What's the best Radar/Laser Detector?

[monny]

So I'm on my way down to Halfords to get protected from scameras and lasers/radars. What should I be buying?

[pmanson]

Been impressed by the Road Angel 2. They do a compact version now which seems to reasonably priced.

[icamm]

Don't buy from Halfords if you can help it. You can get everything they sell alot cheaper on the internet.

As for what to buy - you need to decide whether you want a radar/laser detector or a GPS type unit.

Radar/Laser look at the Valentine One and the Bell 990 (I think). NB: You can get these ALOT cheaper on ebay than any UK shop - just make sure you get a UK spec. one.

For GPS I would recommend any of the SatNav units that allow you to upload a "points of interest" database. Then search for which ones seem to get the best free scamera databases (don't bother paying for one as there are lots of good free ones). This then gives you full navigation as well.

If you want GPS with laser then you will need to look at a specific GPS speed camera detector like the Road Angel. There are not many that also actually detect active radar as well (I think one of the Snoopers can be upraded to do so).

[k50 del]

Bel 990 has now been replaced by the Euro 550 - great unit, £350 new, £150 on Ebay)

Personally I'd go for the Origin B2 with the radar attachment. This gives you complete protection against digital cameras (specs etc)(the Euro 550 won't see these)
radar guns (the road angel won't see these) and laser devices.

It's not the cheapest solution in the world - cost me £250 for the origin from E-bay and £150 for the radar attachment.
I know i'm protected though!!
(as an aside the origin will also directly interface with a laser jammer / garage door opener!!! should you feel the need)

[clomas]

what’s the legal situation re detectors, i understand owning and using a gps based system is quite legal but using or even owning detector based systems is not allowed. what are the consequences of being caught using an illegal device

[sjtscott]

clomas said:

what’s the legal situation re detectors, i understand owning and using a gps based system is quite legal but using or even owning detector based systems is not allowed. what are the consequences of being caught using an illegal device

My understanding is that until the current Road Safety bill becomes law that Radar and Laser detectors (NOT jammers cos they've always been illegal) are legal for the time being. So I shall continue to use my V1 detector until such time
Once the Road Safety bill passes GPS systems will be the sole method allowed to warn you of potential cameras ahead. I have that covered with my Sat Nav system already too.

[k50 del]

sjtscott said:

My understanding is that until the current Road Safety bill becomes law that Radar and Laser detectors (NOT jammers cos they've always been illegal) are legal for the time being. So I shall continue to use my V1 detector until such time Once the Road Safety bill passes GPS systems will be the sole method allowed to warn you of potential cameras ahead. I have that covered with my Sat Nav system already too.

Your understanding is correct, although the proposed road safety bill has been dropped from the current parlimentary session due to time constraints, so is unlikely to make it into law anytime soon.

[MrsMiggins]

I thought garage door openers were legal.

[catso]

MrsMiggins said:

I thought garage door openers were legal.

As long as they open yer Garage door, I would think it would be difficult to dispute....

[Splodge S4]

catso said:

MrsMiggins said: I thought garage door openers were legal. As long as they open yer Garage door, I would think it would be difficult to dispute....

Not illegal to have one fitted, not illegal have it switched on all day, only illegal when it jams the signal thus stopping a reading, thus stopping plod doing his duty. Best to then motor straight home & remove the unit for a few months...