Any Advice On Radar Detectors?
 

I am currently debating with myself as to whether or not I should get a radar detector.

The problem I have is I don't know anyone that has a radar detector and have no personal experience to draw on, which is why I am posting here.

I am willing to spend the money on the Valentine V1 if the performance is that much better, but I would not like to pay say $100 - $200 more for not much better performance.

it is worth the extra moneys

I have a passport 7500, which is probably the third best or so there is. The passport 8500 is second, and the valentine V1 is the best. Saved my ass so many times, its silly. Seriously, if you can afford the V1, get it, the arrows would be so nice to have, knowing where the cop is would be great.

Also, if you decide to get the passport 8500, get it at best buy. It will be 300 bucks, but, you can get the 2 year replacement plan for 40. So get that, and in 2 years, get yourself a brand new detector. It's worth the cash if you decide to go that route.

I say get the V1, and be happy, shit, it's only money right?

never had one but check to see what the law is on having a detector.

bel 975r (or 915r if you can find one)

great detection and it's detector is in the bumper, leaving a tiny indicator module for the car. I have mine hidden inside the arm rest. I've seen some people stick it in the ash tray. Either way, the cop never knows you have a detector if you get pulled over.

I've heard nothing but love for the Valentine V1, but can't speak much for others. I'd say yea, it's probably worth the extra money and just might get you out of a few well-deserved tickets.

Never used it, but on the many occasions i've heard of it...i haven't heard a single bad thing. Thats gotta count for something.

These are the way to go. We sell a model from K40 they call "Undetectable." They are available with 1 or 2 radar sensors. The only thing seen is 2 LED's mounted in your instument panel to keep you informed to what is going on with the system. The good thing about it is, as the name implies, its undetectable to someone who doesn't know what they are looking for. An ex cop friend of the business told us that if you get pulled over for whatever reason.... i.e. not necessarily speeding... and he sees a radar detector in the vehicle, your ass is getting a ticket. They do this because they figure the detector has kept you from getting speeding tickets in the past, so they are gonna get you for it now. AND if that wasn't enough, K40 gives you a pamplet on how to drive with a detector, and they will pay for any ticket you get while using their system. No questions asked.

My trick has always been to wait for someone who has a nice car (and most likely a radar detector) to fly by me and then to use them as a scapegoat. If I dont have one of those guys around I go 5 over in a city or less than 15 over on the highway.

Do radar detectors only detect police radar? A friend told me they also signal if there's a firetruck or ambulance nearby. If this is the case, I'm thinking of getting one since I'm deaf to them until they're right on me.

some of them do. If it says "SWS" on the box, that stands for safety warning system. It'll alert to emergencies.

As far as the V1 goes, the thing hasn't been redesigned in years. They're riding on their reputation right now, and some detectors have caught up and surpassed it. Plus, I do not like the V1's display. It's the biggest damn radar detector I've seen since the days when they were the size of car radios. Plus, all those flashy arrows don't really help much - no matter what direction it's coming from, you wanna slow down - and they add lights in your windshield. I've been passed by people with V1's, and it's OBVIOUS they have a radar detector. You can tell this from a good distance away. If you run a V1 and you get pulled over, the cop WILL know you have it.

Do not buy into all the shit extras that they might offer, such as a compass, VG-2 blocking (only useful in Virginia where detectors are ILLEGAL), emergency warning. Those things are fucking useless. I have the 2nd cheapest Cobra and it works fine but sometimes the safety thing goes off and there is no firetruck/ambulance in sight. And when one cruises by, nothing.

The Cobra has saved my ass several times, mostly at night on highways.

They are not as useful in the day because you can see the cop most of the time.

I have been saved at least 8 times with it so it has mroe than paid for itself with NO TICKETS!!!

Was pulled over though with it but the cop let me off even though he saw the detector....maybe my lucky day or something.

I was thinking about the V1 but it just so goddamn expensive, the Cobra was $85 bucks.

Here is all you need to know:

http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...12_0402_radar/

Thanks for all the input.

I've read the Motor Trend review before, but they don't offer much by the way of statistics, they just offer ratings, most of which are completely opinionated. Not exactly the best thing to rely on.

I didn't know of any "cheap" (under $1000) "undetectable" radar detectors before this thread, and as great as the ones you guys suggested look, I can't use them because my car is a POS Saturn SL1. The bumper and grill are far too low to the ground.

I had a radar detector once, never detected a single speed trap, and it drained my battery when I forgot to unplug it. Traded it to my uncle for a set of firebird rims, best trade I've ever made.

Still no tickets, and I've driven a lot more wihtout it than with. The only reason I bought it was that it would become illegal to sell the next day due to changes in the VG-2 laws

On a side note, I own a Buick, does anyone need some Firebird rims? :)

Regardless of what you get, its a great investment. Around here i just turn off X band detection, since most cops dont use it anymore(it shares the same band as....garage door openers and other random things).

In montgomery county MD, they use laser. Anyone have any success countering that? I just got pulled over for doing 56 in a 40 today. She reduced the ticket to 49 because I am so good looking(plus my record is clean), but I still have one point, so I will go to court to see if she shows.

Grand national? Those cars are mean as hell if done right

I have an Escort 8500, and it's been a life saver. I used to have a pretty good Cobra detector and I tell you that thing is nothing compared to the Escort. Maybe it's mindset or reality, but it seems that the Escort gives about a 5 second longer warning on some of the radar signals and a lot less false positives.

how expensive are radar detectors?

Anywhere from $40 (cheapest) to $400 (Valentine 1) to $2000 (custom installed in front/rear license plate/grill)

Valentine owner here.

All I can say is that when its up and running, Ive never got a ticket in 5 years.

If there is a cop somewhere ahead, this thing tells me. I love mine. You have to spend some time with it and learn how to 'read' it (distinguish how it sounds off a false target vs. a real one, and also instant-on-radar warnings ahead of you). It will warn you if there is a cop coming from behind (which I find worth the cost of the thing right there) Its also cool how the directional arrows light up as you pass a cop on radar, FRONT...SIDE...BACK...Missed Me Bitch!! :cool:

V1 V1!! No question. Two friends of mine have each had one for a couple years (they're illegal here in Virginia, but they use it when they go skiiing in WVA and PA, and I borrowed it to go to NY), and they love it and I loved it. Definitely worth the money.Hahaha that too.

escort 8500, it can actually beat the valentine on modern tests and cost less