Hi from NY's Capital District

[rmm518]

Hey guys, new guy from upstate NY. 25 yrs old, male, work in Albany and live 20 min away. I don't know that much about the RD game, I just started researching a few days ago and decided it's time to get 1. Don't ask why i've waited so long to get 1!
Been very lucky though, haven't got a speeding ticket in 4-5 yrs without an RD. With the way I speed sometimes on the way to and from work, it's a miracle

What RD do you recommend? My price range is max $500. I know a little about the good 1's (redline, sti, valentine). Do you have to keep them updated somehow? What's the maintenance with them?

Take it ez and merry xmas

[speeddemon]

Welcome lots of wise folks here, It all depends on your driving area don't forget about a good laser jammer

[Weeth]

Welcome!

All three detectors you mentioned are great. I've got a Escort 9500ix and V1. They both serve their purposes. The escort is quiet for city use and the V1 excels for extreme sensitivity on the highway. I recommend either based on your driving environment and goals. They're both in your price range as well. The 9500ix requires a subscription to the database for gps updates. Every week or so, you can install updates via PC.

[Akosikojak]

Recommending a RD to somebody is kinda like recommending Ice Cream to somebody, only you will know what's right for you after trying it for yourself.

The V1 = Great / Redline = Great / Sti = good , but remember this is my opinion based on my experiences. For $500 you can get a very fine RD though.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year right back at ya.

Welcome to our most excellent forum

[rmm518]

I think i'm gonna go with an escort. What's the difference redline vs. 9500ix? Also, how much more do you get for the extra $200 vs. going down to a 8500 x50?

[Weeth]

I think i'm gonna go with an escort. What's the difference redline vs. 9500ix? Also, how much more do you get for the extra $200 vs. going down to a 8500 x50?

The difference is the antenna and gps. The redline's got a better M3 antenna and the ix has a M4. The M4 is also in some of the x50's. With the RL, you get more sensitivity and better range. I've read that the ix has slightly better range than the x50. No gps in x50.

It really depends on your driving environment. Are there lots of redlight cameras? Lots of shopping centers with false alarms? If so you may consider a ix. The gps filter's a big advantage to the ix since it allows for a quieter ride by locking out false alarms. It's accurate- When you hear an alert, it's likely real!

If sensitivity's your goal, you may consider test driving a V1 before the RL since it's cheaper. They're both very respected detectors.

Check out the escort and valentine forums for more info...

I think that the 9500ix is the best well rounded detector though.

[spartcus]

Yep! any one of those will be good but like someone said that it's all depend on your area. If you plan on going thru D.C or Virginia you might think about the Sti or Redline.

[Vette6893]

Welcome to the forum. Be sure to read as much as you can before you make a decision. Escort / Bell and Valentine are the best RD on the market today but ther are still alot of choices. Consider range, sensitivity, filtering, ability to pick up IO/QT, your driving style and the roads that you travel. Good luck.

[glock4348]

Merry Xmas.

I'd go with a Valentine One[v1]. If you frequent highways- especially in NY where LIDAR[laser] is a big problem. V1's laser sensitivity is AWSOME. I would also invest in a Laser Jammer- since a RD's laser alarm means u already got a ticket.

[milkman]

Welcome to the forum and if you are going with an Escort then I personally would go for the Redline. It has shown us amazing RANGE but for $100 less you can pick up a V1!