Everything about Radar Detectors

 
 

Anyone who has gotten a speeding ticket knows the value of a radar detector. Your chance of being pulled over for speeding can be greatly reduced by these tiny devices.  But you need to know how they work.  This is an example of one of the hi-tech enhancements we accept without thinking. Our understanding rarely goes beyond connecting them to the lighter and putting them on the dashboard. Do they violate any laws? They function how? When dealing with radar detectors, those are some question you should contemplate. The Gods are looking down on you today. By the end of this program, you will know the basics of radar detectors, and how they can help you prevent speeding tickets and high insurance rates.

Is it against the law to use a radar detector?

The 1934 Communications Act still protects the use of radar dectectors in most of the 50 American states and territories. Radar detectors are not legal in every state. Before you buy a radar detector, check your state's laws concerning its use,  because you will need this information if you are stopped by police. Keep in mind, however, that radar detectors are illegal in commercial vehicles, regardless of which locality you reside or work in.

Why on earth would I use a device that detects radar?

Radar detectors are popular among speeders who want to avoid tickets. Having a radar detector does not guarantee you not getting a speeding ticket.  Because there are more and more developments that will aid law enforcement in nabbing speeders, it is even more true. It is better to avoid having to use a radar dectector by going the speed limit.

Escort Passport 8500 X50 Blue Radar Detector Brand New!
US $203.35 (21 Bids)
End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 3:55:01 PST
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EARLY WARNING? RADAR/LASER DETECTOR 6
US $65.00
End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 4:00:00 PST
Buy It Now for only: US $65.00
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Cobra XRS 9430 Laser Radar Detector 12 Band Voice Alert
US $73.95
End Date: Friday Dec-05-2008 4:15:00 PST
Buy It Now for only: US $73.95
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Can you identify brands of radar detectors?

To date, there are quite a few different brands of radar detector on the market. You have a choice between the Whistler XTR-690 radar detector or the Beltronics BEL RX54. The choice may be made by comparing the price and guarantees offered by the company.

What is the price of a radar detector?

For the average driver, radar detectors are fairly expensive. The cost of a radar detector is high, but it can vary a fair amount, from over $400 for a higher-powered and more sophisticated model, to around $120 for a cheaper model. Many chose the model to purchase based on a company's guarantee.  If it will get someone out of a ticket, then it rises to the top choice of the consumer.

Whistler XTR-140 Laser/Radar Detector with Exclusive Twin-Alert Periscopes
Amazon Price: $37.66
Used Price: $41.45
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Review (rating: 4):
Ok, this is my 2nd "Cheap" (read below $50) radar detector. The earlier one was from Cobra (very good too). I'd planned to get the same model for my wife's car as well (she recently got a ticket :( ). But while browsing Amazon I came across this model, good / cheap / functional. What i liked was the "Blue" indicator lights (really cool at night) and the visual signal strength meter.

Both are very similar, however for $5 more the Whistler is a little bit more sensitive (both give u enough time to slow down). However the audible alerts on the Cobra are more pleasant... u know the tonal quality and stuff. The whistler audible alerts are very harsh... and if u live in a city zone like me.. that means constant irritating noise from the harmless radar doors, safety radars, etc...

Otherwise, the cobra is smaller (+1 point). Whistler has longer cord (+0.5)

Overall both are good and for under $50 each, I'd say get one of both yourself. Good investments against tickets / insurance rate hike...

Other than the audible alerts, I like the whistler better though :-)

Hope this helps.

Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar and Laser Detector (Red Display)
Amazon Price: $299.95
Used Price: $178.50
Average Customer Rating: 4.0
Review (rating: 5):
This is a great product if you know how to use it. I have had the passport 8500 x50 for about 1 1/2 years. It was recommended by a friend. I have it hardwired into my Subaru wrx using the smart cord (the cord with the mute button), I had it professionally installed by a local stereo shop, I did this so I could mount it next to my rearview mirror to get the best results, as the owners manual stated. I then turned off X and K bands. The police and other agencies only Ka, Laser and POP radar, so, no false alarms! This has saved me from at least 3-4 tickets. These occurred mostly on main roads when a cop has been sitting there clocking peoples speed. There is a learning curve to this product, not a large one, but you have to learn have to read the signal strength. If its got 1 or 2 bars then jumps up to full, then goes back down to 1 to 2, then it was probably a cop on a side road. If it starts low and gets stronger quickly, probably a cop coming at you. If it comes on and stays strong for more than a mile a cop is either in front of you or behind. This works for multiple radars too. Laser rarely goes off, and if it does it is probably too late, cops have to, more or less, point it directly at your car (I read somewhere that cops are taught to point Laser (Lidar) at a flat surface, like a license plate) and they dont leave it on all the time either. This is my #1 threat. I have also, but rarely, had pop go off as well. It always is on and then gone in less than 10 seconds or so. Note: I have also never seen the cop after it has gone off, they must have been hiding. Ka is the most common where I live in nothern Cali. Some cops leave it on all the time so you can tell there is a cop nearby. Most police though, Never have anything on. This why you always have to be careful! 1 out of 20 actually have there radar on. The noises are clear and loud when set to max volume, rarely does my music drown it out. The display is clear and bright, no complaints. The connector for the unit is an old phone jack type, nice connector, but since the unit is $300, I take it down if my car is not in a secure place so that someone doesnt break in an steal it. Doing this over a year and a half has caused the little clippy thing to break off. Although it still works fine, doesnt come loose at all (its actually easier to take in and out). If you have the money, commute, or just like to bend the speed limit occasionally (and have $300) this is for you. 5 stars.

Cobra XRS 9740 Ultra Performance 12-Band Radar/Laser Detector
Amazon Price: Too low to display
Used Price: $135.93
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Review (rating: 4):
I am very pleased with this product. Easy to setup and use and not many false alarms.

 
 
 
 
   
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