A guide to selecting the right radar detector for your vehicle
Radar detectors, while all performing essentially the same functions, come equipped with a variety of unique features that make one unit right for your vehicle. When searching for the right detector, you should consider:
- The laws regarding radar detectors in your local area and state in general
- Whether a standard dash-mounted radar detector unit or high-tech hidden "stealth" system is right for you
- How you want to power the radar detector: 12v adapter, AA batteries or hard wiring
- How much a cordless radar detector may benefit your vehicle
- Your preference for alerts: standard tone alarm or voice-alert messages with language options
Dash-mounted radar detectors are the most common type of unit used. Most effective when mounted in the low center of your dash, these radar detectors provide excellent 360� sensing of police radar bands.
Stealth radar detectors are virtually invisible to the eye, making for more covert use of your radar detecting system. Police many times look for your detector mounted on the windshield, and target vehicles using dash-mount systems. Stealth systems employ hidden sensors in your grille and rear license plate area for outstanding range and accuracy. The alerts and signal strength are displayed by a discreet under-the-dash monitor.
The catch with stealth radar detector systems is installation, which is extremely intricate and should be done by an installation professional. They're a substantially more expensive unit, too.
- When you want great radar detection capability coupled with portability and easy use, grab a dash-mount radar detector like the Escort 8500 X50 Radar Detector (available with a Red or Blue display)
- When you want a hidden system or you are a serious ticket-dodging pro, go with a stealth radar detector system Like the Escort Passport SR7 Radar Detector
Depending on how permanent a fixture your radar detector will be in your vehicle, there are 3 basic ways to power the unit: a 12v adapter, AA batteries or hard-wiring to your car's electrical system. Not all units can be used in all 3 ways.
12v adapter power is ideal for using your detector between multiple vehicles, or hiding all traces of your system when parked. Wireless units accomplish this even better, as they can be mounted or un-mounted in seconds with no cords to fuss with. Hard wiring is excellent for frequently-used units. They can be unhooked from the wire and concealed to prevent theft, or used in another vehicle with the 12v adapter.
- When you want maximum versatility with your radar detector, grab a cordless radar detector
similar to the PNI Silver Bullet Radar Detector
- When standard power and convenient portability work for you, get a 12v adapter-powered unit (see the Beltronics Pro Series RX65 Radar Detector or similar units)
- For a more permanent power source and professional installation, grab a 12v adapter-powered unit with optional hard wiring capability (see the Escort 8500 X50 Radar Detector)
Cordless radar detectors eliminate unsightly power cables from your dash. They're the ultimate in portability, and can also be powered by 12v adapter, if you wish. Cordless radar detectors are equipped with easy mounting equipment (usually a suction cup) and automatic power-saving programming.
- When ultimate portability maters most, grab a cordless radar detector
- When wireless capability isn't important, get a standard 12v adapter-powered radar detector
We hope you have found our Radar Detectors Research Guide Center a good guide in helping you choose the best Radar Detectors for your vehicle. It is AutoAnything's goal to provide the most information on the Internet and through our Auto Accessory Specialists on every product we sell. If you have any information that you think could help improve this section, please email us at researchcenter@autoanything.com.