which radar detector to buy?

[bluecoupe]

I'm trying to decide on which radar detector to buy. I've narrowed the field down to:
Valentine V1
Passport 8500 with X50
BEL RX65 Pro
Any sugesstions? I know this has been discussed but it seems like all the popular models have been updated or replace recently.

Thanks
Frank (bluecoupe)

 

[Tom73]

I have the V1 and love it. Others will swear by the Escort. Both are great. But once you get used to the arrows on the V1 you cannot live without them

tom...

 

[Edmond]

I think the V1 is the most popular one here on the forum. It's gotta be that popular amongst so many here for a good reason.

 

[Rain]

between the V1 and the 8500 its simply a matter of your budget.
Both are super contenders.

Rain

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

Well if you do speed you don't need one!!!!!!!

You know I would never need one :L .

Gary

 

[bluecoupe]

The real problem is that just about everyone on the Interstate is speeding. If I do the speed limit I will be tailgated no matter which lane I am in. The police can just pick any car(s) out of the pack and legitimately write a ticket. If the Corvette is in that pack guess who's most likely getting the ticket.

 

[David Gordon]

I have the new escort and I like it. There are NO false alarms like my old Uniden. If it goes off he's there somewhere.

 

[6 Shooter]

Old Radar Detector Thread

The All New Passport 8500 X50

 

[Patrick]

This is just a personal opinion, but I've always felt that radar detectors give you false sense of security. Too many LEO's make use of the "instant on" radar, and no radar detector will ever give you an advanced warning on that.

-Patrick

 

[03yellow]

Article in AutoWeek this week on detectors. November 22 edition with yellow F430 on the cover. Some of them seemed to think the V1 was too sensitive.

 

[Guana 1]

I used Escorts for years until I bought my first V1. I have a V1 in my truck and in the C5. I will never have anything else..................

 

[04cmnthru]

Happy with my 8500 X50. Would have probably liked the V1 but got the 8500 on a group buy for a lot less than the V1.

No false sense of security here - if mine goes off, I slow down. I also recognize that I still run the risk of getting caught if I can't respond to instant on. But ... its one tool in the tool box. IMHO, radar typically does nothing to reduce long term speeding unless it is consistently placed in "trouble spots". Note that red light camera have actually proven to stop red light runners in high accident intersections and stationary photo radar reduces speed where it is used. Given that most LEOs are merely using mobile radar as a revenue raiser, all is fair in love and war. Its alot better than nothing.

 

[redmen031]

ok lets say that a cop does unfortunately pull you over... then are you totally screwed since you've got a radar detector on the dash?

 

[04cmnthru]

You are rigth - absolutely screwed! lol
Actually my detector sits in the low spot between the speedo housing and the center A/C vents on one of those sticky pads that can be purchased at an autostore. Its not permantently mounted or attached with the visor or suction cup bracket. My plan (the best laid plans of mice and men...) is to simply pull it off of the dash, unplug it, and toss it behind the passenger seat. I hope it works!!

LOL again!

 

[Tom73]

Actually my detector sits in the low spot between the speedo housing and the center A/C vents on one of those sticky pads that can be purchased at an autostore. Its not permantently mounted or attached with the visor or suction cup bracket. My plan (the best laid plans of mice and men...) is to simply pull it off of the dash, unplug it, and toss it behind the passenger seat. I hope it works!!

I wonder what the cop is going to think when he sees someone in the car stuffing something behind the seat??????

 

[bluecoupe]

I wonder what the cop is going to think when he sees someone in the car stuffing something behind the seat??????

Shoot to kill!