Hello and Illinois/Iowa info - wanting to buy equipment

Hello, I live in Peoria, IL. I always search forums and read reviews for quite some time before making my purchases. I've been lurking around here for a couple days, and decided to join the community to get expert advice. I am in the market for a new radar detector and possibly some more of the goodies like veil, etc...

I travel from Peoria, IL to Iowa City, IA frequently, and would like to know any information that could be provided for me around here (i.e. types of radar/laser used, etc...). I am just getting started and looking to purchase a detector first off I believe.

I saw the escort 8500 (non-x50) refurbished with warranty on ebay for $150 with free shipping. I also have been looking at the Whistler Pro 78 too though. I guess my price point is $175 or lower. I would like to plop down $300 or more, but i'm not sure I want to invest that much at this time.

That said, I do like electronics and gadgets, and really don't speed often. The jammer technology is amazing and the new adhesives are interesting as well. I'm also very interested in the plate hiding devices. Before I begin purchasing equipment though, I thought I'd ask to see what I should be looking for in the area that I drive. I drive a 08 honda civic.

Thanks in advance,
dba72

Welcome aboard. Check the stickies in the "Speed Trap Info" forum for lists of radar bands and laser equipment used in specific areas. Also some discussion in the "Local Information" forum may be applicable to your area, if you search around.

Few if any people here would recommend a used detector for a first time owner. Not just because you have no warranty (and these things are prone to frequent warranty issues), but because there is no way to know if you will be happy with a detector until you use it. You can return a new detector bought from the manufacturer. You're stuck with anything you buy on eBay.

Not all detectors are so similar that one size fits all. Each has it's pros and cons, and many here would recommend that you narrow your choices down to two, buy both, then return the one you don't prefer for a refund. That way, you'll never wonder if the other one would have been a better choice, and you can compare differences side by side, not just on paper. Things to consider are whether you drive mostly highway, urban, or suburban. Whether you are a total speed maniac, just a highway speeder, or an average driver just hedging his bets. Whether you usually drive alone, or with a family or girlfriend who doesn't want to hear a noisy detector constantly chirping. Whether you want a technical, interactive experience with a detector that feeds you a lot of information to interpret, or just want a machine to stick on your dash and only give you the bare basics, and only when a threat is detected. Of course, you need to ask yourself what it's all worth to you. If you are the above mentioned speed maniac, then don't settle for anything but the best, or you're probably wasting your money. But if you are just the average driver trying to hedge his bets, there are lots of lesser options for you.

Before spending a single dime, head over to GOL for required reading for n00bs:

Radar Detector FAQ - Guys of LIDAR

Guys of LIDAR - Radar Detector Test - August 2007

Guys of LIDAR - Laser Jammer Test 2008

And there are very few questions that have not already been addressed at length here, probably in the last week, so take some time to browse the various forums here, and you'll feel a lot more confident in your buying decisions. Good luck!

So do you go to Iowa or Bradley?

If you haven't yet, you owe it to yourself to stop for food at Ross' Restaurant in Bettendorf, IA, at the first exit off 74 once you cross the Mississippi into Iowa. It is my all-time favorite meal.

Order the Volcano. Don't even bother with the menu. The only decision you need to make is whether you want fries or hash browns on it. I have never eaten one with hash browns because the first one I ate had fries, and I refuse to believe anything could ever be better.

It's a piece of Texas Toast (like toast, but bigger...) with a layer of either fries or hash browns, ground beef, chili, melted cheeze, and chopped onions. Garnish with liberal helpings of green Tabasco, and serve with a Mt. Dew.

Bon appetit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Green Monkey

Order the Volcano.

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I'm sure it's great, but what a horrible name for an entree'. The word "volcano" immediately makes me think of the explosive exit that's going to make the next day. :eek:

dba72,

Welcome aboard, I agree with Stealth Stalker. Find out what radar bands are used in your area. Is laser used heavily in your area. The best bang for the buck as far as new detectors are concerned is the Whistler Pro78/XTR690/XTR695. I personally like the intense blue display on the Pro78. The XTR-690 and XTR-695 have a backlight LCD display that can be difficult to read at times, but still good detection. The next best thing would be a Beltonics Vector series V940,955,965 or 995. So of the lower end units will false alot, but the Vecor line has great sensitivity. ( I don't think the Volcano will help with radar detection)

Good luck with detector search.

Whistler1 :D:D: