General

We sometimes get asked "So what radar detector do you use?" and that is a very good question. We all have radar detectors in our vehicles, so I went out to our parking lot and did a quick survey. Most of the people here have a Beltronics radar detector at the moment. The rest have Escort or Whistler (because I know you are curious). We have over the years found Beltronics to offer a nice balance between price and performance so it was not much or a surprise. Now this does vary a bit since we also do a fair bit of testing new detectors, you never know what Danny is using!

Some visitors to our radar detector website are surprised we do not have ratings assigned for each radar detector. Our reason is rather simple, if the ratings are not from an independent source or if they are not very, very detailed they mean nothing.

Be wary of any website that has some arbitrary number next to the radar detector. Instead look for reviews by independent sources. Two of our favorites are the Veil Guy and Guys of Lidar. Now one thing you can do for fun is use radar detector ratings to see if the website has a bias. If every detector for a certain brand ranks high, ask yourself why? The detectors made vary a great bit, and some are much better performers than others, even within the same brand.

Someday we may implement a rating system, but not until we are satisfied it provides people with an honest evaluation of a radar detector, and not some subjective rating. There is a substantial amount of effort involved in rating a radar detector accurately. Anyone can sit around and say "This is a four star radar detector". It is a lot harder to provide a real quantitative measure using consistent testing, and show how you came up with the numbers.

We tell people all the time, you are your own best purchasing assistant. Go out and find reviews from people like yourself, not from people selling or manufacturing radar detectors. Get some real world opinions. We want to help you find the best radar detector based on how and where you drive and what your budget is.

When you call us, we like to find out about the type of driving you do, and where you live. Do you need long range detection on the highway, or the ability to lock out false alerts around town? There are a lot of personal variables, and this is the reason we carry so many radar detector models. A website with some simple numerical rating is often just passing along what the manufacturers told them.

If you have any questions, give us a call (1-800-584-1445), send an email, or check out our radar detector buyer's guide.

Are you shopping for a radar jammer or radar scrambler? Here is a bit of information a lot of companies such as Rocky Mountain Radar (RMR) and Kat do not want you to know. The passive radar jammers and radar scramblers you see for sale on less reputable websites DO NOT WORK!

Now we do know of a few active jammers out there. A small number of these active radar jammers do work, well sorta. The problem is they do more than just scramble police radar, they also interfere with radio and television broadcast, and they are very disruptive to many electrical devices. It is also a felony offense to use one. You will get a $50,000 fine and possible a jail sentence if caught operating an active working jammer. And everyone around you will know you are using it.

Think about it, why would the military spend billions on advanced ECM systems and stealth technology (special paint, radar reflecting shapes, radar absorbing materials) if all they had to do was plug in a cheap radar jammer bought off the internet? They use very specialized radar jamming equipment. That looks nothing like the Rocky Mountain Radar C450 radar jammer! Good luck getting that in a car!

Do not let yourself be taken advantage of by anyone that claims they work. It is all a con. The box the jammer comes in works just as well. There are mostly empty plastic cases with some wires inside. We have already talked about some of the failed performance tests in a previous article on radar jammer scams.

So is a radar detector legal? Radar detectors are legal just about anywhere in the US. A radar detector only warns you of the presence of radio signals being used by police in a specific band. A radar detector is just a specialty radio tuned to listen to a very specific part of the radio spectrum. They in no way interfere with police radar systems.

What about laser jammers? Laser jammers do work, though we have found the quality varies a bit and some work much better than others. They operate by sending a false signal back to the laser gun, causing it to report a misreading "jam" or error message. For now, laser jammers are legal in most states.

There are a lot of forums out there that focus on radar detectors. In truth they tend to be a mixed resource for finding out about different models. Sometimes they have great information, sometimes, well they are not so useful. Those that read our radar detector blog, speak with us on the phone, or chat with us know that here at Buy Radar Detectors we are big proponents of people doing their own independent research into radar detectors. There is a lot of misleading information so an informed shopper is also a smart shopper.

We find very, very few forums that are active, offer useful reviews, are interested in feedback, and offer a welcoming community for those wanting to learn about different radar detector models. Some are very hostile to new posters, are not interested in factual information, or are about everything but radar detectors. While forums are a great potential source of knowledge, that potential is often squandered by arrogant posters, incorrect information, or corporate communications folk unable to give a straight answer.

A radar detector forum though can be useful for finding out about the most recent products, area specific traffic laws, and real world feedback on how well something works. So if you have a fireproof suit, some protective eyewear, bleach, and a flyswatter here are a few forums that you might find useful:

Speedtrap Hunter's Radar Detector Forum: The Speedtrap Hunter's Forum is the only forum that we can truly recommend to people. It is well moderated, has a nice community, and the Speedtrap Hunter himself is one of the leading independent reviewers of radar detector around. It is also the only forum that is not affiliated with a radar detector seller or manufacturer.

Escort's Radar Detector Forum: The go to place for information about Escort radar detectors. If you have any question about an Escort radar detector it is worth a look.

Beltronics' Radar Detector Forum: Another nice, company ran forum, if you want to know more about a Beltronics radar detector you might be interested in checking it out.

Blinder's Forum (No longer online): If you are interested in laser jammers and radar detectors, give the Blinder forum a look.

These are the main forums that customers have mentioned they like. If you know of a radar detector forum not mentioned let us know, chances are there are plenty of other people out there that will be interested!

There are a lot of fans of Whistler radar detectors out there. I will let all of you in on a secret. They take building quality radar detectors for a very affordable price very seriously. Everyone here is a fan of how they do business, the way the treat customers, and their honest commitment to designing great radar detectors.

Here are a few of the more popular Whistler radar detector models:

Whistler XTR-695 SE Radar Detector: The Whistler XTR-695 SE Radar Detector is a top-of the line model. It has a very balanced mixture of features and performance.

Whistler Pro 78 SE Radar Detector: The Whistler Pro 78 SE Radar Detector offers great performance, a nice display, and voice alerts. The Pro 78 is very popular, and a favorite here.

Whistler XTR-695 Radar Detector: The Whistler XTR-695 Radar Detector is already a legendary radar detector. It offers amazing performance for the price, and one that continue to amaze us for its well-balanced design and features.

Whistler Pro 68 SE Radar Detector: The Whistler Pro 68 SE Radar Detector is probably the best radar detector available for under $100. The Pro 68 was a legendary budget performer, and the Pro 68 SE is a more refined and updated design. If you have been looking for a budget radar detector, the Pro 68 SE is probably what you are searching for!

In addition to all of the above models, Whistler makes a radar detector for just about every driver. Check out our entire selection of Whistler radar detectors and see what I mean. Whistler also makes more than just traditional windshield mount radar detectors, They also have a concealed design, the Whistler Pro 3450 Radar Detector .There is even the Whistler Cruisader Motorcycle Radar Detector a great motorcycle radar detector! Whistler also makes redlight camera detectors such as the Whistler RLC-100 Redlight / Speed Camera Detector and the Whistler RLC-250 Redlight / Speed Camera Detector.

If you have questions about radar detectors give us a call at 1-800-584-1445, or send us an email. We want to be your personal radar detector specialist!

Now that warm weather is here a lot of our customers are hitting the road on their motorcycle. Not wanting to be unguarded out on the open highway, many also want a motorcycle radar detector. Well, we can help with that!

For most people, we recommend a cordless, or wireless, radar detector. They are easy to use right out of the box. There are several cordless radar detectors to choose from, here are a few of our favorites:

Escort Solo S3 Cordless Radar Detector: The Escort Solo S3 Cordless Radar/Laser Detector may be one of the very best cordless models around. The Escort has good range and is also rather compact in size.

Whistler XTR-540 Cordless Radar Detector: The Whistler XTR-540 Cordless Radar Detector is a nice, full featured model from Whistler. The 540 has many of the features found in Whistler's top radar detectors in a cordless design.

Whistler XTR-440 Cordless Radar Detector: The Whistler XTR-440 Cordless Radar Detector is a good entry level design. The 440 has a nice mix of features for a great price!

Once you find a radar detector you like, you will want a way to mount it properly. We have a very large selection of radar detector motorcycle mounts. All you need to do is find a mount you like, and then add a cradle. They are also great for holding your phone, or even some GPS devices.

Now, this does not mean there are only cordless radar detectors out there for use on your motorcycle. There are specialty models as well!

Whistler Cruisader Motorcycle Radar Detector: The Whistler Cruisader Motorcycle Radar Detector is specifically designed for motorcycles. It takes a bit of work to install, but once you are done you will have a very custom looking radar detector!

There are also some great motorcycle radar detector accessories available. One of the more popular accessories is a helmet interface.

Cheetah VizAlert Helmet Interface (Bel STi Driver): The Cheetah VizAlert Helmet Interface adds a visual indicator that is very easy to see. The Cheetah VizAlert Helmet Interface is designed to work with the high performance Beltronics STi Driver.

You can also wire up just about any "traditional" style radar detector. Cordless models just do not have the range and performance of a wired model. Because of that we occasionally suggest for some riders to go with a high performance radar detector. We even carry radar detector hard wire kits to make the job a bit easier.

There are a lot of options for adding a radar detector to your motorcycle. If you are mostly a weekend rider, then a cordless model and a mounting bracket is the perfect combination. They are both easy to install and use. For those that ride daily, more custom options are available. If you have any questions at all just give us a call at 1-800-584-1445 or send us an email!

Cobra makes a lot of radar detectors, and trying to find the perfect one can be a bit of a challenge. We always tell people here at Buy Radar Detectors to first think about where they drive most (in town, on the highway, or a balance of both), come up with a rough budget of how much you want to spend, then think about any features you may be looking for such as voice notifications or GPS red light camera warnings.

I have put together a short list of some of the more popular Cobra radar detectors. You may also want to check out our entire line of Cobra radar detectors. Our radar detector comparison tool is great for analyzing two similar models, and you can also do a quick search of our website.

Cobra XRS 9970G: The Cobra XRS 9970G Radar Detector has a full color touch screen display and a GPS based red light and speed camera warning system. This is one of Cobra's top radar detectors and is designed for city and highway use!

Cobra XRS 9955: The Cobra XRS 9955 Radar Detector uses a full color touch screen display, has the ability to upgrade to a GPS camera warning system, and is packed with features.

Cobra XRS 9945: The Cobra XRS 9945 Radar Detector is loaded with features including a full color display and voice alerts.

Cobra XRS 9445: The Cobra XRS 9445 Radar Detector is popular entry level model that has voice alerts and an easy to read display. This model is great for use around town.

These are just a few of the models we have in stock. If you have any questions just call us at: 1-800-584-1445 or send an email.

One of the most common questions is about the legality of using a radar detector. "Are radar detectors legal?" "Where are radar detectors illegal?" Current laws about radar detectors are rather simple:

Radar detectors are currently illegal in the following states/districts/areas or use with certain vehicles:

Virginia (VA)
Washington DC (DC)
Military Bases
Radar detectors are illegal to use at the federal level (in all states) and in commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs.

Here is a list of the states where it is 100% legal to possess and operate a radar detector:
ALABAMA (AL) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
ALASKA (AK) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
ARIZONA (AZ) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
ARKANSAS (AR) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
CALIFORNIA (CA) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
COLORADO (CO) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
CONNECTICUT (CT) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
DELAWARE (DE) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
FLORIDA (FL) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
GEORGIA (GA) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
HAWAII (HI) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
IDAHO (ID) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
ILLINOIS (IL) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
INDIANA (IN) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
IOWA (IA) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
KANSAS ( KS) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
KENTUCKY (KY) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
LOUISIANA (LA) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
MAINE (ME) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
MARYLAND (MD) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
MASSACHUSETTS (MA) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
MICHIGAN (MI) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
MINNESOTA (MN) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
MISSISSIPPI (MS) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
MISSOURI (MO) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
MONTANA (MT) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
NEBRASKA (NE) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
NEVADA (NV) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
NEW HAMPSHIRE (NH) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
NEW JERSEY (NJ) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
NEW MEXICO (NM) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
NEW YORK (NY) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
NORTH CAROLINA (NC) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
NORTH DAKOTA (ND) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
OHIO (OH) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
OKLAHOMA (OK) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
OREGON (OR) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
PENNSYLVANIA (PA) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
RHODE ISLAND (RI) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
SOUTH CAROLINA (SC) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
SOUTH DAKOTA (SD) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
TENNESSEE (TN) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
TEXAS (TX) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
UTAH (UT) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
VERMONT (VT) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
WASHINGTON (WA) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
WEST VIRGINIA (WV) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
WISCONSIN (WI) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.
WYOMING (WY) - Legal to own and use a radar detector.

Beltronics makes some of the best radar detectors around. Over the years here at Buy Radar Detectors, we have always been very pleased with the quality and price of Beltronics radar detectors and Beltronics radar detector accessories. There are a lot of radar detector manufacturers out there, but few are as consistent in designing a reliable detector, we know it and our customers know it.

When shopping for a Beltronics radar detectors, you should first determine the primary type of driving you do, is it in the city our out on the highway, or a balance of both? Next, determine a rough budget for how much you want to spend. Finally are there any must have features you need such as voice notifications.

Looking for top of the line performance and undetectable? Then the Beltronics STi Driver Radar Detector may be what you need. They have great range so they excel at highway driving.

Need a high performance detector with the ability to mark red light and speed cameras? The Beltronics Professional Series GX65 Radar Detector is a good option and it also has good filtering for blocking out false signals around town.

Do you want a mixture of performance and features for a great price? The Beltronics Professional Series RX65 Radar Detector is one of the best models around and is amazing for the price. It has great range and filtering and is perfect for those looking for a balanced design. It is even available with a red or blue display!

Are you trying to find a reliable, basic radar detector? Then either the Beltronics Vector 995 Radar Detector or Beltronics Vector 955 Radar Detector may be what you want. They both have good range, and are very dependable models.

Interested in an entry level radar detector, or one to use as a backup? The Beltronics Vector 940 Radar Detector offers great performance for a budget price. Don't let the low cost fool you, it offers good range and filtering and is perfect for around town or even the open road.

These are just the Beltronics windshield mount radar detectors currently available, there are also concealable radar detectors such as the Beltronics Professional Series RX45 Radar Detector and the Beltronics Vector 975E Radar Detector.

If you have any questions when shopping for a Beltronics radar detector, just contact us. A lot of folks here use Beltronics radar detectors in their own vehicle, so there is a good chance you will be able to speak with someone who has owned a Beltronics for years. You will not be speaking with a salesperson that is in a call center and never even owned a radar detector.

You can also use our radar detector comparison tool to check out features, or do a quick search here on our website and our radar detector blog for more information on Beltronic radar detectors. One blog post that is very popular is our detailed comparison of the Beltronics RX65 and Escort 8500 X50 radar detectors.

We now have a brand new radar detector from Cobra in stock. The Cobra XRS 9965 is high-end model that shares a lot of the features found on the popular XRS 9960G. The XRS-9965 has an extra large 1.5" full color touch screen DataGrafix display. Here at Buy Radar Detectors, we really like the touch screen display, so we were glad it was included on this model.

The Cobra XRS-9965 supports GPS-enabled functionality if you use the optional GPS accessory (GPSL). When combined with the GPSL, the XRS9965 will warn you about red light, speed, and photo radar cameras.

The 9965 detects X, K, Ka, Ku and laser and will alert you with voice alerts, and the intuitive IntelliMute™ feature which will mute the detector based on your current speed. The 9965 also detects POP radar, provides a voltage meter, and has all of the popular features you would expect.

We have the Cobra XRS 9965 radar detector ready to ship out for $159.95!