Best Radar/Laser Detector for ~$150?

[Psychobroker]

I'm considering an affordable, yet effective radar/laser detector, preferable one that's cordless. I know, I want to have my cake and eat it too...I list my budget at $150, but I can go up to $200 probably. I'm trying to decide between this or a 2-way paging alarm system, which I can get for $300. I just don't know if I really need it (have loJack now).Thanks in advance So far, I've found these on eBay:Bel 946 Cordless Radar Detector for $145 + $10 s/hSENSORO TRAVELLER Cordless Radar Detector currently @ $65 + $12 s/h (2 1/2 days left) or $99 + $12.50 s/h from a buy-it-now sellerEscort Solo S2 for $259.99 + $15 s/h (out of my range)Mind you, I've NEVER (never!) owned a radar/laser detector, so I don't feel the NEED for one, which is why I don't want to spend too much on it. Knowing my luck, it would give me a false sense of security and I would get caught speeding somewhere .

[Altus]

Try doing an online search for "radar detector reviews".The pages I found said that the Escort Solo 2 is fantastic. Other's are close too.Good luck.

[Geo]

If you don't need one, then why bother spending the money at all? If you want one so you will not be caught off-guard while speeding (most people are caught speeding when they aren't even realizing they are!)I would honestly consider trying to save up more money for a Valentine 1. Think of it like this: If it saves you from two tickets, it has paid for itself. (Well, two tickets here in Madison ... ugh.) I don't use mine as an excuse to speed, but more of a safety precaution for my wallet.You can read the reviews for yourself, and there are plenty of people who have them as well who can attest to how well they work. I have mine hard-wired into my car, so there is only a small cord going up to the roof but it's barely noticible as it runs under the review mirror. Good investment for peace of mind, but that's just my 2¢ http://www.valentineone.com/Just a quick tidbit about the Solo S2 (http://www.valentineone.com/cordless/)"The SOLO S2's "High-Efficiency Power Management" is hardly rocket surgery. It saves the two AAs by putting the sentry to sleep more than 85 percent of the time. It just switches off the power-using detector circuitry.A sleeping sentry can't possibly give early warning when radar is used in the instant-on mode. And it gives up all hope of detecting the POP mode."

[Jahntassa]

I've never gone wrong with the Escorts. Granted, I have a 7500 right now, because I've got no need for a cordless, but as others say, unless you need it.. LoJack only helps if your car is stolen... I have a Viper 790 in my Vibe, and I love being able to look at the alarm remote and see what the car is doing, especially with the remote start.Honestly though, they're both creature comforts...so see what you think you'd rather have. I say there's no point in buying el-cheapo detector, because there IS a difference in how well they work...

[Fialchar]

Valentine 1's the way to go for supreme quality and protection. It picks up the radars sooner and even tells you where they're coming from, but I highly doubt you'll get one for $150 IMO, if you want an affordable, dependable radar detector, I'd go with an escort. Be wary of cordless detectors, however, as they have been proven to be less effective. Try to get one with K, KA, Superwide KA, X, and (if possible) Laser _Scrambling_. With a Laser, you're tagged the second it hits your car, unlike with the other bands. If it only has a Laser _Detector_, then they get your MPH/KPH. With a _Scrambler_, they get a jarbled response. Also, check with your local laws about what's legal. In many states, it's legal to sell the scramblers, but illegal to buy or possess them (Go figure..). Good luck on getting the best one out there

[cdFxer]

From an electronics stand point, I have wondered how they can make a decent cordless radar detector that 1) works well/sensitivity/range/directional/etc 2) Doesnt have ephemeral battery life.

[msmyer]

My post from http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=8253 Quote, originally posted by msmyer »Couldn't agree more. I have a few friends that are cops in smaller towns and that's about all they do is write tickets. For kicks and giggles check out this website.... http://www.speedtrap.org/ It talks about "fighting" a ticket but I agree with Cibomatto too, take your driving record with you. It may work! If you want to prevent a ticket, get a radar detector. I have this one and I've never gotten a ticket! Knock on wood You might want to look into that too....It's help me a lot and it's paid for itself by not getting a ticket! Not cordless, but still effective....

[ullbergm]

I'll have to vote for the Valentine 1, i've been very happy with mine.I hardwired it in august of '02 and haven't had to do anything at all with it, its been very stable.Just the other day i was going thru knoxville and there was a 3+ team crew. one spotter and atleast 2 takedown cars and later i saw a motorcycle cop as well. I knew about them *way* before i got to them.

[Fialchar]

If I took m driving record with me, they'd probably take my license then and there.

[Psychobroker]

Thanks guys!I dunno, i just usually flow with the rate of traffic. Here in CA, that's easily 85mph on the freeways! As for LoJack, I only mention it b/c I also don't think I really need an upgraded alarm system. IF I do buy one, it will be a 2-way WITH remote start, just for coolness and starting it up in the morning!-Christian/Psycho

[philndz]

Valentine 1 is good but for $100 less you can get a Escort Passport 8500 and it beats or equals the valentine in most aspects of tests.

[Geo]

Quote, originally posted by philndz »Valentine 1 is good but for $100 less you can get a Escort Passport 8500 and it beats or equals the valentine in most aspects of tests.All depends on who's tests you look at, some have the Escort at a longer range, and others have the V1 winning the range test. (Radartest.com vs. Car and Driver) I would also like to mention that the Escort 8500 has a smaller detecting angle if the radar is coming from behind as well, and there is no way to keep track of the # of radar targets nor their direction with the Escort. Just things to keep in mind, check out the stories on the V1 website ... man, I should get paid for plugging this thing so much, lol!