Radar detectors

[GTS Jeff]

Seriously.. slow down.

Y'know, I don't think you honestly, personally care about whether some stranger on the internet is speeding or not. I don't. I just don't buy it.

 

However, I do think that you are merely posting to make yourself feel better, as if your lack of speeding places you upon some moral high ground over the rest of us petty speeders.

[GTS Jeff]

I can't complain about my rocky-mountain radar......saved my bacon many of times

 

haha don't mess with the noob

 

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=8501

 

[ame=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6nl8i_rocky-mountain-radar-jammers-fail-t_news]Dailymotion - Rocky Mountain Radar Jammers Fail the Test - a News & Politics video@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/video@@AMEPARAM@@video[/ame]

[ssbtech]

Y'know, I don't think you honestly, personally care about whether some stranger on the internet is speeding or not. I don't. I just don't buy it.

 

However, I do think that you are merely posting to make yourself feel better, as if your lack of speeding places you upon some moral high ground over the rest of us petty speeders.

 

I'll be the first to admid that I have had my share of fun, but ever since de Jong or Coleman or whichever putz of the month came up with the insane excessive speed laws, it's just not worth it.

 

I have always believed that going with the flow, even if above the posted limit is the safest way to travel amongst other cars. I also think the majority of speed limits are set too low around here.

 

This isn't about some moral high ground, but I just don't see the need to dump hundreds of dollars into a device that warns you to do something that you can do for free - slow down where speed traps are frequently set up.

[scoobyscoodle]

In a day and age when radar is used as pure revenue enforcement (most offenders ticketed for safety issues imo aren't busted with radar they're normally reckless enough to be easily spotted without it) I see no problem using one to fight back against another form of government taxation

 

That being said, save your cash for a quality detector like a Valentine or Escort. I've owned both a Valentine V1, an Escort Redline, and an Escort 9500ix. The Redline and V1 are by far the two most sensitive, accurate, long-range detectors out there. I'm currently using the 9500ix though because the gps features are great depending on where you live. For the absolute best detection on open highways in more rural areas Redline/V1 hands down. If you are ever on highways in metro areas however the 9500ix is superior because it almost never gives you false alarms. The 9500ix also allows you to store gps waypoints at known speedtraps and warns you of photo red lights and photo speed traps undetectable with the V1/Redline.

 

Long story short I've had more speeding tickets than my hands can count from my younger years; after I got smarter and started using a good detector I haven't had one in over 2 years (hey that's a big deal for me so back off! )

 

Like other people have mentioned however, a radar detector is merely a tool; and a tool is only as effective as its operator, i.e. you must know how your unit works and how radar is used against you for you to understand what's a false alarm vs. a potential threat. be safe.

[700watts]

haha don't mess with the noob

 

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=8501

 

Dailymotion - Rocky Mountain Radar Jammers Fail the Test - a News & Politics video

 

Fool...I know about the tests.......... I purchased one about 3 years ago... based on the advice of some truckers ….they spend way more time on the road than you and I. I wasn’t interested in jamming since I know the antenna on the unit can't possibly be large enough or configured correctly to do any affective "passive jamming". But when it came to detection it did the job quite well. I currently have one in each ride....I've rolled with a V1, Bell, Passport, and few other's I can't remember.....I spent less money and it works....what more can I say....I would still be rolling with the V1 but it got stolen...wasn't going to drop that dime again. BTW did you look at the date of that article ?

[executor485]

V1 hardwired right below the passenger visor and remote display on my steering column. The V1 sits right in the tint strip and is invisible from the outside of the car and I dont even notice it when driving. Bonus is, cops cant see it when they're at your window either

I'd take pics, but I'm lazy. lol

 

Also, my wife has an escort 8500xi and it works great for her. Always gives plenty of warning on her long commute and its not nearly as noisy as my V1 (she absolutely hates my V1 because it picks up everything). So... Depending on your driving area, you may not like the V1's noise, but its a walletsaver if used properly

[chazb22]

K-40 radar...expensive yes but worth every penny!

[700watts]

^^ hmmm.... it may be time for me to upgrade

[TSiWRX]

Both the RMR and K40 offer average detection (in terms of both raw sensitivity as well as "responsiveness"), at-best, for their prices.

 

Stick with the V1 or the Escort/Bel offerings (both for stand-alone in-cabin or for remote mounted), if you're going to spend *that* much money.

 

If you're bringing active LIDAR jamming into the picture, it's simple: Laser Interceptor. Neither the RMR or the K40 even comes close. And yes, if you spend that much money, you might as well ditch the Escort/Bel ZR4, and go to a stand-alone LI system.

 

The breakdown for this is exceedingly simple.

 

No enthusiast/hobbyist or illegal/semi-legal road-rally participant use the K40 or RMR systems - and the simple reason is because those products either flat-out don't work (their claimed RADAR jamming/scrambling capabilities, and in some cases, their claimed active LIDAR jamming capabilities) or fall far short of their price-for-performance ratio (RADAR and LIDAR detection, as well as active LIDAR jamming).

 

^ So you've gotta ask yourself "why," before you go with such systems.

[GTS Jeff]

This isn't about some moral high ground, but I just don't see the need to dump hundreds of dollars into a device that warns you to do something that you can do for free - slow down where speed traps are frequently set up.

 

Ok fair enough, but going around telling everyone to slow down accomplishes nothing. When I lived in the city, sure yeah, there are some speed traps always in the same place, but I don't really trust a radar detector in the city where all they use is laser anyway. Out here in the boonies, radar is usually set up in moving cop cars and they'll nail you on the move, which is why a radar detector is a necessity. The whole highway is a speed trap.

 

And to the guy who thinks his RMR isn't a dud...rock on buddy.

[f1anatic]

BEL STI. Awesome range. Undetectable by RDD.

[GTLEGACY007]

I used Passport products for almost 5 years, and now use a V-1. Nothing wrong with the Passport detectors, they're good and I like them. But I love the V-1. It's $400 brand new, and includes everything you'll need to get going, even a hardwire kit. Where I live, unless you're getting a fix-it ticket, you're almost guaranteed to have to pay more than $400 for one ticket. Worth every penny.

 

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb223/0honegt/Legacy/IMAG0283.jpg

 

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb223/0honegt/Legacy/IMAG0289.jpg

[700watts]

Both the RMR and K40 offer average detection (in terms of both raw sensitivity as well as "responsiveness"), at-best, for their prices.

 

Stick with the V1 or the Escort/Bel offerings (both for stand-alone in-cabin or for remote mounted), if you're going to spend *that* much money.

 

If you're bringing active LIDAR jamming into the picture, it's simple: Laser Interceptor. Neither the RMR or the K40 even comes close. And yes, if you spend that much money, you might as well ditch the Escort/Bel ZR4, and go to a stand-alone LI system.

 

The breakdown for this is exceedingly simple.

 

No enthusiast/hobbyist or illegal/semi-legal road-rally participant use the K40 or RMR systems - and the simple reason is because those products either flat-out don't work (their claimed RADAR jamming/scrambling capabilities, and in some cases, their claimed active LIDAR jamming capabilities) or fall far short of their price-for-performance ratio (RADAR and LIDAR detection, as well as active LIDAR jamming).

 

^ So you've gotta ask yourself "why," before you go with such systems.

 

^ noted and Yes the Jamming on RMR dosn't work..I can attest to that

[mwiener2]

I checked out K-40 (had never heard of it before) If I read the phrase "total protection from every kind of police radar and laser used today" one more time...

 

They go on and on about how theirs is the best.... but never go into what makes it best or even a mention of real world testing against other brands. They also insinuate that their product is a radar jammer, but don't ever say it outright.

 

I'm gonna put K40 on the shelf under the bathroom sink right next to RMR

[ladysmanfelpz]

k so everyone is saying the valentine 1, but what makes that one so much better? I understand that a cheap whistler or python picks up the same radar bands as an expensive unit and some laser, but will be tripped easy by sliding doors and such. I live in a more rural area and do a lot of highway driving and as someone had mentioned the cops have radar that picks you up (as well as other drivers) while they are driving. If I could get something to give me fair warning and a little more security that is all i need. So would a cheap one be worth it for me for a starter radar detector, or still save up and go big at once if i think it is necessary lol

[Burock]

I have a portable Escort Solo S3 (no cords- battery powered), move it from car to car. Saved my ase on multiple occasions and paid for itself, though was around $350 or so initial cost. My next detector will be a Valentine though b/c I like the directional feature which shows you where the beams are coming from. Wish they could make the V1 cordless.

 

Just Keep in mind, if its Ka-pulse radar, you get about a second warning to downshift/ slam the brakes on before you get picked. As others said, the cheap detectors, ie Pepboys/ Radio Shack are junk and mostly an annoyance.

[bnguyenbb6]

k so everyone is saying the valentine 1, but what makes that one so much better? I understand that a cheap whistler or python picks up the same radar bands as an expensive unit and some laser, but will be tripped easy by sliding doors and such. I live in a more rural area and do a lot of highway driving and as someone had mentioned the cops have radar that picks you up (as well as other drivers) while they are driving. If I could get something to give me fair warning and a little more security that is all i need. So would a cheap one be worth it for me for a starter radar detector, or still save up and go big at once if i think it is necessary lol

 

http://www.guysoflidar.com

[TSiWRX]

k so everyone is saying the valentine 1, but what makes that one so much better? I understand that a cheap whistler or python picks up the same radar bands as an expensive unit and some laser, but will be tripped easy by sliding doors and such. I live in a more rural area and do a lot of highway driving and as someone had mentioned the cops have radar that picks you up (as well as other drivers) while they are driving. If I could get something to give me fair warning and a little more security that is all i need. So would a cheap one be worth it for me for a starter radar detector, or still save up and go big at once if i think it is necessary lol

 

Go back to my post and actually read the referenced threads, especially the last two:

 

There's already a ton of discussion on this topic, ladysmanfelpz:

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/do-you-guys-hide-your-radar-detectori-140702.html?t=140702&highlight=radar

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/radar-lidar-chat-speed-detection-and-speed-detection-countermeasures-131253.html?t=131253&highlight=radar

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/avoid-speeding-tickets-119273.html?t=119273&highlight=radar

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/which-radar-jammer-do-you-have-recommendi-115601.html?t=115601&highlight=radar

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/budget-cheap-radar-detectors-100165.html?t=100165&highlight=radar

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/best-radar-marketi-55047.html?t=55047&highlight=radar

 

You need to figure out what you need - and that's based on your budget, your local and most-traveled area(s) enforcement habits and hardware, as well as your personal preferences.

 

But that's hard to figure out, if you don't know the basics:

 

First and foremost, you have to understand the fundamentals of speed-detection tools and tactics, both in-general as well as how they relate to your area, along with a good understanding of exactly what a RADAR/LIDAR detector is capable of (and what it is not).

 

Right now, you need to educate yourself on what these detectors can and cannot do.

 

Even if you were to somehow happen on that magical (and non-existent) "best" detector, you'll still more than likely get ticketed, simply from a lack of understanding of what the detector can and cannot do.

 

A local Subaru enthusiast is also an active LEO in his township, and routinely works traffic detail. He tells a story of one habitual speeder whom he's pulled-over - and cited - more than a dozen times for speeding. Guess what's on that clueless guy's windshield?

 

That's right, a V1.

 

No matter how good your tool is, if you don't know how to use it properly, it's next to useless.

 

What you lack now is basic understanding: the fundamental principles. Without such understanding, you're putting yourself at risk, no matter what you choose or how much money you spend.

 

One NASIOC'er uses a lower-tier Whistler (and no, not all Whistlers are junk - some of their better models are actually even more responsive than the V1, and they often have special features which can allow an advanced user to truly make the most of them) to good effect against his local enforcement, who favor simple "Constant-On" use, and he's in a rural area, like you. For this guy, his $50 Wal-Mart purchase works just as well as anyone's $400 or $500 investment. He knows how to properly use his tool.

 

 

 

----

 

 

 

I have a portable Escort Solo S3 (no cords- battery powered), move it from car to car. Saved my ase on multiple occasions and paid for itself, though was around $350 or so initial cost. My next detector will be a Valentine though b/c I like the directional feature which shows you where the beams are coming from. Wish they could make the V1 cordless.

 

The reason the V1 has not seen a cordless iteration was because the necessary power-saving algorithms used to allow for acceptable battery life has made it less "responsive" - that, for lack of better words, it took longer for the unit to report an alert to an existing signal.

 

Think of a RADAR detector, fundamentally, as a scanner: it simply scans from one end of the spectrum to the other, frequency-by-frequency. Its proprietary algorithms, in conjunction with the end-user's manipulation of its various "settings" somewhat modifies this scanning behavior. Essentially, such measures re-prioritize how the scan is made. The need to conserve power was among those constraints.

 

So, you'll note that I've used the past tense in this section.

 

The reason is because I'm not exactly sure what the newest cordless Escort can and cannot do. Until there's been more comprehensive independent and trustworthy testing has been done on the unit, we can only reference the previous generation of the cordless devices - and also why none of the top-tier performers have been cordless.

 

 

Just Keep in mind, if its Ka-pulse radar, you get about a second warning to downshift/ slam the brakes on before you get picked.

 

Actually, no, that's not true at all.

 

If it is RADAR, and it is targeted specifically *at YOU*, when your detector alerts, you're ALREADY toast.

 

Most people tend to think of LIDAR (LASER) as being more "instantaneous" in that manner, but in reality, the opposite is true. My past posts on active LIDAR jamming explores the technical reason why current-generation police LIDAR are not absolutely "instantaneous," and this actually has been proven by speed-detection countermeasures enthusiasts who've actually set up, first-hand, controlled "out-braking" scenarios, using the absolute most suited-for-purpose instruments possible: i.e. a "prepared" driver, who is poised to stomp on the brakes as soon as he hears the alert, combined with a detector of utmost sensitivity, without any filtering, in a vehicle which is well-suited for such a task (a C6 Corvette with good aftermarket summer tires, under ideal weather conditions). It's possible that you can get lucky and out-brake LIDAR, but you absolutely cannot out-brake RADAR.

 

"Instant-On" RADAR - be it Ka, K, or X-band - is instantly deadly, if *you* are the intended target.

 

Further complicating factors are the not-completely-legal uses of POP or the "Quick Trigger" technique, which, when combined with certain detector's specific *TECHNICAL* vulnerabilities, makes for even more concern.

 

 

 

-----

 

 

www.guysoflidar.com

 

Those who know me know that I have the utmost respect for the GOL.

 

However, with that said, I caution everyone - particularly those who are not deep into the hobby and understand the actual implications of the raw data presented - that those results should not be seen as absolutes.

 

It was but just a few years ago that GOL members submitted their tested detectors to Mike B, to have the unit's raw sensitivities quantitated in a laboratory. It was seen that individual detectors (i.e. "your V1" versus "my V1" versus "his V1" versus "her V1" - even if they are otherwise of the same firmware and manufacture date and are otherwise "within specs") can vary by as much as not only 1 or 2, but upwards of 3 dB, on specific frequencies (i.e. the "sub-bands" within the "bands"). That's a log scale.

 

With such production variables in-mind, once you add in the innumerable variables that comes with every real-world encounter, you'll start to understand why happya$$, my neighbor and one of the founding members of the GOL, even once said that what their results show is only the performance of that specific detector, on that specific day, under those specific testing conditions.

 

The GOL testing paints a good picture, and is an invaluable tool, but it needs to be interpreted in the proper manner. Don't see it as defining what's best.

 

 

----

 

 

I checked out K-40 (had never heard of it before) If I read the phrase "total protection from every kind of police radar and laser used today" one more time...

 

They go on and on about how theirs is the best.... but never go into what makes it best or even a mention of real world testing against other brands. They also insinuate that their product is a radar jammer, but don't ever say it outright.

 

I'm gonna put K40 on the shelf under the bathroom sink right next to RMR

 

K40 has been around since I could remember. At least the '80s, if not earlier.

 

They have typically focused on the upper end of the cost spectrum, often integrating their marketing into high-end dealerships. It's part of the reason why you'll so often see K40 units on Porsches, Ferraris, Lambos, and the like (my first exposure to K40 was actually on a 1985 Corvette, sitting new in the showroom), as well as custom conversion-vans and specialty fleet vehicles, too.

 

One of the reasons you can't really Google-Fu up anything is because the are very aggressive about shutting down any type of public exposure that does them harm. Look at the Forum Rules on RadarDetector.net as just one example, and also note that when you do see the often-reposted hobbyist videos about their products on YouTube, how quickly those videos get pulled.

 

If there's one thing that I have given Petersen credit for, is that his review of the K40 Caliber (http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=100584 - in direct comparison to the Escort 9500ci) has withstood K40's scrutiny, and that he has -NOT- pulled the article from his website.

 

But again, I don't cite his review as a resource. Why not? It's because of his standing in the speed-detection countermeasures enthusiast/hobbyist community: to say that most of us don't trust him is an understatement.

 

I don't pick and choose my data/sources. If I don't trust it, I just don't trust it. I don't just pick the roses.

 

So, instead of looking at that article, I again propose the very simple logic test:

 

Ask yourself why no enthusiast/hobbyist or illegal/semi-legal road-rally participant use the K40.

 

Why?

 

Just follow the logic.

[ladysmanfelpz]

What you lack now is basic understanding: the fundamental principles.

 

Thought you were being a dick at first haha. But no I understand what you are saying. I am just getting into radar so I have been checking it out. Don't assume I am some idiot that posted without doing any of my own research. I am 20 yrs old and tired of being made fun of cuz i drive like a grandma! I know the most effective way to avoid tickets is your driving, but a little help from a very useful tool would be nice. I got 2 tickets when I was 16 and still drive very cautiously. I know that was a while ago, but I don't have the funds to get a ticket plus I hate cops, so that is why i became interested in radar. I have been looking into forums and checking out videos on radar detectors, but a lot is jargon that I still don't quite understand enough to make a purchase. I choose not to post a lot in the forums unless it is a topic I am interested in, or can honestly help someone out. Many people in forums will put in their .02 and it is complete bullshit and just their opinion. What I am looking for by posting this thread is someone educated on the topic like you TSi+WRX and I thank you for sharing your knowledge.

 

I know driving around like an idiot like i did when I was 16 will still get me tickets. I have found that out. Radar is a tool to help and not a speed free pass. But throughout my research I still cannot decipher what would fit my needs and budget. Now if you came to me with a question about paintball guns, or stereo systems, or another hobby i've had experience in, I could help you quickly because of my knowledge in the topic. I could help you make a wise purchase the first time around and save you money by avoiding the learning curve purchases. I can tell you have a lot of experience and are interested in radar detectors. So a little help in knowing what to look for, and/or if I were in your shoes I would do this... would be a great help to me.

 

Viewing items online and reading multiple opinions can only get you so far. When getting into something i do not know much about, i like to make cheap purchases first and learn about the product, therefore I do not buy something beyond the realm of what i understand/need. So that is why I am looking at a cheap radar system now. I would like to get into radar detection and understand it. I know a cheap system will not perform the same as a V1, but for where I am at now, is a simple purchase even worth it, or should I continue driving cautious, research and truly understand radar detectors and how to use them and save up for a top end detection system?

[TSiWRX]

Thought you were being a dick at first haha. But no I understand what you are saying.

 

 

It was never my intent to insult - it's my intent to educate: to truly help my fellow Subaru lovers.

 

Too many people think that by having some $500 to dump into a detector, it makes them invulnerable, and then they mistake the good graces of a lenient enforcer or just some sheer dumb luck to be that "they're protected by X detector."

 

It's good to know exactly what's possible, and what's not. Sun Tzu's Art of War applies here, too.

 

I am just getting into radar so I have been checking it out. Don't assume I am some idiot that posted without doing any of my own research. I am 20 yrs old and tired of being made fun of cuz i drive like a grandma!

I'm 36, and I drive like grandma/grandpa most of the time. Yet, ask around in the community of speed-detection countermeasures enthusiasts, and you'll see that some have made fun of me - in a good-natured way - that my car has enough jamming power to bring down military jets. Why this dichotomy? It's because I know just how vulnerable I am, despite all the countermeasures. Sometimes, it just doesn't pay to speed.

 

I know the most effective way to avoid tickets is your driving...

This is something that I have debated in the past, and from my posts both here and on NASIOC (where I am LGT+WRX), you'll see my stance on the issue.

 

Yes, simply not driving like a complete moron should keep you out of trouble most of the time - but it's no guaranty.

 

The law is the law, and what I've posed to everyone who's ever said "just obey the law, and you'll be fine" is the simple question of: can you say, with all honesty and honor, that you've never once gone even a single MPH over the posted speed limit?

 

And to me, there's no middle-ground. There's no "the cops don't think you're speeding unless you're +5." Because while in one area it may be +5, +10, or even +15, in another area, you can be cited for just that 1 MPH over.

 

And even if you do follow the law to the letter, you can still be cited. There's plenty of tales out there of police/municipal-management corruption. It's all too easy to corrupt a speed-measurement reading.

 

I delve in-depth into this "just don't speed" kind of thinking in this NASIOC thread:

 

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1405323&highlight=jammer

 

Somewhere after page 4, you'll see the big push, but even as early as on page 4, in post number 80, I start citing real-world examples of why such thinking is overly idealistic.

 

...but a little help from a very useful tool would be nice. I got 2 tickets when I was 16 and still drive very cautiously. I know that was a while ago, but I don't have the funds to get a ticket plus I hate cops, so that is why i became interested in radar. I have been looking into forums and checking out videos on radar detectors, but a lot is jargon that I still don't quite understand enough to make a purchase. I choose not to post a lot in the forums unless it is a topic I am interested in, or can honestly help someone out. Many people in forums will put in their .02 and it is complete bullshit and just their opinion. What I am looking for by posting this thread is someone educated on the topic like you TSi+WRX and I thank you for sharing your knowledge.

 

I know driving around like an idiot like i did when I was 16 will still get me tickets. I have found that out. Radar is a tool to help and not a speed free pass. But throughout my research I still cannot decipher what would fit my needs and budget. Now if you came to me with a question about paintball guns, or stereo systems, or another hobby i've had experience in, I could help you quickly because of my knowledge in the topic. I could help you make a wise purchase the first time around and save you money by avoiding the learning curve purchases. I can tell you have a lot of experience and are interested in radar detectors. So a little help in knowing what to look for, and/or if I were in your shoes I would do this... would be a great help to me.

 

Viewing items online and reading multiple opinions can only get you so far. When getting into something i do not know much about, i like to make cheap purchases first and learn about the product, therefore I do not buy something beyond the realm of what i understand/need. So that is why I am looking at a cheap radar system now. I would like to get into radar detection and understand it. I know a cheap system will not perform the same as a V1, but for where I am at now, is a simple purchase even worth it, or should I continue driving cautious, research and truly understand radar detectors and how to use them and save up for a top end detection system?

And basically, that's just it, in a nut-shell. You know that if you're aware of your surroundings and have a chiefly proper and non-antisocial driving habit , you can avoid most of the trouble - and that if you have at least *some* form of help in "seeing farther ahead," you can stack those odds even better in your favor.

 

So it looks like you do know the basics, and you're looking to break in to this in a progressive manner. You're going to be just fine, with that outlook.

 

I'm in the somewhat less popular school of thought in that I believe a top-tier instrument is not a necessary expenditure. Yes, I do see it as an investment, but I don't see it as being a "necessary" one, especially right-off-the-bat; and particularly if the end-user isn't facing some kind of specific threat that just cannot be circumvented (i.e. threat of Radar Detector Detector use by enforcers).

 

However, I do believe that at least some level of monetary outlay is needed. Don't get me wrong - I do think that a very well-experienced user, paired with an instrument that he/she knows well and specific knowledge of the tactical outlook (i.e. enforcement hardware and tactics), that this person could use a dollar-store special and still come out fine - it's just that, for all practical purposes, I do believe that you should spend at least some $150 to $200, to insure that you have a good machine, an instrument that you can trust.

 

Towards this end, the refurbished Escort 8500 x50 (not the old 8500 units) detectors are an excellent buy. I've lost enough touch with the market (I've been out of the hobby for a year now) that I no longer can advise you as to which Whistler product to look at: but given Whistler's history, I would certainly advise you to look there, too - and that the RadarDetector.net Forum regulars, especially those who have in-depth Whistler experience, in-particular, should be able to guide you to a suitable product.

 

Typically, these devices will give you well-rounded performance (which, in a way, is better than the "focused" performance of many of the top-tier detectors: think about a high-performance vehicle versus a run-of-the-mill Accord or Camry - which is easier for the average consumer to drive?), for a reasonable price.

 

It'll give you time to learn the basics (especially as, in most cases, their filtering algorithms also will not be too aggressive, thus allowing you to come to terms with "falses"), and even when you're ready to move in to the major league players, you'll still have a trusty and worth backup unit, banked.

[GTS Jeff]

Towards this end, the refurbished Escort 8500 x50 (not the old 8500 units) detectors are an excellent buy.

That's what I use. It's the cheapest of the decent RDs...

[GTLEGACY007]

^^ I used the X50 in my previous three vehicles for 3+ years. It was a great unit, very reliable, and had great range. Also SUPER easy to use. I'd recommend one to someone just getting into detectors for sure.

[evonam]

I love my V1. Havent used it in a while though.

[Soda Popinski]

any good in-dash mountable units, where sensors can be placed in the headlights or corners of the vehicle? I'd love to be able to get rid of the ash tray and mount in a good dash kit.

[coSTIgan-GT]

I have a passport 8500. Works pretty good, would like better Ka range though.