'kay, time to flash my award-winning ignorance of this topic...
I'm addicted to spending money (mostly needlessly) on this truck, but $400 for a radar detector??
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I have an ancient Uniden, probably purchased in the early '80s. I know it's a piece of crap, and it squeals almost continually in Atlanta traffic. I think it "detects" more Indians (the country) heating up corn dogs for customers in 7-Elevens than anything else.
The thing is, it's paid for, and it probably catches about 90% of the stuff that's flying around out there. I can't remember the last time I got a ticket, and I typically cruise around 80 on the interstates.
My brother's a DA in Roseberg, OR. He tells me about the hours, off duty, he spends with his cop/highway patrol buddies nabbing Californians who tool up into Oregon on weekends in their exotic foreign sports cars. These are people who can afford to buy the very best in gadgetry. The cops nab 'em at will. If they put you in the "crosshairs," and squeeze that trigger, you're toast. Period.
My bro' gave me a few pointers to beat the bushes for bears. First, dust off and reinstall that old CB radio; it's still the first, and best line of defense against getting nabbed on the interstates, because most/all the truckers have these expensive detectors, already, and they are all around you, miles in front and behind, gabbing about "bears" constantly... I have a "Cobra" C75 WX ST, with an effective range of a couple of miles in metropolitan areas -- a little more on the open road. It's terrific and has a crystal-clear weather band, too.
I regard radar detectors a little bit like I do home security systems -- with a broad measure of skepticism. Sure, I've anteed for a system -- an "ADT Deluxe", with remote monitoring and such. But I decided against the "camera monitoring," "pressure mats," "motion detectors," and other the other available whiz-bangs. I figure that if the burglar gets past the "perimeter," he's earned the scant "goodies" he'll find (all my money's been spent on my truck!) and I'm insured, anyway.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm a firm believer in the principle of "diminishing returns. " There was a great TDR issue that dealt with this theme -- something like "80/20?" The writers pointed out that when you've spent lots of money on reaching, say, 80% of the potential of your truck, (performance-wise) you find yourself spending really big-bucks, for questionable returns... (Not that I've EVER let that stop me from getting mo' pedal-power!!)
I've driven well over 100,000 miles in the past 5 years, mostly testing the speed limit every step of the way (cough... ), and haven't been nabbed once. I think that if you use common sense, avoid the obvious speed traps (blazing through small towns), and remain vigilant, a more modest radar-detector will do an adequate job of protecting you.
Another law-enforcement pointer: Stay out of the "hammer lane" as much as possible when you're speeding, and use your turn indicators when making lane changes. Most "laser shots" (the "crosshair"/instant read jobbies) are accomplished from freeway bridges and overpasses. Patrol officers work in pairs, or even in groups of three. Often there's a "shooter" and one or two pursuit vehicles. The "hammer lane" is the one (obviously) targeted for those "shots," first. Second, your Ram is a very big, tall vehicle and doesn't look like a "fast mover. " Ever notice how often people will underestimate your speed (at a crossroads, for instance... ) and pull out in front of you? So you got THAT going for you.
Just my thoughts on the subject. I could be tempted to buy an updated detector, but it's hard to justify spending enough to buy a 32" color television...
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97 2500 4x4, club cab, auto, 3. 54 limited slip, JRE 4" exhaust, Dr. Performance Fuel system (370 HP), "Twister Turbo," Geno's guages -- Boost, EGT, transmission & Rear -- MAG Hytec covers, SunCoast Converter/Transgo shift kit, Brite Box, tons o'chrome under hood, Prime Loc, EZ Drain, Seat covers, wood dash, Rancho Suspension, Warn M12000 Winch on Warn Brush Guard, Warn driving and fog lights, Hella twin back up lights, 285/75/R16 B. F. G. ATs on Mickey Thompson "Classic" rims; Linex bed liner, BD exhaust brake, Optima, "Red-top" batteries. Northwest Custom mudflaps, front/rear, and stainless rocker panels.
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
