Beltronics Vector V940 Radar Detector

With so many radar detectors on the market today, before you buy it’s best to research several of the radar detector comparison reports that are available online. Most radar detector manufactures have websites on which you can run a radar detector comparison on their units to determine which one is right for you.

For example, one of the leaders in the field, Escort, offers a radar detector comparison of up to six of their models online offering side-by-side. Prices range from $90 for the Passport GT1 to more than $1,100 for the Passport SR7 with laser detection.

There are also consumer reviews to check out. Keep in mind that four of the largest reviewers of radar detectors use different methods for testing the units — so it would be best to look at more than one review when running a radar detector comparison prior to purchasing any model.

Price Of Detector Doesn’t Equal Value

When comparing units from different manufacturers, you don’t want to rely solely on price. Rather look at the radar detector comparison for specific features you are interested in: Sensitivity and range, filtering capabilities, type of alerts available, and the ability to detect radar from behind your car. Also remember that about two years ago, Escort bought out another manufacturer, Beltronics, so performing a radar detector comparison between them will give mostly the same results as the units haven’t changed much since the merger.

How well you hear or see alerts is not nearly as important as your ability to understand what they mean. The Escort 8500 X50, for example, uses text display as well as an LED bar to indicate the type of radar being used and the signal strength as it hits your car. While this is an easy to use feature, it also costs a little more.

The same unit also tested for a five-mile range, which would be desirable on roads with a lot of hills and curves. On a flat, straight road a range of about a mile and a half would usually suffice, as the basic rule of thumb is a detection range of six times the average distance police radar, which is about one quarter mile.

While price may dictate to you how much radar detector you can afford, a qualified radar detector comparison will indicate if you can afford enough radar detector to handle your driving needs.

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