The suggestion to read a radar detector review before plunking down money is really only partly useful. Since different people under different environments conduct testing the quality of a radar detector review will vary accordingly.
For example, Radartest.com uses an eight-mile straight highway with distances over five miles for its radar detector review and Speed Measurement Labs insists on instant-on testing for both radar and laser testing, and only uses certified police officers for their sample runs.
Car and Driver bases its radar detector review on a three-mile straight road, with the radar units turned slightly, making the tests seem like the distances were only about a mile or mile and a half. AutoWeek goes further, basing its radar detector review on a real-world scenario. Over a period of months, they test radar units over regular commuting routes and a few longer trips. Differences in a radar detector review also creep up due to the testers being human, and thus susceptible to error.
Not All Claims Can Be Validated
Keep in mind, as well, that some claims made by manufacturers may not be as honest as they maybe should be. If advertising offers a guarantee to “pay your ticket” be sure to read the fine print, regardless of what you read in a radar detector review about that product. Most will not pay if the speed is more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit and some will disclaim responsibility if the ticket is issued in a school zone or in a residential neighborhood.
Cost is another factor listed in radar detector reviews for consideration. Prices may range from under $50 to over $1,000 and a good radar detector review can tell you exactly the kind of quality you will get for that money. Keep in mind what you truly need – if you aren’t driving 100 miles in a Porsche over hills and mountains every day, you probably don’t need to spend more than a $1,200 on a radar detector no matter how cool the review makes it sound – the detector won’t turn you, the Volkswagen driver, into Mario Andretti.
When you do read the radar detector review for the units you are interested in, be sure to read the entire section for each feature. Some may have great range and a really cool readout, but lack filtering capabilities. A good balance among all features for the radar detector review you choose should help you pick the best unit for your money.
