Which Radar Detector??

[methos]

i am looking for a new radar detector...
i have narrowed the choices down to either a Valentine 1 or a Escort 8500.
which one would be better??
i know the V1 is $400 and the escort is $300
i would like to know if it would be best to throw another $100 dollars down for the v1
let me know!!!
ill be open for any other suggestions also

[02PONtiac!]

I've got the Bell Vector 980 or 985? It works great!! it was like 300.00

Originally posted by 02PONtiac!
I've got the Bell Vector 980 or 985? It works great!! it was like 300.00

best damn radar detector I've ever owned. But it is only as effective as the person in control of the car.

[02PONtiac!]

what is the best radar detector? The Bell Vector?

[Marksman]

I have a low end Bell and I love it. I would go with the Bell vector.
-Marksman

[peeps]

Ecort 7500 here with no tickets while using it. Any other higher end Bel, Escort or V1 will be just fine. IT is all a matter of how much you want to spend and if you will take advantage of the firmware upgrades offered for the Escort 8500 and V1. If not, save the cash and get the 7500. As long as you learn to drive with your radar detector, even a moderately priced one would likley work just fine.

[Black01gt1]

What do you guys mean by learn to drive with your radar detectors? I've been through 2 of them in the almost 5 years I've been driving, a fuzzbuster and now a Cobra...and it doesnt seem to be working anymore besides around security cameras and going through downtown parts on the interstate. I dont bather slowing down through there because I know why it goes off. I'm guessing police cars either dont have radar on or have a newer radar not dectectable with mine...Mine is a cobra ESD 9110 CS (.here) . I should probly go for something better soon as I have the cash.

[Matt's99GT]

I have the Bel 985...... Very good and snuffs them out within 3/4 to half a mile away.

What they mean by driving with a detector is learning how the bands work, especially in the area you live in, and dealing with instant on radar. No detector in the world will give you coverage on instant on radar if you are the only car running down the road and cop clocks you by firing his radar as soon as he sees you. Now, if you are traveling in pack and hopefully you aren't at the front of it and the cop fires instantly, you should have enough time to slow down. It is a big game of cat and mouse and you don't wan't to be the mouse. My Bel picks up all forms of radar and buzzes when Safety Warning signs are up and running and emitting the signal. Supposed to tell me if emergency vehicles other than police cars are approaching or nearby.

You really have to learn what the signals are coming from and as you mentioned, you don't slow down in "known false signal areas". If I were you, I would because if a cop happened to be sitting in one of those areas and your detector was going off, it could be him clocking traffic and........ well, you get the idea.

You also have to pay attention to the thing, especially while yapping a cell phone or blairing the music. Those 2 disturbances could be enough to make you miss a warning signal. Just read the instruction manual with it and it will tell you how to adjust it and understand its functionality. I went thru 2 different detectors before I finally was satisfied with the Bel. Thank God for 30 day no hassle returns.

[02PONtiac!]

yup the 985 rocks. cops typically use K and Ka band. I notice I will get "laser alert" near airports and X band in town due to the electric doors on business. K and Ka is definately a cop!!!!!!!

[2003GAGT]

What about a radar or laser jammer? Anyone have any experience iwith these?

[02PONtiac!]

Heres all of the information you need in regards to which is the best radar detector. I used this website to make a decision on which one is best for my needs. Just click under the "support" tab.

http://www.radar-detectors.com/google/

http://www.radartest.com/

http://www.epinions.com/elec-Car_Ste...w_~top_sellers

[Kdawg207]

i have the escort wireless...LOVE IT

[Matt's99GT]

NJ state troopers seem to like the X- Band alot. Go figure.... I get an X warning on I295 or the turnpike, my butt is doing the speed limit.

[2002AmSE]

For the guy who was saying that his radar detector isnt detecting cops anymore, that would be because your city switched to laser. If they did that your screwed because they aim it at your car and push the button, lasers dont have a detectable radio frequency, we are talking about a very tiny beam of light, and even with laser detectors they are almost undecetable, and if it is detected, its probably right when its already hit your car. Or the one in front of yours, and your screwed in that case anyway.

[methos]

ok...basically ive heard that escort 8500 isnt worth it. but alot of u guys have said that bel is great. so which one do i get? the valentine or the bel??

[02PONtiac!]

Go for the Bell dude. Hey make sure you check out www.radartest.com That should help you out!!!!!!!!

[Special Ross]

Originally posted by 2002AmSE
For the guy who was saying that his radar detector isnt detecting cops anymore, that would be because your city switched to laser. If they did that your screwed because they aim it at your car and push the button, lasers dont have a detectable radio frequency, we are talking about a very tiny beam of light, and even with laser detectors they are almost undecetable, and if it is detected, its probably right when its already hit your car. Or the one in front of yours, and your screwed in that case anyway.

Police are trained to hit a flat surface with a laser gun. Most of the time, they will go for your plates. You can put a clear plastic cover over plates that are curved and that will help with it. They also try to hit the sides of cars, when they are perpendicular to traffic. Just keep your eyes open.

[LukeD]

I was reading on radartest.com and it said...

Like all detector manufacturers, Cobra's been searching for ways to limit urban false alarms caused by door openers, burglar alarms and other electronics that share X and K bands along with police radar....

Hmm if you have a garage door opener that operates on k band is it possible that if you see a cop checking your speed you can hit your garage door opener and disrupt his signal?

Assuming he is operating on k band too that is.

[Matt's99GT]

That would probably set off your detector, it wouldn't interfere with the cop's radar gun. Remember, the detector is trying to locate police radar, not garage door, hi-tech alarms and other bands that share the radar gun signals.

The absolute best advice I can give you, no matter what detector you buy, is to read the instruction manuel with it thoroughly. Learn how to set it up and best of all, no matter where you are driving, if the thing is going off, JUST SLOW DOWN. Most people just buy them, plug them in, and think they can go 100 mph all the time with no worries. Sorry, it doesn't work that way. Your eyes and attention on the road are still your best source for finding cops, the radar detector is an added bonus.

[mshu7]

Motor Trend just did their radar detector testing. Here's a link: http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...12_0402_radar/