Radar Detectors

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.

If you are trying to find the best radar detector around for under $100, then the Whistler Pro 68SE may be what you have been searching for. The new Pro 68SE is based on a very proven design, the Pro 68 (previously our pick for the best under $100). The new model has retained the performance of the venerable Pro 68 and added a few updates.

One new feature we like a lot is the ability to use Whistler's IntelliCord Power Cable. The Pro 68SE retains the popular display of the Pro 68 and the LED warning periscopes. The Whistler radar detector also comes with a hardwire kit and dash pad in addition to the traditional power cord and windshield mount. We have them here ready to go for $99.99 with free shipping!

Radar is short for RAdio Detection And Ranging and is the use of radio waves to determine the range, location, and speed of an object. Police use radar by focusing radio waves at an area (or object such as a car) and then measuring the radio wave that is reflected back. By using the Doppler effect they can then determine an objects speed.

Police use a radar "gun" that was invented by Bryce K. Brown in March 1954. Most radar guns used by law enforcement today are a basic variation on the original design.

A radar gun is a simple radio transmitter and receiver. The radio waves sent have a frequency measured in Gigahertz (GHz). When the radio waves reflect and bounce off of an object there is a slight change in frequency. The frequency shift (Doppler effect) is measured by the radar gun and the objects speed is determined.

The frequencies used by the radar guns are called radar bands. X band was once the most common but is becoming rather rare since it is very easily detected by radar detectors. K and Ka bands use frequencies that are much more difficult to detect and are now more common. Ku band is mostly found in Europe.

• X Band is in the 8.0 to 12.0 GHz range (most common is 10.5 in the US / 9.4-10.6 in Europe)
• K Band is in the 18 to 26.5 GHz range (most common is 24.12 - 24.17 in the US / 24.12 - 25.15 in Europe)
• Ka Band is in the 26.5 to 40 GHz range (most common is 33.8, 34.6, 34.7, 35.5, 35.7 GHz in the US / 34.0, 34.3, 35.5 in Europe)
• Ku Band is in the 12 to 18 GHz range (Ku is not used in the US, most common is 13.45 in Europe)

A radar detector is a radio receiver designed to scan for these frequencies. When it detects radio waves in the X, K, Ka, or Ku band it sends out an alert, and many detectors will even tell you how strong (close) the signal is. High performance detectors usually are able to alert faster, detect radar at a greater distance, and also filter out false radio signals better than entry level designs, but they all perform essentially the same function.

In the US most radar guns used by police are K or Ka band, however some police departments still use X band. We know that a lot of people advocate turning X band off, but before you do we recommend driving around for a while with it on to make certain you do not encounter any police still using the band in your area. In fact, some departments now purposefully use X band because so many people treat it as a false alert and turn it off.

In addition to being used by police, many automatic doors and some car navigation systems emit radar as well. This results in false alerts. The signal from an automatic door, etc... is often rather weak so most radar detectors have a city mode to lessen the detectors sensitivity. A few radar detector models also allow you to manually lock out false signals, or will even block them for you automatically.

How you setup your radar detector can also be a determining factor in how effective it is. First, the detector should be placed so that the forward sensor has an unobstructed "view" ahead. For a windshield mount detector, the best location is in the center, and middle of the windshield. The detector should also be level and not pointing up, or down. You may want to turn off X band depending on where you live. Next, in town set the detector to city mode to lessen the number of false alerts, and switch back to highway when outside of urban areas. There are compromises in setting up your detector related to how tolerant you are of false alerts. Some prefer to use highway mode constantly, others will never turn off X band. As you use your detector you will be able to decide what you want to change from the basic settings.

Certain radar detector models are better for highway use where you want long range, and very quick detection, but they tend to have a lot of false alerts in urban area. There are other models that tend to be much better at filtering out false alerts but may not alert fast enough for someone that travels mostly on the interstate. Because of this, here at Buy Radar Detectors we work with you to find the radar detector that fits your specific needs.

Are you looking to buy your first radar detector and want something that has high performance, but are not interested in some of the additional features found on top of the line models? Are you looking to upgrade from you current detector to a new, better performing one? Well you might want to look at the Beltronics Professional Series RX65. It does not quite have the range or sensitivity of a 9500ix or an STi Driver but it is very close.

The Bel Professional Series RX65 has voice alerts, a Multiple Threat Display, KU band detection, and auto mute for $299.95 with free two day shipping. Here at Buy Radar Detectors we feel that the Bel RX65 is one of the best radar detectors available. The performance level comes close to the $500 radar detector level and has the features most people want.

We have the RX65 here in stock and ready to ship out. And yes the blue display model cost more because the blue led display is a real pain to make. I asked what the reason was, and when I was told, I am surprised they even make them.

Bel Professional Series RX65 Radar Detector (Red Display) $299.95 + Free Two Day Shipping

Bel Professional Series RX65 Radar Detector (Blue Display) $339.95 + Free Two Day Shipping

If you want, you can say this model has a 9 out of 10 Awesome! rating or some other nonsense. Honestly, everyone here at Buy Radar Detectors think such random ratings are meaningless. Many people just use them to sell what they like, not what works the best. Instead go out and read some reviews and see what other people have to say:

Veil Guy has a great review.

If you have any question, as always give us a call at 1-800-584-1445

We have recently been able to find a long lost supply of Whistler XTR-690 radar detectors! They were hidden deep in the wilderness of Arkansas until just a few days ago! Once news that a cache of new XTR-690s had been found our specially trained radar detector experts jumped into action! We immediately were able to acquire the rare and elusive XTR-690 radar detectors for further study here at our radar detector lab. Before today they were only glimpsed in the wild in an employee's vehicle, only to be quickly hidden before it could be grabbed in jealousy!

The Whistler XTR-690's performance is legendary and we are pleased to announce that we have a limited number available for a very low price! According to Whistler, the XTR-690 will deliver performance very similar to that of a high performance Bel or Escort model - at less than half the price!

We have them here and ready to go for $99.99 and FREE SHIPPING!
Again, our supply is limited, so if you have been wanting one, now is the time to get one before they are all gone!

The Cobra XRS 9970G is Cobra's latest entry into the windshield radar detector market. This is a top of the line offering from Cobra, with GPS functionality and their new touch screen display. Many of you are fans of the feature rich Cobra radar detectors, and the 9970G is a great addition to their extensive line.

Regular readers of this blog know that red light cameras continue to rip-off as many of you as possible. Having a good warning system is the best protection you can have in areas where crooked politicians have installed red light cameras. The 9970G offers a full GPS warning system and radar detector combined into one easy to use device.

We like the detachable GPS module a lot, and is one of our favorite features on the 9960G. So we were very pleased to see that Cobra is continuing to use the easy to remove module. You can just unplug the module and connect it to your PC for updates, instead of having to remove the entire detectors like other integrated radar / red light camera detector models.

The touch screen should make the 9970G even easier to use. Cobra has long had one of the best interfaces around. The large, full color touch screen is something that should enable you to quickly change the detector's settings.

We have the Cobra 9970G radar detector here in stock and ready to ship for $239.95 with free shipping!

We have already talked a bit about the new RLC 250 from Whistler, but they also have several new radar detectors coming out this year. Whistler is the leader in budget, quality radar detectors and everyone here at Buy Radar Detectors is a big fan. Some of us use them in our personal vehicles, and we have literally a warehouse of radar detectors to pick from!

For 2010, there are a few new models and some that are an "upgraded" design over a previous model.

OK, here is a quick list of the new 2010 models:

• Whistler XTR-145 THE XTR-145 IS NOW IN STOCK! $42.95
• Whistler XTR-335 THE XTR-335 IS NOW IN STOCK! $69.99
• Whistler XTR-420 THE XTR-420 IS NOW IN STOCK! $79.99
• Whislter XTR-430 THE XTR-430 IS NOW IN STOCK! $74.99
• Whistler XTR-440 THE XTR-440 IS NOW IN STOCK! $89.99
• Whistler XTR-555 THE XTR-555 IS NOW IN STOCK! $94.99
• Whistler PRO-68SE THE PRO-68SE IS NOW IN STOCK! $99.99

And also the new RLC-250 (currently getting my vote for Best Car Gadget of 2010).

One thing that we are interested in, we consider the Whistler PRO 68 to be one of the best (if not the best) radar detector available for under $100. The new Whistler PRO-68SE might be a very interesting model.

I will update this list as we get the models here at our radar detector test lab. Also, we of course will continue to stock all of the existing models including the popular Whistler XTR-690 SE, Whistler PRO 78SE, and Whistler XTR-540 Radar Detector.