I know this is a topic that always draws some very strong opinions, but what are you using for a radar detector? What are the best one on the market right now?

 

the very best two are the Valentine 1 and the Escort Passport 9500ix.

not much innovation in radar detection technology. those two have probably been the winners for 5+ years.


then you get into smart radar detectors that go hand in hand with your smart phone.
however, those seem too gimmicky to me and wouldnt be that useful

 

If laser is used where you drive, you need something with a shifter/diffuser. Otherwise, you will be toast. The new Escort 9500 ci Pro uses Laser Interceptor heads which are some of the best out there. You can also get Laser Interceptor products directly from them(LI). The stand alones can be used in conjunction with a windshield mount detecotr.

If no laser is really needed the V1, 9500is, and Max 2 are all great units.

 

Well with Laser, passive counter-measures seems bit futile due to the nature of the beast. I'd want a full jamming system from LI to maximize LIDAR protection.


I think as long as your local/state law allows, active-countermeasures should be used if you are concerned about lasers. (acitive countermeasures against radar is FCC-banned and with good reason)

PDs are getting richer and some of the nicer suburb cops probably are using LIDAR these days.

A doc I was shadowing in med school had a Lincoln LS with a laser jammer, it paid off for him apparently.

Though personally I wouldn't waste just a little radar detector for speeding protection. I'd want it fully prepped for my weekend warrior car (preferably no headlight surface area to minimize the reflection of the LIDAR/radar, aka 1st gen NSX or a C5 vette with the pop up head light, matte black body, minimal front end surface area would provide maximum protection, V1 and of course active laser jamming all around)

 

I've driven with a Passport x50 and 9500xi for over 10 years. I've only been pulled over once and that was because I was lasered. The 9500xi did pick it up but it was too late.


I like the 9500xi because of the updates you can push to it for red-light cameras and speed cameras. Here in Missouri some areas, while they still have the cameras cannot enforce them due to judgments against how legal they really are since they may not allow you to face your accuser.


My friend has a Valentine 1 and while it is an exceptional detector I would say that the added features of GPS and auto dimming audible alerts with the passport 9500xi it is worth it.


I agree with Justnspace about the Live feature. The only way that really works is if you know a lot of people in the area use and pay for that smart cord. Eventually I will get a hardwire kit for my detector and I may purchase the live kit for it but I don't think $100 for that is reasonable.