Note: Discontinued models. See reviews of the best of the current models.
After our test against the latest photo radar (mobile speed camera) technology, two things are clear: Most radar detectors give little advance warning of it and while there are exceptions, they won't be found in the closeout bin at Sam's Club.
The latest photo radar is a low-powered K-band unit that's exceptionally difficult to detect. Most detectors can't spot it from across a six-lane freeway.
To find out which models are best at spotting it, we tested several units, focusing on GPS-enabled models and those we knew from past tests are hot K-band performers. Retail prices ranged from $300 to $500. Since the target vehicle had an Escort Passport SRX custom-installed unit already built-in, we recorded its score as well for comparison purposes. Here's what we found.
Of the non-GPS group, the Escort Redline proved to be the best at protecting against this K-band photo radar, delivering 1,220 feet of warning distance. It was followed closely by the Valentine One at 1,196 feet and the Beltronics RX65 (1,178 feet). Another BEL, the STi Magnum trailed its Pro-Series sibling by a few percentage points.
Among GPS-enabled radar detectors the BEL (Beltronics) GX65 and Escort Passport 9500ix both delivered good range, upward of twice that of the competing Cobra XRS R10G and the XRS 9960G.
At less than 500 feet, on average, under optimal conditions—about 4.5 seconds of warning at 75 mph—drivers packing one of these Cobras would need to remain on high alert and react instantly to warnings.
This is one threat where an otherwise-capable detector can't help much. You'll need a detector with outstanding performance to counter this type of stealth radar.
