Radar detector suggestions?

J

Joel C

New member
Hello,

I’m considering picking up a radar detector for my 2013 4R. I’m not the type that drives like a mad man but I thought it may be a nice little accessory. I’ve been driving for over 35 years and never owned one so my questions are what’s a decent manufacturer and model, and do they really work? I just wonder if it’s worth getting one? I’ve been reading some reviews and the Escort Passport 9500ix scores well, has anyone tried that model?

Thank you,
Joel
 
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Joel C said:
Hello,

I’m considering picking up a radar detector for my 2013 4R. I’m not the type that drives like a mad man but I thought it may be a nice little accessory. I’ve been driving for over 35 years and never owned one so my questions are what’s a decent manufacturer and model, and do they really work? I just wonder if it’s worth getting one? I’ve been reading some reviews and the Escort Passport 9500ix scores well, has anyone tried that model?

Thank you,
Joel
Click to expand...

I run the Escort 8500 X50 and could not be happier with it, but it all comes down to how much $$$ you want to spend and what options you really need or want. For me the 9500ix was 'too much' of what I did not need, but it is a great unit! And if you want to mount it nicely there are a number of threads how to do so, but I would recommend getting a Blend Mount and WireTap...

BlendMount Custom Radar Detector Mounts Escort Beltronics Valentine One

Blendmount.com - MirrorTap Power Cords
 
I had a valentine one in my 04 WRX and it worked very well for radar that is left on. I am not sure how useful radar detectors are these days since most cops use instant on radar or laser. With instant on laser you could get a laser jammer to protect yourself but these are about $700.

Next month we are selling our highlander and getting a civic si and I have been debating a laser jammer vs a radar detector or building my own laser jammer.

Before getting a radar detector you might want to find out what cops in your area are using because you may just be wasting your money.
 
Valentine1

I have enjoyed flawless performance from mine since buying it in 1999. It indicates band type, direction, signal strength, number of 'bogeys' and direction; it also detects laser. You can run it in different modes for city and highway. I haven't kept up with the technology, but at the time it was the best available by far. It still works.
I was a terrible degenerate speeder in my younger days. I have never received a ticket when running the Valentine 1. And I got many when not using it.
I am hardly the leadfoot I used to be (for many reasons) but I still run with my Valentine 1--just to know where The Man is some of the time.
 
^^^ I thought detectors in VA were illegal? :police:

Usually Valentine 1 and Escort detectors are highly regarded in the industry. If you want arrows telling you where the alert is coming from ("situational awareness" I think is the term they use), then get a Valentine 1. If you go past places that have false positives (automatic doors at grocery stores), then you might want to look at the Escort with the GPS built in (don't remember the model).

Blendmount is a good add on to your rear view mirror so you dont have to use the suction cups. You can also hardwire your detector or make/buy a cable that taps into your dimming mirror so that you don't have a cord dangling from your windshield.

Check out Radar Detector Jammer Forum for more info. Also http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/59975-anyone-hardwire-radar-detector-yet.html for hardwiring and mounting the detector.

Remember, if you're first in line when the cop turns on his radar, you're toast. It only helps you if you aren't the first one to get zapped. That's where the jammers come into play, but those are a lot more $$$$$$.

From what I read, the higher you mount the detector, the better the range is for your detector.
 
valentine, beltronics, escort. the upper end on the last two are good. I had bel rx65 i think. worked well, saved my but a few times, still got tickets other times. lol. Apparently they make a "leak-proof" undetectable detector now.... option for us in VA hunted down by the lawman. :police:
 
+1 for the V1.

Once you have lived with the arrows and can say "oh, the target was that undercover sedan" or "whoa, the cop was behind those bushes" it's hard to go back to not knowing exactly where the radar originated from. Speaking as an EE that designs radar systems 1,000,000x more complex, the guts of the V1 are pretty good for the money.
 
I have the Escort 9500 and Blendmount in my SR5. Like the GPS feature and marking of known radar sources. Very good detector. I run the Escort Redline in my fast toy, '11 Corvette GS, it has the ultimate range but will get a few more false alerts. I would suggest the 9500 for everyday use. I have run Escorts for 20+ years and they have saved me many, many times. Valentine 1 is also a good detector, but Escort has never let me down. I wouldn't buy anything but those 2 brands.
 
I have had the Escort 8500 x50 and the 9500ix. Both are good at detecting, but the 9500ix is pretty amazing at knocking out false signals, especially in areas that you drive often. Unfortunately, someone broke into my 4Runner after a late night shift in the hospital and stole the 9500ix and some other equipment I had the car (ipod, tools, etc) :mad2:.
 
JFS said:
Mason said:
^^^ I thought detectors in VA were illegal? :police:

I think you are right--at least that's what the signs say. Maybe the reason why my V1 has been so effective?
Click to expand...

They are only illegal if you get caught :)

But yeah definitely illegal in VA, and also DC. I've never tested the waters with the cops around here, I usually put my v1 away when I get into the state.

I'd imagine they would only hassle you if you get pulled over and you have it sitting there in the open? Not sure how it works, maybe they might confiscate it like they do in Canada?
Click to expand...
 
JFS said:
They are only illegal if you get caught :)

But yeah definitely illegal in VA, and also DC. I've never tested the waters with the cops around here, I usually put my v1 away when I get into the state.

I'd imagine they would only hassle you if you get pulled over and you have it sitting there in the open? Not sure how it works, maybe they might confiscate it like they do in Canada?
Click to expand...

I remember passing through VA a few years back and seeing those signs. I thought I read somewhere that some VA police have detectors that detect radar detectors and fine/confiscate them if you are caught with one. I'm not sure how it works though...
 
V1 hardwired to the map lights and a blendmount.
yta2etav.jpg
 
Bell RX65. Have had for 5 years now. Excellent KA performance which is crucial in FL.

It outperfomed V1 in some tests in the review i read back then. I dont even speed anymore but like to know what is ahead and watch people blindly speed into tickets.
 
Ive had passport 7500, 8500, 9500ix, and their laser shifter forgot the name of it. Im currently on my second V1 and I love it. In my last car I had a V1 and passport's laser jammer which I loved. I basically had the best of both worlds. Since purchasing the 4runner I just have a V1 since Im my driving habits have changed.

If anything purchase a passport 9500ix and a V1 to run them side by side. See which one you like more, keep it and return the other one.
 
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