Evaluation Criteria
To evaluate their effectiveness, Fors’ Speed Measurement Labs test radar/laser detectors in the following categories:
- Radar Reception
- Laser Reception
- Laser Countermeasures
- Long Range Testing
- Radar Detector Detector Testing
- POP Testing
- Red Light Camera Locations
- SWS, Safety Alert, Strobe Alert
- Over The Hill Testing
In the past we have assigned numerical values that compare the detectors to each other in each category but have deviated from that for this year’s evaluation. As X band guns continue to fall out of favor, we’ve eliminated that as a major criteria. (Honolulu, Hawaii, has no radar guns—only laser, K and Ka band deployment is almost universal but laser is gaining favor as it allows officers to target a specific vehicle and with integrated cameras, makes the citation almost impossible to contest.)
Speaking of police officers, what makes the SML annual test in El Paso, Texas, each summer the gold standard in radar detector tests is that almost every manufacturer participates and that all the speed measurement devices are manned by law enforcement personnel. These officers are properly trained and certified for each of the radar and laser guns used in the test, and deploy the radar and laser guns as they do every day. SML acts as an observer and sanctions the test. This ensures that the results are fair, impartial and unbiased. SML does not sell the products it tests.
After a battery of tests held over a three-day period, here’s a recap of the results covering a wide variety of units. The prices listed are the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. You may be able to find them at a lower price in retail stores or from authorized resellers on the Internet.
(For a full review of the extensive testing process, visit the SML website at speedzones.com.)
Whistler XTR-690SE - $230
Radar/Laser Detector
Pros:
Very good balance between sensitivity and selectivity
Offers the best overall performance in an under $200 detector
Cons:
Not to be compared to detectors costing two to four times its modest cost
Whistler
800.531.0004
whistlergroup.com
Cobra XRS 9970 G - $390
Radar/Laser/Safety Camera Detector
Pros:
Good balance between performance and cost
Touch screen is an innovative feature
Cons:
Slightly less sensitive compared to higher-priced units
Take it or leave it styling
Cobra
773.889.3087
cobra.com
Escort Passport Solo S3 - $350
Radar/Laser Detector
Pros:
Battery operated, cordless design
Easy to mount high, improving sensitivity
Cons:
Less overall sensitivity compared to the top-tier units
Keep a spare battery in the glove compartment
Escort
800.964.3138
escortradar.com
Beltronics STI Magnum - $500
Radar/Laser Detector
Pros:
Virtually invisible to all (RDDs)
Compatibility with Escort Live (optional)
Available integrated laser jammer (optional)
Cons:
Slightly less sensitive compared to Valentine One, especially to the rear
Beltronics
866.468.0322
beltronics.com
$500
Escort Passport 9500ix - $500
Radar/Laser Detector
Pros:
Built-in GPS capability, access to threat database
Programmable features include compatibility with Escort Live (optional)
Available integrated laser jammer (optional)
Cons:
Slightly less radar sensitivity to the rear compared to Valentine One
Escort
800.964.3138
escortradar.com
$500
Valentine One - $500
Radar/Laser Detector
Pros:
Extreme sensitivity mated with exceptional selectivity, filtering false signals
Front and rear detection capabilities
Directional arrows locate the threat
Best laser sensitivity
Cons:
Larger size relative to other top-tier units
No integrated laser jamming capability
Valentine One
800.331.3030
valentine1.com
Escort Passport iQ - $650
Radar/Laser Detector with integrated GPS Navigation
Pros:
Integrates radar/laser detection with GPS navigation
Good sensitivity, falling just short of top-performing units
Visual indication of red light camera threats
Cons:
No integrated real-time traffic updates unlike OEM units
Escort
800.964.3138
escortradar.com
Beltronics STiR Plus$1,300
Remote Radar/Laser Detector
Pros:
Good overall levels of sensitivity
Integrated laser jamming capability
All components are concealed, the Stealth fighter of radar/laser detectors
Can’t be seen or stolen
Cons:
Installation generally requires professional installation, higher overall cost
Sensitivity lower by 5 percent because of lower antenna position, generally falls short of the best dash-top detectors
Beltronics
866.468.0322
beltronics.com
Blinder M27 X-Treme - $500
Laser Jammer
Pros:
Simply the best defense against laser guns
Upgradable as new laser guns are introduced
Provides parking assist as a bonus
Cons:
Cost is over and above a radar/laser detector
Installation generally requires professional installation
Blinder
866.622.7219
blinderxtreme.com
Escort Live
Escort Live, introduced with great fanfare at the 2011 SEMA Show is an exciting development in the escalating war between law enforcement and those drivers wishing to reach their destination sooner, and reducing the chance of receiving a costly citation.
While there has been a pullback in the deployment in fixed speed cameras, Carl Fors believes that they will be less of a factor in the coming years but they will still remain a threat. Using a specially designed cigarette lighter plug (a hard-wire version is promised in 2012) your Bluetooth-equipped iPhone or Android smartphone can be used to augment the alerts provided by many Beltronics and Escort high-end radar/laser detectors. Constantly updated threats are delivered to your phone in real time.
As of press time, the rate to access this feature is around $80, but is expected to rise as more units reach end users. The system depends on other Escort Live users to report encountered threats to the central database. Billed as social networking for drivers, Escort Live promises to be another important tool in the constant battle between police enforcement and drivers who want to avoid costly citations.
For more information and instructional videos, visit escortradar.com/escort-live/.