$50 amazon detectors

[napthalene]

Do detectors like this function AT ALL usefully, period?

I'm a bit tight on money right now but looking for a radar detector. If that's a POS then what might work well enough that it's even worth spending $50 or 60 on?

By useful I don't mean it can detect a LEO in LA from NY and filter out everything bad perfectly, just something that'll alert you with enough time to slow down in average driving around small towns or on highways.

[Swift101]

Do detectors like this function AT ALL usefully, period?

I'm a bit tight on money right now but looking for a radar detector. If that's a POS then what might work well enough that it's even worth spending $50 or 60 on?

By useful I don't mean it can detect a LEO in LA from NY and filter out everything bad perfectly, just something that'll alert you with enough time to slow down in average driving around small towns or on highways.

I bought the xtr-140 from Radio Shack for 20 bucks 2 years ago. Although it did pick up radar okay, it was way to anoying. It beeped constantly, if your on a budget look at the Beltronics Vector line up or their New Pro line up. Their solid performers and some of them are under 200 bucks. I also recommend a RD with selectable bands, so you can turn off bands that aren't used in your area.

[marksand]

I had a Whistler xtr-195. Found it on clearance at Radio Shack for $20. It was always falsing. Driving by other motorists with detectors, it would beep. The range wasn't great, either. Bought a RX65 for $220 and it is great, so far. Minimal falsing. Range is pretty good. I run it Highway mode, no X, sws off, and "pop" off.

[Super Dave]

Don't do it - save $20 a week until you can afford something good. Better to not have a false sense of security than to just wait. Look for a refurb Escort X50 from an authorized seller (like $150 or so I think?) or look at Escorts payment plans. Im not pushing Escort but both of those are good options on a budget.

Seriously dont waste money on something less than $100. You'll pay the hard way. Better to save up and do it right the 1st time.

Good luck.

[zr1]

Sub-$100 detectors are unfortunately quite dismal at being useful. Some perform in the 10-20 percentile range...that's a big fail to be trusting.

Getting into the "good" (as in B+ performance) starts around $150, but every once in a while, a deal can be found, such as searching eBay for a used Vector 955 for $67 or something.

Some to look for deals on:
Bel Vector 940, 955, 965, 995
Bel V6, V8
Escort 8500
Whistler Pro 78 SE or 695

The downside of buying used is that it may need to be serviced by the factory for a fee...but on the plus side, after they service it, it's typically running really good.

[napthalene]

Think I'll stick with the saving method for now.

[Super Dave]

Sub-$100 detectors are unfortunately quite dismal at being useful. Some perform in the 10-20 percentile range...that's a big fail to be trusting.

Getting into the "good" (as in B+ performance) starts around $150, but every once in a while, a deal can be found, such as searching eBay for a used Vector 955 for $67 or something.

Some to look for deals on:
Bel Vector 940, 955, 965, 995
Bel V6, V8
Escort 8500
Whistler Pro 78 SE or 695

The downside of buying used is that it may need to be serviced by the factory for a fee...but on the plus side, after they service it, it's typically running really good.

All of these are good choices. Believe me, a lot of us on here myself included tried go go cheap at the beginning but ended up buying the best after awhile. Would have been better to save and just do it right the 1st time. There really is a night and day difference in a good detector.

[Marauder]

Get a used x50 off eBay for $150

[OpenRoad]

I had one of the sub par detectors back in the day. Even got a ticket with it. It detected when the cop came up behind me with his red lights on.

[dr_King]

He will learn the hard way.......