My parents are getting me a radar dectector for Christmas but I have to tell them which one to get (my idea). They won't spend more than $150 on it. I know that won't get me one full of features but all I need is one that is good at detecting radar (k,x,ka bands). They don't use laser in my neighborhood so thats not that important. I also want one that has voice alerts and is good at ignoring false alarms. Any ideas?

 

I like my Bel 950 It was $200 shipped from www.thecameraclub.com about a year ago.

Maybe get a cheaper version, but stick with Bel for your price range.

 

What about cobra? I can get the cobra 9220wx from ebay only $73 shipped. Good or bad things about Cobra?

 

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cobra sucks. get a bel. bel is owned by cincinnatti microwave.... the same company that makes the escort and passport.

 

try www.radartest.com You can figure out which is the best for your money.
there are a bunch of other sites and places that test detectors but cant think of them.
radartest will also explain how radar and laser work and all that stuff. there is a lot of good info there.
I just ordered my Escort Passport 8500 Monday...wooHOOOO
I got it from www.RadarSource.com because if any store sells a Escort Passport for less then $299 it voids the warrenty and but at radarsource the give free shipping and of course no tax online.

If I were you I would just pay for half youself then you can spend 300 instead of $150, but I know that is easier said then done.

 

Just FYI, radartest.com was compiled by a man that has a serious grudge against Mike Valentine. But that's out of your price range anyway.

 

true...just find other places then

Click here to see how many places rated the Escort Passport 8500 #1

Of the tests shown on this page, IF the Valentine 1 got rated #1 on the tests that the passport did not get #1 then the score is V1 -> 9, and Passport -> 7.

 

Actually only a few of those sites ranked it #1. And you got it off of the Escort site, come on bro. All I know is that the directional arrows by themselves are worth the premium over the Passport. Car and Driver is the golden standard of automotive magazines, and they agree with me. Who cares if the V1 has a range of 3.5 miles and the 8500 has a range of 5.0 miles?

 

Don't get a Cobra. I know, i own one and i've seen them work. the higher model ones don't even work very well. all they're good for is to look flashy and provide other cool gadgets like compasses.

i'd say get the bel 980. it seems to be the best deal and it actually works. the escort would be next...valentine one if you have the money. i hear nothing but good things about it...except the price.

 

see post below