Help me choose the best detector for my needs

[neodrive]

First off, i would like to stay around the $500 range so the STI-r would be off limits. From what I have read the front runners would be the V1, Redline, and 9500ix. I do have a smartphone so the ESCORT LIVE seems kind of appealing. But more importantly, many agencies in my area use laser predominantly, so I/O detection must be good. I believe the V1 has the best detection in this category, but I am wondering whether the I/O detection for the ESCORT is updated through hardware or software. In other words, if ESCORT bumps up there detection, will it be available by a simple firmware download? Also are the different versions of the V1 I see in these threads software or hardware revisions? I live in CA so laser jammers are illegal. what are my best options here? And one more thing...does anyone know if the companies will be coming out with any new detectors, or are the ones that are out now here to stay for awhile? The same question applies to radar technologies...are the cops going to keep using lasers and Ka or will they be switching bands/ technologies soon? I am new to this so any help is appreciated.

[hostile1313]

V1 and Redline have similar range, Redline may be a bit better for constant on but the V1 picks up quick trigger better. Would say that the Redline is typically better at reducing falses. I also have the 9500IX, and while it doesn't have quite the range as the V1 or Redline, or the off-axis detection (tunnel vision), it is loaded with usable features. The 9500IX eliminates all falses after it has had multiple passes. It will notify you off redlight cameras, speedtraps, speedcams, marked locations. It also suppresses alerts to 1 or 2 squawks below a certain speed. If you want to use the escort-live capable then you will be tied to and escort/beltronics. The V1 has savvy now available and serves a purpose but doesn't have the social networking that the escort-live does.
Now, nobody can tell you what is the best radar detector for you, it is completely opinionated once you get into the top line detectors. My personal opinions are listed below based on intended purposes.
Cities:9500IX, after time gives virtually no falses, and has plenty of range or around city driving.
Rural:if you are worried about QT then you want a V1. If you want to reduce the false alerts and ability to integrate escort live, then the Redline.

[powerpickle]

I would also include the STI Magnum and X50 black in your choices. Any one of them and you will be fine if you drive smart.

[AvsBest]

For windshield mounted detectors, the best one for I/O and Laser is V1

[NormSky]

"...if Escort..."

[neodrive]

thanks for the replys guys. I was kind of leaning towards the V1, but after sleeping on it, I don't know if now is really the best time to get a radar detector. I know the local police use mostly laser here in CA and the CHP use a combo of Ka/L but I don't drive the highways long distances. For effective laser protection, I would need a jammer which are illegal here. Not that I care much, but it would be expensive to buy a decent jammer along with a decent detector. i was thinking about veil but don't know the verdict on that stuff yet. Haven't read too much about it. I feel like laser detection is just not there yet and now is not the best time to jump in and spend a lot of money for just half ass protection. Does anyone else feel this way?

[Varactor]

I have had a total of 4 Escort Passports over the years and the latest model that I use is the Redline.

I also recently acquired a new Valentine One and I have since been comparing the two side by side.

Let me say first that both are excellent detectors and that both are comparable in many cases. Either would be an excellent detector to own.

However it is amazing (as an experience user) how nice it is to finally know where the LEO is - the V1's arrows are certainly not just a gimmick. Also, I believe that the V1 is more responsive to little short bursts of radar which happens when a LEO is I/O'ing the passing traffic.

Both can be programmed to be very quiet depending on your preferences. It is a myth that the V1 falses more (perhaps some earlier version?).

I like the voice feature of the Redline and the frequency readout. But I now give the overall edge to the V1 for it's arrows, extra rear detection, laser and I/O radar features (although in the case of laser you'd be better off with a LI).

I like having BOTH - but if I was forced to return just one it would (sadly) now have to be the Redline (and that's after years of being an Escort user).

Bob

[EscortRadar]

thanks for the replys guys. I was kind of leaning towards the V1, but after sleeping on it, I don't know if now is really the best time to get a radar detector. I know the local police use mostly laser here in CA and the CHP use a combo of Ka/L but I don't drive the highways long distances. For effective laser protection, I would need a jammer which are illegal here. Not that I care much, but it would be expensive to buy a decent jammer along with a decent detector. i was thinking about veil but don't know the verdict on that stuff yet. Haven't read too much about it. I feel like laser detection is just not there yet and now is not the best time to jump in and spend a lot of money for just half ass protection. Does anyone else feel this way?

Our Escort Live smartphone app is a great solution to laser and instant on. Paired with a RedLine you will enjoy TrueLock false elimination, alerts to fixed location cameras which normal detectors do not detect, and you will receive Live alerts from other Escort Live users. Someone using Escort Live 10 minutes ahead of you got hit with laser? You will be notified well before you are in range of it Escort Live users can even mark "cop spotted" alerts if they are using VASCAR (a timing method to measure speed, undetectable) or if they didn't shoot you. These fade away over time so that you aren't being alerted to stale information.

[Idontgo55]

No Escort Live is a Fail use that 80bucks for a cobra better chance of getting a save with that then live!!!

If you can't afford the STI plus /Li go with a Red line 500 is only going to get you a Rd No jammer

[TwoLitersOfFury]

thanks for the replys guys. I was kind of leaning towards the V1, but after sleeping on it, I don't know if now is really the best time to get a radar detector. I know the local police use mostly laser here in CA and the CHP use a combo of Ka/L but I don't drive the highways long distances. For effective laser protection, I would need a jammer which are illegal here. Not that I care much, but it would be expensive to buy a decent jammer along with a decent detector. i was thinking about veil but don't know the verdict on that stuff yet. Haven't read too much about it. I feel like laser detection is just not there yet and now is not the best time to jump in and spend a lot of money for just half ass protection. Does anyone else feel this way?

just get a laser jammer and beltronics rx65 running in KA-USA mode...

do not jam the cop for more then you need to, once you slow down, kill the jammers and let him get your speed. also the beltronics rx65 in ka-usa mode is pretty good at sniffing out instant on radar.