Radar Roy's Recommendations
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| So far 2006 has been an exciting year for the radar detector industry and Radar Roy! A lot of new products have hit the market and some have been sure winners and several have been outright losers! |
Radar Detectors - Top Performers
As the Radar Roy's Radar Detector Rumble tests show, the Beltronics RX65 performed as well as the Escort 8500 X50 and the Escort 9500i. All three have been awarded Radar Roy's Five Badge Rating!
Could it be that all three are virtually the same detector, as Escort had bought out Beltronics two years ago and now both companies are under the same ownership? We think so!
The testing also showed that the Bel RX65 and the Escort 8500 X50 performed as well, and in some cases better than the more expensive Valentine 1 radar detector.
There are some features that are unique to the Escort 8500 X50, the Bel RX65 and the 9500i
The Bel RX65 does have voice, Ku band for European use and the extra power on indicator mode with voltage meter mode.
The Escort 9500i has the built in GPS that allows the user to lock out known false alert locations and to also enter common speed trap locations such as photo enforcement cameras.
The Escort 8500 is available in either Red or Blue display. (Blue display costs an additional $40.00 because of the extra expense in making the blue LED lights).
Radar Roy's top choices for a windshield mounted radar detector are tied between the Escort X50, the Escort 9500i and the Beltronics RX65.
For the Professional Driver we recommend the Beltronics STi Driver radar detector.
The STi Driver is the first all band radar detector that can defeat all radar detector detector devices.
The STi Driver has the longest range on Ka band then any other radar detector we have ever tested. This detector also has four LED laser sensors in the front, for exceptional laser detection.
For budget minded buyers we would recommend the Beltronics RX55 as our first choice and then the Whistler Pro 73
Cordless Radar Detectors
Radar Roy says if you don't have to go cordless don't! However there are applications where having a cordless radar detector is the only choice.
Even with the top cordless radar detectors such as the Solo 2 you'll be giving up in some cases over 20% in range, and you will not be able to detect the newer POP mode radar guns from MPH Industries.
However if cordless is your only option, then Radar Roy first recommends the Escort Solo 2 Radar Detector followed by either the Whistler 7800.
Concealed Radar Detectors
Radar Roy's Radar Detector Rumble placed both the Escort SR7 and the Beltronics RX75 in tying positions. Again as Escort and Beltronics are now under the same ownership and both radar detectors are very similar in design and performance.
Laser Jamming
Although two of the units tested were pro-type units that done very well, the current production units also performed very well. Roy's first choice would be the Blinder followed closely by the Lidatek and the Shifter ZR3.
Other Testing
Radar Roy participated in the 2006 Radar Detector Shoot Out in El Paso, TX.
This testing venue is perhaps the world's most intense three day testing of new law enforcement technology and new counter speed measurement technology testing.
Results of this testing are available here.
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