i wasn't sure were to post this but i figured id get more responses here,

im looking to get a radar detector but im not sure which one to get, my buddy has a Cobra, its pretty cool and has saved us a few times, i was looking into getting the same one but wasnt sure if there are better ones out there, any input?

i dont speed everywhere but i have to have a clean driving record for the college i am going to so the radar detector will give me sort of a safety net

thanks for the input!

 

In my opinion, Cobra's suck (not the car!). I wouldn't choose anything other than the Valentine One or the Escort Passport.

 

My first choice, Passport 9500i, second choice, Passport 8500 x50. Both fine pieces of electronic countermeasure.

 

ive had the passport 8500i and i have the 9500i now. They are both awesome detectors, but the 9500i is the best for me b/c it has the gps to mark false signals. I would say the valentine 1 is better than the 8500i, but that is just from reviews i have seen.

 

the valentine is the best one out there

 

A radar detector may save you once in a while, but isn't guaranteed. Cops give tickets to people all the time who have radar detectors. If the officer doesn't leave the radar on all the time, which the good ones don't do, you won't have much notice when they click it on. If they use a lazer, it's even less of a chance. Seeing a radar detector is also a guaranteed ticket.

 

Really comes down to these two: Passport 9500ix and Valentine One

Simply read reviews of the two to learn of their features and why they're the highest rated. A big thing about the Passport is that it's GPS enabled.

Then again, if you want to get really crazy, you could go with something like this, lol.

 

I have a 9500ix and it is amazing. I would look into a combo of either the aging V1 or a 9500ix, and a good laser jammer (like blinder), if you want the most out of everything.

Read reviews on guys of lidar website. Anything and everything about RDs.

 

Meh, those are two of the top(reasonable) radar detectors out right now. Personally, I am going with the 8500 x50 over the 9500ix(only difference with the 9500 v 8500 is GPS). So if GPS is worth the extra $100-200, than go for the 9500.

You can get a warrantied refurbished 8500 x50 for $150 shipped on fleabay. Anyone have any experience/input on refurb units vs. new?

 

Stay away from the cobra radar. Those really really really really suck.