What is the best brand/model and why?
Thanks

 

My recommendation is that you do a search on these forums and learn some of the brands, pro's and con's, etc., as this has been asked and answered.

Far and away, the most highly regarded for radar detection is the ValentineOne. Laser, eh, there's debate. I went for the Blinder Extreme Laser Jammers.
CATTMAN

 

I just went through this, I went with V1 and LI (Laser Interceptor). ~ From the homework I did was the best combo...my humble opinion of course after sifting thru dozens of threads.

 

how does k40 rank these days -- front and rear with the laser diffuser?

 

I use Escort 9500 ci, is aweson and save a lot of tickets, excellent range of detection, store locations to avoid false alarm and give you a second chance again lasers

 

Radar detectors work by giving you advance warning, so you can slow down in time.

Laser detectors simply tell you that you've just been hit with laser, so it's already too late. The only way to be safe from laser is to get a jammer, such as Interceptor or Blinder, which is an always-on/ active system, which works like a "cloaking device". When you get hit with laser, the cop gets no reading on his gun. In your cabin, the light and buzzer sound, at which point, you hit the brakes hard and when you are at the legal speed you hit the kill switch to turn off your jammer, allowing the cop to get a speed reading on you- and you are now at the legal limit.

If you rely on detection alone, without a jammer, you're exposed, and when it goes off you can just pull over, 'cause it's too late.
CATTMAN

 

go to: radartest.com also guys of lidar (do a google) etc...there is tons of info out there. It seems that the 9500ci with the laser jammer is top notch but there are a few others that are good as well. I recently bought the 9500ix and love it but now wish I would ahve just got the CI (concealed install) with the laser jammmer.

 

I used those resources - very good info and I ended up with the 9500ix as well, mainly because I wanted something I could move from car to car. And the other features are pretty cool.

So far I like it - peace of mind. Sure, I'm exposed to Laser, but that's not so common on the highway it seems where I would have the most issues . Around town, in the neighborhoods where they patrol with Laser, I think it makes sense and is courteous to drive within the limits.

 

I've used Escort for several years and while there is nothing special to commend it or their service it has saved me countless times. Hope you're all aware that more and more locales are using "instant on" radar, negating the usefulness of any detector.

 

Instant on or laser you WILL get the ticket if just using a detector. I don't care if you are using V1, Bel, or the Escort. Just pull over and take it. LI or the new Blinder seem to be the best laser jammer. Still waiting on firm test result for the new blinder unit. LI has been around for a while and the US rep is awesome to deal with from what I have read. If you us a laser jammer make sure you get it tested before you believe in it. Head placement is critical. Off a little bit and you will get punch throughs.

 

I agree with 'Function12' on the instant-on situation, and detector-wise my vote is for the Valentine One. I typically have my cars hard-wired to use the V1 on long trips (avoiding messy cords) and it has saved me countless times. The directional arrows are helpful...I've had a cop running radar come up behind me at night at the V1 gave me the heads-up I needed to keep from being taken by surprise.

 

[quote=stevepow;2510117]Sure, I'm exposed to Laser, but that's not so common on the highway it seems where I would have the most issues . quote]

Friend, if you live in ATL, as your signature indicates, you've got it backwards. ATL is 100% laser, no radar whatsoever. My percentages are not estimates, and there is no middle ground: ATL and surrounding suburbs have adopted lasar for all precincts. The only time you will encounter radar is on one of those stationary units.

So, to reiterate, if you are speeding excesively and get hit with laser and all you have is a detector, pull over. Only a jammer will protect you from laser. Being alerted is too late.
CATTMAN

 

[quote=Cattman;2510739]Interesting to know. Though, I meant highway as in traveling out of town.

FWIW, living in ATL for over 30 years, I just don't notice a lot of patrol on local freeways except 400 NB and usually traffic is so bad on those occasions that I often wonder how anyone was managing to speed in the first place. My past speeding ticket issues have always been "out of town". Now I will go knock on some wood .