Recommend me a detector for $150

**GHott** · 08-09-2007, 09:07 PM

I've read a few stickies, done some research, looked around on guysoflidar. I've also read on a few other sites that did shootouts for the best Radar Detector under $99, under $299, and etc. Most of those tests were well over a year old! But, all-in-all, I have come to the conclusion that I really want an Escort Passport 8500 x50. However, I only want to spend $150, and I don't want to take the chance of buying CRAP on eBay...so the 8500 x50 is out.

I was hoping that the experienced members here could recommend me a nice radar detector for $150 or less. I prefer to buy brand new, preferrably from Roy (I've seen good reviews here).

A little bit of what I might find important in a detector:
- Distance is key (thats why I want an 8500 x50 so bad)
- Good X, K, Ka band detection
- Silent, Ramp Up, Many Lights, and other features are NOT that important to me.

I just want something that will alert me a long ways before I am targeted.

Thanks for any help.

**jimbonzzz** · 08-09-2007, 09:17 PM

If you can, go with the BEL V955 or BEL V940. If that is too much, go with the Whistler Pro-78 or Whistler XTR-690.

Stealthcb · 08-09-2007, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by jimbonzzz

If you can, go with the BEL V955 or BEL V940. If that is too much, go with the Whistler Pro-78 or Whistler XTR-690.

These are roughly the same, performance-wise, but you'll get far superior customer service from the Whistler Group than from Bel.

I'd recommend the Pro-78, V955, XTR-690, V940, in that order.

**GHott** · 08-10-2007, 04:52 AM

Thank you for the input so far....I appreciate it guys!

**thestaton** · 08-10-2007, 04:58 AM

x50 off eBay.

didn't even read your post my bad. if the x50 is out get a Whistler Pro 78.

**jdong** · 08-10-2007, 06:27 AM

I would say get an XTR-690 if you don't care about lights and fanciness. The screen is fine and visible enough IMO and I haven't had any issues with the LCD blanking out due to excessive heat, as someone reported. I just don't see the sense on paying $20-30 on a more fancy screen if cosmetics aren't a major concern.

Stealthcb · 08-10-2007, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by jdong

I would say get an XTR-690 if you don't care about lights and fanciness. The screen is fine and visible enough IMO and I haven't had any issues with the LCD blanking out due to excessive heat, as someone reported. I just don't see the sense on paying $20-30 on a more fancy screen if cosmetics aren't a major concern.

Base it on features, too. If you want a compass and a battery meter, get the 690. If you want more visibility and autodim, get the Pro-78.

**xrs9430** · 08-10-2007, 07:43 AM

original 8500 :wink: got mine for $50

**RanEnRui** · 08-10-2007, 07:47 AM

Check craigslist, I know a few people around here selling near new Bel RX-65 and 8500 X50s for $250 and $200 respectively. I'm sure your area (especially if near CA/NY) has some deals too.

If not, check the other regions and ask the seller if they can possibly ship it to you. Yeah, I know there are associated risks with this but if everything works out it's usually a nice deal.