Cobra is planning to release a new Vedetta Series of Radar Detectors for 2012

Cobra claims the new Vedetta series will be the Standard in Radar/Laser Detection and will have a 30 percent increase in performance over Cobra's current flagship models. The Vedetta line will include a 2.4-inch TFT color LCD display on a multi-axis hinge and a ball-socket suction cup mounting bracket, which will allow the driver to mount the detector virtually anywhere on the windshield or dash of their automobile. The display can be rotated 270 degrees vertically and 60 degrees horizontally.

In addition to setting a new benchmark among detection systems for form factor and driver ergonomics, Cobra offers an integrated GPS receiver and free, lifetime access to its AURA(TM) national database of speed/red-light cameras and known speed trap locations.

Features listed for the new product line include: 

• Maximum range and selectivity for advance warnings on all radar and laser guns currently utilized in the U.S.
• Integrated GPS Receiver and AURA Speed/Red-Light Camera and Known Speed Traps database alerts the driver well in advance of location-based threats with coverage throughout the U.S. and Canada
• Industry's first detection system with 2.4-inch full-color, high-def display with intuitive graphical user interface
• Backlit touch-sensor controls for easy configuration/customization while eliminating display smudging
• Industry's first detection system that allows mounting virtually anywhere on the car's windshield or dash for increased performance and visibility
• Industry's first detector with multi-axis hinge display
• IntelliMute(TM) speed-sensitive muting system virtually eliminates false alerts and automatically mutes unwanted alerts below user-set engine RPM level
• Voice Alert Provides band-specific annunciation of the radar/laser gun being detected
• SmartPower Automatically shuts power to the unit when the ignition is turned off
• POP Mode Radar Gun Detection to Detect ultra-fast, Instant-On radar guns
• Signal Strength Meter to Provide range proximity of the radar guns detected
• 8-Point GPS Compass provides vehicle-heading information (available on SLR 600 and SLR 650G)
• User-selectable Speed Alert to Alert the driver when the vehicle exceeds user-set speed limit
• User-marked locations can be stored in unit's memory (up to 1,000 locations)
• New IntelliShield(TM) -- Quad-level False Signal Rejection System reduces false alerts in densely populated urban areas

The new Cobra Vedetta series is expected to be available nationwide in Q2 with pricing from $199.95 to $299.95. My guess it that we will see this in late Q2 so it can be a few months before we finally get our hands on one to test the manufactures claims.  If there really is a 30% increase over the current top of the line Cobra models it could push Cobra into a higher performance bracket and possibly top Whistler on our Best Radar Detector 2012 list in the under $200 category.

Escort Live - Not taking off as expected?

I must say that I was very excited about Escort Live when it first shipped in December.  The potential for this product is enormous but it relies on other users to report live radar and laser alerts.  The problem is from my experience that there seems to be no one besides myself even using it in my State.  I know its hard to believe but since using it I have never seen a Live alert.

I also find it inconvenient to use the Live Smartcord and much prefer to use the hardwired power cord instead so at this point I have stopped using Escort Live and will try again in the future when they come out with Live for their hard wired customers.  Hopefully by then there will be many more users to the system which will make it much more beneficial.

I also use a Beltronics Sti-R Plus in my primary vehicle because its the Best Radar Detector ever made but again no Escort Live for remote mounted units either.  Hopefully soon.

Updated Radar Detector Laws

We have updated the Radar Detector Laws page to include the recent changes in Texas in regard to laser jammers now being banned and we now include a listing of all Provinces in Canada where radar detectors are allowed and not allowed.

Happy Holiday's From Best Radar Detectors

I cant believe another year has come and gone.  Lots of new products came out in 2011 and 2012 looks to be very promising with Escort's Live Product and other new models which should come in the future.

We have been selling radar detectors now since 2004 and we look forward to helping everyone in the New Year.  As new products come out we will constantly check them out and when we find a detector that fits one of our Best categories we will update the Best Radar Detectors 2012 page.

Thanks for choosing Best Radar Detectors in 2011 and we hope you all have a safe and happy 2012!

Black Friday Radar Detector Deals from Best Radar Detectors?

We get asked all the time if we are going to run Black Friday and Cyber Monday radar detector deals and each year we do run a sale but due to manufacture price requirements we never post them online.  The best way to be informed of sales and promotions is to add yourself to our newsletter.  Not only will you be informed of member only sales and promotions but you also automatically get entered to our quarterly radar detector giveaways.

Visit the FREE Radar Detector page on our site to sign up.  2011 is coming to an end and many new models came out this year. To get caught up on which detectors are the best for 2012 visit the Best Radar Detectors 2012 page.

Beltronics Sti Driver --> Beltronics Sti Magnum

With the new and improved Beltronics Sti Magnum being out many Sti Driver customers are upset especially if they recently purchased the Sti Driver since the Sti Magnum has improved performance.  Beltronics is offering any Sti Driver owner even if it was purchased a few years back an option to upgrade to the new Sti Magnum for $99, This is a great deal considering the improvement between the old and new model.

New Escort 8500x50 Black Radar Detectors

Escort has recently released an update to their 8500x50 radar detector called the Escort 8500x50 Black. Besides the immediately noticeable black colored case the Escort 8500x50 Black has a new lens which also gives the new version some performance increase. Escort has claimed a 40% performance increase but they do not specify where they get this figure from. 

In testing the new Escort 8500x50 Black there is some increase over the original 8500x50 but its definately not 40% better.  I think Escort is comparing it to average competitors in the $100 to $200 price range and not directly saying its 40% better than the original model.  Overall they did not increase the price with this new release so if buying a new detector definately get the black over the older model.

The Escort 8500x50 has always been a solid performer and one of the best radar detectors under $300.  I am courious if they will revise the Beltronics RX65 with the new lens as well.  Right now we still like the Beltronics RX65 as the top performer in the price range since it also offers voice alerts and KU Band support at the same price.