Top 5 Radar Laser Detectors in 2009

Most driving enthusiasts find it difficult to truly enjoy the capabilities of their sports cars without the use of a decent radar laser detector, but the wide variety of units available can make it hard to choose. The products currently available on the market have numerous features and various performance options. Most consumers simply want affordable protection from unwanted visits with law enforcement officers. The Top 5 Radar Laser Detectors in 2009 were selected from several different price ranges that will allow virtually anyone to make a purchase, and these products are sure to please.

All of the Top 5 Radar Laser Detectors in 2009 had to meet minimum performance requirements and standards in order to be included in the competition. Due to the fact that radar and laser detectors are now considered illegal in many areas, all of the units in the list were required to have either VG-2 or VG-3 cloaking technology. Such protection allows a driver to confidently utilize a detector without fear of confiscation or retribution. The only other mandatory feature was a windshield mount which allows the detectors to be used in multiple cars and they can be mounted practically anywhere.

1. Escort Passport 9500ix Radar and Laser Detector -

The 9500ix is an amazing unit that outperforms any other radar or laser detector, but the cost definitely reflects being the best and is normally within the $400-500 range. This is the only unit to utilize GPS to help minimize normal false alarms and provide speed sensitive interpretation of other radar and laser signals. The units also mark known speed traps and cameras that any of the other owners have encountered, and all information is kept current via GPS. The Passport 9500ix is anything but usual, and its performance has earned it the top spot.

2. Valentine One Radar and Laser Detector -

Although the Valentine One is no longer the latest and greatest thing as it has been in recent years, it still outperforms many other detectors and typically costs between $350-450. Multiple radar antennas allow better protection and no other unit offers separate antennas for the front and rear. The company first released these in 1992 and has only made software changes to the unit, so the design is not the most contemporary. However, the Valentine One provides functionality and good performance and came in second.

3. Beltronics V955 Vector

High Performance Radar and Laser Detector – The best feature of the V955 is most likely the price and there are options found on it that are normally only available on much more expensive models. A mere $200 purchases this detector with digital signal processing technology which allows quick interpretation of multiple radar or laser signals. The LED display is very easy to read and is much appreciated placing this unit in third.

4. Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar and Laser Detector -

While it may not quite be as effective as its big brother, the Passport 8500 X50 does share a lot of the same features as the 9500ix. However, the lack of the GPS capabilities brings the price to a more affordable range of $250-300. The very simple control layout is great for users that are not used to dealing with a radar or laser detector and the warning sounds increase with signal strength. The X50 is a strong contender, but came in fourth.

5. Whistler XTR-140 Radar and Laser Detector -

The most amazing aspect of the XTR-150 is simply the price at a low $40. Although there are two blue LED’s that flash on the top side with an alert, it is important to note that there is only one antenna that can receive signals. The Whistler XTR-140 is not able to compete with the others in the Top 5 Radar Laser Detectors in 2009, but it does provide a very affordable option for consumers that must look for this price range.

One of the Top 5 Radar Laser Detectors in 2009 is sure to please any driver, but each has their own strengths and unique characteristics. Car enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that none of the above units must be permanently mounted or require any modification done to the vehicle. These detectors are all critical in helping to avoid those dreaded encounters with the blue lights, but nothing is a substitute for safe driving.