View Full Version : Looking to spend $200-300, what should I get?
I'm sure there are tons of topics like this, but hopefully you guys will indulge me anyway.
I was originally planning to get a Cobra 9960G, but after seeing everyone here trash that brand I doubt that's the way to go. Is there anything you would recommend for this price range? (in before snappy answers like "I RECOMMEND NOT SPEEDING LOL")
I drive in PA, NJ, NY and once in a blue moon I go down to VA/DC; and my vehicle is a Chevrolet Equinox.
It would also help if it's one I can pick up in a store fairly easily, as my credit is maxed at the moment keeping me from ordering anything online. This isn't a major issue though.
AirMoore
09-13-2009, 04:14 PM
A V995 would fit your bill perfectly IMO. Thats what I would choose and you can get them for a little over 200 brand-new from an authorized dealer.
$200-$300 is a respectable amount of money for a first RD... we just get those people who say "I have $100 not a dollar more, I would like to spend $80 or less though if possible".
Thanks, I'll check it out. What makes the V995 superior to other detectors in its price range?
Also, I've asked this a few times but no one seems to know/notice: are there any dashboard friction mounts for radar detectors, or am I stuck sticking it to my windshield?
stlcardsfan
09-13-2009, 04:24 PM
Consider a used V1. Pre-POP models run in that price range. Make sure its not stolen and is functional though.
legacy
09-13-2009, 04:37 PM
If you can squeeze out another 60 bucks, for $360 Valentine one will give you one of it's returns.
They allow you to purchase one for $400 and try it for 30 days. The ones returned are sold for $40 less.
They're checked and resent out. Thats what I did. I could'nt find any trace of a fingerprint that it had been used or even opened before. Very happy with purchase.
So for another 60 bucks you could "settle" for what many consider the flagship of radar detectors. Not bad eh?
Is the Valentine visible to those Spectre units the police have?
rsatmans
09-13-2009, 04:52 PM
Why not get a refurbished 8500 straight from escort on ebay for $150. If you aren't going to get a top tier ($400^) this is almost as good as it gets. It includes a 6 month warranty and I think a 2 week return policy.
Why not get a refurbished 8500 straight from escort on ebay for $150. If you aren't going to get a top tier ($400^) this is almost as good as it gets. It includes a 6 month warranty and I think a 2 week return policy.
That sounds like a good option. How does the 8500 compare to the Valentine 1 and the V995?
category4
09-13-2009, 05:15 PM
It's not a V1 or 9500ix or STi, but it's not $400-$500 either and I think it compares favorably with the 995.
http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html
I see some guys online questioning its pop radar detection, is this something to be concerned with?
category4
09-13-2009, 05:19 PM
I see some guys online questioning its pop radar detection, is this something to be concerned with?
POP is nothing to be concerned with. I have POP turned off on all my detectors. Unless you want to know when a Cobra is around then leave it on.
That's reassuring. How about radar detection detection? Am I at risk with the 8500 in VA/DC?
category4
09-13-2009, 05:25 PM
That's reassuring. How about radar detection detection? Am I at risk with the 8500 in VA/DC?
The only guarantee with that is the STi, STi-R and 9500ci. They range from 500 to 1600. Though the guys in Michigan did a test recently and there was another unit that did not get detected. Let me look for that video.
It was the Whistler Pro 78 that it did not detect. The 8500 it probably will. If you live or drive a lot in VA I think I would throw the extra $200 in and get a STi.
Stealth Stalker
09-13-2009, 05:32 PM
There's only one detector in the sub-$360 dollar range that I can recommend: Pro-78 SE (http://www.radarbusters.com/radar-detectors/whistler-radar-detectors/whistlerpro78seradarlaserdetector.cfm)
While Cobras are probably not the overall worst, they are very poor performers for the dollar, all the way around. Bel and Escort are overpriced and have serious flaws in their protection. It'll be a very long time before I ever buy another one.
POP may or may not be a concern for you. A lot of people say it is not a concern for anyone, and there is some limited truth to that. But I don't like to ignore any threat.
rsatmans
09-13-2009, 07:18 PM
NVM
pft
sounds like Virginia will do anything to get their shakedown money
snoopyc4
09-13-2009, 08:12 PM
There is no RD between $200-300 that is completely immune to RDDs. You're going to have to go up the $500 if you want to be immune to RDDs.
That's what it looks like, yeah. What happens if you're caught with one in a state where they're banned, apart from confiscation?
trailtow
09-13-2009, 08:48 PM
That's what it looks like, yeah. What happens if you're caught with one in a state where they're banned, apart from confiscation?
usually a decent sized fine
asianfire
09-13-2009, 09:00 PM
Obviously, I live in VA. I ran my V895 for years and never got a ticket for the RD (Although, I did get a few for speeding cause I was being stupid). I got the STI for the better performance as well as the complete assurance that I was protected from the Spectre.
But IMO, I wouldn't spend the extra $$ for the protection if that is the only reason. Remember, even if you get caught, there are no points and it is only about $125.
Pokerpot
09-13-2009, 09:20 PM
Seriously just drive the speed limit, save up, and get a Valentine 1. It's my favorite one and it's upgradeable (when you upgrade they usually just send you a new one). It's the one to get.
But IMO, I wouldn't spend the extra $$ for the protection if that is the only reason. Remember, even if you get caught, there are no points and it is only about $125.
plus the cost to replace the unit though, right?
lidper24
09-13-2009, 09:29 PM
Virginia does not confiscate your RD. Only Canadian provinces do.
The cop may take it to the evidence pile so you may be without it for a few weeks, however.
v1user
09-15-2009, 04:53 PM
Virginia does not confiscate your RD. Only Canadian provinces do.
The cop may take it to the evidence pile so you may be without it for a few weeks, however.
That's if they don't lose it.
languy99
09-15-2009, 05:35 PM
as much as I hate to admit it, if I lived in Virginia I would just get a sti and get it over with. So you can spend 300, why not save a few more months and buy the STI that way you don't have to worry.
or you might find one used if you look hard enough.