Radar Detectors

[Advancedautosec]

ive been wanting to buy one for a LONG time but never wanted to put up the money on a cheap one. ive been looking at a few but wanted to hear some opinions on what you guys have. im looking for something that will almost guarantee no tickets from a radar/laser. anyone with exp please helps me out.;)

[Joe Walsh]

VALENTINE 1

I've had one for many years and it WORKS!

Front, side and rear direction arrows, with multi-threat tracking.

It cannot be detected by Virginia's State Police's Radar Detector Detectors.
(Radar detectors are illegal in Va.)

Of course, a lasar alarm on ANY detector just means that you were 'painted' by a Laser gun and most likely are about to receive a ticket.

[blackf0rk]

VALENTINE 1

I've had one for many years and it WORKS!

Front, side and rear direction arrows, with multi-threat tracking.

x2. I have one, and will confirm


Of course, a lasar alarm on ANY detector just means that you were 'painted' by a Laser gun and most likely are about to receive a ticket.


If you're back up the road while the cop is shooting people down the road, the V1 will pick this up and you'll be alerted. However, it doesn't work when you're all by yourself, there's no traffic in front of you, and you're the next target :)

[fastcar]

ive been wanting to buy one for a LONG time but never wanted to put up the money on a cheap one. ive been looking at a few but wanted to hear some opinions on what you guys have. im looking for something that will almost guarantee no tickets from a radar/laser. anyone with exp please helps me out.;)

I bought the Escort based on my research, and love it. It has saved me at least one ticket on my high speed run back from Atlanta after buying my 300A. 90% of the time it gives A LOT of warning, very impressive. A couple times it gave too little warning, but nothing is perfect, no matter what anyone says...
It even worked on laser in MA. I was in high speed traffic, and the cop shot a guy I was running with but in front of me. It went off, and I nailed the brakes.
The GPS means NO MORE FALSE ALERTS, EVER. This thing hardly falses to begin with. It's amazing. It ONLY goes off, pretty much when you ought to pay attention. I really love it.
GPS means you can MARK crossovers, and known speedtraps, too. You don't have to pay attention to what you are doing anymore, it's like a buddy that reminds you where the cops hide out.
The intelligent cable controls are cool, too.
CAVEAT EMPTOR: The laser detector goes off when I rev up my Mach I motor. I tried three of them, and they all did it. I had to mount it 10 inches to the right of the rear view mirror to fix it.
It's expandable. You can link the Laser Shifter to it, later on, which is TOTALLY AWESOME.

fastcar:burnout:

[fastblackmerc]

+3 on the Valentine One! Only radar detector I'd ever use. I've picked up radar over a mile+ away. I even pickup radar signals that are given off by other cheaper detectors :eek:

Once you go V1 you'll never go back!

[Grifter]

+2 on the 9500i
I have one and its awesome. The ramp up on the K band is kinda funky, it goes from low signal to high signal kinda fast, but hey, if you hit a valid K band, you should slow down regardless of how fast your going. Ka band detecting distance is phenomenal! I picked up a state trooper from over 1 mile away and he was on the other side of a big hill clocking people.

[sailsmen]

I have a Bel 900 series and a Passport.

Both work well and will save you from getting many but not all tickets.

I read a report on using a absorbing laser plate and diffusing frame. They were 2 diff brands and combined surprised the testers. I think it was Car & Driver.

[Raudermaster]

Cheap one's work, just depends on the brand. I had a cheap Cobra one (can't recall the model number) I got off eBay brand new for $45 bucks. I had it for 3 1/2 years and I've never once got a ticket. Well, just one, but I didn't have it one. I have this now and it kicks complete ass. http://www.cobra.com/index.php?page=shop/flypage&product_id=456&id=1
Don't worry, I didn't pay full retail for it.

[knine]

I wait until I see a car blasting really really fast:drive:, then hit my radar on from stand-by:eek:. Motto: If you drive by the radar detector, you'll die by the radar detector. I once got a lady locked in and back in stand-by before her detector even registered:D. She tried to argue :argue:that I didn't have a radar because her detector never went off. Good luck.:razz:

[pitt2k1]

i dont have one but been lookin into it an the passport 9500 is state of the art..www.radarbuster.com

[duhtroll]

Escort makes detectors that also work with laser jammers (shifters). I am invisible to laser with the Escort system, which is good since both my city and state patrol have opted to save some gas and park with a laser gun rather than use roving radar for the most part. The Escort radar detectors are among the best on the market. Find an independent company that has researched all the top brands (not owned or paid by either company) and you'll know what to buy.

[Rollin'Thunder]

+3 on the 9500i - I use it in the 'Rauder and have had an 8500 in the truck for a couple of years. They are both great!

[duhtroll]

I find this highly dubious because the same companies that develop the detector tech also develop the radar guns. Its a little game they play to keep everyone upgrading.

If there's one in use, I'll warrant "they" can find it. I have seen/heard some LEOs (even in previous discussions on this board) chuckle at the people who really think they can't be found out.

The best defense is to use a combination of things:

1) Good detector
2) Laser jammer (which are legal in most states)
3) Blocker (that guy going 85 in the Beemer - tail him at about 1/4 mile back) 95% of hits are from the front.
4) Watch. Always, always watch. Better yet, move this to #1.

Even better than all of these -- don't drive too fast. Most places will give you 5 over without a hassle. I've found that works the best.




It cannot be detected by Virginia's State Police's Radar Detector Detectors.
(Radar detectors are illegal in Va.)

[Raudermaster]

I want the Beltronics RX75 Plus :D. http://www.beltronics.com/rx75plus.html
An audio dealer in the next town will install one for only $1800. My friend's S500 has it, it's fahqin sweet.

[Advancedautosec]

well it looks like a draw between Bel and V1. ive seen Valentine all over the place in magazines and always have been interested in it. i guess ill do some more research and then decide. right now im leaning towards the Valentine.

[BAD MERC]

The passport is awesome and I drive with one. Four years and two cars, no tickets baby!

[BruteForce]

One plus for the Valentine One is that you can get it upgraded to the latest version hardware for the cost of shipping.

[Glenn]

Beltronics and Passport are the same company. The Bel Pro 65 is a good unit and rates the same as the Passport and better then the V1.

[larryo340]

The best defense is to use a combination of things:

1) Good detector
2) Laser jammer (which are legal in most states)
3) Blocker (that guy going 85 in the Beemer - tail him at about 1/4 mile back) 95% of hits are from the front.
4) Watch. Always, always watch. Better yet, move this to #1.

Even better than all of these -- don't drive too fast. Most places will give you 5 over without a hassle. I've found that works the best.
Just my thoughts:
Dump #1 and #2, 3 & 4 perfect. I haven't used a radar detector in at least 15yrs, and I don't drive slow.
I feel that if a LEO can see that you have one, you just got yourself a ticket. Whats the point to have one and not plan on breaking the law.

#3 above is the best, except I call them a "pigeon" let them lead the way first to a ticket. Of course always keep your eyes moving looking for cars off the road, unmarked cars (if they are still using CV's that is). Frequent lane changes can be seen for quite along distance, and makes you stand out.
When there is no "pigeon" I stay at max 10 MPH over limit, even though it is hard.
At night keep a good eye on your rearview mirror for fast approaching cars and slow down to yield way/ just incase :eek:.

And NEVER ride the left lane if you are not passing

:burn:

[Advancedautosec]

i agree with the above, i also use the blocker/pigeon technique, and ALWAYS watch, i cant recall EVER getting a ticket on a highway however, where these work the best, backroads and local roads are the problem, a nice open road where you can go fast without traffic or lights and boom LEO hiding at turn or between trees. i guess these arent the best places to speed, but sometimes i cant help it, and thats where i want the radar detector. i got a fast car and i want to SPEED!!! i find some speed limits to be stupidly low in some areas, good example is Suitland Pkwy here in MD/DC, this road has two lanes and no residential or business or nothing on it at all, yet the speed limit changes from 35 to 45 to 50 within 10 miles. why? i dont know but the LEOs love to sit and catch you when you leave the 50mph zone and enter the 35mph zone.

[ctrlraven]

Gotta love ebay, picked up a Escort Passport SR7 with laser shifters. I haven't installed it yet but I already know the wonders that it works. It's nice having a few car buddies who are also cops and like to play around shooting radar at eachother lol.

[Peace2Peep]

Its funny to me how police get jut as much of a kick out of busting us with our detectors as we get evading them with ours!

Anyhoo...I give a big thumbs up to the Valentine1. Here's the deal...watching your mirrors is good, but when your detector has the ability to tell you where the radar source is coming from...your eyes can stay straight ahead for the most part. I want MORE information FAST...not a bunch of escalating beeps only. I have had my Valentine 1 for over 10 years and I sent it in for the upgrade asnd for $120 I got the newest detector and all the hardware that goes with it! ASk the others if they will upgrade their units after ten years for a third of the cost...they will say Not on your life! Go buy another $350 paperweight or do the V1 life!

Here's a great site all about detectors:

http://www.radardetector.net

**Can I do that? Sorry if I broke the law! I'm kinda new:banned:

[Aren Jay]

I never used to speed until I moved to England, with my Mustang Cobra.

I had a North American Detector and it worked great (this was back in 1992/93/94) although it only worked for some of the European radar settings. I've gone damn fast in England both in Oxford and on the Motorways and never have I received a ticket. However, it is better served as a confirmation that yes you did spot a cop and they did spot you or as an early warning. If it goes off and your the only car on the road, too late for you.

In Canada I don't speed, even with my Marauder.

In England everyone speeds everywhere all the time.

In North American cities they will often put those false positive signals on the light stands making radar detectors useless. But if you drive on highways / freeways / Motorways. Yes they can save you a bundle of money. The rest of the time or in the city just get a good book on tape and relax drive slow and enjoy the drive.

If you have the sixth sense for cops (Copdar?) a detector will just let you confirm that your Copdar still works.

[Richy04]

I've been in the radar/lidar business for over 8 years
(transmitting end:flamer:). The Valentine One is the best hands down because of its KA band capability. It can sweep for KA much faster and more accurately than the others. Its the widest band and takes the longest for most detectors to sweep thru and by the time most go off, your already on the side of the road getting hammered.

Dont believe all of the hype, a good operator will get you, jammer, laser, moving, stationary or pacing. My favorite is pacing, I am good enough to nail even the most suspecting rodder using the blind spot technique. Most of my cases barely involve radar and are sealed using a marked vehicle and 3/10 of a mile and result in a 99% conviction rate.

ie. NJSP often does this and will usually mark you for example speeding on the express side of the GSP from the local side and engage you from the blind spot. Which most people neglect to check.

Almost all radar these days is instant on. Even the cheapest Tomcat/Vindicator will give you this feature and in the hands of a skillful operator will slaughter the best detector out there. Sloppy ops will miss their chance with a Valentine 1 or Escort if they arent good at estimation. Nobody's foot is faster than the speed of light.

If you watch the show "Speeders", you will notice the cops on there rely on the set for the speed, this is NOT legal, the set is merely a tool to reaffirm his/her estimate and this is federal law, an officer must be certified to estimate speed. I notice that many rely on their laser or radar and make their move after the radar/lidar reading.

A professional op would know how fast the vehicle was going without the radar/lidar reading and must be within (in NY where I work its +/-5 mph) on their estimate.

Forget Jamming devices, radar ones dont work and lidar ones can be defeated by sweeping the front of the vehicle until you find the sweet spot, so if the plate doesnt work, I 'm heading for the headlight housings or some brightwork.

If I cant lock you in, I' going to find out why and hammer one out based on my estimate. When I see the LEDS or any type of laser jammer on the exterior a digital camera will usually reveal where they are on the vehicle if they are on. Then its OGA which is way worse than a summons.

The radar set is not the enemy, the trained officer is. If he is good enough, he cant be defeated, there is no device in the world which can. The detector companies will tell you that their model is the best. The truth is that a radar/lidar unit is not needed to bury a speeder, viable and accurate testimony is all that is required in most cases.

[Mike Poore]

Interesting, especially hearing the input from LEO's.

It seems, the Valentine is the best unit available, followed closely by the Passport's better models.

BTW, here in PA, the state uses radar signals to warn motorists of hazards or unusual traffic conditions, knowing just about everyone has detectors, these days.

Also only State Police may use radar for enforcement, ensuring trained, highly skilled operation with calibrated devices. Locals, however, use VASCAR very effectively, so do the state smokes.

[Richy04]

Here in NY you must be certified in the use of the device and in speed estimation from a stationary and moving vehicle. I have 18 years in the system but joined my detail a while back. I've since been promoted and now watch all of the fun from the sidelines. My favorite device is the Stalker Dual DSR moving/stationary front and rear reading DSP radar set.

It is the "cats pajamas" as far as radar sets go. It is easy for a Valentine to pick up if the operator is lazy or careless and leaves it on all of the time, but works great (I drove a slick top.. No Light bar or marking on the front or rear only the sides) when one sees an approaching car from the rear or front, makes the estimate and then the kill.. My first time using it as my deck set, I locked my first speeder in at 98 in a 50.. Fish in a barrel.. :D

[BAD MERC]

My detector is mounted permanently against the headliner, to the left of the mirror. It is a Passport 8500 X50 and has performed flawlessly. I don't consider speeding to be "outlaw" behavior. I speed responsibly, and by that I mean I drive according to my comfort on the streets. I use signals, have insurance and maintain the car I speed with. It has been proven that detector users are safer drivers. I don't keep my eyes glued to the speedometer, trying to keep the exact speed. I drive with my eyes on the road and constantly use my mirrors. Having my detector even chirp once heightens my attention to my surrounding and makes me more alert.

[MarauderTJA]

I have a Passport 9500 and love it. I have a different take on detectors being a former Trooper. For me, I like to know where the Police are located, not so much for speeding, but more to be aware if they are out of their crusiers for either a violator, DMV or a MVA. Most do not shut off their radar units which allows me to be more aware of their presence on the road/highways. Police need protection on these dangerous roads today. If my slowing down and hitting my brakes makes other drivers do the same it is a win to enhance the Officer's safety.

[Mike Poore]

Here in NY you must be certified...My first time using it as my deck set, I locked my first speeder in at 98 in a 50.. Fish in a barrel.. :D

I'd like to ride along, some time. It would be interesting to watch professionals from the other side of the windshield.

I think, though, many motorists consider it a sort of game, and believe some think LEO's look at it the same way. That may be true, up to a point, but when you're doing an accident cleanup, it must becomes deadly serious.

[Glenn]

I wouldn't drive without my Beltronics 65 because I have escaped a ticket many, many times by being alerted to police radar/laser activity AHEAD of my car. Maybe I've been lucky, but without the detector I would not have been able to slow down to avoid a ticket. This has been especially true at night. Nothing is 100%, but I would never drive without my Beltronics. Also, not all LEOs are as professional as Ricky04. If they were we all would be sitting home without licenses.

One question Ricky04, I have noticed several times coming across a radar/laser LEO that they hesitate several seconds before shooting my MM giving me a few extra seconds to cut down my speed. Do some LEOs hestitate before deciding a MM is not a cop car??

Glenn

[Richy04]

Just as an aside, I give everyone a nice buffer. I noticed in NJ the magic number is 15 over and you are game. In NY its about the same. I give em more than 15 over, in fact anything I do in my car, I hold others to the same. No need being a hypocrate.

As far as your question goes, quite often I hesitate when I see a possible LEO vehicle in my sites. If I am not sure, I follow after and run the plate, if it comes up a civy I stop them, if not I chalk it up.. There are alot of buffs out there so I often do that. Marauders are easy to ID up here as I cant recall anyone in NY using them as RMP's. P71's are more common and most will have livery or TLC plates on them if they are not being used by Leos..

[Advancedautosec]

I know ive been fortunate many times to someone driving on the other side of the road flashing there headlights at me to warn me of a LEO ahead. i am grateful to anyone who does this for me and if i get a chance i do the same.

[ParkRanger]

I know ive been fortunate many times to someone driving on the other side of the road flashing there headlights at me to warn me of a LEO ahead. i am grateful to anyone who does this for me and if i get a chance i do the same.

This is one of the best methods to avoid a cite. Everyone should flash their lights to oncoming traffic when LEO's are spotted waiting for speeders.

PR :burnout:

[Peace2Peep]

This is one of the best methods to avoid a cite. Everyone should flash their lights to oncoming traffic when LEO's are spotted waiting for speeders.

PR :burnout:

+1 On that one for SURE.

[Aren Jay]

The hands down best defense against speeding and parking tickets is diplomatic plates. Hard to get but work every time.

[larryo340]

The hands down best defense against speeding and parking tickets is diplomatic plates. Hard to get but work every time.
:mad2: Don't get started on "diplomatic immunity"

[hotride03]

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[knine]

This is one of the best methods to avoid a cite. Everyone should flash their lights to oncoming traffic when LEO's are spotted waiting for speeders.

PR :burnout:
Something to think about:we set up stationary and go mobil with another sometimes. The mobil writes the flashers for flashing headlights. I know, a killjoy :(.

[Richy04]

Ha ha,

We do it here, the law is called "Dazzling Headlights" and its a mover.. Or you can collar for Obstructing Govenmental administration but thats extreme. I dont bother, most of my stuff is pacing.

[Mike Poore]

It's a little off topic, but I'll relate a story one of my pals who retired as Barrack commander at Frederick, MSP told me.

Just like knine said, the trucker flashed his lights at oncoming traffic, warning of the radar trap, when the spotter spotted him, and made the stop, it being illegal to flash headlights in Maryland in those days.

When confronted with the reason for the stop, the quick thinking trucker said something about there being an electrical short and the flashing lights and other weirdness he was experiencing was caused buy the electrical problems. "In fact" the trucker said, " I think I can smell something smoking, just, now".

The even quicker thinker thinking Trooper, took quick action, and ran to the trunk of the patrol car, popped the lid and extracted his mighty big fire extinguisher. Then he proceeded to take appropriate action to quell the non-existing blaze, by emptying the contents of the extinguisher into the cab of the truck, requiring a tow to a local service center to get the mess cleaned up. :flamer:

[SID210SA]

http://videos.streetfire.net/search/laser+jammer/0/e3ccfd42-ae4c-4d65-a7c5-99000136ea73.htm I am sure its not legal in most states....

[ParkRanger]

Something to think about:we set up stationary and go mobil with another sometimes. The mobil writes the flashers for flashing headlights. I know, a killjoy :(.

How many cites do you think were issued in Illinois in one year for this violation (blink lights)?

PR :burnout:

[lwblumjr]

Hi all,

My son bought a radar detector shortly after he started driving but it tends to stay in my Marauder now that he drives an SUV. I don't typically drive at an excessive speed. I always try to drive at a safe speed for conditions although that may be higher than the posted limit. (I know, many people say that anything over the posted limit is unsafe.) Also, I typically never drive more than five to fifteen miles per hour over the posted limit especially if there is much traffic. Having said that, I rairly drive at or under the posted limit unless conditions dictate. Reading some of the earlier posts, it would appear that my area would be considered a kinder, simpler area to drive in since most drivers around here don't drive very much over the posted limit and most LEOs don't seem to be as sophisticated in their techniques in catching speeders. (May be just my perseption.) I do see a lot of drivers though that are not very smooth operators. When I drive I attempt to do things as smoothly as possible. I try not to accelerate too quickly or brake too quickly or change lanes too quickly. I try to anticipate changes that I will need to make so that I don't have to make too many emergency manuvers. (Although, sometimes it can not be helped.) I am constantly scanning my field of vision for problems that may be coming, drivers about to pull out into my lane, etc. I also plan possible "escape routes" if things do go amiss. I have problems looking at things at the side of the road that passengers point to because I am "busy" driving. Unfortunately, it appears that a lot of drivers in my area are all too eager to look around and not really pay attention to what is going on around them. It seems that traffic in my area does not flow as well as it could because many drivers are not paying much attention to what is going on around them. I almost always have the radar detector on while driving. But even with it on I am constantly looking for LEOs if I am exceeding the posted limit and often see them and can slow down long before the detector alarms (due most likely to the instant on radar often used today.) But, usually on the highway, the detector has alerted when nothing is to be seen. And then I will top a hill or round a curve to find the LEO sitting writing someone a ticket or waiting for the next "kill". By far the most high speed driving I have done was while at Marauderville IV. I would always try to stay in the middle of the pack, in the "rocking chair" so to speak, to avoid drawing undue attention from LEOs. It was a blast driving eighty and ninety mph down the Interstate in a line of Marauders! The only thing better was being one of the "Lucky 13" driving around New Smyrna Speedway! I hope everyone has a great time at Marauderville V. :)

[Big House]

Cops know what they are doing. Ask me how I know...I was running my mid-level Cobra detector when "warning..." message comes up. I tap the brakes and slow to a gentle highway speed. Three miles later I get popped by a crusier slowly easing up to my bumper. How he got me...he hit the radar and watched for my brake lights. He saw mines and locked on. I had to give him credit, because that was slick.

[Mike M]

All my cars have VALENTINE 1, the arrows kick ass.

I do like the idea of the Escort GPS.

[BruteForce]

he hit the radar and watched for my brake lights.

Makes me miss the old days with stick shift and e-brake handle. When you want to slow down with no brake lights, hit the clutch and pull up a bit on the e-brake. Stealth speed reduction. :P

[Joe Walsh]

Makes me miss the old days with stick shift and e-brake handle. When you want to slow down with no brake lights, hit the clutch and pull up a bit on the e-brake. Stealth speed reduction. :P

Heh Heh...Used to do that ALL the time in my 85 Mustang GT!

:D

I actually had to change the rear drum shoes more often than the front disc pads!!!:o

[duhtroll]

Welp, since I was due for an update/upgrade and this thread got me to thinking, I spent the last few days reading about detectors, etc. The forum posted earlier in this thread (thanks for that whoever posted it - helped quite a bit) has scads of information on the top detectors out there.

The general consensus is that if you want to hear every single signal out there, get a Valentine 1 as they are the most sensitive in testing. If you want a quieter detector, go with the Escort 8500 x50 or 9500i (yet to be proven over time newest model) or many folks like the Beltronics STi driver. These two offer fewer false signal alerts.

Escort and Bel are the same company really with two brand lines, so you can order two with one call, my wallet found out . . . :o

The STi driver is also supposedly completely undetectable to all current guns out there including the Spectre III, according to testing. (which is very surprising to me and I am taking to mean "mostly" undetectable as nothing is perfect - that is too good to be true) It also has as good or superior sensitivity across most bands to the Escort models. But it is a year old and not upgradeable, which takes nothing away from its status as one of the top 3 detectors out there. I just like to look ahead.

All 3 or 4 of these top RDs have a free 30-day trial, so nothing is lost in calling and ordering all of them and testing them, deciding which you like best, and sending the rejects back. Many of the most unbiased guys on the forum would drive with any of the top 3 and be content. There are lots of brand loyal trolls on there, too . . .

If nothing else, go read the forums http://www.radardetector.net/index.php

and there is a lot to learn. I have learned how to upgrade my laser defenses to the most current products, which I am in the process of doing.

What did I choose? I replaced my Escort 8500 (which I never received a speeding ticket when this was in use over almost 4 years) with an Escort 9500i AND a new Beltronics STi Driver. I did not choose the V1 because I want quiet, and the other two are compatible with my laser jammer and current power supply, so no re-hardwiring. I'll return whichever of the two I like the least, but both of them offer very nice points.

I like the 9500i because it has a GPS, which allows one to "lock out" false signals along your daily routes that you know are not LEOs. There is much debate on this as to whether or not its worth doing, but I believe it works the way its supposed to. It also will offer in the future a downloadable database of speed trap locations that can be shared and uploaded into the unit via USB. If this ever comes online it will be revolutionary.

It also has a voltmeter (which is also nice 'cuz I have UD pullies) and GPS speedometer which displays your speed at each signal alert, or all the time.

Swanky.

However, I was driving around in some very cloudy/obstructed view situations today and got lots of voice alerts "GPS signal lost" "GPS signal acquired" so I would have to turn those off so they don't annoy me every time I am under an awning, bridge, etc..

The STi is the one I am leaning toward, because if it really is undetectable, then it would have to be spotted visually for me to be harassed by LEOs for having a RD (which has happened in the past - since I have a RD I must be guilty of something :rolleyes:)

Right now it fares better overall in tests and opinions than the 9500i, so I may use the STi for a year and see what happens with the Escort stuff. If they ever DO start supporting the GPS sharing online, I'm all over this one as it will be a new age of collaboration. If the 9500i came in blue like the x50 does, it would be a tougher call because that blue display is awesome.

For my laser, I am going to supplement my current jammer with some passive measures (license plate covering/coating) and maybe a second jammer to boost the defense. I am already down to 12 volts with the AC on at stoplights so I have to be careful on power, though.

Hope this helps. Try to avoid all the bickering and read for yourself and decide which is best for you.

Why spend all this $ on equipment? Strangely enough I don't do it as much to avoid speeding tickets as I do to avoid the other crap that the Iowa State Patrol, er, Iowa State Revenue Generators pull on a daily basis. I almost never travel more than 10 over PSL, but I've been stopped when not speeding twice for fabricated reasons, and once for speeding years ago when the LEO wrote the wrong posted speed limit on the ticket, meaning the fine was much larger.

I got a written warning last fall while going the posted speed limit (and I have a witness to corroborate that one - LEO said I was 10 over -- not even close) and because it was on a curvy road. Yep, really.

Two tickets around here is worth the cost of the detector, so I feel if it saves me from two over its lifetime, its worth it.

Try explaining that to the wife. . . "You don't speed much so you need a $450 radar detector AND a laser jammer AND VEIL coating?"

"Yes. Troll likey toys, er, its safer."

Oh, and all these I mentioned are $450 or more except the X50 which is IIRC $339 (its been out a couple years), so they are all in the high end category. Just FYI.

Hope this helps someone.