Re: Radar detector shopping
I have a Beltronics Vector 940 (radar/laser) for 4+ years and three cars, over 200k miles. No tickets. The secret is to brake on the first beep, even for false alarms. It could be radar bleeding around other cars ahead. Of course, I seldom travel more than 10-15 miles over the limit so I can bring it down to a reasonable speed rather quickly. My unit has probably saved me 10 tickets - hope this doesn't jinx me.
Laser is a different story - by the time your alarm goes off, it gotcha.
Valentine One has the best reputation. Stop by a Circuit City and look at the display of various models. Get hold of a Road & Track or similar mag and read their tests.