Need 2nd RD for the beater

[ledfoot]

Hi folks;

I have a Valentine1 that I've used for years, I love it and it works great. However, it's crazy expensive.

I have been driving a 2nd 'beater' car to work to save miles on my 'new' car.

I had a cheapie radar detector in the 2nd car but it broke (and honestly, never worked all that well to begin with).

I seem to be driving this beater more and more, and even though it doesn't go all that fast, I have gotten into some situations where an RD would have been helpful. However, I can't justify spending another $400 for a 2nd V1, and I know I'd never remember to move it from car to car every time I switch.

What I'm looking for is a 'good enough' RD in the $100-$150 range, something with good range and includes laser detection that I can put in the 2nd car and rely on to keep me fairly well protected. I'll live with lower detection range, no directional readout, etc.

Beater car is a smaller sized 4door sedan, if that helps. I don't live in NJ and I have never seen X-band used here, if that also helps...

So, what are some good 2nd or 3rd tier radar detectors that are better than your average department store special?

Thanks

[CJR238]

Originally Posted by ledfoot

Hi folks;

I have a Valentine1 that I've used for years, I love it and it works great. However, it's crazy expensive.

I have been driving a 2nd 'beater' car to work to save miles on my 'new' car.

I had a cheapie radar detector in the 2nd car but it broke (and honestly, never worked all that well to begin with).

I seem to be driving this beater more and more, and even though it doesn't go all that fast, I have gotten into some situations where an RD would have been helpful. However, I can't justify spending another $400 for a 2nd V1, and I know I'd never remember to move it from car to car every time I switch.

What I'm looking for is a 'good enough' RD in the $100-$150 range, something with good range and includes laser detection that I can put in the 2nd car and rely on to keep me fairly well protected. I'll live with lower detection range, no directional readout, etc.

Beater car is a smaller sized 4door sedan, if that helps. I don't live in NJ and I have never seen X-band used here, if that also helps...

So, what are some good 2nd or 3rd tier radar detectors that are better than your average department store special?

Thanks

Crazy expensive is a 9500ci for $1600 or ix for $500.

Get an 8500 refurbished for $150, I think Escort sells them on E-bay or something like that. You can also get a new Bel or whistler for around $150.

[fire65]

The 8500 will be an excellent choice and the price is coming down on Ebay. I bought 7 used ones on Ebay and never got a bad one.

['09 Milan]

Originally Posted by CJR238

Get an 8500 refurbished for $150, I think Escort sells them on E-bay or something like that. You can also get a new Bel or whistler for around $150.

^^ What he said... ^^

[REBinc]

Originally Posted by fire65

The 8500 will be an excellent choice and the price is coming down on Ebay. I bought 7 used ones on Ebay and never got a bad one.

They say 1 out of 8 are bad.

[ledfoot]

Originally Posted by CJR238

Crazy expensive is a 9500ci for $1600 or ix for $500.

Get an 8500 refurbished for $150, I think Escort sells them on E-bay or something like that. You can also get a new Bel or whistler for around $150.

Aak! I did not know about the 9500ci. Though when I looked it up, it's really more of a 'system' than an RD; comprised of laser jammers, GPS, separate sensors, etc.

Actually my V1 was $500 after adding both the remote audio and the concealed display (and shipping).


Ok so I guess this is it right?

Escort PASSPORT 8500 Radar Detector w/ Full Warranty * - eBay (item 330322751158 end time May-16-09 06:13:32 PDT)

[TSi+WRX]

To be honest, if you're already intimately familiar with your V1, I'd stick with it.

I'd literally carry the V1 from one car to the other.

My reasoning?

As with any tactical/martial concern, "train as you fight, fight as you train" is not only a mantra, but something to truly live by - and as you're already so familiar with your V1, that knowledge and know-how would greatly benefit you, and furthermore, your everyday practice (given that your beater is your daily commuter vehicle) will make you all that much sharper of a weapon combination, when you're out driving your for-fun car.

But if you must have two separate detectors:

Any of the second-tier will do just fine - the Bel 955 is highly recommended by members of the GOL, and the RX65 and Escort 8500x50 can both be had for about $200, on the secondary market. Similarly, Whistler just introduced their new 2009 lineup, and their products have always been highly regarded (many of us are already eying the Pro78SE).

[fire65]

Originally Posted by REBinc

They say 1 out of 8 are bad.

Who is they? Your mom and dad?

[ledfoot]

Originally Posted by TSi+WRX

To be honest, if you're already intimately familiar with your V1, I'd stick with it.

I'd literally carry the V1 from one car to the other.

My reasoning?

As with any tactical/martial concern, "train as you fight, fight as you train" is not only a mantra, but something to truly live by - and as you're already so familiar with your V1, that knowledge and know-how would greatly benefit you, and furthermore, your everyday practice (given that your beater is your daily commuter vehicle) will make you all that much sharper of a weapon combination, when you're out driving your for-fun car.

But if you must have two separate detectors:

Any of the second-tier will do just fine - the Bel 955 is highly recommended by members of the GOL, and the RX65 and Escort 8500x50 can both be had for about $200, on the secondary market. Similarly, Whistler just introduced their new 2009 lineup, and their products have always been highly regarded (many of us are already eying the Pro78SE).

I suspect you are right, but I'm not going to do it anyway :-)
I secretly just want to get another RD to play around with anyway. Plus, if I like it and my wife wants one, I can recommend it or just give it to her (and buy myself another one!)