Good radar/laser detector
 

Hey guys, wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a good radar/laser detector. I'd prefer not to have to spend $500, so I don't need one with GPS or something. I'm just looking for something reliable with good range.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Escort Passport 8500 X50 "Black" model, new for 2012. I have the non-Black 8500 X50 and it's never let me down; they're advertising the Black model as 40% more effective whatever that means.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

also have the passport 8500. It is great. the best part of it is I found it in a thrift store with aly got it for 5.00 and has been in her car ever since then

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Valentine One hands down, the directional arrows are priceless.

I have been hearing good things about the new passport stuff though I think the 9500i has GPS to help cut down on false alarms.

V1 is so good, we plan on getting another my wife doesn't want to drive without it and neither do I.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Nina just got a passport escort, we have yet to try it, but my old cheapy worked great when I had it.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

I loved my escort 8500 in the Talon, never got a ticket with that in the car.

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I and most my friends all have V1's and wouldn't use anything else.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

I've got the V1, and wouldn't change it for anything. Definitely a high quality product that was well thought out.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Seems like there only two you guys have pointed out. That leads me to believe both are good products. But at $200 apart, what is the difference between the two - other than GPS?

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

They both serve the same purpose, and do it well.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Arrows in the V1 are hard for people to live without, it's such a peace of mind while driving. I'm sure the other detector is good as well. Probably can't go wrong either way.

I believe the directional concept(arrows) are proprietary, thus no other detector can do the same..

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

http://www.bigzelectronics.com/store...d=10645&dfid=1

I have an older version of this. I thought it was cool to have the current speed, average speed, and top speed, not so needed now with smart phones. But the GPS was nice and it would store false alarms and only make noise if it was a full strength signal.

~John

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

With the V1, you don't have to worry about buying another radar detector to stay current. The very first V1 made is capable of being updated to today's version. This means I won't have to buy another detector from the same company again just to get some new feature.

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That's only sort of accurate. I had a very old V1 that was a hand-me-down and to "upgrade" it to the new one they were just going to give me a new one for the old+~$250. I believe it was a pre-2000 model. I ended up just selling it to a buddy of mine for a bit less and buying a new one.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Finally found a Best Buy who had the 8500 in stock. Apparently they don't ship them durring the winter months? Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. It's already saved me in the two days I've had it lol.

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Well I decided it's time to get a radar/laser detector after getting a ticket on the cruise. I rarely speed but when I do it's usually going pretty fast on a pull. Got a really sweet deal on a Beltronics STI-R+ with ZR4 Shifters.

As Murlo put it, "impulse buying monday"!

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You got a ticket on the cruise? On the way home?

Impulse buying ftw!

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Yea maybe 5 minutes outside of Ashland. Passed a car, came to the crest of the hill and saw a cop, was going 75 in a 55. $220ish on the spot, full speed amount on the ticket. I sort of think he was bluffing though, because I hit the brakes hard as soon as I spotted him and Scheides said he didn't have his radar on. I was super nice the whole time, wish I would have been a dick in hindsight, he didn't seem to believe me that I owned the car at first.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Holy expensive baller radar detector.. Why not just get an Escort so you can throw it in your other cars? Are they illegal in iowa and thats why you want it hidden?

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Detectors are legal in all states; jammers are not.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Holy shit you got a shifter! NICE. Don't get caught with that man! That's badass, please take pics of the install...

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Keep in mind that while radar/laser detectors are technically legal in MN, there is a law that disallows you from having things hanging from your windshield.

"Radar Detectors in Minnesota: Radar detectors are legal to use in Minnesota. It is illegal to use to hang anything from the windshield with suction cups. Drivers in Minnesota might be interested in our Radar Detector Visor Holder. "

From: http://www.1stradardetectors.com/rad...ector-laws.php

Personally, I just purchased the 8500 X50 "black" and it's already saved my ass twice. I don't speed but I do have a 35R and it has to be enjoyed sometimes :)

I have it hard wired on my GSX and will be doing the same for my RX-7. Then I can just swap it between vehicles easily and cleanly.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

Incorrect, in Virginia and D.C. even detectors are illegal. This one is completely invisible even to the newer Spectre/Stalcar whereas most are detectable. Plus it allows 100% concealed installation, so I would be fine even in those areas if I ever drove there.

Radar jammers are illegal in all states. A few states such as MN don't allow laser shifters but in IA it's legal. See http://www.guysoflidar.com/usa-laser-jammer-laws.html for which states laser jammers are legal. Plus this kit allows me to temporarily disable the shifters after they "shoot" me and I can slow down, allowing them to get a clean read after.

I got this for about $100 more than a new Escort (well over half off retail cost with the laser jammers). I figured the slight extra cost was worth the concealed install. Way better sensitivity too.

Re: Good radar/laser detector
 

I love this technology. Keep us posted in the future as to its effectiveness in real-life experiences.