Radar detector?

[Gyorgy]

Is it worth getting one?

I had a close call and would not have enjoyed the repercussions of driving my Targa "like I stole it" :eek:

Anyway, are you guys using a radar detector, and if so, any brand/model recommendations?

Also, how many of you long for the turbo?

[RatboneRanch]

Since 1991, I've had exactly 2 speeding tickets. We won't go into how many tickets I've deserved, but suffice to say that most of my miles have been driven blissfully free of any radar detector. In my experience, a radar detector just gives a false sense of security. You're better off using your wits and common sense (i.e., if you feel like you're driving too **** fast, you probably are.) But if it makes you feel better, use one.

[judgejon]

Valentine 1

[E Kap]

I purchased a Passport Solo because I did not want to have any wires showing and this unit got the best reviews as a battery operated unit. Don't waste your money. The unit gives very little warning, so by the time it goes off you already can see the police. It is my understanding that the Passport units requiring a plug into the lighter are more sensitive and accurate.

[goldenwarrior1]

Since 1991, I've had exactly 2 speeding tickets. We won't go into how many tickets I've deserved, but suffice to say that most of my miles have been driven blissfully free of any radar detector. In my experience, a radar detector just gives a false sense of security. You're better off using your wits and common sense (i.e., if you feel like you're driving too **** fast, you probably are.) But if it makes you feel better, use one.

Agreed! One speeding ticket in 36 years of driving! Never owned a detector and never will!

[kbrandsma]

I have the Escort Passport 9500ix. Here is the LINK to Crutchfields. I upgraded the window attachment from Escort to their deluxe one. I eventully hard wired the unit and I'm happy with the setup.

[wyovino]

I had never owned a Radar Detector, nor even considered buying one before picking up my C2 Cab. It came with a stealth installed Valentine-1 and I love it, especially on long highway trips to Atlantic City or to Upstate New York.

[xmac]

It is a bit like asking what is the best oil to use, but...

I use an Escort Passport 8500 X50 (wired) but flat cable hidden in A-pillar comes out near rear view mirror for a clean look. It has saved me from several tickets and I do not drive without it. It picks up several miles ahead if there is fairly flat terrain, less with topography. It detects X, K, Ka bands + laser (Ka or laser are most commonly used by CA highway patrol). The 9500 model has GPS built-in with many more bells/whistles that I didn't think was worth it. That said, I convinced a friend of mine to get the Valentine One after reading several good reviews.

You definitely have to use common sense and use your wits, but I at least know when I am being monitored. Speedzone is a website with quantitative, supposedly unbiased data:

Speedzones.com

[jimmy3530]

The previous owner installed a K40 which works wonders. I highly recommend a radar detector. I've been using a BEL product (portable unit) in my other car for 15 years and its saved me from COUNTLESS tickets in the upstate NY area. That said, I've still gotten tickets with it. Is it foolproof? No. But I don't travel without it. I agree with others on this post though, that is, you need to use your common sense, but 55 mph is a little slow sometimes, especially in a 911.

[scarberry7718]

I've always had a V-1 and loved it, but when I got my 996 it had one built into the grill which is a great idea; couldn't imagine driving a car that does >175mph without a radar detector.

[ldrhoades]

V1 is the way to go (directional arrows) No longing for a Turbo, but what I'd give for a GT3....

[Gyorgy]

Thanks for all your replies. Just yesterday AM, while going to work (Sunday at 6:20 AM), I was pulled over, silly speed limit on a country road. The policeman was traveling in the opposite direction, hard to spot in time... Got off after he asked me about where I was going, what I do etc. It's much easier to keep the speed limit in my Toyota FJ.

So, I think, I will get a detector but will use common sense the best I can.

I am hooked on the 911. Funny thing is, the 996 design really grew on me. Some say, the 997 interior is a great step up but I think the 996's design is very ergonomic, I especially love having the window controls in the middle.

Rubber side down!

[RF5BPilot]

fwiw, I have tended to drive with a radar detector since the 60's. I felt that if a LEO was casting a net, I had the right to know -- no matter how fast or slow I was driving. (Some states disagree.) It also let's me anticipate a crowd of drivers who suddenly slam their brakes on as they round a corner/crest a hill - to find a cop car by the side of the road.

I agree that some try to use it as a defense against stupid/inappropriate driving -- and am content to know that it won't work that way.

When I bought my car 5 years ago, I had an Escort SRX installed. In this way, it's built in to the car. There can be no claim that the detector obstructs my view. Even went to the point of putting the display inside the console. The only evidence is an LED in the bezel for the emergency flasher switch & a small speaker under the dash. Not perfect, but makes me happy.

I know there are days when I'm impatient or there are particular roads where the speed limit seems to be set to create income rather than represent the surroundings. I often use my cruise control at those times when I know my speed will get too high. I'll set it for 2-3 mph over the limit, then just let the car drive itself. Has kept me out of problems numerous times.

[heligear]

The Escort 9500 is one of the highest rated of the "portable" detectors, there are a couple of good sites with good info on them to help make a decision, Google Best Radar Detectors and/or Radarbusters.com, if you get one also get the hardwire installation kit, It's easy to do and looks way better.

[geoffbaltz]

Beltronics, Escort, Valentine are all quality and detect radar/laser comparably. I have a Beltronics but Valentine holds patent on the arrow thing and that is really nice.

[wvicary]

I don't understand the appeal of the V1 arrows.... if the detector goes off and I'm speeding I'll slow down, I don't care if it's in front of me,behind,to the side... if I'm caught I'm still getting a ticket.

[Dennis C]

I see the value of the arrows, but it's not a huge value to me. I agree with wvicary - if the detector sounds, then I'm slowing down.

I've used a BEL RX-65 driver for several years, and I've been very happy. It's not a model that you can buy at Best Buy or Walmart - it's only available directly from BEL and it is about the same cost as a V1. One of the features that it offers that I like is TSR. This feature is especially useful in the Denver metro area because the city of Denver uses K-band radar to monitor traffic flow. With TSR activated, the unit will not respond to these traffic flow radar signals, which is great. Before I had TSR it got frequent false signals.

I'm considering adding a built-in or stealth unit to my car to replace my RX-65. I like this for a couple of reasons. First of all, it's out of sight. The police don't see it. Secondly, it's not sitting on my windshield as an invitation to thieves to break into my car. Finally, it offers a passive radar and laser jamming system, which I like.

Overall, I enjoy driving my 996 more because I have a radar detector. I don't do anything crazy on public roads, but I know that just by driving a Porsche I am a target for the police. This gives me a little extra edge.

[kbrandsma]

I like the feature on my Escort 9500ix that stores false alarms after 2 0r 3 times on a route. It's great if you use the same road repetitively. I've never owned a Valentine but on the freeway most of my hits always seem to be going the other direction of the interstate. The arrow would seem beneficial to actually spot the source.

[wyovino]

I find the arrows on the V1 to be very useful, along with the threat count. If the arrow goes from front to side to back, you know you passed it. If it stays in the back, you know he's following behind you. If it stays in front, you know he's ahead of you traveling in the same direction.

[swynn97]

Valentine 1. Here is CA the highway patrol use Ka rader, so you get completely used the the audible double-beep for this kind of threat. Unit is very sensitive, has a very high temperature range (a problem with cheap units and warm climates), and the arrows are very useful - Primarily if you are being followed, and going to pass something up front, and if the threat is on the opposite side of the freeway.

Simon

[gnetwerker]

Anybody have an opinion on laser (*cough*) "countermeasures"? More cops seem to be using LIDAR.