Radar Detector
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Fountain Valley California
Radar Detector
Can anyone recommend a good radar detector in the $150.00 range. Costco has a Cobra for $128.00. I don't like to have anything with the "Cobra" name on it. Thanks.
RPM 48
RPM 48
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Whistler Pro 78. Just got mine for $140. I ran with a Pro 73 for about 5 years and loved it. Now let me get out of here before the Valentine and Escort ***** find me here.....
Here's a nice review:
http://www.laserveil.com/whistler/pro-78/xtr-690/
Here's a nice review:
http://www.laserveil.com/whistler/pro-78/xtr-690/
Last edited by Ozone; May 7, 2008 at 10:37 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,052
Likes: 253
Whistler Pro 78. Just got mine for $140. I ran with a Pro 73 for about 5 years and loved it. Now let me get out of here before the Valentine and Escort ***** find me here.....
Here's a nice review:
http://www.laserveil.com/whistler/pro-78/xtr-690/
Here's a nice review:
http://www.laserveil.com/whistler/pro-78/xtr-690/
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 756
Likes: 0
From: rochester new york
radar detectors
i have almost tried them all! val1 SEEMS TO WORK THE BEST WITH A LONGEST WARNING $399.00 DIRECT FROM FACTORY EARLY WARNING BRAND WORKS WELL! ALSO HAS VOICE ALERT! PRICE VARIES".$79.00 TO $149. EARLY WARNING CLAIMS THEY MAKE THE PARTS FOR ALL DETECTORS? TRIED LOW END COBRA AND WHISTLER . WASTE OF MONEY? ALSO ROCKY MOUNTIAN A WASTE?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
The Valentine One is the cream of the crop and everything else is less creamy.
http://guysoflidar.com/august-2007/r...ctor-test.html
http://guysoflidar.com/august-2007/r...ctor-test.html
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
I guess some people don't understand that $399 is a lot more than $150
I've been researching radar detectors the past couple of days. Beltronics makes a "Vector" line that you can buy from some of the local electronic stores (Circuit City etc) in the price range you are looking for. The reviews I've found on several sites are quite good for these units. A lot of people like the fact that with a V1 you can tell where the radar is coming from, and they like the fact that some are better than others at eliminating false signals. My theory is that if the detector goes off, I'm slowing down until it's no longer going off. I don't really care if it's to the right, the left, or in the local Dunkin donut shop. I'm slowing down. And if the local Walmart automatic door is setting it off, I don't want to worry about whether the cops have figured that out and are sitting a block down from the Walmart laughing their *** off as they radar cars coming by the Walmart.
Check out this Radar Detector forum for more information...
http://www.radardetector.net/
And this comparison of Beltronics products in that range...
http://www.beltronics.com/radardetectors.html
BTW, you can beat those prices listed by shopping around on-line.
I've been researching radar detectors the past couple of days. Beltronics makes a "Vector" line that you can buy from some of the local electronic stores (Circuit City etc) in the price range you are looking for. The reviews I've found on several sites are quite good for these units. A lot of people like the fact that with a V1 you can tell where the radar is coming from, and they like the fact that some are better than others at eliminating false signals. My theory is that if the detector goes off, I'm slowing down until it's no longer going off. I don't really care if it's to the right, the left, or in the local Dunkin donut shop. I'm slowing down. And if the local Walmart automatic door is setting it off, I don't want to worry about whether the cops have figured that out and are sitting a block down from the Walmart laughing their *** off as they radar cars coming by the Walmart.
Check out this Radar Detector forum for more information...
http://www.radardetector.net/
And this comparison of Beltronics products in that range...
http://www.beltronics.com/radardetectors.html
BTW, you can beat those prices listed by shopping around on-line.
Last edited by jschindler; May 8, 2008 at 04:09 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 125
From: laguna niguel ca
You buy cheap you get cheap!!! $400 for V-1 best on the market. Mine is mirror mounted. Never let me down. Plus as time goes buy you can input your seral# on the website and it will tell you of any upgrades. Then you simply send it in and your done. New and up to date. Well worth the money.
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Brett Foote
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,491
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
You buy cheap you get cheap!!! $400 for V-1 best on the market. Mine is mirror mounted. Never let me down. Plus as time goes buy you can input your seral# on the website and it will tell you of any upgrades. Then you simply send it in and your done. New and up to date. Well worth the money.
http://www.southerncarparts.com/esco...ors-c-110.html
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=jschindler;1565372864]I guess some people don't understand that $399 is a lot more than $150
I understand it however, you get what you pay for. I also did a lot of researching before buying my V1. I didn't want to pay $400 for a radar detector but there were some features I couldn't ignore. Number 1 being it's more sensitive than ALL the others. That was really my deciding factor. I used a friend's "cheaper" detector before I bought mine and the V1 is way better. I know everyone has their favorites and I'm not saying the V1 is the best out there period but for me I wouldn't buy another brand.
I understand it however, you get what you pay for. I also did a lot of researching before buying my V1. I didn't want to pay $400 for a radar detector but there were some features I couldn't ignore. Number 1 being it's more sensitive than ALL the others. That was really my deciding factor. I used a friend's "cheaper" detector before I bought mine and the V1 is way better. I know everyone has their favorites and I'm not saying the V1 is the best out there period but for me I wouldn't buy another brand.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
[QUOTE=MSC6;1565373324]
yeah, you get what you pay for - I understand that. Then why aren't we all driving Ferraris?
Some people just don't want to spend $400 on a radar detector. That's why I did my homework. There are an awful lot of folks who love their $150-$200 Beltronics. I'm not trying to say that the Valentine is not better - and maybe it's worth $400. But does that mean nobody should even consider a cheaper one?
No detector will totally avoid tickets. Its simply a matter of reducing the chances. Heck, I haven't had a radar detector at all in the past ten years (and even then didn't use it much). In my case, the only time I'll even use it is on my motorcycle, or occassionally the Corvette when I'm out on very open back roads. Where false alarms are not much of an issue, nor is it much of an issue where it's coming from.
I guess some people don't understand that $399 is a lot more than $150
I understand it however, you get what you pay for. I also did a lot of researching before buying my V1. I didn't want to pay $400 for a radar detector but there were some features I couldn't ignore. Number 1 being it's more sensitive than ALL the others. That was really my deciding factor. I used a friend's "cheaper" detector before I bought mine and the V1 is way better. I know everyone has their favorites and I'm not saying the V1 is the best out there period but for me I wouldn't buy another brand.
I understand it however, you get what you pay for. I also did a lot of researching before buying my V1. I didn't want to pay $400 for a radar detector but there were some features I couldn't ignore. Number 1 being it's more sensitive than ALL the others. That was really my deciding factor. I used a friend's "cheaper" detector before I bought mine and the V1 is way better. I know everyone has their favorites and I'm not saying the V1 is the best out there period but for me I wouldn't buy another brand.
Some people just don't want to spend $400 on a radar detector. That's why I did my homework. There are an awful lot of folks who love their $150-$200 Beltronics. I'm not trying to say that the Valentine is not better - and maybe it's worth $400. But does that mean nobody should even consider a cheaper one?
No detector will totally avoid tickets. Its simply a matter of reducing the chances. Heck, I haven't had a radar detector at all in the past ten years (and even then didn't use it much). In my case, the only time I'll even use it is on my motorcycle, or occassionally the Corvette when I'm out on very open back roads. Where false alarms are not much of an issue, nor is it much of an issue where it's coming from.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 0
From: Streamwood IL
Nope. The Passport 8500 x50 or the Valentine 1 are the only detectors worth the money, and the both cost more than $150. Anything else, is just a false sense of security and a waste of money.
I LOVE my 8500 x50, and do not think the V1's arrows are worth the extra $100.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 174
From: Melbourne FL
St. Jude Donor '09 & '11
Seems to me that running a cheap radar detector with a Vette is like using recycled oil. Spring for a top of the line detector (Like a V1) or always obey the speed limit! You won't be sorry either way.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,814
Likes: 0
From: Some where in Amerika, sadly watching how is turned into a Socialist Republic.
I posted this same question a few weeks ago, and the responce was V1 by the mayority of the forum. Mine is on the way.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
When I went to buy a radar detector, I had a hard time convincing myself I should spend $299 (Escort 8500) or even the $399 for the V1. Then I came to realize, one speeding ticket can easily cost you AT LEAST $300+ in fines and increased insurance premiums over a year. It's amazing how much insurance companies can increase your rates for just one ticket. I came to the conclusion that purchasing a radar detector is not something one should skimp on.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Tall Oaks NY
I also have the 8500 X50 and bought it on Ebay for under well under $150 shipped. Its like new and works great, they tend to go for a closer to $200 but if you take a little time you can find one for what you're looking to spend.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Ky
Nope. The Passport 8500 x50 or the Valentine 1 are the only detectors worth the money, and the both cost more than $150. Anything else, is just a false sense of security and a waste of money.
I LOVE my 8500 x50, and do not think the V1's arrows are worth the extra $100.
I LOVE my 8500 x50, and do not think the V1's arrows are worth the extra $100.
Just save up some more $$$, drive slow untill then.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
From: Pensacola Florida
Nope. The Passport 8500 x50 or the Valentine 1 are the only detectors worth the money, and the both cost more than $150. Anything else, is just a false sense of security and a waste of money.
I LOVE my 8500 x50, and do not think the V1's arrows are worth the extra $100.
I LOVE my 8500 x50, and do not think the V1's arrows are worth the extra $100.