If you are looking for a superior radar detector, look no further than the Valentine One (V1). The V1 sits at the top of the list for range, invisibility to POP radar guns, and police laser detector quality. It has the highest detection range available when compared to other radars in its class. A unique two-antenna design gives you 360 degrees of coverage. If you do not mind the occasional false alarm, you will appreciate the high sensitivity level of the V1, allowing it to spot radar traps that others may miss.
The V1 is followed closely in coverage and dependability by the Escort Passport 9500i. In many tests, the Escort 9500i scores as well or just below the Valentine One. One area where it truly excels is in eliminating false alerts. The Escort radar detector’s GPS feature allows users to record false alarms by location and frequency. Drivers can also record the locations of known speed traps and traffic enforcement cameras, and the Escort 9500i will alert users when approaching those locations. Another way the Escort 9500i helps to eliminate false alarms is by allowing the user to choose between city and highway driving conditions. For example, if you have selected “city” and are driving through town, small frequencies such as automatic doors at convenient stores will not register, therefore helping to further eliminate false alarms.
Both the Valentine One and the Passport 9500i faired well against tests involving POP signals. This is good for highway drivers since POP signals can be difficult to detect. POP signals are sent out in tiny bursts, allowing police to detect speeders before turning their gun into constant-on mode, giving away their location to all radar detectors.
No matter how effective radar detectors may be, many people choose the proven technology of radar jammers, also known as radar blockers. While the radar jammer selection is far more limited that that of radar detectors, almost any jammer selected will do the job.
The Blinder XTreme is a dual-transceiver design with both units mounted in the front of the vehicle. This unit is 99 percent effective at blocking police radars and lasers. One area the Blinder will be of no help is blocking Photo Lidar signals. Photo Lidar are fixed lasers which are linked to digital cameras. The cameras, in turn, are connected to a central stat on via the internet. When someone runs a red light or speeds past the laser, the violator is recorded and ticketed via mail. One complain among users of the Blinder XTreme is the ear piercing alerts produced by this model. For peace of mind wile driving, perhaps a pair of earplugs would be a wise investment.
The Escort Shifter ZR3 and the BEL Laser Pro 904 are so similar in features and performance that they can be listed together. In 2005 the Escort Shifter and the BEL Laser Pro were tested at the “Guys of Lidar” Laser Jammer Shoot Out. Both performed well against all laser guns, with the exception of the Laser Atlanta Type S (when it was placed into Stealth Mode). And just as the Blinder XTreme, the Escort ZR3 and BEL Laser Pro seem to have difficulties when defending against the Photo Lidar signals.
If you are in the market for any device to alert you of police speed detection signals, or to defend you of them, stick to the brands mentioned in this article. They have been tested time and time again, and fair well in most trials to which they are subjected. Small differences can be found in devices from company to company, but protection is key among them all. Happy driving.
