So, just picked up my 2017 C7 about 3 weeks ago. Have done some badging and had XPEL PPF and Window Tint installed on the vehicle. Next thing I'm looking at is investing in a good radar detector. I am looking into the kind that get installed into the front grill area, no cords. Anyone have an experience with these products? Whats a good product to look at? And what should I expect to spend on Product & Labor? Thanks.

 

The more you pay, the better unit you'll have. I have had Fuzzbuster II's, Escorts, Passports and for the last 15 years, Valentine's. I know some will dispute this but they really are by far the best. Those who have them know what I mean. Just upgraded my original unit for a brand new unit which is amazingly better and cutting out false signals. When the original was built, cars didn't have laser, radar and all that.

 

I'm waiting for my upgraded Valentine1 to arrive via FedEx as I'm typing this. So obviously my vote is for V1

 

If I may ask, what did you pay to get it installed (labor)? I have a local Custom Sounds shop right next door to work, and they gave me a quote of around $2200 for Escort Passport 9500CL. I will look into the Valentine's model you mentioned.

 

There are many RD reviews out there.

Many here happy with the Escort Max 360, using a Blendmount and MirrorTap. Even though this unit is on the high end of the price scale, it is well worth it IMHO. Provides for a neat and easy install.

Long ago, I used to have a builtin stealth installed one on a different vette and once it was obsolete and useless I went with the mirror mount and never saw the need for a big spend for something stealth.

But if you live in places like Virginia, I can see the need for a stealth install. Escort recently came out with the Max 360 CI if you want a stealth installed unit - but the price is a killer! There are many reviews of it - just google them. But take your heart medicine before you look at pricing one!

 

Paid nothing to have it installed. I'd tell them they better bring a gun to get $2200 to install one. $400 V1, $100 remote display and volume.

 

Just run Waze all the time on your phone. Detectors are almost useless these days because laser is used everywhere, so unless you laser jam - a detector is almost worthless.

 

I have a max 360, it works great and the false alarms learn along your normal drives.

 

Had mine installed at the dealership for 1 1/2 hour labor. $2200??!!!

Robbery. They saw the Corvette and assumed you have $$$ to throw away.

 

Waze is only as good as the first person posting a speed trap or lone LEO with a laser or radar.
Works better in tandem with a detector.

 

This.
A Valentine 1 isn't a waste of money, per se, but I've been running without a radar detector for almost 8 years and I just use a combination of the visual method (regularly scanning ahead on the freeway) and SpeedTraps.org. Just downloaded the Waze app, so thank you for that

 

You have a point, but what do you do in places like the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia)? I live in Maryland where radar/laser detectors are legal, but I have family who I frequently visit in Virginia and often have to go to D.C. where radar/laser detectors are illegal. Got tired of taking the damn thing down every time I crossed into D.C. or VA.

Just found it easier to not have one where I live.

Makes me question the effectiveness of detectors.

https://www.google.com/amp/ask.metaf...ill-useful/amp

Personally speaking, I don't think detectors are all that effective.

 

You can't beat a laser... so why not drive the speed limit, save gas & possibly your life. Generally I drive 5 over and have no issues.

Also after 17 years of driving an RV I have seen the same car pass me 3 times on a trip.

Bottom line for me, waste of money.

 

I have pretty much had them all and can tell you that every radar detector has its strengths and weaknesses, and that's why I own multiple detectors depending on the driving task at hand and the primary Band(s) that's utilized in the area in which I will be traveling (KA/K/X/Laser). For instance, in my local region authorities use strictly Stalker KA Radar guns (34.7 frequency) so I use detectors that are tested and proven to be great at picking up that frequency at maximum distances with optimal off axis capabilities. When I travel across State lines I prep for my trip by looking up what radar bands are currently being used in those regions in which I will be traveling through. Once I have this information in hand I activate or deactivate those bands accordingly as I travel.

For an all in one unit with directional awareness, and a somewhat quiet ride while in urban areas I use a Max 360 or my Uniden DRF7. For just all out raw performance/range (interstate driving) I use a Escort Redline or my Uniden R3. Honestly the Valentine V1 is on par with the Max 360 when paired with a phone and its companion apps, which are for those who would like to tweak and fine tune. Keep in mind that the Redline was recently discontinued but a little searching you can pick one up on the cheap. It was the King of WS detectors until the Uniden R3 hit the scene, which has unequivocally the best range and off axis detection of any WS detector on the market today. It can be used in all situations becuase its features can be activated/deactivated for traveling on winding roads and/or complicated terrain, in addition to flat terrain and city driving. If you ask a radar enthusiast his or her opinion on the top tier windshield mounted radar detector that can be had today, without a doubt the Uniden R3 will be highly recommended.

Every detector mentioned above can be had for <$400 with the exception of the Max 360. If I had no choice but to only own but 1 of the detectors that was mentioned above, it would be without hesitation the Uniden R3 (new kid on the block) that has pretty much every feature that the Max 360 has minus the Auto lockout feature thats patented by Escort. The R3 has range that's unbelievable (miles) and can hold its own during city driving pretty much filtering out most CAS/BSM false alerts from car manufacturers except for Acura. I don't think no manufacturer has cracked the code on how to filter Acura's BSMs completely.

I'm also a long time radar detector enthusiast and closely follow new developments in this area. Again, based on the driving task at hand either detector I mentioned above will not disappoint and will protect you if you understand their weaknesses. I usually have Waze connected via bluetooth and set it up to announce alerts over my speakers, in addition to my detector. This combo is pretty much a bulletproof method to avoid tickets.

Thanks

 

It depends on your State and area you live. For Highway driving in areas I drive in California and Oregon, it's entirely KA band. Waze will be completely ineffective unless someone reports the speed trap presence. My Escort 9100 save my butt a couple of times on my trip a few weeks ago.

 

What is the best KA band detector right now (that isn't thousands)?

 

+1, the Uniden R3 is a beast

 

1. Uniden R3
2. Escort Redline

 

The Redline is discontinued according to their website

https://www.escortradar.com/redline/

 

Any one of the Escort detectors will provide the protection you need. Some have more bells and whistles check out their site and decide what features you think are worth the money.