Radar Detector Advice

[Steve Mehs]

I’m looking at getting a radar detector for my truck, I don’t know much about them other then Whistler and Cobra are the two top names. I’ve been searching all night and found two models both from Cobra that I really like the XRS 9930 for $200 and the 9785 for $180. Normally I’d go with the higher end one, but I have a coupon for RatShack, spend over $50 get $20 off. For the experts out there is the 9930, in your opinion, worth an extra $40? Or are there any other radar detectors out there that would be better. I’m willing to spend up to $200, voice alerts are a must, a decent display would be nice. A concern of mine is the reliability of the emergency alerts and highway safety info.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Cobra-Radar-Laser-Detector-XRS-9930-/sem/rpsm/oid/147672/catOid/-13098/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?parentPage=search&cp=&productId=2185489&origkw=cobra&kw=cobra&tab=features

[SamC]

The absolute gold standard radar detector is the Valentine One. Its scores in Car & Driver tests (you wouldn't expect the Naderite Consumer Reports to do tests now would you? ) is about 35% better than the next nearest one. Absolutely the gold standard.

And the company has a policy of "running changes". There never will be a "valentine two". Rather the product is continiously upgraded as the forces of darkness improve their revenue radar guns. And you can return your model to the company for an upgrade for a reasonable price.

Only available online at www.valentineone.com .

[JM Anthony]

I'm an Escort guy. Had one for over 20 years starting back in my Porsche days (something about red sports cars and LEOs) and just recently got a new one for my motorcycle. Just got back from the 3K trip with no tickets, but lots of pings.

Given what speeding tickets cost and do to insurance, I wouldn't get a cheap one.

John

[ibglowin]

You get what you pay for in life including radar detectors. The Valantine, Escort, Passport are all the gold standard. Bell is pretty good. Whistler and Cobra are pretty much the bottom of the pack.

Usually the Car mags do a round up every year or so. You may wish to head to the library and find the latest review.

[Pala66]

For some real world testing read here.
http://www.radarbusters.com/

[Scanbc780]

Roy (RadarBusters) is great when it comes to Radar Detectors. He tests each and everyone personally. I recommend him on a personal and professional level.

I have sent lots of people his way and none have walked away unhappy.


Brian E.

[Steve Mehs]

Given what speeding tickets cost and do to insurance, I wouldn't get a cheap one.

There’s a solution to that, don’t excessively speed. Simple as that. I typically do 5 over, on the Thruway where the speed limit is 65 I set the cruz at ~72 just not to get run over. I’m more interested in the alert info. Last week I went on a trip with one of the big bosses at work and his radar detector came in handy for avoiding two emergency scenes, as much as I like to travel I thought that would be good for me. He has some old Whistler from a few years ago that’s been long discontinued.

Only been driving for 5 years, but I’ve never been pulled over for anything, much less got a ticket. Besides, most of the interstates here and air monitored, I’d imagine radar detectors are useless for that. Last month a coworker of mine was bragging about how he made it from here to Syracuse in an hour and 20 minutes. Two weeks ago he wasn’t too thrilled with the surprise he got in his in his mail box.

Like I said I'm willing to spend up to $200, not $400 on something that's way over kill for what I want.

[Pala66]

I would suggest the BEL Pro RX65. It can be purchased with in your budget. If your going to buy you might as well get the best you can for your dollar.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-BEL-Pro-RX65-Radar-Laser-Detector-BELTRONICS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38654QQitemZ 8076018388QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW