Radar Detectors
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 413
From: South FLA
Radar Detectors
Just wanted to get a general idea from those that have radar detectors on what brands are being purchased and how well they are functioning. I just recently purchased an Escort Passport 8500 @ $200+ and it performs great. But basicly I wanted to compare that with others in the $50-$200 range.
I would like some opinions as well on this matter.
I would like some opinions as well on this matter.
Originally posted by rujorujo
I've got the Bel (Beltronics) 985. It picks up WAY too many automatic door motion sensor radars (X-Band and K-Band) around town, it seems I'm always hitting the QUIET button.
I've got the Bel (Beltronics) 985. It picks up WAY too many automatic door motion sensor radars (X-Band and K-Band) around town, it seems I'm always hitting the QUIET button.
Originally posted by wantasupra3
Valentine or Escort.
Plain and simple.
Why take a chance on getting a cheap one and hope for it to give enough warning time to slow down?
Valentine or Escort.
Plain and simple.
Why take a chance on getting a cheap one and hope for it to give enough warning time to slow down?
. Police doesn't leave them running and they hit the button right at the time they spot you - this device needs less than 1 second to measure your speed. You won't be able to slow down even theoretically. They also emit quite narrow beam preventing you from detecting them while they're pointed at another car. Only effective measure seems other drivers blinking high beams when they notice police setup. It's already saved a ticket to friend of mine .
Originally posted by Max_5gen
Are you guys still seeing a lot of radars? Here in Toronto/GTA police swiched to Marksman LTI 20-20 laser devices almost exclusively. There's no effective countermeasure against those, I believe. Unless you slow down of course. Police doesn't leave them running and they hit the button right at the time they spot you - this device needs less than 1 second to measure your speed. You won't be able to slow down even theoretically. They also emit quite narrow beam preventing you from detecting them while they're pointed at another car. Only effective measure seems other drivers blinking high beams when they notice police setup. It's already saved a ticket to friend of mine .
Are you guys still seeing a lot of radars? Here in Toronto/GTA police swiched to Marksman LTI 20-20 laser devices almost exclusively. There's no effective countermeasure against those, I believe. Unless you slow down of course
. Police doesn't leave them running and they hit the button right at the time they spot you - this device needs less than 1 second to measure your speed. You won't be able to slow down even theoretically. They also emit quite narrow beam preventing you from detecting them while they're pointed at another car. Only effective measure seems other drivers blinking high beams when they notice police setup. It's already saved a ticket to friend of mine .
If they light you up, you're cooked not doubt. However, MANY MANY times they will get back garbage, so you have time to hit the brakes before they get a reading.
However, the ONLY purpose of a radar is to REDUCE the odds of you getting a ticket and where I drive they :Police aren't using the hide and shoot methods. They turn them on, hit a few cars, then turn them off. So, IF you have the range that a V1 and probably the 8500 have, you will get a warning *blip*. It's whether or not you choose to listen and slow down temporarily or not that makes the difference.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 413
From: South FLA
Originally posted by eclane
K40 UN2000 w/laser defuser. Ceck homepage for pix
K40 UN2000 w/laser defuser. Ceck homepage for pix
Donating Maxima.org Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 182
disregard that 2nd post don't know ho that got there
As for the defuser, no i haven't been shot with laser since i got it. I been shot with laser twice that i know of (both in CT on 84) in my jeep. both times i wasnt speeding enough to get pulled over.
The front and rear detection of radar is absolutey outstanding. Another plus, cops and thieves dont see a radar dectector hanging on my windshield, a nice clean install. I will have this unit installed into my next car whenever that may be!
As for the defuser, no i haven't been shot with laser since i got it. I been shot with laser twice that i know of (both in CT on 84) in my jeep. both times i wasnt speeding enough to get pulled over.
The front and rear detection of radar is absolutey outstanding. Another plus, cops and thieves dont see a radar dectector hanging on my windshield, a nice clean install. I will have this unit installed into my next car whenever that may be!
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,042
Re: Radar Detectors
Originally posted by ynot411
Just wanted to get a general idea from those that have radar detectors on what brands are being purchased and how well they are functioning. I just recently purchased an Escort Passport 8500 @ $200+ and it performs great. But basicly I wanted to compare that with others in the $50-$200 range.
I would like some opinions as well on this matter.
Just wanted to get a general idea from those that have radar detectors on what brands are being purchased and how well they are functioning. I just recently purchased an Escort Passport 8500 @ $200+ and it performs great. But basicly I wanted to compare that with others in the $50-$200 range.
I would like some opinions as well on this matter.
Radar detector on
Watch traffic ahead of you (if everyone is consistently hitting their brakes at the top of the hill in front of you...)
Have a wabbit ahead
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 365
Re: Re: Radar Detectors
Originally posted by Maximax2
...My golden rules:
Radar detector on
Watch traffic ahead of you (if everyone is consistently hitting their brakes at the top of the hill in front of you...)
Have a wabbit ahead
...My golden rules:
Radar detector on
Watch traffic ahead of you (if everyone is consistently hitting their brakes at the top of the hill in front of you...)
Have a wabbit ahead
I love rabbits...and elevated roadways...
look out for those dreaded unmarked cruisers...those crown victorias'can really haul asz...
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 422
yeah well
Originally posted by IceY2K1
Nothing beats a V1 performance wise.
Sorry.
Nothing beats a V1 performance wise.
Sorry.
OUCH!
Originally posted by LeoB
The only thing that beat my V1 was the new SPECTRE, radar detector detector technology being used by cops in this part of Canada to confiscate equipment. Even Mr. Valentine admitted to me that V1 isnt stealth to Spectre. Well, PNI Sensoro Traveller cant be detected by Spectre technology, so in these parts, it's the only choice. no more V1, since i got nailed by the cops!!
The only thing that beat my V1 was the new SPECTRE, radar detector detector technology being used by cops in this part of Canada to confiscate equipment. Even Mr. Valentine admitted to me that V1 isnt stealth to Spectre. Well, PNI Sensoro Traveller cant be detected by Spectre technology, so in these parts, it's the only choice. no more V1, since i got nailed by the cops!!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 413
From: South FLA
Originally posted by JCW915
Just to let you guys know, RADAR DETECTORS ARE USELESS AGAINST LASER. I don't care what you say. I've been next to a cop before while he was catching people with laser. By the time your detector flashes out "LASER". Too late. The cop already has your speed and is waiting for you to pass him so he can chase you. Radar jammers DO NOT WORK.
However, radar detectors work very well if your area uses X, K, and KA bands. For those 3 bands, Valentine one and the passoprt 8500 works the best. I've owned both of them. The high end BEL is nice too. In Atlanta, they use Lasers, so every radar detector is useless, unless you spend A LOT of money on a K-40 or laser diffuser.
Just to let you guys know, RADAR DETECTORS ARE USELESS AGAINST LASER. I don't care what you say. I've been next to a cop before while he was catching people with laser. By the time your detector flashes out "LASER". Too late. The cop already has your speed and is waiting for you to pass him so he can chase you. Radar jammers DO NOT WORK.
However, radar detectors work very well if your area uses X, K, and KA bands. For those 3 bands, Valentine one and the passoprt 8500 works the best. I've owned both of them. The high end BEL is nice too. In Atlanta, they use Lasers, so every radar detector is useless, unless you spend A LOT of money on a K-40 or laser diffuser.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,687
From: Charlotte, NC
The sad part about that here in Florida is that they also use GPS and airplanes to monitor your speed on the highways. There's NOTHING that can escape GPS speed sensors, except pulling over to "check a tire" in between check points.
As for radar, the V1 is the #1 most recommended, but is out of your price range ($400 new or $300+ for used from Ebay). The Passport is also up there with the V1 as well.
For the money, I can say I haven't been disappointed at my older Uniden detector. I've had the unit for about 6 years. About once every 2 years I have to open it up and re-solder the power connector jack back to the circuit board (because it breaks down in the heat). But for the money, it was the bomb. It doesn't go off at stores unless you are in the parking lot. It catches all the newer radar and laser signals (even though it doesn't officially support them) and has saved me many tickets.
But for the best radar for you.... that depends on your location. Like mentioned before, Atlanta is using mostly laser (for traffic and accuracy reasons), but other places like Florida are using GPS, airplanes, and normal radar. I'd recommend that you befriend a state trooper and ask him what they use. Most of them use 2-3 different types of radar guns. Make sure to get one that covers all the bands (s)he tells you that are in use.
And for the record... the best radar detector you can have is your eyes.
As for radar, the V1 is the #1 most recommended, but is out of your price range ($400 new or $300+ for used from Ebay). The Passport is also up there with the V1 as well.
For the money, I can say I haven't been disappointed at my older Uniden detector. I've had the unit for about 6 years. About once every 2 years I have to open it up and re-solder the power connector jack back to the circuit board (because it breaks down in the heat). But for the money, it was the bomb. It doesn't go off at stores unless you are in the parking lot. It catches all the newer radar and laser signals (even though it doesn't officially support them) and has saved me many tickets.
But for the best radar for you.... that depends on your location. Like mentioned before, Atlanta is using mostly laser (for traffic and accuracy reasons), but other places like Florida are using GPS, airplanes, and normal radar. I'd recommend that you befriend a state trooper and ask him what they use. Most of them use 2-3 different types of radar guns. Make sure to get one that covers all the bands (s)he tells you that are in use.
And for the record... the best radar detector you can have is your eyes.
F-that!
Originally posted by JCW915
That's my worst nightmare. When they have long solid lines on the highway that measure how fast you pass them by air. Maybe you can drive by the lines so fast...they can't see you. LOL
That's my worst nightmare. When they have long solid lines on the highway that measure how fast you pass them by air. Maybe you can drive by the lines so fast...they can't see you. LOL
Forget that. I'll move to Germany if that ever happens here.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 311
Originally posted by JCW915
That's my worst nightmare. When they have long solid lines on the highway that measure how fast you pass them by air. Maybe you can drive by the lines so fast...they can't see you. LOL
That's my worst nightmare. When they have long solid lines on the highway that measure how fast you pass them by air. Maybe you can drive by the lines so fast...they can't see you. LOL
I have passport by the way. I love it!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,687
From: Charlotte, NC
Sometimes they are also + (plus) symbols in the middle of the road. Or they are 12-18" lines that run perpendicular to the regular road striping. If you measure from one set of lines to another, they are usually certain intervals apart, so it makes it easier to predict their measuring patterns and distances. Most airplane routes are not less than 1/2 mile and not more than 5 miles. Florida (which is mostly flat) has some that are 10 miles long.
With the GPS, they do it over longer distances. It's not accurate enough to do smaller distances, so it's typically done over a couple of miles or more.
Another thing to note is that when you are driving on the interstate (not city interstate), you can expect a few things:
1) While driving, there will be between 2 and 6 cops present, all are typically in the third county.
2) Interstate cops travel in pairs. So if you see one, another one is close by.
3) Typically speaking, county officers patrol counties that are near larger cities. State troopers patrol interstates that are not near cities. Virginia and Tennessee are exceptions to this rule, as state troopers patrol cities as well.
4) Some states (like Tennessee and Florida) have rules about a cop's position and location in order for them to be running radar. Tennessee says that all county cops are "supposed" to have their headlights on while running radar at night (they don't always do it). Florida states that they must be visible within a certain distance from the offending vehicle.
5) Radar jammers are illegal in most (if not all) states. There are exceptions, but most require a written authorization from a government employee who "is somebody".
6) Remember that radar and laser guns also work from behind. This is a very common technique used in Georgia, Texas, and California. There is no defense for this other than looking in a rearview mirror as you pass under/over an Interstate exit.
7) Most states have jurisdiction boundaries setup so that an Interstate area isn't over-patrolled or under-partrolled.
These are some of the few things to remember when you are driving fast. Knowledge of these things, in combination with your radar/laser detector, common sense, and a keen eye, will aid you in not having to share your donut stash with a complete stranger.
With the GPS, they do it over longer distances. It's not accurate enough to do smaller distances, so it's typically done over a couple of miles or more.
Another thing to note is that when you are driving on the interstate (not city interstate), you can expect a few things:
1) While driving, there will be between 2 and 6 cops present, all are typically in the third county.
2) Interstate cops travel in pairs. So if you see one, another one is close by.
3) Typically speaking, county officers patrol counties that are near larger cities. State troopers patrol interstates that are not near cities. Virginia and Tennessee are exceptions to this rule, as state troopers patrol cities as well.
4) Some states (like Tennessee and Florida) have rules about a cop's position and location in order for them to be running radar. Tennessee says that all county cops are "supposed" to have their headlights on while running radar at night (they don't always do it). Florida states that they must be visible within a certain distance from the offending vehicle.
5) Radar jammers are illegal in most (if not all) states. There are exceptions, but most require a written authorization from a government employee who "is somebody".
6) Remember that radar and laser guns also work from behind. This is a very common technique used in Georgia, Texas, and California. There is no defense for this other than looking in a rearview mirror as you pass under/over an Interstate exit.
7) Most states have jurisdiction boundaries setup so that an Interstate area isn't over-patrolled or under-partrolled.
These are some of the few things to remember when you are driving fast. Knowledge of these things, in combination with your radar/laser detector, common sense, and a keen eye, will aid you in not having to share your donut stash with a complete stranger.
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