Best Radar Detector?
11-02-2002, 04:06 PM
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Best Radar Detector?
What is a great radar that is under 200.00?I am looking into getting a nice one and want one that will be dependable. Thanks.
11-02-2002, 04:21 PM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (slvrcivic97)
they are not worth it, those things go off all the time even when there is no cop around. if you really want something good then pay top dollar for it..... IMO, dont speed.
11-02-2002, 04:31 PM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (SleeperEG6)
11-02-2002, 04:57 PM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (black2kcivic)
If they use their discount, it's generally 20-30% off radar detectors (depends on store). i used to work in Car-Fi at BB and could get radar detectors for sometimes $75-$100 off and everyone has to have a friend working at one of those stores 
11-02-2002, 06:02 PM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (slvrcivic97)
k40. you can get visor mounted or stealth mounted in bumpers. priced well and they'll pay if you get a ticket in the first year of so. mine has saved me many times!
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11-02-2002, 07:14 PM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (scttydb411)
Ok, now I was looking at a Cobra Radar Detector for 119-120.00 and it 4 radar signal detectors, 4 laser detectors, 360 degrees radius, mutes false alerts, and other stuff. Do these work as good as they say they do?I was looking at it at Best Buy. I am probably going to get a cobra. Anyone else have a cobra and like it? I might look into the escorts and valentines too. Thanks for all the replies 
11-02-2002, 08:58 PM
#9
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (slvrcivic97)
What is a great radar that is under 200.00?I am looking into getting a nice one and want one that will be dependable. Thanks.
I've used radar detectors for years and I don't drive anywhere without one. I've owned a dozen of them. At one time I could have named them all, but who cares?
Take my word for it, you get what you pay for when you buy a radar detector. The exception to this is the Valentine One. Be aware, if you're considering something in the under $200 range, it WILL be a POS.
I'm not going to be like some of these ppl and tell you to buy something I don't own myself. Without putting you to sleep, this is what I've been using for the last couple of years.
It's a Beltronics 980. MSRP is $340, but if you look around on the web you can probably get it for a little over $200. I think I paid $215 a couple of years ago.
Anyway, do what you want to do, but this is what I use and recommend. It'll give you the best bang for the buck, IMHO...
http://www.beltronics.com/bel980.htm
11-02-2002, 09:01 PM
#11
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (CR-X)
Valentine1
Read this 'shootout.' Cliff-Note version: Bel 980 score: 94, Valentine One score: 77.
http://www.radartest.com/DS4HEM.html
...If this were 1991, with X and K-band radar the primary threats, the Valentine One would have fared much better in this shootout... Celebrating its tenth birthday next year, <FONT COLOR="red">making it the oldest model on the market</FONT>, the V1 is clearly showing its age...It was considerably less adept on Ka band, trailing the BEL and Escort by nearly 17,000 feet, almost 3.2 miles, and a critical shortcoming in an era when Ka- band radar guns are everywhere...
...Blessed by this class-leading sensitivity, its impressive list of standard features and design sophistication, the BEL 980 is the best digital-voice radar detector we've ever tested... Phenomenal radar sensitivity, as good as or better than the Valentine One; extensive features, high-quality audio, superior alert systems...
...Blessed by this class-leading sensitivity, its impressive list of standard features and design sophistication, the BEL 980 is the best digital-voice radar detector we've ever tested... Phenomenal radar sensitivity, as good as or better than the Valentine One; extensive features, high-quality audio, superior alert systems...
11-02-2002, 09:09 PM
#12
HT White Ops
Re: Best Radar Detector? (slvrcivic97)
Ok, now I was looking at a Cobra Radar Detector for 119-120.00... Do these work as good as they say they do?...
When you're looking for a radar detector - if it comes in a 'blister pack', it's a POS, guaranteed. If you're considering buying a $120.00 blister-packed POS radar detector, you might as well save yourself the trouble and forget the whole thing IMHO.
Sorry for sounding like a dick, but that's the way it is...
11-02-2002, 09:18 PM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (Boost Pressure)
Which Escort do you have? The Passport 8500 is okay, but it's 300 bones. Personally, I think they're fugly, but to each his own. Besides, this guy isn't about to go out and pop for an Escort. In his price range, the Bel 980 is the best one for him.
11-02-2002, 09:55 PM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (BlackDeuceCoupe)
duude, i've read the post where you spoke about the silverstars, and i just read this post. . . . and judging by what i've read, YOU MUST KNOW EVERYTHING!!!! 
11-02-2002, 10:07 PM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (Bagel Williams)
Well, just some extra info I learned from working at Best Buy Car Audio. If you go with and Escort- make it the Passport. I believe the 7500 is the cordless one and not the newest model. The 8500 has a longer range than the Valentine One, costs less but doesn't have directional or number of signals like the Valentine.
The Cobras- well from what I learned from customers- they sometimes work and other times aren't that great. Basically you get what you pay for. Like Black Deuce Coupe said- if you look for one under $200 dont expect much.
I have some experience with higher model Bel radars and have found them to work great. Don't really get any false signals and has an excellent range. I can't remember the model number but I'll find out, and most are priced fairly.
If anyone finds any of this info wrong please feel free to correct me.
The Cobras- well from what I learned from customers- they sometimes work and other times aren't that great. Basically you get what you pay for. Like Black Deuce Coupe said- if you look for one under $200 dont expect much.
I have some experience with higher model Bel radars and have found them to work great.
Don't really get any false signals and has an excellent range. I can't remember the model number but I'll find out, and most are priced fairly.If anyone finds any of this info wrong please feel free to correct me.
11-02-2002, 11:36 PM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (rc1320)
Valentine ONE!!! You have to know where it's coming from. And it took me about a week to figure out when it's a false alarm from other things. A cop was coming up from behind me, my V1 says it was coming from the back and it was getting closer and closer. Cop pulled right by me when i was going 60mph rather than my usual 70-80mph in a 55. Saved me points and a fine. Others don't have a sensor for the rear. The valentine one was number one for 8 or 9 years now. It's not the same V1 from nine years ago because they upgrade it and you can send your old one int to get it upgraded (for the price of the parts though).
POSITIVES:
Arrows
front and rear sensors
#1 for a long *** time
NEGATIVES:
$400 but it's worth it.
POSITIVES:
Arrows
front and rear sensors
#1 for a long *** time
NEGATIVES:
$400 but it's worth it.
11-03-2002, 12:08 AM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (AsnRefugee)
Damn.. i'm getting one too. I was thinking of getting the Valentine1, but now from reading some of these posts makes you wonder which is best... How about someone make another thread with a poll of some top quality radars...or just keep posting up on which is best..aslong as it dont exceed $400...
11-03-2002, 12:24 AM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (Spoon)
I own a Valentine 1 and I love it. I have a little problem with speeding, and since I got my Valentine, I havent been caught once, but avoided more then I can count. I dont care what Jason has to say about it, I LOVE MY VALENTINE 1 and it ROCKS!! Well worth the money, and I would buy it again if I had too.
11-03-2002, 01:41 PM
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Re: Best Radar Detector? (AsnRefugee)
Thanks for all the replies I think I can stretch my price range a bit between 200-300.00. I am looking at the valentine 1 or escort passport 8500 or even into the Bel 980. If you could keep posting some of the better ones it would be great!Thanks again-oh yeah, where is the best place to get these-Best Buy, ebay?
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"remember don't leave your detector in plain sight when unattended."
-good point.
I think I can stretch my price range a bit between 200-300.00. I am looking at the valentine 1 or escort passport 8500 or even into the Bel 980. If you could keep posting some of the better ones it would be great!Thanks again-oh yeah, where is the best place to get these-Best Buy, ebay?/
/
/
"remember don't leave your detector in plain sight when unattended."
-good point.
