Which Radar Detector?

[goldgun]

Hey Guys

got my first ticket with my 99 C2,wasnt even going that fast going 84MPH,the $95 fine is not a big deal but the insurance co. dont take it well and it for sure wont be the last ticket as we all know its hard to go slow with these cars,,looking for opinion on good radar detector,i dont like the cords showing,any thoughts?

PS I LOVE these cars

Thanks Albert

99 C2 Cab Tip guards red

03 C4S coupe 6 speed seal gray

[GoBruins]

Hey Guys

got my first ticket with my 99 C2,wasnt even going that fast going 84MPH,the $95 fine is not a big deal but the insurance co. dont take it well and it for sure wont be the last ticket as we all know its hard to go slow with these cars,,looking for opinion on good radar detector,i dont like the cords showing,any thoughts?

Sorry to hear about the ticket; those are never fun.

I have a Valentine V1 that has been in five different vehicles. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Edited February 3, 2010 by GoBruins

[70Sixter]

You can expect to pay about $500.00 for a decent detector. Don't waste money on a cheapo. Most top of the line detectors are fine. Bells and whistles vary. Latest versions have database of cameras for speed or red lights.

Get an undetectable version if you live in VA or state that outlaws detectors. Google Radar Roy for some comparison tests.

And pay a lawyer next time. Might cost more, but they can usually plead down minor offenses to equipment failure or something your insurance company won't take as seriously if they notice at all.

[kbrandsma]

I recently purchase an Escort 9500ix and I am very satisfied with it.

Link to Radar Roy's Buyer's Guide

[Deftones1]

The valentine 1 is the way to go!

[70Sixter]

The V1 is a fine unit. I tried the multi arrow unit for awhile.

But....Waaay too sensitive for my tastes. I know Mike Valentine says you can learn to distinguish falses, but I don't need the noise distraction and have learned to distinguish enuf falses with my BEL RX-65.

Not trying to start a food fight. It has already been done. :)

Edited February 6, 2010 by 70Sixter

[Deftones1]

no argument there. It can be a little annoying

[JG 996T]

I recently purchase an Escort 9500ix and I am very satisfied with it.

I've got the same unit, works well, like the satellite feature.

Just remember though, it only works if they've got their radar "on" - its not too good against "radar guns" or bad luck.

My bad luck. About a year ago; Got on the highway, moved over to the fast lane and dropped it WOT for about 5-7 seconds - State Trooper was two cars back cruising in the left lane - I didn't see him until it was way too late. BUSTED.

Edited February 4, 2010 by JG 996T

[thx1138jtx2]

I have had a Valentine V1 since 99'. Works very well still. Highly recommended.

[johnj.moran]

When I bought my Porsche it came with a radar detector that the prior owner had installed. My personal feeling is that all of the false alarms ruin the fun of high speed driving. Just as I'm getting into a nice high speed drive .. BEEEEEP! Not good.

[Rthomson]

Escort 9500 ix works GREAT without the annoying false alarms of the V1.

[kbull88]

I have the V1 and I love it. But like everybody else stated here, if the troppers are using a laser or your not looking for them, they will get you. I was getting on this morning and I got cut off by a guy in an old town car. Good thing he did, because right in front of us on the side of the road was a Highway Patrol Unit just waiting. Then a few miles ahead there was a Highway Patrol motorcycle officer writing up somebody too. That pretty much curbed by urge to go WOT today.

[Gent]

I have the V1, but I've been saved more often by a local traffic radio station that broadcasts trap locations as part of their updates every 10 minutes. That and not needing to be in front, lol. I've had some great runs after letting another guy get a km or 2 ahead of me. That works great except in WA state. Bloody troopers cheat and nail multiple vehicles instead of just the leader (like the Mounties).

:D

[Dennis C]

I did quite a bit of research when I bought mine, and I ended up going with the Bel RX-65 Driver. You can't buy this one at Best Buy or Walmart. It's as expensive as the V1, and I believe it's only available directly from Bel online. I've had it for 3 years, and haven't gotten a ticket yet (knock on wood!). I highly recommend it.

[Wicked 996]

9500ix - great detector

if you want a custom install go with the 9500ci

[jespiritu]

I have the Valentine 1 and it has saved me from several tickets. I was driving down a toll road late at night well past the speed limit. There were few street posts so lighting was poor. Suddenly, the V1 went off, I hit the brakes, and just down the road a cop car was hiding in the shadows of an overpass. The V1 paid for itself right at that moment. The only thing is that I have it set on high sensitivity so it picks up other devices on the same frequency. Also, after a while you may have to update your V1, if you choose to buy one, as police departments will occasionally upgrade their scanner frequency.

[airedale]

Hello,

When I hit 4 speeding tickets, my employer was notified and I had to take a mandatory driving class to keep my Government driving license.

My insurance was cancelled.

It maked me sad.

The only times I have received a speeding ticket was when I had a radar detector along with me.

The only times I have received a speeding ticket was when driving a Porsche. {Got a warning once driving my Dad's Cadillac.}

Just received my 7th speeding ticket (lifetime), in my 7th Porsche (lifetime).

Must be a message here somewhere.

The radar detector has saved me from many flashing light stops for doing something that I rightfully should not have been doing in the first place. But.

Once, on a lonely stretch of road in Kansas I started getting random, weak but persistent alerts on the K band. This made me believe a Kansas state trooper was somewhere in the area hunting. Suddenly, from a side road two teenagers in a hot rod pulled out an ran it right up on my tail. I was not going fast enough for these two. They passed me with a full throttle exhaust note flourish... You all know what happened next.

I still drive a Porsche and still have an Escort passport.

Hope this helps

[ALLSPEED]

Were you in the lead?

[jroberts38]

I don't usually chime in on these, but here is my two cents. I host cross-country driving tours for me and my friends. I used to do them with PCA in my area, but they started driving the speed limit several years ago, so we formed a group of our own. I have a passport 8500 AND an Escort laser shifter, which work well together. Being the lead car in the group, the ability to deflect a laser signal is a must. There are several V 1's and Escorts in the group. Most of the time the V 1 will pick up a signal first, but not always, and they do false a lot. If you chose to have a detector alone, I would go with the V 1, but for the greatest level of protection, I would go with a good Escort and their shifter.

[Dennis C]

A radar detector is only a tool to help you avoid radar traps. You have to know how to use it effectively to get the most out of it. If you are the only car on the road, a radar detector is essentially useless. Most police departments now use "instant on" radar, and if you are the only car on the road, the police have a speed reading on you by the time you react and hit the brakes. No matter which brand you choose, learn how to use it properly and understand the signals.