Modern cars have powerful engines and people are curious to try speeding their car, especially on straight roads. If you like to avoid trouble at all costs and have a lead foot, then you most definitely need a radar detector. If you want to buy one, you need to know Different Types of Radar Detectors available.
Different Types of Radar Detectors
This guide aims at providing some insights on the various types of radar detectors that are available in the market and how to buy the one that would suit you the most.
How traffic radar works? The traffic radar uses a radar beam to identify the speed of the vehicle. A radar gun is a single unit consisting of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends out radio signals at a certain frequency, which is reflected by the oncoming vehicles. Depending on the frequency at which the radar signals are reflected, the speed is determined by the speed gun.
What the best radar detector has?
- Radar detection of all bands: A good radio detector can detector should be able to spot the major types of bands used in the U.S – the X, K and Ka bands.
- Laser Detection: All good radar detectors should also be able to detect laser beams, in case the police use a LIDAR gun.
- Voice alerts: Aside from usual readouts and beeps, most radar detectors actually have voice alerts these days. Check for one with that.
- Ease of use: Your radar detector should be very easy to use. When the detector is blasting beeps, you won’t have time to sort anything complicated.
Types of radar detectors
Predominantly there are three major types of radar detectors.
Corded Radar Detectors
A corded detector, as the name suggests, has an electric cord for charging and is usually fitted to the windshield.
Pros
- Corded detectors can detect all types of bands – the X, K and Ka bands. All these three bands are the most commonly used signal types in the country.
- They can be mounted on your windshield.
- They have cords which provide continuous charging; hence there is no trouble of running out of charge.
Cons
- The electric cords might become a hindrance for the drivers. This can be quite frustrating and an additional distraction.
- The windshield mount has suction cups that attach them to the surface. This may fail over prolonged usage and might fall off, thereby distracting drivers.
- The detectors are pretty visible to both thieves and police alike. So there is an issue of theft.
- It is also space consuming.
Cordless Radar Detectors
Cordless radar detectors, as the name describes, are without electric cords. They come with rechargeable batteries.
Pros
- Easy to install like the corded version.
- Since they run on batteries and no cords, cordless detectors occupy lesser space.
- Since they are easily portable, they can be moved from one car to another. It is highly advantageous if you own more than one car.
Cons
- Cordless detectors are expensive than their corded counterparts.
- They have poorer range detection because of their battery power.
- They can’t pick up fast working POP radar signals as effectively as corded detectors can.
Remote Mounted Radar Detectors
These models are mounted permanently attached to your car and are discreet.
Pros
- They are permanently attached to your vehicle.
- Discreet and cannot be detected by thieves.
- They do not get in the way of your line of vision, unlike the corded or cordless versions.
- Because of the way they are installed, they also can’t fall off your windshield.
Cons
- They are not as sharp as the other type of detectors. They do not offer the same level of detection.
- Most expensive types.
- They have to be professionally installed, which would cost extra time and money.
- More often this model comes with radar jamming capabilities, which means if a police officer catches you with one, you can be charged for a felony.
Buying the right radar detector
Before buying a radar detector, make sure they have certain features.
- Choose a model with both city mode and highway mode.
- Opt for 360-degree laser detection.
- Look for Spectre or VG-2 protection, to hide the device from being detected by the police.
- Choose one with GPS capability to pinpoint the police radar gun.
Try a few different models before making a choice. It is better to buy models which have return policy; then you can buy a couple of detectors and test them to determine which one suits best your needs. Furthermore, to find the best radar detectors from time to time by visiting www.radardetectorguide.com frequently.