Renting Racing Scanners?

Question

I've read that renting a scanner can cost 50-75 for the weekend. I'm going to Bristol with the wifey, do those rentals include the scanner and the headsets?

I see new one on ebay for 150 for 2 headsets, a splitter and the scanner. What the difference between the ones you buy and the ones you rent.

Thanks for your answers, this is only our second winston cup (sorry nextel, whoops sorry, sprint cup) race.

And is programing them hard?

Answer 1

Maybe this might help. I  don't have first hand experience but I'm sure you could get a Bearcat hand held scanner cheap from a pawnshop and it work provided you know the frequencies.

http://www.racingelectronics.com/scanner...

I do have a Uniden Bearcat 80 (BC80XLT) scanner myself and they also have a weather channel that comes in handy when not around any other available media source.

Here are some frequencies

http://www.mphmotorsports.com/scannersWC...

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Hint: They come in handy when the power goes out and there is severe weather. It would be worth it just to buy one to have at home for emergencies.

Answer 2

When i went to my first race we rented scanners, you just rent them and they programed 'em, if you buy one you have to get codes from the place you rent them for some money and your hearing your favorite team and driver.

Answer 3

That is an excellent question.   I think the rent vs buy depends on whether this will be your only race or if you intend to go to several more over the next few years.

If only going once, I'd rent and let them program it for you.

If you are going to several,  buy one, get a 'y' connector and a second set of headphones.  Also get a "stubby" attenna or you'll immediately be spotted as a race "virgin".

If you want to buy,  Radio Shack used to carry a NASCAR branded radio with one set of headphones fairly cheaply.

It's actually a Bearcat scanner.

Programmer isn't hard once you read the directions several times(at least in my case)..

So, going once,,,,rent....      going 3 or more times, buy

Answer 4

your better off buying a scanner if you attend races every year, a good one will cost like 150ish so it will pay itself off after 3 races. And inputting the #'s is quick along with the fact they dont change throughout the year. ive been to 7 races in the last 3 years since i got mine, that would have cost me around $420 in rentals so it was worth it. Plus having a scanner for a race is a must. If you buy one at the track they help you program it right there and teach you how to do it on your own, its really easier than it seams.  GL

Answer 5

havent used one but hear that NEXTEL fan view is awesome.

the fanview is $70 for weekend, but sure about extra headsets but it has a screen to watch replays.

Normal scanners range from $50 to $70 with 2 headsets.

Check this link: http://www.racingelectronics.net/index.p...

but if you decide to buy, here is a link to some scanner feq. not sure how up to date they are: http://www.jayski.com/links/scanners.htm