top radar detectors are Escort Redline/9500ix, Valentine One, and Belltronics STi Magnum. That being said, I'd definitely rate the Redline over the Valentine One for range. They're all around the same price (~$500), so take a look at the features and reviews for yourself before deciding.

I'm not going to do research so i'll just ask you regarding the 9500 since you own it. Does the 9500 have directional arrows similar to the V1?

If i had to do it again I would do the V1 just because of the arrows. When my detector goes off, I probably look like an owl trying to locate the police car.

 

[JackBurton]

I'm not going to do research so i'll just ask you regarding the 9500 since you own it. Does the 9500 have directional arrows similar to the V1?

If i had to do it again I would do the V1 just because of the arrows. When my detector goes off, I probably look like an owl trying to locate the police car.

I actually own the Redline, but I was also considering the Valentine One. The problem with the V1 is, you get A LOT of false positives, so those arrows will be going off a lot whereas the Redline does a much better job filtering those false positives. The Redline also has better range. Now in a perfect world, I'd have arrows WITH the performance of the Redline, but we don't live in that world. So instead, I had to "settle" for just performance.

But I'm with you, I'd definitely like some directional alerts.

 

[jpeyton]

Take it from someone who speeds like it's his career:

http://www.escortradar.com/passport9500ix-details.php

And if a laser jammer is legal in your state, you would be a fool not to get one.

http://www.laser-interceptorusa.com/

 

[Ferzerp]

And if a laser jammer is legal in your state, you would be a fool not to get one.

They're illegal here.

 

[Ferzerp]

Why the escorts over the valentine?

 

[Zap]

Why the escorts over the valentine?

The only thing better with the V1 is the arrows. Everything else is either the same or not as good as competitors.

 

[jpeyton]

They're illegal here.

Then a laser detector by your front plates/headlights and Escort Live is probably your best defense against LIDAR.

Laser jammers are legal in my state

 

[RPD]

I was considering the Redline, but couldn't justify the price tag. About 7-8 years ago I had the then new Escort 8500, loved it but it was stolen out of my car.
Never replaced it until Sunday, got a speeding ticket so after some research I bought the Beltronics V995, same, exact hardware as the Escort 8500 X50, but costs about $100 less and has a few more features. Escort just doesn't spend any marketing on the Beltronic brand.

 

[phucheneh]

How do you get caught with a laser jammer, anyway? If it's hidden, and you're not drunk, smell like weed, or otherwise fall under a searchable 'probable cause' heading...what can the cop do?

This is purely a curiosity, by the way. I see no point in a laser jammers in my area...cops don't give a shit about actual speed. We have unmarked cars that will randomly dip in behind you in traffic if you look like you could be speeding. Then they just check the 'radar' box on the ticket (no 'laser' box) and make up a speed.

I'm waiting for it to happen to me again, since I no longer put up with shit from cops. Enjoy getting sued when I subpoena your dashcam footage, fuckface.

Erm, anyhow...

 

[jpeyton]

How do you get caught with a laser jammer, anyway? If it's hidden, and you're not drunk, smell like weed, or otherwise fall under a searchable 'probable cause' heading...what can the cop do?

Not much.

 

[jpeyton]

I was considering the Redline, but couldn't justify the price tag. About 7-8 years ago I had the then new Escort 8500, loved it but it was stolen out of my car.
Never replaced it until Sunday, got a speeding ticket so after some research I bought the Beltronics V995, same, exact hardware as the Escort 8500 X50, but costs about $100 less and has a few more features. Escort just doesn't spend any marketing on the Beltronic brand.

The Beltronics Pro 500 is $100 more than the V995, but has GPS lockout, which IMO is a must-have feature. No more false positives on your daily commute.

 

[RPD]

The Beltronics Pro 500 is $100 more than the V995, but has GPS lockout, which IMO is a must-have feature. No more false positives on your daily commute.

I specifically didn't want to pay extra for GPS features. After awihle I didn't even hear false alarms. Plus, my daily commute is all of 10-15minutes. To each their own.

 

[bruceb]

The Escort models mentioned are very good. I have the Escort 8500 X50 model, but am thinking of upgrading to the newer 9500 model. The Valentine 1 is said to be very good, especially at being able to tell Where the radar signal (in front, behind or off to the side). But the case (to me) doesn't look that nice and is a little higher overall than the Escort.

 

[phucheneh]

So how many false alarms do you guys get with these high-end models?

I get in cars all the time with radar detectors, and if I don't unplug them, they drive me batshit insane (...okay, more batshit insane). I see the higher-end brand names, lots of Escort...probably not any of the models you all are talking about, though.

Just curious...I wrote off radar detectors a long time ago as useless noisemakers, but I know the technology has advanced. Personally, I just go for the 'speed enough that the cop will be too lazy to chase you' approach. :awe: Sadly, it seems to work. I've only ever been lit up for like 75 in a 70 or some such.

 

[Pens1566]

The best all around solution is Redline with Escort Live. You get the best pure detection range with redline and the gps capability with Live.

 

[Ferzerp]

Based on the info here and the input of local friends, I went with the V1 over the escort. (sorry guys, I put more stock in the opinions of people I know than the internet )

 

[JackBurton]

Based on the info here and the input of local friends, I went with the V1 over the escort. (sorry guys, I put more stock in the opinions of people I know than the internet )

No problem. Let us know how it works out for you.

 

[Ferzerp]

No problem. Let us know how it works out for you.

Will do.

 

[RPD]

Based on the info here and the input of local friends, I went with the V1 over the escort. (sorry guys, I put more stock in the opinions of people I know than the internet )

Safe speeding!

 

[nerp]

I look like an undercover cop in my car and I work closely with police in this state through my job so I'm pretty much OK as long as I'm not cracking three digits on the speedo. Doesn't hurt that a good number of my high school buddies are now in the force.

 

[onza]

I'm also thinking of selling my 8500 X50 Blue.. Wonder how much I could get. check ebay now

edit-Appears like 240 - 280 based on condition