Radar detectors level the playing field between you and all those black and white cruisers parked behind billboards, bushes and abandoned trailers. How do they work? It's all pretty scientific, so we won't bore you with the particulars. However, you can think of a laser radar detector as a really sensitive nose. The police have these special guns that shoot out stink rays, which calculate just how fast you're travelling. Your nose-like stealth radar detector sniffs out these stink rays and then warns you when something fishy is going on. If you pay attention to these alerts and react accordingly, your chances of seeing flashing blue and red lights in your rear view mirror are greatly reduced.
Now that you have a clearer understanding of how radar detectors can save you a bundle of bucks without you having to change your driving habits, you simply need to decide which detector is right for you. While there are a number of manufacturers out there, two stand out as the best of the best: Escort or Beltronics. Both brands have a strong following, and there's a pretty strong debate over Beltronics vs. Escort. Although we can't say definitively which is best, we can explain the differences between the two. Check it out:
The Benefits of a Beltronics Radar Detector
Established back in 1967, Beltronics has been on the cutting edge of radar detection technology for generations. Over the years, they've continued to stay a few steps ahead of Johnny Law, outwitting their every attempt to build detector-proof speeding trap machines. The latest assortment of Beltronic radar detector units are formidable foes against citation writers. Check 'em out:
Beltronics STi Radar Detector: One of the most advanced detectors in Beltronic's lineup, the STi beats all Spectre and VG2 speeding guns, along with POP devices. It also checks for off-axis laser beams and remains totally invisible to reverse detection.
Beltronics Pro 300 Radar Detector: Though not as advanced as the STi, the Beltronics Pro300 radar detector delivers 360° protection against lasers, POP BEE III and a wide range of other police tricks. Plus, it's practically invisible to reverse detection.
The Benefits of an Escort Radar Detector
The year was 1978 when the first Escort radar detectors were developed. Since then, the company has grown exponentially and is now one of the biggest names in the ticket-beating business. In fact, you can only get their detectors from Escort authorized dealers, ensuring that the device running in your ride works to Escort's strict standards. There are a lot of Escort models to choose from, but here's an introduction to the two most popular ones:
Escort RedLine Radar Detector: Escort's best of the best is none other than the RedLine. Like that spooky all-seeing eye from The Lord of the Rings, it spots laser, X-band, K-band, SuperWide Ka-band and almost every other band the police have developed. Plus, it's practically undetectable and tuned to reduce false alarms. So, if you see an Escort RedLine radar detector for sale, snatch it up.
Escort 8500 Radar Detector: Don't let their lower price fool you—these radar detectors are powerful allies in your battle against posted speed limits. They sense a wide range of speed scanners, and they run practically invisible.
What's the Right Radar Detector for You?
The best radar detector is the one that actually protects you from a speeding ticket. If you read our radar detectors tech center, you'll learn that both Beltronics and Escort do an excellent job at warning you about upcoming traps. Obviously, the fancier detectors provide greater protection, but even a more bare-bones Beltronics or Escort device is better than no device at all. In short, you can't go wrong with either of these two brands.
