(888) 524-7889CONTACT US
0Item(s)

You have no items in your shopping cart.

Today's special: Radenso XP for only $299.99! Was $349!

Product was successfully added to your shopping cart.

Radar Detectors

  • I Need a New Radar Detector! Wait, No I Need a Red Light and Speed Camera Detector. Oh, You can Have Both!

    Ok, after the last Veil Guy post, we started talking about how there are a lot of interesting red light and speed camera related products out now in the world of radar detectors. So we decided to create a list of the most popular products that function as both a radar detector and camera detector.

    Even though some communities have been able to have red light and speed cameras removed, their use is still growing. Combine that with the fact that some cities are purposely shortening the length of yellow lights to generate revenue. (I had to retype that last part. Making a light shorter just to write more tickets is rude and annoys me. My first comment was more vehement .)

    So here you go, our list of radar detectors that can also be used to warn you of Yellow Light Cash Generators. (See what I did there.) Oh, we would like to point out, this list is far from comprehensive. We also have some detectors with optional red light and speed camera components you can get separately. These however have everything you need in one box:

    Beltronics Pro 500 Radar Detector Preloaded database of camera locations that can be updated.

    Cobra SPX 7800BT Radar Detector Can be tethered to your iPhone or Android smartphone and connected to Cobra's AURA® database for community threat sharing.

    Escort Passport 9500ix Radar Detector Preloaded database of camera locations that can be updated from their website or manually updated.

    Escort Passport Max2 Radar Detector Preloaded database of camera locations that can be updated. It can also be tethered to your iPhone or Android smartphone and connected to Escort's online real-time ticket-protection network.

    Whistler CR90 Radar Detector w/ GPS Alerts Preloaded database of camera locations that can be updated via USB to Whistler's Verilight database.

  • Radar Detector Firmware Versions

    Today's high performance radar detectors are like computers in a way: they work well because of a combination of both hardware and software. A radar detector's hardware are the physical parts of the detector that enable it to sniff out a radar signal. This is the part that chiefly determines the sensitivity of a detector. Software, or firmware, controls how a detector behaves once it encounters a signal, and is responsible for the "personality" of the product. It decides which signals to filter out as false alerts, and is responsible for many of the detector's features, including the user interface.

    Radar detector hardware doesn't change very often, if ever. Typically a change would only occur as new models come to market. Firmware, however, is frequently being tweaked by radar detector manufacturers and it is common to see several new versions released per year. That means that, for example, a Bel RX65 purchased today would potentially perform differently than a RX65 purchased several months ago, and certainly would perform differently than one purchased several years ago.

    What Are They Changing?
    So, what kinds of changes are being made with these firmware upgrades? Manufacturers are typically secretive about specific changes, but a common tweak is likely to adjust a detector's filtering capabilities for newly found interference-creating devices. Updates could also contain bug fixes, or product enhancements. Within the last year, Beltronics released an updated version of the STi Driver that fixed a problem related to poor sensitivity on a specific Ka frequency. Also within the last year, Whistler released an updated Pro 78 and XTR690 that improved Ka performance and enhanced some user interface functions.

    Shopping For The Latest Firmware
    If you're shopping around for a new radar detector, be aware that the detector's firmware version could affect its performance and usability. Avoid buying products from retailers or web sites where product would sit on shelves for months (from infrequent sales or due to huge quantity buys), or from web sites who have distributors "drop ship" product instead of stocking themselves. In a situation where products have sat in a warehouse for months or where a dealer has no control of the source of the products, it is easy to see how you could receive a dated version.

    Buy Radar Detectors policy for high end detectors is to only stock as many units as we expect to sell within a two week period. This means we are constantly turning over our inventory, and always have a recent firmware version. We are now beginning to indicate on our product pages exactly which version we are currently shipping. We are also indicating manufacture date, when available. This information is being checked and updated once per month. If you are considering purchasing from us and have any questions regarding the firmware, please don't hesitate to contact us.

    Checking Your Radar Detector's Firmware Version
    If you already have a high performance radar detector and are curious to find out your firmware version, simply find your detector below and follow the steps.

    Beltronics STi Driver - Hold down both the Volume/Mute and Sensitivity buttons while powering on the detector. The firmware version will be displayed when the detector turns on. Warning: this will reset the detector's settings to factory defaults.

    Beltronics RX65, Vector Series (995, 965, 955, 940) - Hold down both the City and Brightness buttons while powering on the detector. The firmware version will be displayed when the detector turns on. Warning: this will reset the detector's settings to factory defaults.

    Escort 8500 X50 Black - Hold down the City, Dim, and Mute buttons while powering on the detector. The firmware version will be displayed when the detector turns on. Warning: this will reset the detector's settings to factory defaults.

    Whistler Pro 78, XTR-690 - Hold down the City button while plugging the detector into the cigarette lighter adapter. The firmware version will be displayed when the detector turns on.

    Valentine One - Hold in the control knob while turning the knob "on". Continue to hold in the knob until all lights are illuminated (about 5 seconds). Release the control knob, then press-and-release it again. This will display the version one digit at a time in the bogey counter window. Warning: this takes you into the V1's programming mode. To exit, turn the detector off and then back on normally.

    Dates of Manufacturer
    For Bel and Escort products, you can determine the date of manufacture by checking the label on the bottom of the detector. The last four digits on the serial number line represent a year and week number. For example, if this number on the bottom of your detector is 1208 that means the detector was manufactured during the 12th week of 2008.

  • Whistler's 2008 Radar Detector Lineup

    Buy Radar Detectors is pleased to announce the 2008 lineup of Whistler radar detectors. Whistler's 2007 introduction of the XTR-690 and Pro 78 radar detectors has been a huge success, so we've been anxious to see what they had in store for us this year. We're sure you won't be disappointed!

    There are five new models, all of which are expected to become available in May. Pricing information is not yet available for models other than the XTR-695.

    Whistler XTR-695
    The Whistler XTR-695 will retail for $189, and will almost certainly replace the Pro 78 as the most popular detector in the series. It uses the same platform as the Pro 78 and XTR-690 so there will be little difference in range or false alert filtering, however there several are new features and as well as aesthetic improvements over the XTR-690. The most noticeable addition is the ability to change the background color of the display. Users can select from 7 available colors, but more importantly a background color can be linked to a specific type of alert. As an example, X band alerts could have a green background color, K band could be blue, with Ka red. This could help quickly alert you to the seriousness of a threat.

    The XTR695 also introduces a Ka radar and laser "Signature ID" feature, which will be a big hit with enthusiasts. This feature gives a driver additional information to help determine if a threat is real or false.

    As you become accustomed to driving in a certain area with a detector, you tend to learn where false alerts will occur and what band(s) of radar police in your area typically use. Normal radar band identification (X, K, Ka) is very useful, as it helps a driver determine if the alert is a real threat or a false alarm. The X and K radar bands are relatively small, and there is little fluctuation in the frequencies that a detector will pick up in these bands. Ka, however, is a monster. There are three common frequencies used by Ka radar guns in the United States, but there are also three other less common Ka frequencies that are used and cannot be ignored by a detector. When the Whistler XTR-695 receives a Ka alert, the Signature ID feature allows the detector to display the frequency of the Ka radar gun closest to the detected frequency. This effectively breaks the Ka band down into smaller segments, which can be much more useful when determining the validity of a threat.

    The laser Signature ID feature works a little differently. During a laser alert, the XTR-695 will display the pulse rate (PPS) of the laser being detected. The Whistler XTR-695 even allows drivers to lock out individual PPS rates, preventing future alerts for that PPS. This feature is the answer to the prayers of many drivers who suffer through daily laser falses because their route takes them by an airport or other laser source.

    An audio jack has also been added. This is a nice benefit for motorcycle owners, or those looking to attach an external speaker. It also creates the ability for a 3rd party, like Cheetah, to develop interfaces to the 695. We may now see an interface that allows the GPS Mirror to communicate with the XTR-695!

    This model also has all other features you would expect from a flagship Whistler model: voice alerts, selectable bands, compass, 3 city modes, twin periscope LEDs, a volt meter, an industry best 3 year warranty and more.

    We will begin accepting pre-orders for the XTR-695 very soon!

    Whistler Pro 68
    The new Whistler Pro 68 will replace the Pro 58, which will be discontinued. The Pro 68 will have the same blue icon display of the 58, but will add twin periscope LEDs. Range will be similar to the Pro 58, but additional filter modes have been added. A two year manufacturer warranty is included. No pricing information is available at this time for the Pro 68.

    Whistler XTR-575
    The Whistler XTR-575 radar detector will include a 72 point digital compass and blue back-lit text display. The XTR-575 uses Whistler's mid-range platform, so performance will be similar to that of the Pro 68. Although no pricing information is available at this time, it is likely the XTR-575 will be the lowest priced model with this platform. The XTR575 also offers selectable bands, twin periscope LEDs, and a 1 year warranty.

    Whistler XTR-550
    The Whistler XTR-550 replaces the XTR-500, which will be discontinued. It has the same bright red text display of the XTR-500 and also offers voice alerts. The XTR550 uses Whistler's smaller platform, so performance will be similar to the XTR-330 and XTR-260. Twin periscope LEDs and a 1 year warranty are included.

    Whistler XTR-130
    The Whistler XTR-130 will be the new low end model in the series, joining the XTR-140. The XTR130's features will be similar to the 140, but with only one city mode and no periscope LEDs.

    An update will be posted here once these new models are in stock. Check back soon for pre-order information on the XTR-695!

    UPDATE (4/10/2008) - The detectors listed above are only the new models that will be released soon. Many current models will still be available. The following is the full lineup of available models: XTR-130, XTR-140, XTR-185, XTR-190, XTR-260, XTR-330, XTR-550, XTR-560, XTR-575, XTR-690, XTR-695, 1788, Pro 68, Pro 78, Pro 3450, Fuzion

  • Where Should You Mount Your Radar Detector?

    Customers are frequently asking us for advice on the best mounting location for a radar detector. Unfortunately, there is not an easy answer. Choices usually come down to either mounting the detector high on the windshield or visor or low on the windshield or dashboard, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

    High Mounting
    Positioning a radar detector high on a windshield, such as by the rear-view mirror or clipped to a visor gives you better protection against police radar. A detector that is mounted high will catch some radar signals sooner than with a lower mounting. This is particularly true in more hilly terrain, or when your vehicle is travelling up a hill and a police officer is targeting traffic from the other side. A high mounted detector will encounter the radar signal sooner, providing you with more time to adjust your speed.

    With a high mounting, however, you risk missing a laser alert. At 1000 feet, the light from a police laser gun is only around 2 feet wide, and this light has to hit your radar detector before you will get an alert. Since the officer is aiming the laser at a front license plate or a headlight, there is a good chance that a high mounted detector this narrow beam.

    Low Mounting
    A radar detector mounted low on the windshield or attached directly to the dash (with Velcro or a dash pad) will provide the best all-around solution. You will lose a little in radar range, but will gain a lot in the ability to detect laser. Of course, a radar detector alone is not enough to guarantee protection against police laser, so if laser is used in your area be sure that you have a passive solution like Laser Veil or a laser jammer.

    Our Recommendation
    We recommend you mount high if laser is not used in your area, or if you have an active laser jammer installed.

    We recommend you mount low if laser is used in your area and you are using only a passive laser defense product (or no specific laser defense product).

  • New Forum: SpeedTrapHunter.net

    A new countermeasures forum has recently been launched: SpeedTrapHunter.net. We have been truly impressed with how, in such as short time, these guys have been able to gather support from a number of manufacturers as well as industry experts. Representives from Blinder, Cheetah, OnTrack, Veil, and Whistler will be answering questions about their respective products as well as contributing to other discussions on the forum. Industry experts Carl Fors from SpeedingLimits will also be participating.

    With this type of support it seems certain that these guys will be successful, and we have decided to support their efforts. Effective immediately, our forum has been taken down and is redirecting to SpeedTrapHunter.net. Frank and myself will be participating on the forum, representing Buy Radar Detectors.

    This forum will be about a friendly, mature exchange of knowledge regarding the countermeasures industry. If you interested in this type of discussion, I would encourage you to join SpeedTrapHunter and help it grow. Post any questions you might have about detectors, jammers, photo enforcement, speeding tickets or other related topic, or just jump in and tell us about your experiences. With the wealth of knowledge provided by the members listed above, you are certain to get the best available advice.

  • Guys of Lidar Radar Detector Test - March 2007

    The Guys of Lidar, a group of radar detector enthusiasts, has posted the results of their March 2007 radar detector and laser jammer test. Unlike a few other testers, the Guys of Lidar do not declare winners - they only post the real numbers from the testing. Here are a few highlights:

    • The Bel STi Driver had less than stellar performance on one Ka frequency, but other than that the STi put up superb numbers!
    • The re-engineered Whistler models, the XTR-690 and Pro 78, showed considerable improvement over previous Whistler models. We had hoped that they would turn in performance challenging the $300 and up Bel and Escort models, but it doesn't look like they are there quite yet.
    • The Bel Vector 955 was the big surprise. A great showing for a sub-$200 model!

    Click below for the test results:
    March 2007 Radar Detector Test
    March 2007 Laser Jammer Test

  • Bel STi Driver: Worlds Best Radar Detector

    The Beltronics STi Driver is a very impressive radar detector. In fact some consider it the best available. In this test the Beltronics STi goes up against the Valentine One. Besides the impressive performance, the STi is also 100% shielded and cannot be detected by police radar detector detectors!

    The Beltronics STi Driver offers impressive performance and is complete undetectable. Give us a call or send an email if you want to learn more about this amazing radar detector!

  • Ku Band Is NOT Coming To The USA

    Almost two years ago, a rumor started floating around that a radar gun manufacturer may be producing a radar gun that operates using the Ku radar band. There are already speed measurement devices that use the Ku band, but they are rare and are used predominately in a few European countries. Cobra and Whistler reacted to this rumor by adding Ku band detection to their 2006 detectors.

    Ku is NOT coming to the US!

  • Illumine Radar Detector

    Techeblog is reporting a new radar detector called the Illumine. The Illumine is designed for female drivers. It has a unique look, similar to a perfume bottle. The Illumine does not "beep" or make any other sound. Instead, it glows when a radar is detected. The stronger the signal, the brighter the glow.

    While an interesting concept, this product seemingly has some large flaws. Perhaps we can overlook the absence of a true display. Personally, I like to know what radar band is being detected because it helps me screen out false alerts, but this product is obviously not intended for customers who want to get the most from their detector. I don't believe I can overlook the lack of audio alerts, however. The purpose of this device is to give you time to slow down when a police officer is near, and I don't see how the "glow" will catch your attention fast enough. It may grab your attention at night, but will it be enough on a bright day?

    An unconventionally shaped detector may not be a bad idea in areas where radar detectors are illegal. If you are searched and the officer is specifically looking for a detector, they would likely not suspect something shaped like the Illumine.

    It appears that the Illumine is a prototype and is not yet near production, but unless the apparent flaws are addressed I would recommend you stay away from it.

  • How To Use Your Radar Detector

    A radar detector is a great tool, but it could hurt you more than help if you don't know how to use it properly. This post will attempt to explain how you can get the most benefit from your radar detector. It will teach you what you can expect from your radar detector, and what you cannot.

    What Radar Detectors Do
    Many people buy a radar detector and simply assume that they now have a license to speed. A few tickets later, these same people will discard the detector as "worthless". It is important to know what a radar detector is, and in what situations you can trust it, and when you must be cautious.

    A radar detector will alert you when it senses certain frequencies of signals. The frequencies that they look for are frequencies that are commonly used by radar guns (the devices used by police to capture the speed of vehicles). These products do not detect police officers or police cars. They only detect the signals that are emitted by devices that police officers sometimes use.

    When To Trust Your Radar Detector
    The perfect situation for a radar detector is when you are driving in traffic, with other cars in front of and behind you. Fortunately, this is a very common scenario and is almost always the case when you are driving on an interstate or a highway during daylight hours. In this scenario, a police officer who is looking for speeders would set off your radar detector when his radar gun captured the speed of a driver in front of or behind you. This would usually give you plenty of time to slow down.

    When To Be More Cautious
    If you are driving in an area where there isn't much traffic, or if you are the only vehicle within sight, you should exercise more caution. In this scenario, a radar detector is not as valuable. A police officer using an instant-on radar gun could get your speed and your radar detector would have little time to warn you. When exceeding the speed limit in lite traffic, you should always keep an eye out for law enforcement officers and slow down around curves or hills. You also shouldn't speed excessively -- when you spot a police officer you will need to get your speed in check quickly.

    The Laser Threat
    While police radar is by far the biggest threat, laser usage by police is growing rapidly. Laser works differently than police radar, and laser detection is a weak point for radar detectors. Police laser is not used in all areas, so it is important that you find out if laser is used where you commonly drive. If laser is a threat in your area, you should arm yourself with a laser defense product, such as a laser jammer or Laser Veil, in addition to your radar detector.

    Be Smart!
    If you are expecting to plug in your radar detector and automatically be immune to tickets, then you are in for trouble. However, if you take the time to learn what your radar detector is actually doing, and combine that with smart, situational driving, you will be successful at avoiding speeding tickets.

Items 141 to 150 of 152 total