Anyone use a radar detector? Im considering one of the Beltronics model. the STI is awesome but out of my budget..so maybe Pro Rx65 or vector 995.

Love the Bel. I love both of mine.

Are the Escort or Valentine detectors worth the money?

You might want to try the search feature. There are a LOT of previous discussions just like this one.

Valentine 1 is the best

Do you own one?

How about the ones with built in GPS and "memory"?

I've got a Bel Vector 940 - it does a nice job when I hook it up. I usually only bother on road trips, most of the time I just don't speed that much.

I usually drive 70-80 mph on I-89 Vermont Hills. Just like to be on ticket free side.

im thinking beltronics Vector 955 which is the best radar under $200.

I have the Escort Passport 8500 X50 and works fine for me. Saved my butt many times. A little pricey tho. $350.00 give or take not sure. :thmsup:

I have the Escort X8500 w/ Blue LED's with the Shifter kit for it and I can say that 183 for the detector and 250 for the shifter and having the comfort that my car is protected from radar and laser is awesome. I would recommend it and also know the roads and when it is okay to speed.

I've got the V1, and its pretty awesome. It saved my butt a few times...

I've got the V1, and its pretty awesome. It saved my butt a few times...


Joe, you don't strike me as someone who would speed:lmao:

Can't go wrong with either escort or beltronics its the same company... escort bought out beltronics. The reason escort is a bit more expensive cuz it's heavily advertised. Basically its the same design. comparison test always have them on the top 3 along with Valentine 1. If I didn't hv a budget Bel STI driver is my top choice...Total shield technology makes it invisible to any radar or laser out there use by cops.

after my research I found good prices online....

Bel Professional RX65 $220 incl shipping. same features as Vector 995 both priced around$299-329 C. city.

Best bang for the buck is the Vector 955 or PRO Rx55 priced around $150-160 w/ shipping. considering its $229-239 at circuit city.

Joe, you don't strike me as someone who would speed:lmao:

I'd be too dangerous with anything more then a 4 banger. :paranoid:

Newbie here but I lobe my Valentine1 v1.8. Been the best Radar I have ever had since 1992 when I was 18. It gives me the most distance and even helped catch the "Instant-on" snakes.

Newbie here but I lobe my Valentine1 v1.8. Been the best Radar I have ever had since 1992 when I was 18. It gives me the most distance and even helped catch the "Instant-on" snakes.

:yes: Highly affective when you have a cop firing a laser at cars way ahead of you...

So the vote is for V 1?

It is well worth it IMO..

How are people gettng laser notification aimed at other cars? Isn't LIDAR a LOS technology? You'll never get signal ricochet here in LA with a Bel, Escort, or V1. Have friends that own Escort and V1 models, and they're like my Bel, no notification unless you get tagged. By that time, too late.

Now for radar signals, my Bel has notified me of law enforcement up to 2.5 miles in front on a flat straight-a-way. Around curvy roads with trees along side, I've seen up to 1.5 miles advanced warning (Ka Band).

V1 has the nice feature of knowing which direction signals are coming from. Check RadarBusters for tests done on popular models.

The GPS feature on this seems useful.

It would seem that combining GPS navigation with radar/laser detection is a logical next step

http://www.escortradar.com/9500i.htm

V1 is an awesome radar :thmsup: but comes with a hefty price tag:thumbsdow

Cheaper than a ticket AND higher insurance premiums for a few years

good point I didn't look at it in that depth.

Sure, you have to figure that a speeding ticket varies from $100 and up, plus insurance premium increases for a few hundred a year, the radar detector could pay itself off with the first speeding ticket you avoid

Now I shouldn't skimp on the cheapest one. hehe

Cheaper than a ticket AND higher insurance premiums for a few years

Not trying to play devil's advocate, but if you don't speed at all, what's the point of buying one?? Now, I'm not saying that I don't speed at all, actually...far from it. I usually drive 85-90mph on I-95 here in Richmond north to Fredericksburg...and it's illegal to have radars here in VA and I don't have one in my company car. But going back to my point, if you don't speed more than 8mph, cops don't really bust ya for it. :dunno:

Again, not trying to start an argument here because I use a radar detector too in my personal car since the car is in NC and if I can gather some serious money, I really would get myself a V1. I love that thing!!!

I’ve had my V-1 since November of 1997! I’m going to upgrade in the next couple of months, but it STILL saves me every day by tracking multiple bogies, types AND direction. Once you become familiar with your route, you will known what is a hit and what is a false alarm. I know of several places in the area the man “hides” behind background false alarms and picks up speeders with cheep detectors.

Hey Bill, no argument from me. Simply do the speed limit and you won't get tickets. 100% correct.

But here we all are, with a precision instrument for exceeding the speed limit and feeling what we bought it for to enjoy. Guess what is going to occaisionally happen? After all, we know our cars are "better," and there is nobody better to drive one than <fill in the blank>

Know what I mean?

Not trying to play devil's advocate, but if you don't speed at all, what's the point of buying one?? Now, I'm not saying that I don't speed at all, actually...far from it. I usually drive 85-90mph on I-95 here in Richmond north to Fredericksburg...and it's illegal to have radars here in VA and I don't have one in my company car. But going back to my point, if you don't speed more than 8mph, cops don't really bust ya for it. :dunno:

Again, not trying to start an argument here because I use a radar detector too in my personal car since the car is in NC and if I can gather some serious money, I really would get myself a V1. I love that thing!!!

True dat true dat...

Since my primary car is an '06 Chrysler Sebring (company car with 1000 miles a week), I know when I hit about 80mph by just feeling the vibrations from the steering and floatiness of the car. Haha... You are definitely correct about that. My Accord can go up to 100mph without even knowing it.

Well, my friend, we can either feel invincible and kid ourselves, or be equipped for a safe trip

:cig:

I highly recommend checking out this guy's site before buying a radar detector. Its got lots of important info and the guy is a retired cop. He actually owns radar and laser guns and conducts his own tests.
http://www.radarroy.com/

Impressive site