The following article, I feel, is very useful and helpful for anyone interested in radar and laser detectors. The article was written on detecttheradar.com

Radar Detectors


Radar detectors are devices used to detect speed sensing equipment used by law enforcement.There are three types of mounts available.

The first type of detector is a corded unit that attaches to the windshield using suction cups and "plugs" into the power supply by the cord.The second type of detector is a cordless unit. The detector is usually battery powered and is more easily transferred between vehicles.The last type of detector is remote mounted and is permanently mounted in the vehicle. It cannot be transferred between vehicles.

All types of radar detectors have the ability to detect some level of radar signals, but there are several different options available.One of the options available among radar detectors is the ability to detect laser signals. Some police officers use radar that has laser speed detection.

These speed guns are more accurate and can be used to determine speed from further away. The radar detector able to detect laser signals gives the driver the ability to determine that his speed is being checked by laser long before the laser gun can actually determine the speed of the car.

In some states, radar detectors are not legal and cannot be used. Some radar detectors have an option that makes it "invisible" to radar guns. VG-2 and Spectre protection is basic shielding that alerts the driver that radar detection detectors are being used by police officers.

Stealth mode, another option, alerts the driver and then shuts down the radar detector to prevent detection by law enforcement. Lastly, some detectors offer "invisible" modes that totally make the radar detectors undetectable by law enforcement but still allow the radar detector to function. The higher the level of protection from detection that is available, the more the radar detector will cost you.Another useful feature of some radar detectors is voice alerts.

All radar detectors have different tones for different alerts, but sometimes it is necessary to take your eyes off the road to check the detector. The need to check the detector can be lessened by voice alert. This feature actually tells you what the tone is for and allows you to keep your eyes on the road at all times.

The average police officer on flat terrain can detect your speed from ¼ mile away. It is important that your radar detector can detect impulses from law enforcement from at least 1 ½ miles away to as much as 4 miles away in order to be able to slow down and take in your surroundings.

While many people choose to have a radar detector to keep from receiving a speeding ticket, radar detectors can be used also to determine the presence of police activity in the area. This could be an indicator of an automobile crash or some other traffic incident that will result in a slow-down in traffic.

With all the options available, make sure you spend time reviewing your driving needs before you choose which radar detector you will buy.