what do you look for in a detector?

[bigdaub]

curios what you guys look for when selecting a detector. also, are the higher priced models really work that much better than the average priced (not the cheap stuff) models? yeah, i've checked all the tests and all but want some real life comments for actual users. thanks!

[SmaartAasSaabr]

SPECTRE PROOFING!!

Yes.

[bigdaub]

o' wise smaartaas,

please educate me, what's spectre?

[ES13Raven]

SPECTRE PROOFING!!
That is really only important if you live in a place where RDs are illegal, or if you drive a Mack Truck.

I say the most important feature is filtering. All of the top models are pretty good at long range warnings, but some are better than others at filtering out false alerts. :wink:

[BuckeyeCivic98]

1. Filtering
2. Range
3. Price

[Iknox]

1.Range
2.Spectra Defeatablity
3.Price
4.Filtering System
5.Range oh did i already say that :twisted:
6.Decent Laser Detection

[time2fly]

IMO, the top detectors are worth the extra cost when compared to the mid-priced models. You may find a mid-range detector that looks good in tests such as range, over the hill sensitivity, etc. but if it falses a lot and you lose trust in it, what good is it? How does it work in real driving environments? I would suggest either getting a decent $100 detector like a Whistler or go ahead and get one of the top 3. There's not much point in spending $200 or $250...you might as well get the best.

Radar detectors seem to be one of those products where you really do "get what you pay for".

My priorities for a detector are:
1. filtering
2. range
3. distinct audio alerts for different radar bands
4. accurate alerts to proximity of radar source
5. physical features (mount, display, etc.)

[Hessen]

SPECTRE PROOFING!!

Yes.

Absolutely.......

:wink:

[SmaartAasSaabr]

o' wise smaartaas,

please educate me, what's spectre?

A Spectre is a highly effective radar-detector-detector. Basically this is only of importance to one wishing to use an RD illegally however. Though I prefer the term "clandestine" 8)

[Won Hunglo]

Arrows!!!

How did I ever live without them?

[mcouture]

It had been a few years since I had a detector and I too was "wondering" what to look for. It basically is 1.) range, 2.) filtering, 3.) other features, and 4.) support

I looked at the possibility of getting a low-end detector and I basically didn't want a "throw away" unit.

Looking at the V1, the "other features" sold me once I used it. The "feature" I'm talking about is the arrows. To be able to tell where the alert is coming from "Means Everything!". Support seems top-notch when I've called/e-mailed them too.

Other people have more working knowledge of all the brands here, but from my research, "the top 3" are all close in specs so "service" and "other features" is the selling point....for me.

My 2 pennies worth....