Need radar detector...what to get?

[ragingfish]

Ok, so I was just floating down the NJ turnpike yesterday minding my own business...doing about 90 or 95...which really isn't all that bad by NJ standards...but anyway, floating along, and then, hiding in the trees on the side of the road, is mr. state police man monitoring traffic.Now I lucked out, either he wasn't reading his radar, it wasn't on, or he just didn't bother to come after me...But I realize i NEED a radar detector...too many close calls...and since I'm not likely to ease off the gas, a RD is the next best thing.I read some past threads, someone mentioned the valentine one, which looks nice, but is a tad pricey. I very well may go for it, after all, I want one that will give me as much coverage and advanced warning as possible...even if it costs me my entire federal tax refund...But are there any others out there worth considering? Thanks guys...

[lumpcus]

dunno but from what i hear valentine is top of the line.

[russ257]

i never ran with a rd but from some of the people i know it gives you a false sense of security and you speed thinking you wont get a ticket but when you encounter vascar which is basically a cop with some lines on the ground and a stopwatch ( which is what the majority of police use in PA because only state police can have radar) you are screwed. I would rather drive smart then rely on an electronic device that gives me a false sense of security (btw driving smart doesnt mean i dont speed) i just keep an eye out watch the cars up ahead most people break when they see a cop its instinct most people doing the speed limit will still hit their breaks. Also find a rabbit to follow this is someone else who is going faster then you and you let them get a mile or so ahead and they get pulled over not you. I dunno thats just my methods. althogh if you are gonna get one i hear the valentine 1 is the way to go

[ragingfish]

I do brake light watch...it's one of the best methods and most reliable...but again, not foolproof. I wouldn't rely on this or let myself feel invincible...but it would've probably helped in Ohio when I was nailed by radar...

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »but it would've probably helped in Ohio when I was nailed by radar...Quite possibly. I know most of Ohio's (and others) highways are monitored more and more by aircraft that time you inbetween 2 points (as previously stated). They will then relay the information to a ground unit to nab you. I personally don't use a RD, but agree with others saying the Valentine One appears to get the best reviews.

[ragingfish]

That's good to know...I know in my particulr situation, the guy said he radared me and offered to show me it as proof...so then, it woulda helped.

[rasermon]

Ragin, go down to your local RatShack and pickup the $49 rd. I bought one last year and works great. If you don't like it take it back. RS has the best return policy.

[ragingfish]

This one?http://www.radioshack.com/prod...D1695

[rasermon]

Thats it man. It has 360 coverage, I think you will like it.

[ragingfish]

Hmm...wonder why I would pay $400 for a V1 if that one performs nearly as well...must do more research...

[ArcsVibe]

Be careful if you ever plan on coming down to Quebec, RD's are illegal here.Not sure of the other provinces....

[AKLGT]

never trusted one to save me... because most of my apd friends tell me if you get pulled over w/ one, automatic ticket. plus w/ the new technology, some of them don't even clock you, they pace you and then you're screwed. that's what happened to me the one and only time i got pulled over and given a ticket.

[fuel4soul]

Quote, originally posted by russ257 »i never ran with a rd but from some of the people i know it gives you a false sense of security and you speed thinking you wont get a ticket but when you encounter vascar which is basically a cop with some lines on the ground and a stopwatch ( which is what the majority of police use in PA because only state police can have radar) you are screwed. I would rather drive smart then rely on an electronic device that gives me a false sense of security (btw driving smart doesnt mean i dont speed) i just keep an eye out watch the cars up ahead most people break when they see a cop its instinct most people doing the speed limit will still hit their breaks. Also find a rabbit to follow this is someone else who is going faster then you and you let them get a mile or so ahead and they get pulled over not you. I dunno thats just my methods. althogh if you are gonna get one i hear the valentine 1 is the way to goWhen I had mine I seemed to slow down more.. lol I don't know why but yeah I guess they are nice to have and can help sometimes. I don't even use mine anymore, It broke

[mwebb]

I have a bell couple of years oldI recomend the Valintine 1A buddy has it and is well worht the $

[philndz]

eh...valentine one is a great machine but do your research....you'll find that for $100.00 less the Escort Passport 8500 is as good or better....i did WAY too much research b4 my purchase!and the valentine one is HUGE!

[msmyer]

My Post from: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=8253 Quote, originally posted by msmyer »Couldn't agree more. I have a few friends that are cops in smaller towns and that's about all they do is write tickets. For kicks and giggles check out this website.... http://www.speedtrap.org/ It talks about "fighting" a ticket but I agree with Cibomatto too, take your driving record with you. It may work! If you want to prevent a ticket, get a radar detector. I have this one and I've never gotten a ticket! Knock on wood You might want to look into that too....It's help me a lot and it's paid for itself by not getting a ticket!

[mwebb]

I agree that the passport is also a sweet radar detector- In fact I believe that in a recent Motor Trend comparison it was tied and even better than the valentine in one catagory

[Geo]

Another vote for the V1 here.Remember, the V1 has the arrow system, so you know exactly where things are coming from. In the case of multiple signals, you are told which one is the stongest, where it's coming from and what band it is all at the same time. I love mine and it's following me to whatever vehicle I am in.

[ebslopp]

I have a Cobra and it's saved my (removed) enough times now to pay for itself many times. It's the racing series one. It has a text display like the Escort. I don't know the model# off the top of my head. I think I paid $100 for it.

[ragingfish]

Geo:How much do the makers of V1 charge you for upgrades?

[dsegundo]

rabbiting doesn't work....the trick is to be the first one in a line of speeders. A cop is always going to pull the last speeder over in a line.

[ragingfish]

The trick is to follow far enough behind that you'll see them hit the brakes, or even far enough that you'll see the cop pull out...If you stay on their tail, then no, you're very at risk of being caught.

[mwebb]

I disagree- In a few past experiences the cop has pulled over the first car speeding

[ragingfish]

You're right...I worded my response poorly.I have seen the first car pulled over many times.Myself included in Ohio...I was the lead in a pack of cars...he said he saw me come over the hill first, so I was his catch.

[Jahntassa]

Escort. Escort. Escort.I have an Escort Passport 7000. Even though it doesn't have the "direction" that the Valentine has, it has an "expert" feature that will show eight simultaneous radar signals (4 X, 2 K, 2 Ka). The new Solo S2 and the 8500 (I think that's it) have probably the best detectors with the least number of false positives on the market. A radar detector isn't something you can really go halfway on. If you spend $50 on the little Cobra 6060, sure, it'll tell you when there's radar... AFTER you see the cop. The better the unit, the better the chips, detectors, and warning you get. Hence why I've always stuck with Escort. A lot of people will go with the Valentine as well...and they are pretty similar.My vote is for the Escort Solo S2. Pricey...but I can't say i've ever had a problem with my Passport, which saved me from a LADAR twice..

[LUVROK]

I picked up a Bel 955. For under $200 it seems like a good deal. I have never owned one before and I nstalled it right away at teh shopping plaza. It was bugging out due to all the alarm systems at the mall. Once I figure out how to set it up not to trip with junk like that it should be fine, but I don't plan on speeding through busy areas such as shopping centers.Just be aware of options when you buy a radar detector, especially model to model for a particular manufacturer. The bonehead at Circuit City was lying out of his teeth or was absolutely clueless. He was trying to tell me the next model up jammed laser, although it clearly stated it was capable of jamming laser with optional accessories. Come to find out the accessories are eye sores that are mounted on your license plates and would easily be seen by cops as speed deterent.

[northvibe]

yea laser jammers are crazy, they have to be on the front and back, and they also recommend painting your light covers and license plate with special anti reflective stuff. AND i think they cost a crap load and are illegal in some states.

[meistees]

I think I have a Cobra that works fairly well but I was zapped with laser and still got pulled over..

[orbix]

I'd avoid the Valentine 1- I've got a friend with one and the damned thing will pick up EVERYTHING. Not just radars, but anything putting out any kind of signal... It's bad enough that he says that he just ignores it until it hits a certain level of alert.I'd vote for one of the higher end Beltronics or Passport detectors... They're made by the same company- do a bit of research and grab whichever brand you can find at a better price. Another friend of mine just recently picked up the next-to-top Bel detector and has been able to consistently find radars around 1-2 miles out.And yeah, don't waste your time with the cheap ones- They're worthless.

[new05vibeowner]

Living in Ohio, I've had radar detectors since the day I turned 16. Started with the original Escort, moved up to a Passport, and then a Solo, all made by Cincinnati Microwave. Four years ago, I bought a Valentine One. If you didn't know, Mike Valentine, the inventor of the V1, founded Cincinnati Microwave and invented the original Escort. He sold the company (now called Escort) and founded Valentine Research. Yes, I know that $400 is a bunch of cash to pay, but the level of protection is top notch. There are three modes to run in to avoid a lot of false alarms, so if it's set right, falsing is not an issue. Also, the arrows indicating where the signal is coming from is something I will never live without again. Keep in mind that as technology changes, you can send the unit back to be upgraded to current technology - try that with another brand. Upgrades usually run $50. Mine is due to go back to have the latest chip put in it; I'll also have them do a cosmetic upgrade (new magnesium case, new screen) at the same time. Total will be $100. I cannot recommend this device strongly enough. Once you get it, everything else on the market looks like junk. Why do you think the used ones on eBay with current version 1.8 technology still sell for $350? Trust me, buy the V1. You'll be glad you did.

[wicked1981]

I thought I read (I could be wrong) that Escort I believe will pay a speeding ticket if you are using their product. Not sure what you need or what model but hey if they pay for a ticket maybe its worth it! http://www.escortradar.com/reviews.htm

[new05vibeowner]

They may pay the ticket, but that doesn't help pay your increased car insurance bill or get two points off your driving record!

[dallarosaj]

Someone sad that the valentine was top of the line well I have to say they are not. I have the K40 RD850 (www.k40.com)runs about 299.00 and they are so confident with there product that they will pay for your tickets for one year. There is also a company that call Rockey Mountian I would stay away from them do to your speed has to be under 15 mph so lets say you are doing 85 in a 70 they will pay for it but if your doing 86 in a 70 they wont. Now K40 you can be doing 90mph in a 70 and they will cover you. I have been looking at K40 for a little over a year now and I finally went with there product they also make one that has Bluetooth tech. but that runs about 1800 and that is the BEST one on the market. If you want more information on these products just e-mail me and I can tell you all about the different ones and which one are the best.

[northvibe]

I read a review a while ago and for the price the best one is the escort 8500. the V1 is nice and all but for 100 more than the escort i dont see it being worth it. they do about the same as protection. but i think the V1 is ugly and the arrows? idk who really cares where its coming from you just gotta slow down when you hear it scream, i dont have time to look at a detector to see which arrow it is. either way a V1 or escort your going to get a good detector.

[NotTheDoctor]

I have an rd it was about $80 when I bought it two years ago - it goes off when I pass banks, drive thru's, sometimes gas stations .... Using it on highways is helpful - however is far from 100% accurate. It's good to have as a second pair of eyes in case I miss something - since I've had it I haven't gotten a speeding ticket (did get pulled over once when I forgot to plug it in though but was only going 6 over so got off). Best bet is to try and get in the middle of the pack of speeders. Buying an RD isn't a total waste of money - its up to you but just remember dont count on it to always catch police.

[joholste]

i used a V1 and never had a problem... till i was on fort bragg and pulled over because the MP pulled up next to me and saw that i had it and they ticketed me for having one but other than that i was golden...saved my behind numerous times

[NotTheDoctor]

Yeah there are a highway and city setting however even on the city it goes off. Most of the time it doesn't bug me because I've memorized everywhere is normally goes off so I know its not a cop.

[Jahntassa]

My 7000 has Highway / City and City No-X. The No-X setting was good passing through Connecticut since they use X Band emitters on overpasses just to freak out standard wideband radar detectors. The idea is your radar will show the higher-power X band, and not show the lower K band they're actually using to get you.

[tnpartsguy]

I would avoid Cobra. I used to love them, but the last 2 I bought havn't lasted a year, and Cobra wants the price of a new one to repair/exchange your old one once you out of warranty. Both times it's been the same problem; no sound....the lights still work fine, but the sound dies. I think I'd spend the extra and get either one from Escort, or the V1.