Best radar detector?

DannyGSX · Aug 26, 2009, 02:18 PM

was wondering what you guys thought were the best radar detectors at a modest price, let me know what you guys think, thanks

EvoIX Beauty · Aug 26, 2009, 02:44 PM

i purchased the escort passport 8500 about a year ago from radarbusters.com, and couldn't be happier. haven't had a problem and have been saved quite a few times from getting another speeding ticket, which is the reason why i finally purchased one

i read a lot of reviews about the escort and beltronics, and decided to go with the escort cuz of price and fewer negative comments, but both are great radar detectors.

good luck tho with whatever u decide.

RichC · Aug 26, 2009, 02:56 PM

I've tried others, the Valentine 1 has been my favorite to use simply because of the arrows and signal count. It's not just warning you, it's telling you WHERE the signal is, and how many.

I can't tell you how many times it's gone off pointing ahead, progressively gotten stronger, then moving to the sides, then behind me. A quick check in my mirror confirms I just past a cop driving with his radar on, in the opposite direction, and that I can resume "highway speed".

If you're really undecided, I seriously suggest trying to find a way to ride in a car with whatever choices you've narrowed it down to. I assume "modest price" would mean something around $100-$200? Not really worth spending that little on a radar detector IMO, you get what you pay for.

zach34 · Aug 26, 2009, 02:58 PM

My V1 has saved me from numerous tickets, and I always recommend the V1 over all others. But my buddy had an Escort 8500, and it was a great detector as well. Those 2 are the only detectors I've had experience with.

DannyGSX · Aug 26, 2009, 05:40 PM

thanks for all the feedback ill check out all of them and it looks like the favorite is the escort, thanks again

WWEvoIXMR · Aug 26, 2009, 05:45 PM

i have the passport escort 8500.. it has paid itself off.. saved me from many many tickets! it was 3 something at bestbuy

BoostLover99 · Aug 26, 2009, 06:27 PM

I've had Escort's products before and IMO they don't hold a candle to the V1. Yeah, it's expensive, but it outperforms everything that I've ever used.

I could write a dissertation on this but I'll leave you with my 3 favorite things:

1) I've had my V1 (same unit) since 1998. It still works just fine.

2) My V1 saves me from speed patrols on every highway drive over 20 miles.

3) The detection range (sometimes > 5 *miles*), bogey counter (unmatched by others), and directional arrows (unmatched by others) are worth every penny.

DJ Brett B · Aug 26, 2009, 06:38 PM

V1
You can justify the $400... if it saves you 1 speeding ticket it pays for itself between cost of ticket and insurance cost increase.

SHhhhh · Aug 26, 2009, 06:51 PM

Passport 9500ix for me. I drive about 50,000 miles a year, and it is by far the quietest radar detector I have owned. No false alarms while driving through the city, and you can update the latest red-light camera database right to the detector. They e-mail me once a week with updates. I had an 8500, and the false alarms were incredible. Yes the 8500 is sensitive, but it was going off so often that I just got sick of it. Going to the 9500 was the best thing I did.

misfit8 · Aug 26, 2009, 07:03 PM

V-1 For me.
Its saved me many times and works perfect threw my tinted windows. (Metal Film). And yes, My windshield is tinted also.

sleeperkid · Aug 26, 2009, 11:31 PM

I had a V1 in my RSX and in the evo and it has saved me numerous times well worth the money. Its also the only radar that detects behind you(to the best of my knowledge) as well and that has come in handy on the freeway.

Q8_EVO · Aug 26, 2009, 11:34 PM

V1

I took the V1 and passport 9500 from idaho to Las vegas, good 14 hr drive, V1 is more sensitive and the response is faster.

MrEVO313 · Aug 26, 2009, 11:35 PM

Just so u know I have a 9500i for sale check my threads, up for best offer

Spish · Aug 27, 2009, 02:47 AM

I love my Valentine One, amazing product and pays for its self quick!

yahu · Aug 27, 2009, 03:02 AM

Passport 9500i or ix for me. It also reads from behind you and in general works really well. The ability to lock out based on GPS location and FCC ID is outstanding. Also, the ability to update the ix is a killer feature. The escorts also read multiple signals well. The feature of showing your speed (gps based) on the display is also very nice as it keeps my eyes closer to the road (especially since I can't see my speedometer at 70mph very well due to height/steering wheel location).

I personally don't need the arrow feature of the V1 as when I hear it go off I adjust my speed as needed anyway.

*edit - expect polarized answers, btw. People tend to stick with 1 or 2 brands.