confused on deciding which detector to buy?

[marylongwood]

I live in NJ, my driving to work round trip is 125 miles per day. Out of which 60 miles are expressway and 65 city highway driving with plenty of TL. I have been doing research on radar detectors for past one week and going thorugh each and every websites with users reviews and I cannot make decision which one to buy. Many says Bel has good product, expensive but their return policy or customer service is not good and they donot recommend. For that matter I read the reviews on all other companies and customers were very unhappy when they had to return the product even when it was under warranty. I am a fast driver by nature but a safe driver. When I see the roads are clear and no traffic, i tend to speed. I need to purchase a detector but I don't know which one should I get. I am willing to spend upto $300. Can any of you give me some guidence on the best one to buy for your money. Also should I buy warranty?

[SuperSpeeder]

So you are on a budget of $300. I would say an Escort 8500 x50. It will be had for around $250. Escort/Bel have good customer service and products. I would recommend them as a company. Others will chime in. Good luck!

[protias]

Save up another $100 and get yourself a V1.

[Hunter]

Save up another $100 and get yourself a V1.

x2

[Weeth]

The V1 is an awesome detector for its range and arrows. It's $100 more than your budget, but it's worth saving for.

I'm not sure about the warranties, as I got my v1 secondhand. I tend to avoid the extended warranties as a general habit though.

IMO, the V1 is the best bang for the buck and is awesome performance thats close to your budget.

[CJR238]

So you are on a budget of $300. I would say an Escort 8500 x50. It will be had for around $250. Escort/Bel have good customer service and products. I would recommend them as a company. Others will chime in. Good luck!

X2, the 8500 X50 is a good performer for the dollar. Probably the best RD for $300. You can also buy a referbished older 8500 for about $150 and save up for a V1 or RedLine.

Escort is a full service company, they provide a 1yr warranty on new products and up to 3yr extended warranties. They also warranty there service work for 6mo if your RD ever needs service.

Save up another $100 and get yourself a V1.

x2

nah, save up another $200 and get a RedLine.

[Vette6893]

Welcome to the forum. I would either buy a referb 8500 and save $150 or save up $100 more and buy the V1 for $400. Both are good but the V1 will give a little better range, better IO and QT and you get the situational awareness with Arrows. I own both and they are both very good. Good luck.

[speeddemon]

I agree with the others 8500 S7 refurb till you save for a V1 both will serve you well. Don't forget about Laser protection though

[Akosikojak]

The 8500 as a minimum, preferably a V1 / Redline for better max range IMO

Welcome to our most excellent site.

[yellowcab]

You can also get a V1 that was returned for $350. Either V1 or escort 8500 will serve you well. FYI, laser is alive and well in NJ. Neither detector will offer you any protection against laser. Read the forums here, watch the videos. There is more than just relying on your RD, and you will need to learn how to interpet and utilize your RD effectively. also you need to learn the tactics and techniques LEOs employ to counteract our counter measures.