Looking to spend $200-300, what should I get?

[category4]

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.

[nemt]

That's reassuring. How about radar detection detection? Am I at risk with the 8500 in VA/DC?

[category4]

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]

There's only one detector in the sub-$360 dollar range that I can recommend: Pro-78 SE

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]

NVM

[nemt]

pft

sounds like Virginia will do anything to get their shakedown money

[snoopyc4]

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.

[nemt]

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]

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]

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.