Looking for best bang for buck radar/laser detector...

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06-10-2011, 14:39
Ronin13

Looking for best bang for buck radar/laser detector...

I know I'll probably get flamed a bit for this, but lately I've been tempting fate a little too much and think it's time to invest in a radar/laser detector. I'm looking for one that won't put me in the poor house, but also not some POS that will barely pick up that CSP right behind me shooting my bumper with radar waves. Any help? Oh and please refrain from "If you don't speed you won't need one," or related comments, I know, but it's just my style to do a few over, don't want to get screwed for that 1 time it gets away from me.
06-10-2011, 14:41
kwando

I have the Valentine1... it is the best!

You just missed a good deal on the 2nd best one... the passport 8500 (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3008477)
06-10-2011, 15:08
Ronin13

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwando

I have the Valentine1... it is the best!

You just missed a good deal on the 2nd best one... the passport 8500 (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3008477)

Just went and researched a bit and yes, the Valentine 1=best... so I went ahead and ordered one.
06-10-2011, 16:49
JoeT

you've already ordered so it doesn't matter much. I own both a V1 and the 8500xi and I gotta tell you I like the 8500 better. It picks up signal faster, the satellite/gps gets rid of false alarm and overall works better.

that said, the V1 directional arrows are a big plus, it's the only thing in my opinion that is better than the 8500
06-10-2011, 17:53
Ah Pook

With traffic stops becoming more and more of a revenue enhancing vehicle, I'm looking at radar detectors a little closer. Driving down 93, this Tuesday, I passed 4 State boys outside of Golden.
06-10-2011, 20:23
DSB OUTDOORS

I've had really good with Escort radar det. The one I have now is awesume Escort 8500 in Blue!![Beer]
06-10-2011, 20:29
sneakerd

I know a few cops, and my understanding is that radar detectors are pretty much irrelevant at this point.
06-10-2011, 20:35
DSB OUTDOORS

Quote:

Originally Posted by sneakerd

I know a few cops, and my understanding is that radar detectors are pretty much irrelevant at this point.

Not true yet!! They are still relevant, but they "the man" are working on some new stuff. The Bastards. I got pulled over a year ago, the State patroll walked to me and said "Did it go off"?? What the detecter? Ya did it go off?? No. He said GOOD it works!!!??? WTFO[Bang]
06-10-2011, 20:41
Irving

Radar detectors work for when they pick up the police measuring the people in front of you. If you're the only one, then don't speed.
06-10-2011, 20:48
DSB OUTDOORS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irving

Radar detectors work for when they pick up the police measuring the people in front of you. If you're the only one, then don't speed.

What fun is that?? [LOL]Gota to get to the huntin spot before anyone else!!
06-10-2011, 21:01
mx'r

I dont have one. I just follow safely behind the idiot in the sports car..
06-11-2011, 06:52
Seamonkey

Quote:

Originally Posted by mx'r

I dont have one. I just follow safely behind the idiot in the sports car..

+1!

Middle of the pack for me, always allow the rabbit to go ahead and find the traps
06-11-2011, 08:08
Limited GM

Laser detectors are very effective at telling you when you are about to get a ticket. Allowing you time to have your wallet out before he can stop you and start writing.

Worthless in ticket prevention IMO.
06-11-2011, 09:34
gnihcraes

DPD always has the photo radar on kalamath downtown, I was going less than 30 because I knew it was there. Guy in WRX got impatient, went whipping by me. FLASH! tee hee.

A friend in during the 80's had this custom setup in his SAAB, front and rear mount antennas hidden behind the turn signal lenses.

Old FOX detector.
http://www.guysoflidar.com/museum/foxxk_a_2.jpg
06-11-2011, 16:15
Rooskibar03

We sell there Calibre K40 360 here at the store on a lot of vehicles. Front and rear radar detection with front laser "diffusion" and GPS tagging.

http://www.k40.com/calibre-pages-26.php

It's pricey but worth it if youre going to go fast.
06-11-2011, 17:18
Pancho Villa

My wife frequently complains I drive like a grandpa (0-5mph under the speed limit,) so this is more a question out of curiosity than anything else, but has anyone come up with ECM to put in cars for this stuff?
11-03-2017, 14:16
fly boy

My search isn't bringing up anything newer but I know I've seen one.

Looking to buy, what do you suggest?
11-03-2017, 15:27
SideShow Bob

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pancho Villa

My wife frequently complains I drive like a grandpa (0-5mph under the speed limit,) so this is more a question out of curiosity than anything else, but has anyone come up with ECM to put in cars for this stuff?

They exist, but highly illegal. And stiff penalties when caught/found.
11-03-2017, 15:56
Ronin13

Quote:

Originally Posted by fly boy

My search isn't bringing up anything newer but I know I've seen one.

Looking to buy, what do you suggest?

Having my V1 sitting in my basement for the better part of 3 years now, it didn't really do me any good. I would say that by the time it goes off, it might already be too late. Also got a lot of false alarms. YMMV.
11-03-2017, 16:44
Honey Badger282.8

I had a Passport 9500i for about 8 years before I sent it in to be upgraded to a 9500xi. It's saved me from too many tickets to count. Just be aware, the radar detector is worth it but if the "Laser Alert" goes off it means you're either getting a ticket or you drove past an airport. Unless you upgrade to a 9500ci, kalibre or some other laser shifter there isn't anything that will help you there.

If I were in the market now I'd go with at least the Escort IX or better. I wouldn't mess with a Valentine, they are way past their prime.
11-04-2017, 04:02
kwando

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronin13

Having my V1 sitting in my basement for the better part of 3 years now, it didn't really do me any good. I would say that by the time it goes off, it might already be too late. Also got a lot of false alarms. YMMV.

You can program and remove the X band from sounding. That is where all automatic doors setup my V1. If you’re not using it, and want to sell it PM me a price
11-04-2017, 08:10
Great-Kazoo

My best radar detector is running 5-9 under the limit. Unless we're in Wyo, UT , NV, MT. There it's 80-85 Nothing like passing a USP @ 93 and he doesn't do anything.
11-04-2017, 09:04
fly boy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honey Badger282.8

I had a Passport 9500i for about 8 years before I sent it in to be upgraded to a 9500xi. It's saved me from too many tickets to count. Just be aware, the radar detector is worth it but if the "Laser Alert" goes off it means you're either getting a ticket or you drove past an airport. Unless you upgrade to a 9500ci, kalibre or some other laser shifter there isn't anything that will help you there.

If I were in the market now I'd go with at least the Escort IX or better. I wouldn't mess with a Valentine, they are way past their prime.

I've heard good things about the passports
11-04-2017, 10:20
Gman

Quote:

Originally Posted by fly boy

I've heard good things about the passports

Escort/Passport has been in the business for a looooong time.
11-06-2017, 08:26
meatman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honey Badger282.8

I had a Passport 9500i for about 8 years before I sent it in to be upgraded to a 9500xi. It's saved me from too many tickets to count. Just be aware, the radar detector is worth it but if the "Laser Alert" goes off it means you're either getting a ticket or you drove past an airport. Unless you upgrade to a 9500ci, kalibre or some other laser shifter there isn't anything that will help you there.

If I were in the market now I'd go with at least the Escort IX or better. I wouldn't mess with a Valentine, they are way past their prime.

I agree with the getting the Escort IX or better. I've been using the Passport Max & Bel GT-7 (they're the same thing). They've been working well in Auto NoX (excludes X band), but the trouble is with the collision avoidance sensors on a lot of newer cars. They are using both K and Ka bands. The Escort IX can program out those sensors so you get less false signals. I like having GPS in the radar detector as well so it filters out the speed signs. You don't get that with the Valentine.
11-06-2017, 12:25
asmo

RADAR/LASER detectors, in this day and age, are worthless. If you really want the technical rant then I can break it down, but in general, in Colorado, everything is MASER/LASER.

Your best bet is to get the WAZE app, where people crowd source police locations.

http://www.thedrive.com/opinion/1033...radar-detector
11-06-2017, 13:31
fly boy

Quote:

Originally Posted by asmo

RADAR/LASER detectors, in this day and age, are worthless. If you really want the technical rant then I can break it down, but in general, in Colorado, everything is MASER/LASER.

Your best bet is to get the WAZE app, where people crowd source police locations.

http://www.thedrive.com/opinion/1033...radar-detector

wow good read.

I am more or less not trying to AVOID a ticket, but keep myself in check. I tend to stay at the SL, but sometimes on open highway I start to go faster. It would keep me in check and make me set cruise control.

I was considering $150 originally, but even for a "decent" one I'd be looking at $300+
11-06-2017, 14:59
Honey Badger282.8

Quote:

Originally Posted by asmo

RADAR/LASER detectors, in this day and age, are worthless. If you really want the technical rant then I can break it down, but in general, in Colorado, everything is MASER/LASER.

Your best bet is to get the WAZE app, where people crowd source police locations.

http://www.thedrive.com/opinion/1033...radar-detector

I have to respectfully disagree, I used the Waze app for a while and I had more false alerts from that than I did with my 9500i and it wasn't that good of a navigation service. Also, most agencies in CO use KA band radar guns and my detector picks them up well before I see them. I know for a fact that CSP, DPD Douglas County, Parker, Lone Tree, Elbert, El Paso and CO Springs all use KA band radar on most of their vehicles. The speed trailers that DPD uses work in the K band, the same that most cars use for blindspot monitoring. Laser cannot be used while the patrol vehicle is in motion and most agencies use radar while driving.