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Sometimes, there are situations that you may find yourself in on the road that makes you drive a little faster than you should. Perhaps you’ve just been in the car for too long on the return trip home from your vacation, or you’re rushing to get home due to an emergency. Maybe you’re in a different town, and you haven’t yet realized that the speed limit has changed.
No matter what the circumstances, it’s always important that you pay attention to the speed limit and keep your car within this limit to not only avoid getting a ticket but also to protect yourself and your passengers in the car.
What is a Radar Detector?
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When police are trying to catch people speeding, they use radar via a radar gun. This works by beaming radio waves that report a speed reading. If a car is going over the speed limit, a police officer will then pull that vehicle over and issue a ticket, which can be quite expensive to pay. Depending upon the driver’s speed, they may even be able to take their driver’s license or remove points, and of course, speeding tickets can increase the cost of your auto insurance.
While the best thing to do is always maintain the speed limit, there is a backup that can help you, particularly when you’re in new areas and you drive into a speed trap, and that is a radar detector. This detects certain types of frequencies and alerts you when radar is being used in the vicinity, allowing you to double-check and reduce your speed to avoid getting a ticket.
It is important to note that these devices are not to be used to break the law, and in some states, they may even be illegal to use.
Even with careful attention to the law, you may find yourself in a situation where you are speeding, and you got pulled over and hit with a hefty fine and maybe you even lost some points from your license. While there is no excuse for speeding, you can protect yourself from issues in the future by equipping your vehicle with a radar detector.
What are the different types?
If you want to add one of these devices to your vehicle, you first want to make sure that you know the different types and which will work best for your car. There are several types to choose from, and each have their own set of pros and cons.
- Corded detectors – These have to be plugged up with a cord in order to power on. They typically come with a suction cup mount that allows you to mount them on your windshield or dashboard. These are the least expensive, but they can be a pain to move from vehicle to vehicle or removing them so they don’t get stolen.
- Cordless detectors – These do not require a cord, so they can easily be switched from different vehicles. The one drawback is that they are more expensive, generally, than corded models.
- Remote-mount detectors – These are installed permanently in your vehicle in a hidden spot where they cannot be seen by someone who may potentially break into your vehicle. These do require installation, which can be quite expensive.
What are the Advantages of Owning One?
As mentioned, these devices should not be used to just ignore the laws and speed limits while you drive. However, they can remind you to double-check your speed and slow down in areas where you may get pulled over. A detector can pay for itself in no time if it prevents you from getting a speeding ticket, which can cost hundreds of even thousands of dollars.
These devices are great for having in your car if you travel often and aren’t familiar with the speed limits in certain areas.
Who are the contenders for Best on the Market?
Cobra ESD7570 9-Band Performance – You can keep yourself safe while in your vehicle without spending hundreds of dollars with this budget-friendly Cobra detector. It has a lot of great features that really make it stand out when compared to other comparable devices, including 360 degree detection and immunity to certain detector-detectors.
Beltronics RX65 Professional Series – If you’ve never used one of these devices before, this is the ideal choice because it’s just so easy to use. It has multiple standout features that make it a top-choice in the mid-priced category, including a safety detector function, audible and visual alerts, a bright LED display, and personalized settings.
Escort Passport 9500ix – This top-of-the-line system has everything you could ever want in a detector. It eliminates false alerts, so you can rest assured of its accuracy. It issues safety warnings, it has a speed alert feature, and it has clear voice alerts to let you know what’s going on. If you want the best technology to protect you while you’re driving, you can’t go wrong with this device.
Factors to Consider
Now that you’ve decided that you want to purchase one of these devices for your own vehicle, it’s time to start shopping. However, there are many different features, brands, styles, and installation methods out there, so shopping can be more of a pain than you expect. Instead of trying to weed through technical specs that you don’t understand, just look for these four features, as well as any other “must-have” features that you have in mind, to make the shopping process go a little more smoothly.
Price
These devices are not exactly cheap, but some are less expensive than others. A basic model may do the job for occasional use, but if you want advanced features like safety detection and voice controls, you’ll have to budget a little more money.
Warranty
Make sure that you have a great product by purchasing one that is backed with a warranty. A warranty protects against manufacturer’s defects that may cause your device to fail, and it will provide you with a replacement, repair, or refund from the manufacturer if you encounter one of these issues.
Types of detection
Police officers use a variety of radar types to detect speeders out on the road. Make sure that you get a model that detects all different types of radar to keep you safe while out on the road.
Standout features
Sometimes, there’s just one thing that makes one product stand out above another. If you are having trouble picking between all of the various brands and models, look for anything that is truly unique, different, and helpful that can make your decision that much easier.
Price
Cobra ESD7570
This affordable model costs little, making it one of the most budget-friendly on the market.
Beltronics RX65
The retail price of this model belongs in the higher end of the mid-priced category.
Escort Passport 9500ix
This is a high-end detector that comes with a steep price tag.
Warranty
Cobra ESD7570
Your purchase is backed with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Beltronics RX65
A 1-year limited warranty is included with your purchase.
Escort Passport 9500ix
You’ll receive a 1-year warranty with your purchase to protect against defects.
Types of detection
Cobra ESD7570
This can detect VG-2 radar. It is also blocked from VG-2 and Spectre I detector-detectors.
Beltronics RX65
This detects X, K, and Superwide Ka radar. It also has Safety Warning System radar capability.
Escort Passport 9500ix
This unit has a full database of different types of speed tracking that it can detect, from radar to red light cameras and speed cameras.
Standout features
Cobra ESD7570
It features safety alerts so you can be aware of any hazards that are ahead of you on the road.
Beltronics RX65
This offers superior radar protection from a variety of different types of speed detection.
Escort Passport 9500ix
This detects all types of speed detection, has voice alerts, and is truly one of the most advanced units you’ll find on the market.
Conclusion: Our Radar Detector Reviews
Cobra ESD7570 – Best Affordable
Once you’ve narrowed down your important criteria and you find that affordability is at the top of your list, you’ll want to check out this model from Cobra, which performs like a more expensive model. This model alerts you of any VG-2 radar in the vicinity and gives you an approximate location. It is also undetectable by Spectre I and VG-2 detectors.
You can always know if there’s something ahead of you on the road that may affect your trip with the Safety Alert system, that lets you know about railroad crossings, emergency vehicles, and road hazards to keep you safe while you drive. This model is very easy to use, installs and can be removed in just seconds, and is a great choice for anyone on a tighter budget.
Beltronics RX65 – Best Value
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, this mid-priced model will be the perfect safety addition to your car. This model is easy to install, and it’s just as easy to remove it from your vehicle when it’s not in use. The controls are basic and easy to learn, boasting features like mute and auto mute that allow you to turn off alerts with the push of a button.
This model detects a wide variety of radar with fewer false alerts than less expensive models. It comes equipped with a safety alert system that lets you know if there are any hazards ahead. It has highway and city settings to cut down further on any false alarms, and it has an ultrabright display that comes in your choice of red or blue.
Escort Passport 9500ix – Overall Winner
You’ll receive nothing less than the best when you invest in this detector, which comes with every feature you could ever imagine. This high-end detector does more than the average model, and it has lots of great features that you can personalize to your own driving habits.
It is backed with an innovative GPS Filter that eliminates those false alerts. You don’t have to worry about listening to a beeping detector during your entire driving when you invest in this product. If you do get a false alert, all you have to do is push a button, and your detector will remember the location and the frequency and never go off for that location again.
This has a complete database of different types of radar and speed monitoring devices, so you’re always protected. In addition to radar guns, this also detects speed cameras and red light cameras. It also detects your speed and adjusts the sensitivity accordingly. The unit has a bright display, voice alerts that are clear and easy to understand, and a mute and auto volume option. It also has a headphone jack, so you can even use it on your motorcycle. It offers safety alerts, and it is easy to install in your vehicle.
A Final Word
While driving out on the road, safety should always come first. While you should never set out to speed, sometimes, you may be going faster than you think, especially in unfamiliar areas. To avoid getting a very expensive ticket or ruining your driving record, you should equip your car with a radar detector. If you want one that’s really designed to perform using the latest technology, consider the Escort Passport 9500ix.
This device not only detects radar, but it can also keep you safe with its built-in, comprehensive database of speed traps and its safety alert system. Even though it utilizes the latest technology, it’s very easy to use and can keep you safe and can help prevent you from getting tickets while you’re in your vehicle.