 | Basic Radar Detector: $30-$80 |
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 | iPhone-Compatible Radar Detector: $120-$130 |
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 | GPS-Equipped Radar Detector: $400-$650 |
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| A radar detector is an electronic device used to detect whether radar is being used to monitor motorists. The detector notifies the motorist when Doppler-based radar is detected. Some devices also monitor LIDAR, using lasers to detect speed of motorists. In addition, some radar detectors have GPS technology so certain law enforcement hotspots can be pre-programmed. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A basic radar detector costs $30 -$80. Radio Shack, for example, sells a Whistler XTR-130 Radar/Laser detector for $33. It includes 360-degree detection of radar and laser signals and a "city mode" designed to reduce the number of false alerts.
- Some radar detectors work in conjunction with iPhones or iTouch devices. These units cost $120 -$130. Cobra sells the iRadar, which allows driver to connect through their iPhone's Bluetooth feature to display visual alerts, for $130.
- Most radar detectors alert motorists to radar and laser speed traps. These devices generally cost $150 -$350. Features and speed of warning given to the driver affect the price range. Beltronics RX 65 Red is $300 and detects radar and laser bands.
- Radar detectors that come equipped with additional features including GPS technology and software upgrades typically cost $400 -$650. The Valentine One Radar Detector costs $400 and alerts drivers to the direction the radar/laser is originating. The Escort Passport 9500ix is a top-selling model that sells for $500. The unit comes with a three-month subscription to Escort's national Defender database of speed and red light cameras.
What should be included: | - Inside the box, consumers should find the radar detector, a power cord and an owner's manual.
- Additional pieces that might be included in the box are a windshield bracket kit, a visor mount, a travel case, or a hardware kit.
- The radar detector should be able to detect various radar and laser signals within a 360-degree radius of the consumer's vehicle. Optional features include voice alerts, LED displays, a false alert filter, speed alerts and a GPS locator.
Additional costs: | - Radar detectors can be mounted in various locations around the vehicle. Most non-custom mounts costs $5 -$50. Amazon has a variety of detector mounts including for windshields and visors.
- Many radar detectors need software updates from a speed and red light camera database. These services require subscription costs that range depending on length of subscription. A one-year subscription costs about $20. Escort Radar offers different levels of service from $20 -$60. (Most subscription services require the use of a PC computer with a Windows operating system.)
Discounts: | - Beltronics offers a trade-in promotion for old detectors. The program offers an $80 trade-in credit on Beltronics radar detectors that cost $300 or more.
- Escort Radar offers a trade-in program, providing an $80 trade-in credit on old detectors, when a new Escort detector is purchased.
- Cobra posts special deals on radar detectors.
- There are iPhone and iTouch apps available in the iTunes App Store. The $3 iSpeedCam app also has a free version and holds a database of speed and red-light cameras across the nation. It alerts users who are in the vicinity of the cameras. The reliability of these apps is not guaranteed.
Shopping for a radar detector: | - TopTenReviews has a comparison guide for top-selling radar detectors.
- Consumer Search provides a guide to selecting the right radar detector.
- Radar detectors are legal for use in private vehicles in most states; commercial vehicles are more likely to be banned from using the devices. A state-by-state breakdown of laws is posted at 1stRadarDetectors.com.
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Article updated June 2011 |
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