So who here has a radar detector? I'm slightly interested in getting one. Escort seems to be the way I'm leaning at the moment but looking to see what you guys here use and your reviews on the unit you have/have used.

I can get an escort 8500 x50 for $160 from a member on another forum. Should I jump on that? The reviews look awesome.

 

Think I'm going to go with the Escort 8500, same guy I can get it for $120 shipped. That's an awesome price. All the 8500 x50 adds is POP detection which is not commonly used here in the US. Only a few states actually have it.

 

If you don't mind me asking, why do you want a radar detector?

 

I just asked myself that question and I couldn't answer it. I just saw this good deal and couldn't pass it up, until a few minutes ago when I told him I changed my mind.

Jumped the gun I guess. Must of been bored.

 

I have a Valentine 1, bought for under $300. Having arrows indicating the direction of the source is awesome. I can't imagine giving up being able to tell if the signal passed me going the other way, is coming up from behind, or somewhere in front of me. False sense of security? Maybe, but it's incredibly nice.

I don't support speeding, but...I may or may not speed about 6-8 MPH over the limit depending on location, circumstances and traffic. I see people clearly going +10 which is probably a ticket if they get caught, but I'll pick up the pace if I'm being passed. Sometimes, being the fastest one, even at 6 MPH over, could get you pulled if the officer wants to pull someone. I obviously don't want a ticket, so any extra protection is favorable. It's nice knowing there's an officer ahead or speed trap at night before going around a curve at +7.

I'm not out weaving through traffic, or being that jerk who flies past you at +10 your speed. That said, maybe I don't need a detector as most officers won't pull you for less than 10. I don't want to be that exception and detectors aren't that expensive. A ticket+insurance is greater than the cost of the detector, but you do get what you pay for. A $300+ detector is superior to a $100 detector or even a $50 detector. There are extensive reviews out there, but as I see it, the best are, in order:

1. Beltronics STi-R Plus (GPS, not detectable) ~$830
2. Escort Passport 9500ci (GPS, not detecable, not as good) $1300-$2000
3. Escort Passport 9500ix (GPS, detctable) $500
3. Valentine 1 (NO GPS, detectable) $400
5. Escort Redline (NO GPS, not detectable) $400/$500
6. Beltronics STi Magnum (NO GPS, not detectable) $?
7. Escort Passport 8500 or X50 (NO GPS, detectable?) $?

These can all be purchased used for under the prices listed and I'd be happy with any of them, but that's my personal order of preference having researched quite a bit.

Anything else...not so sure.

My best friend has a 9500ix with GPS and it locks out false alerts around town. Huge advantage for everyday city driving. My V1 does not and it goes off twice going into town, X or K band by most highway overpasses, and around every newer car with damn lane assist (I haven't tuned those out). You get used to where it goes off and subconsciously are in tune to when it's an officer running radar or a store alarm, but it's annoying. It's also super sensitive and goes off when there is actual radar around. I do a lot of highway driving (15,000 miles since May) so a V1 has been helpful.

If I could go back and pay under retail price, I'd want a 9500ix for the GPS lock outs. The same friend's dad has two 8500s for his other vehicles without GPS, meaning no lockouts, and likes them. He also has the new Passport MAX and has noticed it's not as good for his area and personal attentiveness as the 8500 or better, the 9500ix.

Radar detectors are illegal in Virginia and DC and some officers have radar detector detectors of different ranges (some can't detect the 9500ix or V1, and probably the 8500 or X50). New Hampshire isn't around the corner, but for the sake of information, I'll include this. In Virginia, 80MPH can result in being arrested on the spot even if the limit is 70. If you live in those locations or are traveling through frequently and want a detector, you're best off with a Beltronics STi-R Plus, Escort 9500ci, Escort Redline, or Beltronics STi Magnum, in that order. They're all undetectable. The Beltronics STi-R Plus is basically the same product as the Escort 9500ci ($1300-$2000), produced by the "same" engineers in the "same" facility, but at a reduced cost (Can be bought new from a retailer for ~$830, PM me if interested). It can also be set up with laser jammers, the best being the Interceptor if I recall correctly, but don't quote me.

Is it worth $400 or sub $200? I think so. Better than running into a trap and having your insurance kick up. It's kind of cool to have. Again, I'm not flying mach 10 either. It's not a bad investment for me personally, but everyone is different. I have friends without detectors who speed like crazy and get pulled over, but only get warnings. It's all up to your preference.

This was a lengthy post. I've done a considerable amount of research as I will be moving and selling my V1 when I have enough expendable income for a different detector. If you're thinking about mounts or custom installs, the Mirror Mount (eBay, $20) keeps my V1 out of direct sun and holds it steadily while hardwired which was also easy to do.

If I were you, I'd go for the 9500ix hands down. You don't need it to be undetectable. GPS lockouts are extremely useful. You can hopefully find one used for $400 or less. An 8500 is basically the same thing, minus lockouts. It'll be annoying, but you'll get used to it. If you have any questions, let me know and I'll try to help you out.

 

Awesome post. Thank you very much. Helps me out a lot. You mentioned it in your post, a $400 radar detector or so is far less expensive than one speeding ticket. It's not so much the ticket itself but the insurance hikes you'll be paying for a few years. Even if it saves you from 1 ticket it's easily paid itself off. I think $400 is tops for what I'd pay and that's really pushing. $200 is more of what I'd try to find a good one for.

I'll come back to this post/you if I decide to get one in the future.

 

I bought a valentine ONE for my trip last week (relocated from Florida to Boston)
It was amazing. The arrows are seriously second to none and the distance was awesome. I could go on and on, or just tell you to get the V1.

True, it doesn't have automute, but it doesn't bother me. I lowered the volume to just enough where it's not annoying.

 

I have a Beltronics v995 and that thing works great. I dont see the need to spend $400. I bought mine for $20 on craigslist. It saves my *** every day and i cant imagine driving without one.