Radar Detector FAQ's
Here are our most common Radar Detector questions that we receive:
1. What is the best radar detector?
Without a doubt we can say that we feel that the best radar detector is between the following units: Escort 8500 x50, Escort 9500i, Beltronics RX65 and the Beltronics STi Driver. With a starting price of $299.95 for the Escort 8500 x50 these units may be out of the range for many shoppers. We rank these radar detectors on top because they offer the absolute best performace, all include POP mode protection and they are upgradeable.
If you live in an area where radar detectors are illegal (Virginia, Washington DC & some countries including parts of Canada) and you can afford $449.95 then the Beltronics STi Driver is the unit for you. In areas where detectors are illegal enforcement uses RDD's (Radar Detector Detectors) to find vehicles using radar detectors. The Beltronics STi Driver is the only detector on the market that is immue to all RDD technologies. If you dont travel to these area's then the Beltronics RX65 for $120 cheaper is the better Beltronics choice.
The newer Escort 9500i is designed from the Escort 8500 x50 but it adds a GPS antenna. Adding GPS to a radar detector allows you to save coordinates of false alert locations and also mark red light cameras. For more information on the benefits of this product please click here. 2. What is the best radar detector is the $200 or less range?
There are some decent detectors under $200, the new Cobra XRS-9730 is a great value. Until the new Cobra models were released only the Beltronics RX65 supported the new KU Band that is currently used in Europe and is rumored to be coming to the US. For $129.95 this detector has decent range and it supports all the current technology including the new KU Band. For $10 more Cobra offers the XRS-9830 which adds an Bi-Color LCD display and for $20 more Cobra has the XRS-9930 which adds a Multicolor LCD Display.
Another excellent choice would be Whistler's new 2007 models the Whistler Pro 78 at $159.95 and the Whistler XTR-690 radar detector at $149.95. Whistler did some re-engineering with these products and the new Whistler detectors offer much better range than any previous Whistler model and in some tests their performace is close to radar detectors that cost almost twice as much.. 3. What are the differences between the 8500 x50 and the Beltronics RX65?
You may not be aware of this but Beltronics and Escort merged some time ago. Both of these detectors offer exceptional performace but there are some feature differences. The most popular differences are that the RX65 includes voice alerts and also includes a new KU Band that is being used in Europe. The RX65 comes only with a red display but the Escort 8500 x50 comes in either a blue or red display.
4. What is the difference between the Escort 8500 x50 Red & Blue and why does the blue cost more?
The color of the display is the only difference. Escort has claimed that the blue display cost more money to produce so they pass that cost on to the consumer in the price of the unit.
5. Is a corded radar detector better than a cordless?
In our opinion we feel that a corded radar detector will offer you the best protection. One of the biggest problems with a cordless radar detector is that in order to conserve battery power these units power on and off constantly. Because of this cordless radar detectors have less range and they also do not offer protection from POP radar.
6. What is POP radar?
POP™ Mode is a normal K or Ka band radar signal which travels from the radar gun to a target and back in less than a 1/10th of a second. Most radar detectors manufactured over 2 years ago and cordless radar detector models can not see this signal because it is just too fast. This technology is growing and many of the newer models do offer protection for this new technology.
7. What are Voice Alerts?
Voice alerts is an option on some radar detectors that will verbally tell you what radar band is being picked up. You will also get audible alerts and messages on the screen when a laser or radar signal is detected. To give you an idea of what it sounds like we recorded a few clips from the various manufactures.
Rocky Mountain Radar - K Band Voice Alert
Beltronics - K Band Alert
Cobra - K Band Alert
8. Between the Beltronics RX65 and the Escort 8500 x50 which one is smaller?
This is best explained in a picture.
The Beltronics is shorter in length but is slightly wider. The Escort 8500 x50 is more narrow but it is slightly longer.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to call us toll free at 1-888-229-7594 or email us at cs@bestradardetectors.net
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