Ok, so Escort seems to have cornered the market on detectors. I read this morning that they also own Beltronics.
What is the best bang for the buck detector on the market? Go!
What is the best bang for the buck detector on the market? Go!
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Best Radar Detector?
- Thread starter chriSharek
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- Model S
Yeah, I'd highly recommend asking about radar detectors in a RD community, like RDForum. But generally speaking, windshield based radar detectors MUST be mounted in that black square area in Teslas due to the thermally insulated windshield. The front of the car is essentially a faraday cage and mounting a detector anywhere else will result in extreme radar attenuation. Not at all recommended.
You should look into a grill mounted unit. The big players right now are Escort (9500ci, Bel STI-R+) and Stinger VIP (very pricey but also quite good with continuous software updates). However, two new kids on the block are more affordable and show a lot of promise: The Radenso HD+ remote, and the ALP Net Radar.
I think that last one is the one to keep your eyes on in the near future. With the ALP + ALP Net Radar, you'll have a comprehensive solution against radar and laser, and it looks promising that it will actually perform well on both fronts, unlike the other options out there.
You should look into a grill mounted unit. The big players right now are Escort (9500ci, Bel STI-R+) and Stinger VIP (very pricey but also quite good with continuous software updates). However, two new kids on the block are more affordable and show a lot of promise: The Radenso HD+ remote, and the ALP Net Radar.
I think that last one is the one to keep your eyes on in the near future. With the ALP + ALP Net Radar, you'll have a comprehensive solution against radar and laser, and it looks promising that it will actually perform well on both fronts, unlike the other options out there.
whitex
Well-Known Member
Chillaban,
Do you know where can I get more information on the ALP solution? I haven't been able to find things such as:
- Performance testing of the ALP Net Radar as compared with others? I'm looking for things such as sensitivity, false alerts, etc
- How does it actually work? Does the GPS function save false/presistent alerts like the SRiR does?
- How are warnings displayed without a display unit? How are different bands and directions (when using both front and rear unit) communicated to the user?
- Is there a documented computer interface I could connect to (such as on Valentine1) which I could use to connect to my own computer based display unit?
whitex
Well-Known Member
Just to add some information. None of the windshield mounted radar detectors will work through the metalized windshield. I spent some time testing it and the metalized layer custs the radar signal strength by over 80%. Unfortunately where the windshield is metalized has varied on the Model S over time, for example on my 2013 MS I could use my Valentine1, but on my 2015 I cannot - see the picture below where my poor Valentine1 is totally obscured (95% of all warnings only come from the rear detector). You can check your car by parking it outside on a clear day and looking at your windshield at an angle to see where the metalized layer is not covering it - in my case I only have a very thin band at the very top (no room for any detector, only my Good-To-Go pass sticker manages to barely fit) and it seems the rain detector has its own circular cutout.
HankLloydRight
No Roads
Totally this. I swear by my trusty V1 in my M5... But for the MS I had to go Belltronics STir+ which actually is s pretty good unit, albeit pricey to buy and install. I got my unit used on eBay for $900(incl laser shifters), but cost me $1200 for professional installation. Still worth it!!!
HankLloydRight
No Roads
Just one or two tickets that hit insurance surcharges for three years. And I have a squeaky clean driving record.
You're entitled to your opinion, but you're wrong
I've owned a Valentine One for many years, and with all due respect to Mike Valentine (who is a Tesla owner and has posted to the forum) there's no comparison between it and the 9500ci, which I installed in my Tesla. The V1 is old technology and MUCH more susceptible to falsing. The 9500ci is outstanding, with its GPS-linked false signal detection (pass the same signal in the same place 3 times and it's automatically blocked, and subject to manual override), and its updatable software and database. I still have the V1 in my SUV and it's so annoying to use now (kinda like driving the ICE).
BTW, I paid $1700 for a new unit, including installation. Yeah, I remember when I thought $400 for the V1 was a lot
avmike
Member
I have to agree on V1. I loved my V1 but had to switch to an Escort Redline in my last car due to falses from the blind spot system. Even tried the new V1.
I love the V1 directional info, but they need to work on their falsing sensitivity. Looks like when my MS arrives I'll need to go remote mount anyway.
Man remote mount has gotten expensive.....
I love the V1 directional info, but they need to work on their falsing sensitivity. Looks like when my MS arrives I'll need to go remote mount anyway.
Man remote mount has gotten expensive.....
I have the STI-R plus an dthe ALP 4 head. I feeel like this is the best combo. I wouldnt trust anything in the window. I've done a test with 3 detectors (2 being in the window spots) and the window units do not do as good as the STI-R plus.
I've have 2 sti-r pluses
1 ALP 4 head
1 Sti-r Mag
1 9500 xi.
Also the ALP was the only one to really block Dragoneye.
I've have 2 sti-r pluses
1 ALP 4 head
1 Sti-r Mag
1 9500 xi.
Also the ALP was the only one to really block Dragoneye.
FlatSix911
Porsche 918 Hybrid
I am a loyal Valentine 1 pilot in my other vehicles, however I have given up on radar in the Tesla due to the windshield issues.
Try using the custom Waze application for traffic and police activity on the 17" main screen - fantastic!
Waze for Tesla Incidents and Supercharger Traffic
Try using the custom Waze application for traffic and police activity on the 17" main screen - fantastic!
Waze for Tesla Incidents and Supercharger Traffic
whitex
Well-Known Member
I'm seriously considering the Stinger VIP. Anyone here have any experience with the install and/or usage?
HankLloydRight
No Roads
sheesh, with front and rear radar and laser addons it's 6 grand before installation.
CHG-ON
Still in love after all these miles
I absolutely swear by my V1. I have used them since they first came out. I'm on number 4 now. I mounted mine behind the nose cone on my MS. I sealed it in plastic to protect it from moisture and it is still going strong after 21 months. I do lose the rear visibility that I had always enjoyed. But I haven't had a problem (knock wood). It always amazes me at how early it picks up threats. It seems to be more sensitive now than when behind glass on my other cars.
If I had 3K to burn, I could see going for an Escort with laser. But it's working like a charm for now.
If I had 3K to burn, I could see going for an Escort with laser. But it's working like a charm for now.
FlatSix911
Porsche 918 Hybrid
Can you share any details on the installation ... front power wiring and cabin remote display?
CHG-ON
Still in love after all these miles
Sure.
I had or bought a total of 3 Valentine accessories. I don't recall their exact names.
1. Battery junction which allows the V1 and an accessory to connect communicate on a very simple level. Had that.
2. Remote display with mute. Had that.
3. Remote speaker with on off. Bought that.
Shrink wrapped the V1 with my foodsaver. Really.
Cut a small slit for the cord and siliconed it.
Mounted the V1 on the top of the front bumper brace behind the nose cone with mega stick tape, just to the left of the frunk release mechanism. A little tight.
Ran 4-wire phone line (2 won't work) around the frunk, under the cowl, up to under the bulkhead.
Attached #1 with tape to a cross brace tube (up high to keep away from moisture. Had one fail. Wired it to the fuse box, lighter circuit.
Ran a cable from that between the fender and A pillar, around and under the door gasket, along the underside of the left dash to the underside of the steering wheel.
Double sticked #3 to the underside of the column, within hand's reach. Can't even see it.
Ran a cable from that to 2, the remote display, which is mounted just under the display, tucked in the cubby.
A very simple install. I originally did it temporarily. But I like the setup so much, that I just cleaned it up and kept it. I can't see any wires or anything and since I had almost all the parts, it was almost free.
Hope that helps.
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