Radar detectors - for the UK this time

[JohnW]

I've never had one of these before, and don't want to end up buying the wrong one for lack of knowledge.

I think I've narrowed my choice down to three:
Bel550 (radar/lazer detector, no gps)
Road Angel (radar/lazer detector with gps)
Snooper S6-R (radar/lazer detector with gps)

Now the questions:
- What is more useful - the gps stored sites or dynamically
detecting radars ?
- The S6-R has a higher subs fee and only 6 months free.
How often do they generally need updating anyway - once
a month ?
- Do they mail you or something when updates are available ?
- where do you guys fit yours ?
(if up near the mirror how do you get power to it without
using dangly leads)
(the S6-R is a dual box job, so where do you fit the 2
parts on an RS4...)

If at all possible I'd like one I can put on my bike too without too much of a drama.

Thanks people.
If I don't get one soon I might get something else instead ! [img]images/graemlins/ban.gif[/img]

Cheers,
John.

[JohnH]

John,

Originally had an Origin Bluei but now have a Road Angel. regarding your questions here are a few comments.

I beleive that the fixed GPS is most value as they are the most prevalent. Also the radar detector basically will tell you once you have been zapped which is normally too late to take any evasive actions unless its triggered by the car in front being done. The only useful device would be a laser jammer which stop the reading being taken by the police but as to whether they are legal or not is another issue.

I update mine about once every couple of weeks but it is down to personal choice as it only takes a couple of minutes. I just attach it to my pc and its downloaded automatically from the internet. They are continually updating the database so you dont get notification of changes.

Mine is on top of the dashboard plugged into the lighter as I move it between cars.

[JohnW]

Thanks John.

So, what made you choose this model over the others ?

How is it held on the dash - do you have to stick a mount onto the dash or something [img]images/graemlins/ooo.gif[/img] ?

I too like the look of this, but have read good reports on the S6-R, so just wondering what made other owners choose one over the other.

Next question - who did you find did the best deal [img]images/graemlins/033102bigblink_1_prv.gif[/img]

Cheers,
John.

[JohnH]

John, you can either sucker it to the windscreen and they provide the connector it sits on or you can connect it to the top of the dash using the velcro connectors also provided.

If you buy it from somewhere like Halfords its 399. If you buy it on ebay you could get it closer to 300. Otherwise try one of the online electronic stores. By the way you can get a motorcycle kit for the Road Angel.

[JohnW]

Thanks again John.

Just paid Halfords a visit down here in Fareham.
The guy tells me they can't price match, but did mention there is a 10% sale on this weekend, and that they would probably drop the price a little below that too if I pushed it. That takes 399 down to 360, so with a bit more I could probably match the prices carnoisseur
are quoting (350 incl vat & shipping).

Think I'll pay Halfords in Guildford a visit tonight, see if they'll do the same [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Cheers,
John.

[kennyboy]

I've got Valentine1 radar detector and Road Angel.

Use Road Angel when I'm traveling on a unfamilar route as I generally know where all the cameras are. No good if they put one up overnight (& its been recorded on the RA database).

Use V1 mostly as its more 'live' ie with hand-held hair dryers where they can pop up anywhere. Have used both together (loads of beeping at the same time) with a lot of wires hanging around. Probably hardwire one of them so less wires. Also interested in one of the sat nav handheld things = more wires.

[JohnW]

Thanks all, I just splashed the cash on a Road Angel.
Finally got it for £345 from a shop in Guildford [img]images/graemlins/roundeyes.gif[/img]

Interestingly they said the S6-R is the best on the market but a bit pricey.
Recomendation was to buy a lazer diffuser as he said the detectors give a warning too late (as we've already mentioned before).
His other advice was simply to slow down [img]images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/jesterlol.gif[/img]

[jeffw]

I paid £370 for my S6R Neo.....so not that more expensive

[JohnW]

Oh no Jeff, you've raised a seed of doubt in my mind now... [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

That is a good price for the S6-R. I was merely saying what he told me.
I'm after something I can swap between cars easily though, and also use on my bike, so think the Road Angel suits my needs a bit better.

I wonder if I can put it through my company and claim the vat back ! [img]images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/nodder.gif[/img]