Radar Roy's Picks

Radar Roy's picks!

Now that you have a basic understanding of radar detectors, Radar Roy now offers you his top picks for radar detectors

Units costing $300 or more.

Corded Models:

Escort 8500 X50 & Bel RX65: The top model for corded radar detector is tied between the Escort 8500 X50 and the Beltronics RX65. The main reasons for this tie is that they are basically are the same radar detector.

Two years ago, Escort bought out the Beltronics company, so now both companies are the same, with different divisions. They share the same office complex, their radar detectors are made in the same plant, and they share the technology.

The Escort X50 is available in red display for $299.95 or blue display for $339.95. The reason for the price difference in the blue display is that the gases used to make the blue cost considerably more then the red

The Beltronics RX65 has voice, what we feel is a better tech mode and Ku band for European radar bands.

The Escort has a slanted display window that is designed to give a better view to the driver when placed in the middle of the windshield.

The Beltronics RX65 has a straight forward facing display and is slightly smaller in length then the Escort.

As far as performance, they are all identical.

When trying to decide which high end detector is right for you Roy says "Think of the Escort 8500 X50 as a luxury car such as a Jaguar with all the bells, whistles and performance and the Beltronics RX65 as a muscle car like the Shelby"

In 2006, a new radar detector from Beltronics has been added to the mix, and that is the Bel STi Driver.

The Bel STi Driver is the first radar detector that has been designed from the ground up specifically for the professional driver.

The STi is the only radar detector made today that can defeat the Spectre II/III radar detector detectors, which are used by police where the use of a radar detector is illegal.

Radar detectors are only illegal in the USA in Virginia, Washington DC, on military bases, or in any commercial vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds.

If you do not drive in areas where radar detectors are illegal the added feature of being Spectre immune should not be a deciding factor in your purchase.

Cordless Model

Escort Solo 2: Without question, if you are looking at purchasing a cordless radar detector, consider getting the best, the Escort Solo 2. The Solo 2 has the best range and sensitivity of any cordless radar detector made today.

Concealed Unit

Bel RX75 & Escort SR7: For the serious road warrior, it would be either the Escort SR7 or the Beltronics RX75. These two units are both basically the same unit and they both offer laser jamming capabilities with their pro versions. The SR7 cannot be sold through the website without an install card; the Beltronics RX75 is available with or without the install card on the website. If you are seriously considering either one of these radar detectors Radar Roy recommends that you contact him by e-mail and/or telephone, so your install options can be better explained to you.

Radar Detectors in $200.00 range

Bel RX-55: In the $200.00 price range, Radar Roy recommends only one radar detector, the Beltronics RX55 Pro. For the price it has all the needed features found today in the $300.00 price range. However, the filtering is lower then the higher ended units. This is a corded detector.

Radar Detectors in $150.00 range

Corded Radar Detectors

Whistler Pro 73: The Whistler is able to detect all the newer POP radar. Filtering is moderate.

Cordless Radar Detectors

Several cordless radar detectors fill this category and they are all made by one company, PNI.

Traveller II: Cordless radar detector with voice
PNI Silver Bullet, models 7600 or

Radar Detectors under $100.00

Radar Roy has only found one radar detector costing less then $100 that was worth recommending and it is the Whistler Pro 58.

The Pro 58 has many of the same features as the higher ended units such as POP, however you'll be giving up range and filtering.

Need More Information on choosing the right radar detector? If so check out our Road Warrior Section for choosing the right radar detector or check out Radar Roy's testing reports.