Price isn’t everything when it comes to choosing a good radar detector for your car. Though many seem to cost a lot (several hundred dollars) they won’t have nearly all of the features that a $500 top-of-the line radar detector has. Are these devices really worth it? Further, are there any good laser radar detectors available that can work with a smaller budget? These questions are answered best by actual reviews of the detectors, as reported by drivers themselves.
Priced at about $500, the Escort Passport 9500ix is currently the top-rated device for radar detection. It comes pre-programmed with thousands of red light camera and speed camera locations in North America and outperforms all of the others in long-range detection. What that means to the driver is that they will know far in advance of an approaching police radar gun or speed detecting camera and have the chance to slow down before it’s too late. This goes a long way towards getting the value of the device right back out of it the very first time it’s used. This unit also offers 360-degree laser protection, all-band radar and laser protection, variable-speed sensitivity for city and highway driving, and GPS-powered Truelock. Right now, this GPS radar detector is untouchable!
For less than $250, you’ll have to give up some of the features that make the Escort 9500ix such a powerful driving tool. However, a very good choice for a less costly detector is the Beltronics Vector 995 radar detector. This device is able to provide 10X range for radar detection and alerts the driver in advance to avoid getting caught in a “ticket zone”. All operating radar and laser bands of police radar guns are covered with this unit, so it provides superior, full-coverage protection. Another great feature is that it has a voice alert, usually unavailable with less expensive models. This helps drivers to hear the alert and take action immediately.
At about $170, the Beltronics Vector has been road tested and has passed! Like the Vector 995 described above, the 955 also offers VG-2 radar detection, while also featuring auto scan for all laser and radar signals from police. With clear voice alerts, it’s even easier to take immediate action while driving. The display offers brightness control for daytime and nighttime driving conditions. Though drivers will have to give up 2X range of detection in distance, this unit performs very well at 8X.
Whether you’re ready to take the plunge and equip your vehicle with the best radar detector available or if you’re thinking more along the lines of a value purchase, any of these 3 models deliver performance, reliability, and road-tested approvals by real users like you!
Ten times better then the built-in Nav system in our Mercedes…which reguires upgrades every few years which cost more then the Garmin does!!!!!