Radar Detectors
If you're on the road often and you have a tendency to drive over the speed limit, you'll want to invest in a radar detector. 
Also they will save you money on speeding tickets. Radar detectors are great because you can go as fast as you want wherever you want. They will tell you when to slow down. It's a whole new way of not paying attention or looking out for police. Remember, though, speeding can be very dangerous to you and others on the road.
Legality
Please note that radar detectors are not legal in every state and that laws vary across the country on a state by state basis. Radar jammers are completely illegal in all 50 states under FCC regulations. For an easy to navigate, yet very comprehensive listing about traffic laws by state and more, please see this MIT article about traffic and speed laws.
How to Choose
Radar detectors come in a range of prices for every budget with a variety of features to choose from. For just $30 you can purchase a simple radar detector with multiple modes for city and highway use that scans a 360° radius. While results are not always the most dependable, this might suit the average user. For more reliable quality, opt for a slightly advanced model that will cost at least $70.
If you're a true road warrior, you may be interested in going with one of the high-end models with myriad features, such as multiple modes, band detection and range, and alert types that will help make you virtually invisible while on the road. Mid-range and high-end models will cost around $150 and up, but you can be certain that your detector will have your back covered.
Features and Jargon Break Down
- Detection Bands -- the more bands the radar measures, the more protection you have.
- Laser -- protects you against the ultra-precise laser guns.
- K Band -- the most frequent detection type.
- X Band
- Ka Band -- models with a POP alert track this type of band.
- Ka Super Wideband
- Ku Band -- for European travel.
- Detection Area
- Front -- most detect radars coming from the front.
- Front/Rear -- this offers more protection.
- 360 degree detection -- the ultimate range.
- Alert Type
- Visual -- such as flashing lights, bars, or scrolling screen. It's not always easy to see during the daytime unless you accustom yourself to checking every so often. At night, it's usually pretty decent, unless you are distracted by other things while driving (such as passengers, traffic, music, etc.).
- Audio -- usually in the form of beeps or series of different pitched beeps. Slightly obnoxious when the radar detector is of poor quality because it will go off all the time. However, this is usually the least distracting and more dependable alert method.
- Voice mode -- some of the more expensive models offer voice alerts. It's as good as any audio alert. The only problem is that in some cases drivers become bothered by the style of voice.
- Muting
- Make sure to get a radar with volume control and a mute button.
- Beeping and voice alerts can get annoying if the radar is picking up false signals.
- Another preventative measure of obnoxious noise is having a mode switch.
- Modes
- Switchable mode for city and highway keeps from setting of false alarms.
- Emergency vehicle detection is a nice feature that eliminates false alarms of this type.
- VG2 Capability
- Radar detectors are illegal in many states, such as Minnesota, California, Oklahoma, Virginia, Nebraska, Washington D.C. and Utah.
- In these states especially, law enforcement will use VG2 to search out those with radar detectors and then shut them off.
- For the consumer, there is a choice between VG2 immunity (which makes you virtually invisible) and VG2 detection (giving you time to shut off the radar and slow down before you get close to any law enforcement agents).
- Wireless Versions
- If you change cars often, or are frequently using rental cars, then these battery operated detectors may be the right choice for you.
Top Brands, Pricing, and Highest Ratings
(Compiled from C-Net and About.com)
The brands that produce the most models are Whistler, Cobra, and Beltronics. Valentine 1 is also highly regarded.
- Low-range
- Mid-range
- High-range
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