Recommendations
With the multiple sites performing radar detector tests and some companies pawning off ineffective radar and laser jammers as the real thing, we wanted to give you some plain talk about what does and does not work.
Radar Detectors: Pretty much any radar detector will pick up police radar. The difference between the inexpensive units and the higher-end units is range and features. For example, the Bel RX65 compared to the Bel 935 is both. The range on the RX65 is further and the features, such as voice alerts, upgrade capability and the ability to control the volume and mute from the power plug, are what make a difference in the price. So what about the differences in the higher-end units like the Bel RX65 and the Escort Passport 8500 X50? These two units are very similar...all the way down to the SmartPlug/SmartCord. One of them wins some tests and the other one wins the others. (The only test that the Valentine One wins is in Car and Driver). I have driven with the RX65 for the two years and it is great! I still do get false alarms, but I would rather have it be oversensitive than not sensitive enough. The main differences between the high end units is features. For those who like to mute the detector but have a hard time reaching the dash every time the detector starts beeping, go with the Bel RX65 - this will give you the ability to mute the unit or turn the volume up and down from the power plug. If you like voice alerts or need KU band for overseas travel, then the RX65 would also be the recommendation.
The two newest super high-end units are both excellent but offer different features, as well. The Bel STi Driver is the only unit that is 100% completely immune to being detected by any radar detector detector. It also offers even more of an extended range than the RX65 and comes with the Smart Hardwire kit, an external speaker and a metal, briefcase style carrying case. The Escort Passport 9500i is one of the newest and most unique units on the market. With the ability to block out false signals based on location and still pick up police radar in those locations in the future. It also displays your speed on the unit so you don't have to look in two different places before deciding what to do. For more info on these two models, visit the Bel and Escort Pages.
Let us know if you have any more questions. For further test results, please visit www.radartest.com and www.speedzones.com.
Laser Jammers – Every few weeks I get an email in my bulk mail from some company trying to sell me a radar/laser jammer. They sell the unit for about $200 or so and offer a ticket rebate. So here’s how that works (or doesn’t):
- Registration form must be returned within 30 days from date of purchase
- Registered owner of a radar and/or laser jamming product can not exceed 15 miles per hour OR 30% over the posted speed limit, whichever is less
- The ticket must clearly state "RADAR" or "LASER" and "SPEEDING"
- Rebate is only valid in the USA
- Registered owner must be the driver of the vehicle when ticket is issued
- Registered owner is qualified for this program for one full year from date of purchase
- Only the person who is the registered owner of a jamming product is eligible for the rebate
- Does NOT APPLY where DWI or DUI is involved or in school or construction zones
- This rebate is not available in California.
So if they sell 100 detectors for $200 and the units only cost $50 or less to make, they make $150 on each unit. Their profit is $15,000. If only 15 people get a ticket in the first year (under the strict guidelines), and they pay the ticket (average of $100.00) then they still made $13500. What happens with the person who bought the “jammer?” Insurance goes up and you have to buy a new radar detector and laser jammer that actually work. Click here to see the RadarTest.com report on these units.
The best thing to do is invest wisely up front in a laser jammer that works. Escort, Beltronics and Blinder all sell effective laser jammers. Although the Bel and Escort units work well, radartest.com and speedzones.com have both shown that the most effective unit is the Blinder Xtreme. This unit does require installation and comes with a one year ticket reimbursement against laser tickets. I use mine in conjunction with my Beltronics RX65 radar detector and I am still ticket-free.
Jamming a police radar gun is illegal and is governed under the FCC. Laser is governed under the FDA and there is no law in place that outlaws the use of laser jammers on a national level. Some states have outlawed the use of laser jammers but from our understanding, it only results in a non-moving violation. Please consult your state laws with any questions.
