The weather’s changing and it’s time to take that nice ride down I-95. Well, I know I’m reaching here. Top down, windows open, stereo on about level 30, you know the drill. That also means it’s time to invest in something that’ll not only make your ride more enjoyable but will also save you money in the long run. The radar detector. Making sure you have a good reliable radar detector can be as confusing as selecting the right TV, so we’ll cover a few important items that should make your decision on this investment easier.

The technology:

Radar is radar. It’s been pretty much the same for decades. The only difference has been the different (updated) bands being used by our friendly law enforcement agencies.
Originally, the radar detector (or fuzz buster) detected X and K band signals. Over the years, detectors changed to include Ka Band with Super Wideband detection capabilities as law enforcement improved its arsenal of radar guns.

Many of the “instant on” or “photo radar” technologies are still based on these latest bands.
Laser came into use more recently and provided a new set of challenges for radar detector manufacturers due to its more precise beam of detection.

While a radar beam signature is relatively wide- as much as 8 lanes of traffic- a laser signature can be focused from a few feet to inches, enabling the officer to aim at a specific vehicle- say, for instance, yours.

Laser generally targets the most reflective surfaces on a vehicle, such as the license plate area, grill area or bumper areas. This can be used to target either the front or rear of the vehicle as well. While radar and laser can be detected, they cannot be “jammed” legally. Laser is generally diffused or reflected back to the laser gun itself- rendering a “non” or “negative” reading to the officer. This can allow enough time to warn the driver before the laser gun can be re-aimed at the vehicle.

Despite these advances, remember that there is NO protection from “Instant On”, pacing or timing techniques, which are still used by authorities as well.

Keeping your eyes peeled and your foot off the gas are your best defense.

The Solutions:

Radar Detector manufacturers have made the jump with technology and offer a wide variety of solutions that incorporate the latest in radar and laser detection, along with the ability to be undetectable to radar detector-detectors also in use by law enforcement where using a radar detector is illegal. Models are available in portable (windshield or visor mounted) and remote (professionally installed into the vehicle) and offer full protection from radar and laser from all sides of the vehicle.

Portable or Remote?

When making your radar detector purchase, performance should be top priority with ease of use and ergonomics close behind. Make sure the detector offers solid performance and the manufacturer has a great reputation regarding radar detector technology. Portable units offer flexibility, are small in size and allow you to change vehicles easily, if needed. Some models also offer the option of adding laser detectors/ diffusers to increase protection. Remote models offer increased performance in most cases and provide you with complete stealth in some cases because the units are installed and hidden within your vehicle. Items such as LED indicators, radar and laser sensors are installed inside panels or the instrument cluster and are undetectable to law enforcement detection units.

K40′s Calibre DL Wireless Remote Control and Photos of LED’s Mounted in Instrument Panels

Benefits & Guidance:

When shopping for your radar detector, performance and reputation are key points to research.
While most of the better models available offer up to three-year warranties, one manufacturer even guarantees its product strongly enough that they will pay your speeding tickets within the first year.

In addition to shopping the features, if you plan on reading the reviews, be sure the articles you are reading are un-biased. Some websites touting professional radar detector reviews are actually paid by AND- sell competitors products. This is not un-biased by ANY means!!! In addition, the best advice for the forum jungle is this, NEVER believe most of what you read there. One such source for an accurate and un-biased review of radar detectors can be found at Speed Measurement Laboratories.

www.speedlabs.com or www.speedzones.com

In the end, enjoy your new radar detector and remember

“It’s not how fast you drive, but how you drive, fast.”

Ask Chuck in Mobile Audio/Video

Name:

Email:

Subject:

Your Message: