Radar Detectors.

[onequickmsp]

Hi all,

I've been thinking of getting a Radar Detector for my car. Like pretty much everything else, I know nothing. I did a search on here and found nothing. What do you guys recommand for Radar Detectors??

Yes I know they are illegal. I plan on using mine for Tractor pulling use. LOL!!

Thanks!

[sanblaster]

Radar detectors are legal depending on where you live. I love Cobra and have purchased 3 of them in the last couple years.

[silverspeed03]

Valentine One. Nuff said.

[illusis]

im not sure about canada, but in the states they are only illegal in va...i think someone correct me im wrong or if there are more.
back on topic:i had a corbra and it saved me a bunch of times but i feel that it got a lot of random beeps. my friend used his dads Valentine One a bunch of times and it was GREAT! pricy but GREAT! didnt get a lot of randoms and told you if the 50 was in front of back of you. well worth the money i think

[sanblaster]

im not sure about canada, but in the states they are only illegal in va...i think someone correct me im wrong or if there are more.
back on topic:i had a corbra and it saved me a bunch of times but i feel that it got a lot of random beeps. my friend used his dads Valentine One a bunch of times and it was GREAT! pricy but GREAT! didnt get a lot of randoms and told you if the 50 was in front of back of you. well worth the money i think

I believe in Virgina and D.C.

[zzMSP03.5]

(werd)


Valentine One. Nuff said.

[silverspeed03]

im not sure about canada, but in the states they are only illegal in va...i think someone correct me im wrong or if there are more.
back on topic:i had a corbra and it saved me a bunch of times but i feel that it got a lot of random beeps. my friend used his dads Valentine One a bunch of times and it was GREAT! pricy but GREAT! didnt get a lot of randoms and told you if the 50 was in front of back of you. well worth the money i think

I hear ya, I had a Uniden for a while and it sucked, I mean it would go off for anything and everything, so I took it out and just said fu** it and drove around for a couple years with no protection. Then one of my good friends bought a V1 and I couldn't believe how accurate it was, I mean as far as I know any cop we passed that was shooting radar it blew up with beeps AND arrows AND bogey counter, it was awsome. Well 6 tickets later, the last 2 being in the same week I decided to bite the bullet and spend the $405. Well worth it IMHO. Plus with buying a V1 You can send the detector back to them and they can upgrade it with the newest technology for free, well what ever shipping is. So when you think about it $405 isn't that bad considering it's the last detector you'll have to buy. Just my .02

[NoRotor,NoMotor]

Valentine and Escort 8500 are the best if you wanna spend that much

[FastMSP]

I'm selling my escort 8500. Let me know if you want it.

[vcinsanity1523]

Anybody selling a Valentine 1???

[ti-ben]

I think the best is Beltronics RX65, all the tests prove it.

[daedalus]

Escort Solo S2...

Car and Driver pick over the V1 three years running. Best thing i've ever bought. And cordless means that your car doesnt have to look like a piece of crap with a random wire running up the middle of your dash.

[PharmacyMSP]

valentine one for sure.

I have owned escort "passports" for years (including the new 8500). I definitely would buy a Valentine one if I could do it over. Escort has gone to shit lately and their detectors aren't #1 anymore. POP2 is where its at. Valentines cost a lot, but they are worth it. Also upgradeable.

[silverspeed03]

valentine one for sure.

I have owned escort "passports" for years (including the new 8500). I definitely would buy a Valentine one if I could do it over. Escort has gone to shit lately and their detectors aren't #1 anymore. POP2 is where its at. Valentines cost a lot, but they are worth it. Also upgradeable.

For sure!

[.mazda.speed.]

so it beeps only when the cops using radar and how far away will he be when it starts beeping.

[ottawaP5]

Hi all,

I've been thinking of getting a Radar Detector for my car. Like pretty much everything else, I know nothing. I did a search on here and found nothing. What do you guys recommand for Radar Detectors??

Yes I know they are illegal. I plan on using mine for Tractor pulling use. LOL!!

Thanks!

How do you plan on getting it? I went online and they only deliver them to Alberta (the only legal province)

[silverspeed03]

so it beeps only when the cops using radar and how far away will he be when it starts beeping.


Yes, the cop has to be shooting radar for the radar detector to pick up the infared signal.

That's hard to say, if no one is in front of you (blocking the V1) I would say that on a good day it could be as much as a mile and a half. See first you have to understand how radar works. If you are to close behind someone it might not pick up the signal, if the detector is mounted too low on the windshield it is not as effective, even the way the sun reflects off your hood or windshield can effect the signal. There are a lot of variables when asking " how far away will he be when it starts beeping." Even cheap radar detectors in cars passing by can cause an expensive detector to go off.

By the way this is with any Radar Detector, but the better the detector the more effective it will be.

[zzMSP03.5]

So between the price diffrence of the Escort Solo S2 and the Valentine 1 ( 329.99 Escort - 399.99 Valentine 1) Which one would you guys choose? Im tryin to get some opinions on it, i dont really mind the cord running, but if can look cleaner and still be effective and its cheaper i might lean to the Escort. I just hear from everyone that Valentine 1 is the best if so, then thats what i want.

[rdmello]

Why don't you just obey the speed limit and spend the money on something better?

If you can't obey the limits, then be reasonable with your speeding and keep your eyes open. Slow down when you see the cops. This method has worked for me...only 2 speeding tickets in 12 years.

[Perro del Sol]

I believe in Virgina and D.C.

u r correct VA & DC

[daedalus]

solo s2... it isnt worth the extra 80 bucks to get the v1.

[silverspeed03]

So between the price diffrence of the Escort Solo S2 and the Valentine 1 ( 329.99 Escort - 399.99 Valentine 1) Which one would you guys choose? Im tryin to get some opinions on it, i dont really mind the cord running, but if can look cleaner and still be effective and its cheaper i might lean to the Escort. I just hear from everyone that Valentine 1 is the best if so, then thats what i want.

I would get the the V1, God I love this Radar Detector, the arrows, the bogey counter, and it's upgradeable with the newest technology, If you asked passport to do that they would tell you to go F*** yourself and by a new one.

[silverspeed03]

solo s2... it isnt worth the extra 80 bucks to get the v1.

It's definitely worth the extra $80 bucks, the ONLY benifit of the solo2 is that it's cordless.

[TX Speed Demon]

I've been really happy with my Beltronics 965 ($300) - has the ability to de-sensitize (or turn off) specific bands so you don't get a lot of false readings. It's extremly accurate and picks up K and KA bands from a very far distance. Also has POP and Laser detection too.

The power connection is also a standard phone cord. So it's really easy to buy a cheap extension and wire your unit with most of the wires hidden (behind dash, up A pillar and across headliner).

[PharmacyMSP]

solo s2... it isnt worth the extra 80 bucks to get the v1.

I would say the $80 bucks is definitely worth it. Daedalus: Have you actually used and tested both? I have and the V1 is the way to go. Plus, the performance of the solo escorts will decrease w/ battery life. I'd hate to get a ticket b/c my batteries were low in my detector. Corded is the only way to go w/ a detector. Constant 12v.

[ottawaP5]

We would need cordless in Canada (besides Alberta) because the cops would see the cord hanging from the visor and stop you. I would really like a V1 as well, but getting caught with one wouldnt be funny.

[silverspeed03]

I would say the $80 bucks is definitely worth it. Daedalus: Have you actually used and tested both? I have and the V1 is the way to go. Plus, the performance of the solo escorts will decrease w/ battery life. I'd hate to get a ticket b/c my batteries were low in my detector. Corded is the only way to go w/ a detector. Constant 12v.

Yup, Yup, Yup!

[silverspeed03]

We would need cordless in Canada (besides Alberta) because the cops would see the cord hanging from the visor and stop you. I would really like a V1 as well, but getting caught with one wouldnt be funny.


so your saying that you would put the radar detector on the visor?

[ottawaP5]

so your saying that you would put the radar detector on the visor?

Yeah...Is that the best place for it? I thought the higher it was the better the performance.

[silverspeed03]

It is to a certain extent, Mine is right smack dab in the middle of my windshield, If you go and browse V1 website it is very informative.

[ottawaP5]

It is to a certain extent, Mine is right smack dab in the middle of my windshield, If you go and browse V1 website it is very informative.

Yeah I was browsing it a while ago...it really made me want to get one. I would just have to find a way to place it so it is hidden and gets good radar signal....I think it's over $1000 if you get caught with one here.

[MP3Architect]

I have and the V1
no you dont!
anyways.......i have the escort 8500 X50 as it was rated the best at distance whenever i got it (about a year ago). I've driven next to someone with a valentine1 before (melissa) and my radar detector shot off before hers did. There are times when i start getting pegged well over a mile before i get to the cop but that really gets annoying in a city environment. i would highly recommend it as it has saved me time and time again. HOWEVER........if i could go back i would have spent th extra $$ and went with the V1. The arrows are priceless. and the bogey count= (first)

[silverspeed03]

Look on the acc. part of the site they have a ...here "BIG step towards .."https://store.valentine1.com/store/

[PharmacyMSP]

MP3Arch... though I said I owned a V1. Don't own, but have used.

V1 > 8500

[MrDiggler]

Why don't you just obey the speed limit and spend the money on something better?

If you can't obey the limits, then be reasonable with your speeding and keep your eyes open. Slow down when you see the cops. This method has worked for me...only 2 speeding tickets in 12 years.

Worked for me for the past nine years without a single ticket. (knocks on wood). Hard to get a ticket if they don't catch ya! (wink)

However, I did have a really close call yesterday. Can't be too careful around here lately.

[daedalus]

I would say the $80 bucks is definitely worth it. Daedalus: Have you actually used and tested both? I have and the V1 is the way to go. Plus, the performance of the solo escorts will decrease w/ battery life. I'd hate to get a ticket b/c my batteries were low in my detector. Corded is the only way to go w/ a detector. Constant 12v.


Yup. I actually dropped my V1 to get a Solo S2. The S2 is much more accurate for me in town and on the highway. The arrows are fucking stupid anyway... And batteries usually last me about 2 months in between replacements and it gives you plenty warning on when its going down. And you can allways hard wire it like a V1 or 8500, it has the same adaptor on it, you just dont have to rely on it.

[Micah]

I have the Solo S2 - and I love it. I probably replace the batteries almost every 3 weeks. There is also the option of purchasing the 12V adapter, or the laser jammer.

I was going to buy the jammer because they are legal in NJ - FDA regulates lasers, not the FCC. My step brother is law enforcement, and so are a few of his family and my friends - after talking to them - I won't be picking up the laser jammer. Without the speed showing on the gun, the officer can still pull you over for careless/wreckless driving as it's a judgement call on the officers part.

I've used my brothers name to get out of a ticket not too long ago, so I've been behaving more behind the wheel lately.

[silverspeed03]

The arrows are fucking stupid anyway... .


Please explain.

[daedalus]

Please explain.


if it goes off i'm gonna slow down either way... i could care less where the cop is as long as i'm not speeding. Its not like i cant glance in my rear view mirror or look ahead to see where a cop is.

[silverspeed03]

if it goes off i'm gonna slow down either way... i could care less where the cop is as long as i'm not speeding. Its not like i cant glance in my rear view mirror or look ahead to see where a cop is.

Yeah I understand what you are saying, but I feel a lot better knowing that my radar detector can pick up the location of the cop so I can concentrate more on the road.

[PlatinumMSP]

my Escort 8500 x50 was the first thing i bought for my car, i bought it because my car is fucking YELLOW!!! cops can see me from space! I got it over the valentine because it is over $100 cheaper and has more range than the valentine. The arrows on the valentine only help if you want to keep speeding, which is a bad idea anyway. The escort wont let you down. Turn off the x-band and the pop on it and you wont get hardly any false alerts. Pop is like 99% used in Europe and X-band is just way old school and only really rural places use it. If you see a KA reading though slow the fuck down! I also direct wired it to my car so I dont have any wires hanging down. Think about this, if the detector saves you from even ONE ticket, it has already payed for itself.

[MoreBoostPlease]

well to throw my two cents in, I have had the V1 for 6 years now, I have never had it updated with the new technology, and I - knock on wood - have never gotten a ticket with it. The only time I have gotten tickets since I purchased it is while driving another vehicle or when I forgot to turn it on. I will recommend the Valentine to anyone and everyone who needs a radar detector. It is by far worth more than the $400 it costs, and you can also get a heads up display where you can put the radar in your front grille, bumper, etc. and run a seperate unit off the actual radar to your vehicle, so it is hidden better, and also for those of you who do not want people tailing you because you have a radar, you can mount it where they cannot see it.

My vote goes infinite to the Valentine One.....

[ottawaP5]

I've got a question.....police here claim to have detectors that can find out if you are carrying a detector. Does that even exist, and if so, are they using them in the States as well?

[PlatinumMSP]

no offence man but it makes no difference they cant pull you over for shit, and yes they do exist, the escort 8500 x50 and the valentine 1 cannot be detected as well. So if unless you waste your money of some cheap radar detector this isnt even an issue.

[Captain KRM P5]

another vote for the passport

[Murray]

I've got a question.....police here claim to have detectors that can find out if you are carrying a detector. Does that even exist, and if so, are they using them in the States as well?They could detect the cheap ones (even a good radar detector can pick up the cheap ones) but the high end stuff shouldn't be a problem. I know cheap detectors set off my V1 all the time. However, I could be very wrong about this. Using something illegal in your car always carries a risk.

Although I'm pretty convinced the V1 is better (for the same reasons everyone's already said), the cordless feature is something to consider if they're illegal where you are. Even a very clean V1 installation isn't invisible ... you still have a wire hanging out of your head liner and that would make a cop suspicious, I'd think.

[Shane5425]

the v1 is a good one, but realize this, alot of the cops are going to laser speed detectors, not radar... will the v1 pick up laser??

[Murray]

the v1 is a good one, but realize this, alot of the cops are going to laser speed detectors, not radar... will the v1 pick up laser??Yes. And neon signs. And GM center-mount brake lights. And the remote for my factory Kenwood deck. It's very sensitive that way. (ugh)

Honestly, though, by the time any detector picks up a laser, you're toast anyway most of the time.

['87 Turbo II]

I believe in Virgina and D.C.
and Alabama

['87 Turbo II]

Yes. And neon signs. And GM center-mount brake lights. And the remote for my factory Kenwood deck. It's very sensitive that way. (ugh)

Honestly, though, by the time any detector picks up a laser, you're toast anyway most of the time.
yeah laser detectors tell you once you've already been hit. too late, but when it beeps you can hide all weed and stuff. I don't keep any illeagl substances in my car, but that's the only benefit I see.

[01bluemp3]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b250/01bluemp3/turbovir077.jpg

it saves live, it has saved mine, and i love it. spend the monty. well worth it.

[Prodigy]

and Alabama
Radar laser detectors (http://www.radarbusters.com/products/radar-detectors/default.asp) and laser jammers (http://www.radarbusters.com/products/jammers/default.asp) are legal to own and operate in passenger vehicles in the state of Alabama.

[Canecreekfreak]

Valentine 1, then Escort 8500. Those are the best 2.

[Kansei]

Don't forget about Beltronics! I haven't used the new models (RX-55 and RX-65) but they get awesome ratings. I have the Bel Vector 985, got it almost 4 years ago now.

I actually took it out a couple days ago though. I've been driving detectorless and kinda loving it. I have just been going within 5mph of all posted speed limits. It's kinda relaxing really. Normally I don't regularly speed but sometimes I'll get bored and go pretty fast.

I took it out to re-hardwire it (finding a different/better place to route the wire) but never got around to it.

[RX]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b250/01bluemp3/turbovir077.jpg

it saves live, it has saved mine, and i love it. spend the monty. well worth it.
That thing is hugemongous.

[tunersteve]

http://www.guysoflidar.com/

I have used (but don't own) the Passport 8500 X50, and it is amazing. I drove from MI to SC twice on a trip, as well as a few months of daily driving in MI, and the overall impression was great. Very accurate, not too many false alarms, and for the money I would purchase it.

The link above was a test by some guys, it shows the measurables between most of the top performers. Check it out.

[Murray]

That thing is hugemongous.I think that one's an old revision. The new one is about 1/4" thinner.