Beltronics Vector 940

Experts say the Beltronics Vector 940 is a good basic radar detector, but they prefer the step-up Beltronics Vector 955 (*Est. $150) as it actually doesn't cost much more. Both are good at detecting radar, and both include helpful features like a city mode (to cut down on X-band false alarms from automatic doors and the like) and spoken alerts. But the more advanced Vector 955 offers longer-range detection as well as AutoScan, a feature that further cuts down false alerts.

These budget-priced detectors lack the advanced features you'll find on top-of-the-line (and much more expensive) detectors, such as the top-rated Escort Passport 9500ix (*Est. $500) , which uses GPS to point out speed and red-light cameras, and the Escort Passport RedLine (*Est. $500) , which is invisible to police radar-detector detectors.

Craig Peterson regularly comparison-tests radar detectors at RadarTest.com, including a faceoff between the Beltronics Vector 940 and three budget detectors from Cobra. Another experienced tester, the "Veil Guy" (proprietor of LaserVeil.com, which sells a vehicle coating designed to block police laser guns) discusses the Vector 940 in a video review at YouTube.com. Amazon.com and Epinions.com both post reviews written by radar detector owners.