Radar detectors?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 307
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Radar detectors?
I am getting ready for my first spring in my 97 torch red coupe and thought it would be wise to purchase a radar detector. As I have never owned one, I don't know squat about them so what do I get?, where do you purchase them?, and how much do should I plan on spending (who's got the best deals?)
Thanks!
Rob
Thanks!
Rob
Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,702
Likes: 76
From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Originally Posted by RJP51
I am getting ready for my first spring in my 97 torch red coupe and thought it would be wise to purchase a radar detector. As I have never owned one, I don't know squat about them so what do I get?, where do you purchase them?, and how much do should I plan on spending (who's got the best deals?)
Thanks!
Rob
Thanks!
Rob
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte North Carolina
I had a huge write up on two of the top rated ones that I can't find. But I have a new 8500 X50 and a buddy had a new Valentine one and we went crusing for two days comparing them and the X50 did just as good a job as the V1 did and I paid $150 less for mine. They picked up signals around the same time, same false alarms, The V1 picks up a little better from rear signals, and the V1 with it's arrows were cool, but not worth the extra money in my book!! If I find the post where I compared everything in detail I will post it. But I love my X50!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Virginia
I wish I could have one in VA. The 
ness factor goes to the V1 and with all the money we have in these rides, I'd pop for the higher tech "avionics" everytime. Just a personal preference and my .02 which isn't worth a dime.
ness factor goes to the V1 and with all the money we have in these rides, I'd pop for the higher tech "avionics" everytime. Just a personal preference and my .02 which isn't worth a dime.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach Va
I got my first escort radar detector about 2 weeks after I got my drivers license. I've owned one ever since.
I have an escort 8500 which came out just before the X50. I'll never drive without it and I live in Virginia. It's small enough that if you hard wire it in to the vanity mirror power no-one can see it. It works great and as far as I am concerned keeps my insurance rates down.
The V1 is cool looking but is larger than the escort so since function wise they are virtually identical and stealth is a bit of a factor for me. The 8500 is perfect.
Another factor is service. Cinncinatti Microwave or Escort as they are now called backs their products up to the end. When you buy it you are the registered owner. If it is stolen and sent in for repair by the thief, you will get it back. If it breaks and it is out of warranty you they fix it for a flat $50 fee. I sent mine in and they upgraded all the firmware and software codes in it and "tuned" it.
I love it..... that's my 2 cents.
I have an escort 8500 which came out just before the X50. I'll never drive without it and I live in Virginia. It's small enough that if you hard wire it in to the vanity mirror power no-one can see it. It works great and as far as I am concerned keeps my insurance rates down.
The V1 is cool looking but is larger than the escort so since function wise they are virtually identical and stealth is a bit of a factor for me. The 8500 is perfect.
Another factor is service. Cinncinatti Microwave or Escort as they are now called backs their products up to the end. When you buy it you are the registered owner. If it is stolen and sent in for repair by the thief, you will get it back. If it breaks and it is out of warranty you they fix it for a flat $50 fee. I sent mine in and they upgraded all the firmware and software codes in it and "tuned" it.
I love it..... that's my 2 cents.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 805
Likes: 54
From: Murrieta CA
If you're interested in an Escort 8500 X50 check with forum member DinoZ. He has an excellent price on them. I bought one from him a couple of weeks ago. And if you need a power cord to connect to the rearview mirror wiring harness, check with member TeamSpeed.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
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There really are two or three that are considered the best of the rest. Plan on spending $400 for a Valentine1, http://www.valentine1.com/ and is only available on the 'Net, Escort's 8500 is available on line and from some other vendors for about $300 and the BEL which is also available from vendors for a similar price.
I'm purposely not telling you which one I think is best or what I have. It will start a flame war unseen in at least a week or so......
Choose one of these three and you'll be very pleased.
I'm purposely not telling you which one I think is best or what I have. It will start a flame war unseen in at least a week or so......
Choose one of these three and you'll be very pleased.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Ruskin Fl
I ordered the Bel RX65 from aliens.
239 shipped and insured. The Escort is cooler looking but I really don't want a cool looking detector. Way too removable.
The performance of the Escort and Bel are virtually identical from my limited investigations. Apparently the manufacturers have mated and spawned identical internals iwth different packaging. If you don't go fancy (stop spoiling your car, how will you ever be able to beat it?) the Bel is the best deal by a small margin over the Escort.
The V-1's price is imposing (to me) and with $160 bucks I got other nice things for the little cutie.
I mean beast, beast darn it! Gotta keep from getting soft.
239 shipped and insured. The Escort is cooler looking but I really don't want a cool looking detector. Way too removable.
The performance of the Escort and Bel are virtually identical from my limited investigations. Apparently the manufacturers have mated and spawned identical internals iwth different packaging. If you don't go fancy (stop spoiling your car, how will you ever be able to beat it?) the Bel is the best deal by a small margin over the Escort.
The V-1's price is imposing (to me) and with $160 bucks I got other nice things for the little cutie.
I mean beast, beast darn it! Gotta keep from getting soft.