What's a good and affordable radar detector?
 

Hello all,

Just wondering what's a good affordable radar detector out in the market. I've seen one's going for $400 bucks. Anything in the range of like a $100 bucks? Yet it works alrite?

There's just been way too many sneaky cops hiding all over the place in the freeway that it just gets sick seeing it. I don't speed often but you know...everyone goes 15 ... 20mph over the limit from time to time. :D

Not to start a detector war here but the Escort Passport 8500 X50 suits my needs. $289 on Ebay. Search the coupe forum for a debate about this.

I agree... Escort 8500 X50 or V1. I love my escort. No wars needed. I'm sure most people would agree these 2 are the best on the market right now.

BTW.. Best Buy has the X50 on sale for $269 right now. Grab it while it's on sale.

$269 might be a little too much for me. I won't even be using it often...maybe just on a long trip. Anything decent in the $150 range?

Quick question though. The last time I owned a radar detector was probably 10 years ago at least. Are the radar detectors wireless now? Do you mount it on the windshield or what's the deal? The one I had was it had to be constantly plugged into the cigarete lighter and the unit itself has velcro that sticks onto the dashboard.

First, from what i saw cordless radar detectors were commonly made a few years ago, but actually most of them you find now still have cords. I personally wouldn't buy one because you'd spend tons of money on batteries and I'm not sure how well it would work if the batteries were low (sensitivity wise). This is probably the reason they are not so common now.

I understand you "want" to stay in the $150 range. I was in the same "boat" before buying mine. It's quite an expense. Here's my thoughts: The reason I was getting a radar detector was for that "little" extra protection. They aren't "bullet proof" but do help. I looked in the $150 range, read tons of reviews and tests on them, and found their effectiveness really wasn't that great. So I figured that if it saves me from just 1 ticket, that extra $150 for the nicer radar detector was well spent.

But if you still want to look in the $150 range, I would recommend looking At Bel's (Beltronics) line. They have a range of products and their lower end models are probably the best for the range they are in. I believe Circuit City carries some of the BEL line.

Good Luck! I definitely recommend the Escort 8500 X50 though. I have had many detectors before and I must say that this is the only one I can "trust". All detectors will pick up false alarms, but I know that if there's a "real" radar around my x50 will pick it up in a sufficient amount of time to react.

Good Luck with your findings! Also, I hardwired my X50 in so that I don't have cords hanging all over my dash. It's very easy to do and takes about 15 min. Highly recommended for any radar detector.

05Gsedan, got any pics? I've the excort, but hate the wire.

I have some pics but my digital camera is on my desk at the office. I'm sure I'll be by the office this weekend and can post a pic or two soon. By all means, hardwiring is the way to go.

I know this isn't what you want to hear but the $100 or so you save on a less expensive model will be wasted if the cheaper model is ineffective. You might find yourself using a good model for more than just trips too. I have a Bel RX65 which has been a great addition. It saved me just the other day.

Dont skimp on a radar detector. Especially if you drive where the speed traps are prevalent. You pretty much get what you pay for in radar detection, as I've had many cheapos in the past that simply didnt warn me in time.

I happily paid $400 for my V1 and it has saved my bacon too many times to count. One speeding ticket, plus raised insurance premiums will FAR outweigh the initial $400 you will spend.

If you can't afford it now, wait and save until you can. You won't regret it.

just get the Valentine One...best of the best

Yeah, the exposed wire makes the car look unfinished and cluttery.

How about spend $0 and watch your speed. Ever thought of that??? LOL: )

I watch my speed, thats the problem, the pigs are too ;)

I have the cordless escort solo s2 and love it. The range seems to be just a little bit less than my friend's X50, but it certainly gives plenty of notice to check your speed.

it is pricey tho - a touch over $300.

I watch my speed, thats the problem, the pigs are too ;)