Radar Detectors?

[amerikan]

I've been reading various reviews on radar detectors and i basically found that the Valentine One was the best, but 400 bucks! anyone here try anything that worked well that does not have such a hefty price tag?

[Logan]

The problem with cheaper detectors is that you inevitably get a ticket that could've been avoided had you had a premium detector.

I went through 3 detectors before I finally said screw it and bought a V1. Now, I'm annoyed at myself for wasting hundreds on cheaper detectors...

So, I guess my point is, save yourself some aggravation and some money and just pop for the V1 now instead of later. :)

[Heavy D.]

I've had good results with the Escort S2 wireless. I would have bought the Valentine, but I wanted a wireless one. It uses the same circuit as the 8500, which is a close second to the Valentine. I got mine from detectors4less.com and paid $329.00. I think the 8500 is $299.00.

IMHO, if you don't mind the power cable I would save up for V1. As logan says, the cheap ones just end up costing you in the end.

But, if you want second best get the S2 or the 8500.

[amerikan]

Logan, sounds like a plan. Theres one thing that im still not sure about the V1. Does it detect police when they are not radaring?

[Logan]

Well no. Unless their guns are turned on, it won't detect them. Also, regarding lidar(laser), it detects it great, but if you're hit with lidar, you're dead.

Most cops here in TX tend to run with their guns on, so their easy to spot miles away. If your local cops use instant on, it's quick, but not so instant, you usually get a couple seconds warning.

Best defence is a good offence or to obey the law. In combination with my V1, I use a Blinder M20 Laser Diffuser. If a laser gun hits the front of my vehicle, the blinder scrambles the signal and errors out his gun until I shut off the M20, which I do, after I slow down, so he can get a good reading and has no cause to stop me.

[amerikan]

Logan, I want to see the confused look on that cops face thats radaring you :)

[Logan]

It's usually pretty priceless... :)

[Merc-O-matic]

Logan is right.....go for the Valentine from the git go!
Well worth the money. Don't leave home without it.
Gotta love it!

[gonzo50]

Some of us own the Escort (Passport 8500), I for one feel comfortable about it's ability to detect the presence of radar/laser, ect. I've used it before I purchased the Marauder and thats where it's at now with no problems what so ever.
You get a whole lot of detector for the price.
Not that the V1 is not worthy, but I prefer the Escort. Thanks. :D
Not to :flamer: with anyone.

[Logan]

Once you've had arrows, it's hard to go back to a standard detector...

[amerikan]

That's right logan, and the V1 surpassed all of its competition. what did you pay for yours? 399?

[Logan]

Yeah, Mr. Valentine knows there's no competition, hence he doesn't have to give a penny up on his price... I paid $399 like everyone else... Sigh... Maybe I should get HIM to be a supporting vendor dammit...

[Marauderman]

I've often wondered why myself--with us all seeming going a little faster and faster ..we could use this kind of product..hummmm..

[amerikan]

Logan that would be a good thing. Marauderman... you're thinking like me... the faster our cars get... the faster we go.. the more protection we need. This all comes down to purchasing a Valentine one.

[Murader03]

Okay! Here's my $.02s. I love my V!. I've compared it side by side with several others in the same car, and same area. I ran the detectorsa on both sides of the windshield to compare. The V1, set on the middle sensitvity setting, always went off 10-15 seconds prior to the second detector. Great range. My other point is Laser.....The V1 detected it, along with the others about the same time. To late to slow down. I have since installed a K-40 Laser Diffuser. The object of this unit is to detect and confuse the Laser unit long enough for you to slow down. Interestingly enough, the K-40 and the V1 both activiated at the same time when being hit by Laser on the Ohio Turupike. The difference was that the K-40 allowed me enough time to slow before the Laser gun could get a good lock. I was then under the posted limit, or at least close to it, and no ticket. Again, the K-40 unit isn't cheap, but then how much is it gonna cost for the ticket, and then added insurance costs for the next 3 years......

[SergntMac]

Believe me or not, I have an opinion on radar detectors. It's no fun getting stopped for speeding, and I risk getting a ticket simply because I do know better. So, I consider myself in the same boat with y'all, wanting to know where I am safe, and where I am not. BTW, I won't speed in Ohio, that's a no brainer. With all the traveling I've done, Ohio sets the high water mark on slick and sneaky. Wisconsin is next up, but they just lie about it.

V-1.

What more needs to be explained? If you're as serious about your MM as I am, you're a serious speed junkie too. I have to go fast, sorry, it's a medical condition. I also like the conceal options. If you're not this serious, but want some peace of mind OTR...

8500/S2 cordless. Same circutry, nice power options.














What?

What are you looking for down here?

OMG, you're not expecting to see any other brands mentioned...

[Glenn]

I spent hours researching all the internet sites on radar detectors and read all the performance reviews. I compared all the prices to performance and concluded that for the money the best one was the Beltronics 940. It is the same performing unit as the 985 which is much more money. The 985 just has a whole lot more extras that really don't mean much. I bought the 940 for $155 new on ebay. Circuit City sells the 960 for $240 and the 985 for $280. If you can afford $400 then its true the V1 is the best performing, but the performance comparsions show that the 940 is only alittle less sensitive. Just my two cents for what its worth.

[duhtroll]

As much as people discredited/took shots at it the last time I mentioned it:

I still like Rocky Mtn Radar products. Currently have the Phantom III/IV - probably about time to check for an update.

Sped thru Ohio, sped thru WI, sped thru several states in these here US - never once been stopped. I average 15 mph over on a normal day. Around Chicago 90 is about average given the speed of traffic there. It's not that I am blowing by everyone or being reckless, but I am still far more likely to pass than to be passed.

I guess until I have a roadside chat with Officer Friendly I can go on touting these things.

Thanks,
-A

[amerikan]

Does a cop have legal rights to stop you if he doesn't have you on radar?... just based on his assumption. What are some other situations in which the radar will not be useful? besides the obvious wreckless driving and what not.

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by amerikan
Does a cop have legal rights to stop you if he doesn't have you on radar?... just based on his assumption.

It depends. But, it's a lot like you fighting for your warranty coverage with LM, after you have modded your car. You're the underdog and it will cost you to fight for what is right.

It's the same for speeding as it is for DUI, the tools used in the eforcement (radar gun/breathalyser) only confirm what the officer testifies to as his observation of your behavior. He has to be prepared to explain how he saw you zipping past him, and the radar gun only confirms how fast. I don't believe he has to prove anything to you, as the accused motorist, at all. He only has to swear to it under oath, and convince the court.

Anyone have a master list of which states declare simple possession of a detector illegal?

[Petrograde]

"Anyone have a master list of which states declare simple possession of a detector illegal?"

as far as I know: Virginia, for sure. and I think,.... D.C.

[duhtroll]

It's listed in the owner's manual of every radar detector IIRC.

I know MN is a state which does not allow them, and that is the only one relevant to me and my driving.

Mine has a list, but it's in the car and I am too dang lazy to get up right now. :lol:

-A

[WolfeBros]

V1 here.
No regrets and better yet.......no tickets. :D

[amerikan]

Yeah guys no doubt i want a v1... i know it is illegal in California... what happens if the cop finds it?

[duhtroll]

Well, it's confiscated, you get another fine, probably hefty.

Oh, and the original speeding ticket.

:D

-A

[dwasson]

I love my V1 and can hardy go on the road without it and not get hives. I figure that the $400 cheaper than the insurance rate boost I'll get if I get a ticket. Sometimes you gotta suck it up and write the big check.

One other cool device is the Bear Finder. You set it for the state you are in and it looks for transmissions on the frequencies the police in that state use. I don't have one yet but it is on my list.

[deerejoe]

CONFISCATION??

The detector is merely a "receiver" such as a radio.

Article 34 of the Constitution allows all citizens to have "receivers", you may have to fight the issue in court...but you CAN win.

Perhaps martyo can confirm the issue.

[MAD-3R]

Virginia, for sure. and I think,.... D.C.

Those two I can verify. I'm just glad that all they can do now adays is write you a ticket for illegal equipment. Use to be that they took the thing.

Having learned to drive as I do in this state, I have almost a "sixth sence" about speed traps.

[dwasson]

Radar detectors are illegal in Ontario (and maybe all of Canada) and they have a detector detector. If you drive by with your detector on they will ticket you and confiscate the unit.

One more reason that I don't intend to move to Canada.

[amerikan]

Definately not moving to canada :P ... and about the constitution... you CAN win... but i think it is almost impossible to fight the law enforcement... the only way that it is possible to win is if the officer doesn't show up.

[03SILVERSTREAK]

I can't speak for your state but I can tell how he can convince
the traffic court of the speeding without radar . Here in NYS they
have unmarked Vehicles (No not crown victorias) usually
Commercial-looking vans with Cammeras mounted in the front
and back windows as well as Certified Speedometer and a 2-way
that talks directly to state police dispatch . the vans follow as best as they can recordind the speeding veh: and if shown on
video, wreckless driving . they radio the nearest unit your speed and direction of Flight . Thats one of the ways they can get you...

[Logan]

Being a canuck, I can say that Detectors are legal in BC and Alberta, illegal in all other provinces and territories, where they do ticket around $250 + confiscation. They also run around with VG2 units to detect the detectors in cars...Nasty bastahds!!

[amerikan]

WOW... last thing i want to do is get my V1 confiscated.