[MRLZL1LE]

I'm sure there are other posts on this topic but i didn't see it in the first three pages so here we go:

What is the best value radar/laser detector on the market right now? I dont mind spending a lot, but it needs to be worth it!

Let's hear everyone's favorites with the reasoning.

[Tyestick]

The ‘best’ radar detector will be rather subjective.
Depends on what features you’re looking for... GPS? Bluetooth? The list goes on...

I run a V1 Valentine. Runs awesome. There’s a V2 Valentine that was just released earlier this year, but I’m wait for some in depth reviews before I consider making that jump.

Here’s a quick video on my V1 in action below..

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by MRLZL1LE

I'm sure there are other posts on this topic but i didn't see it in the first three pages so here we go:

What is the best value radar/laser detector on the market right now? I dont mind spending a lot, but it needs to be worth it!

Let's hear everyone's favorites with the reasoning.

You'll mostly hear about the Valentine One and the Uniden R7, these both have directional arrows to indicate where the threats are coming from, along with a slew of additional features.

Just wanted to make one point, almost all medium and higher end detectors, including these two, have laser, but it's pretty useless IMO: when they go off, you are already tagged, so I wouldn't factor that too heavily into my buying decision.

[DILLIGAF]

You'll need a jammer to protect yourself from laser.

I have had the Valentine One Gen 2 for a couple weeks, I think it is worth the upgrade. it is much quieter than the gen 1. It has superior blind spot monitoring system filtering (few false k-band alerts) and also less k-band falses due to automatic doors and security systems. anything the unit lacks (like gps lockouts, for 1 example) can be taken care of using the built in bluetooth connection and an app on your phone (JBV1, which is android only, or V1 Driver for apple or android). unfortunately valentine is shutdown due to Corona virus but in my opinion the V1 Gen2 is the way to go. "Vortex Radar" on youtube has a lot of good videos and should be able to answer all your questions.

[KingVictor501]

Had the dashcam for a while with my Escort ix. Upraded to the Redline 360c last week and currently waiting on my laser shifters to get delivered.

[UnknownJinX]

I was going to get the Valentine One Gen 2 because they have a discount for you returning your Gen 1(which I had), but my Gen 1 was flooded along with the Corvette, so there went that plan. Then Gen 1 worked for me when I had my RX-8, but it didn't work as well for some reason when I had my beater Accord. Might just be getting old.

I decided to go with a refurbished Uniden R7, which saved me CAN$100 from the standard price and it's pretty much brand new with a third party warranty so I am still covered. So far it's working pretty great for me.

From what I have seen on YouTube, Uniden R7 has more functions built-in while Valentine One Gen 2 does less on its own but more with a phone connection. Personally I don't like screwing around with a phone when driving(especially considering BC is going a bit overboard with its distracted driving enforcement; people were ticketed for just having the phone in the cupholder), so I prefer the R7.



I wired mine using the Gen5DIY kit which is a very clean solution. If you go with Valentine One, they have the SAVVY for powering the unit as well as setting the quiet mode speed threshold.

[DaveC113]

V2, R3/R7, and Redline are all good. I've never really understood the need for directional arrows. If you're getting clocked you're getting clocked, the result is exactly the same no matter where they are and in all cases your reactions are the same, you make sure you're not speeding. What I find more useful is the level meter, it's nice to know if they're far away or you're getting clocked RIGHT NOW. So Redline has worked well for me but Uniden is arguably better right now, it's splitting hairs though. Whatever you like will work great.

Laser is an issue. Jamming isn't legal in all states. I've been using Waze on Android Auto and it's pretty good for letting you know where speed traps are. Waze + a RD works pretty well.

State Patrol has been getting better though, they now do instant-on Ka band as they're cruising. This gives you no early warning and very little time to slow down. Most cops just leave the radar on, which gives you more than enough time. This is the biggest threat but they don't do this everywhere, luckily.

[Petrol Head]

You'll have your Valentine folks and your Escort folks. I've had 3 Escorts over the last 22 years. Frankly my 1998 7500 would probably still be just fine for 99% of the driving most people do. I bought the 9500 in 2008 for satellite location of red light and speed cameras, and then just a few months ago bought the Max 360 for the arrows (sorry V1 guys, Valentine let the proprietary patent run out on it lol)

If you stick with either Escort or Valentine you can't go wrong. They're both equally excellent and reliable. I wouldn't even bother messing with anything else if you're serious about it.

[gblaue]

The IVT filtering feature implemented in the Escort radar detectors is an absolute must have. Car manufacturers , mainly Honda, has been dumping their rear and side collision detection in the 24GHz band. I have two Escort detectors. An iX and an iXc. The iXc is the replacement for the iX. The main difference is the addition of IVT filtering. It almost never falses when coming in range of a Honda vehicle. The iX(c) are both long range detectors. It will find a Honda from 2 miles away, literally.

[JSH]

Radar and laser detection will eventually cost you bucks and points. Exterior radar and laser shifting is much better but radar will eventually catch you

[Petrol Head]

Originally Posted by JSH

Radar and laser detection will eventually cost you bucks and points. Exterior radar and laser shifting is much better but radar will eventually catch you

Kinda confused by your statement.

First it’s illegal to shift radar. Radar is radio, governed by the FCC. You mess with that and you could be looking at serious charges.

You can shift laser, but not in all states. Key to it is stealth installation and a secret, handy kill switch to turn it off the second you’re pegged. First read cop gets an error, second read he gets your real speed.

And how does detection cost you big bucks and points? Detectors are only illegal in Va and DC.

Radar will catch you? How? Ka is Ka, if you have a detector and follow it you’ll never get a ticket from radar. Laser? Yeah. But not radar.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Petrol Head

Radar will catch you? How? Ka is Ka, if you have a detector and follow it you’ll never get a ticket from radar. Laser? Yeah. But not radar.

Wrong. My point was that most people use a device with radar and laser detection. You will definitely get tickets with a detection setup because the officer's signal will hit your car BEFORE you can react. I got a ticket from radar in my GTR (with radar detection/laser shifting) a few years ago. The officer rounded a curved about 1/2 mile ahead with her radar on.

The best setup we can buy is radar detection and laser shifting, which I have. Radar detection will prevent most tickets, but not all, and, if setup properly, 360 degree laser shifting SHOULD prevent all tickets but I'm betting that it won't.

[gblaue]

Here in MA, A small ticket will cost you $500 with the ticket and surcharge for the next 3-6 years. If I buy a $500 detector, and it saves me one time, it pays for itself. That said, the best solution is to not use a radar detector as a crutch. Use it in combination with Waze, and you will be pretty safe.


I have an Escort iX and iXc. Both are long range detectors, and work very well at sniffing 2-3 miles out.

[Petrol Head]

Originally Posted by JSH

Wrong. My point was that most people use a device with radar and laser detection. You will definitely get tickets with a detection setup because the officer's signal will hit your car BEFORE you can react.

Like I said, with laser yes, but not with radar. If you got pinched by radar you weren't paying attention. Curves in the road don't affect radar. They just need something metal to bounce off of and your detector picks it up.