Remote vs. Windshield Mounted Radar Detectors

Which radar detector has better performance, a remote mounted radar detector that retails for $1299.95 or a windshield mounted radar detector that retails for $599.95?

Many people feel that just because remote mounted radar detectors cost twice or three times as much then a windshield mounted radar detector that they must have better performance.

Well this is not always the case.

Here in our vehicle I have a remote mounted Beltronics STiR Plus with its antenna mounted just above the bumper that is connected to our concealed mirror display and right under the mirror I have the Escort Passport Max2.

And here you can see that the Passport Max2 just alerted to a constant on K-band radar signal and that the STiR Plus isn’t going to alert for another 12 seconds later and you’ll also notice that the STiR completely loses the signal and it does not alerting again for another 33 seconds.

Now this 33-second lag time could certainly make the difference between getting a speeding ticket and not getting a speeding ticket.

So why did it take so long for the STiR Plus to alert?

Well the main reason is that the Passport Max2’s radar antenna is almost 3 feet higher then the antenna of the STiR Plus and this 3 feet makes all the difference in the world.

Because of this we have done some customer installs of the STiR’s antenna on the top of the cab on RV’s and semi trucks and even some installs of the STiR’s antenna under the sun visor of cars.

Now you maybe tempted to mount your windshield mounted radar detector higher on the windshield as I have done in my vehicle using the BlendMount mirror mount to get a little additional range, however there is a risk that in doing this.

By mounting your windshield mounted radar detector high on the windshield you’re reducing your odds in having you’re radar detector detect laser scatter when you’re shot with a police laser gun.

This is because the officer’s aiming point is your front license plate and/or your headlights.

However if you have a laser jammer such as we have in this vehicle, you have no need to be concerned about police laser ambushes.

Now if you’re considering investing in a radar detector or laser jammer I invite you to visit our website RadarBusters.com where we have a lot more testing videos and reviews of radar detectors and here is a tip that will save you a bunch of money.

Before you make your investment be sure to sign up for our VIP club where our members save as much as 10% on their radar detector and also as my free gift get access to my 78-page radar detector users and buyers guide PDF.