radar detector
03-31-2004, 01:03 PM
#1
radar detector
so i am interested in getting a radar detector for my car and was wondering what the best kind to get it. i know there are plug and play and the hardwired kind but i do not know which i should get. i have heard the valentineone, passport, and escort are very good but i do not want to spend more than 250 or so on one.
The plug and play seem to be too much of a hassle but i do not want a radar detector that will be permanent in my car because i would like to be able to switch from car to car. Im just looking for people's opinions of the different radar detectors and what they think of my situation.
thanks
The plug and play seem to be too much of a hassle but i do not want a radar detector that will be permanent in my car because i would like to be able to switch from car to car. Im just looking for people's opinions of the different radar detectors and what they think of my situation.
thanks
03-31-2004, 01:09 PM
#2
Humble '06 TL Owner
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 223
BEL 985, i've had the 980 for a while, awesome detector, the 985 has a couple of extra features and is the best in KA detection which is what almost all you're gonna get hit with. Keep in mind that a detector is only one tool of many to use to avoid tickets. The others are your eyes, common sense, other cars to get radared first, etc...
03-31-2004, 01:14 PM
#3
There was just a pretty good thread about this:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ighlight=radar
Basically the two best are the valentine one and passport 8500. The valentine one is slightly better but costs $100 more so its up to you if its worth it. I have a V1 cause I figured the extra protection was worth it. The bel 985 I believe is the best of the cheaper detectors.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ighlight=radar
Basically the two best are the valentine one and passport 8500. The valentine one is slightly better but costs $100 more so its up to you if its worth it. I have a V1 cause I figured the extra protection was worth it. The bel 985 I believe is the best of the cheaper detectors.
03-31-2004, 01:34 PM
#4
i have Cobra ESD9115 Radar Detector. but i don't speed a lot. i usually go +5mph above speed limit or just go along with the traffic, always revving under 3,000rpm. well...it beeps, but it's useless.
03-31-2004, 03:54 PM
#5
I have the passport 8500 and am very happy with it. It picks up the radar very far away most of the time but sometimes a cop will come out of nowhere and it will go off like crazy. I think that is that instant on radar crap. You still have to be smart with a radar detector. Watch your rear view mirror for cops trailing you and just clocking by their speedo, and watch ahead of you for cops using laser. NO radar detector will help you with laser unless it actually blocks the signal completely. If the laser alert goes off and you are all alone and speeding, it is just telling you that you got a ticket. That's my opinion. I haven't got a ticket in 3 years, the last year of that I had the detector and I speed 10-20 over most of the time.
03-31-2004, 04:04 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 204
I'll make this simple. Go with the Passport 8500 or the Valentine One. They have different displays, but are equal in detection performance. Don't go with a Bel, Cobra, or similar brands, usless you want to have worse performance, and constant false alarms. Escort and Valentine clearly have the best radar detectors, just look at any serious tests and you'll see. The technology in these detectors gives you warning earlier and keeps false signals to a minimum; thats what you pay for. You cannot go wrong with either of the two, so check them both out. Later
03-31-2004, 04:52 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 919
I have also had the 8500 for almost 2 years now, and i dont regret paying extra for it. I had a cobra 9850 before , and its night and day difference. The esort always picks up that cops alot sooner then the cobra did. I sold the cobra to a friend and i have been next to him multiple times and i have picked up the cop almost 7-15 secs sooner than the cobra.
As for the laser that Rosamax said, I was on the inerstate this last week end and there was a cop about 1 miles ahead of me and i picked him up right away because there were two cars ahead of me, maybe 1/3 mile, it picks up laser far away before you can even see the cop, or atleast for me it did. I also train with the Police Department in my City and we use laser but to get a ticket you usually have to be within about 1100 ft or less to get an accurate reading.
Good luck !
As for the laser that Rosamax said, I was on the inerstate this last week end and there was a cop about 1 miles ahead of me and i picked him up right away because there were two cars ahead of me, maybe 1/3 mile, it picks up laser far away before you can even see the cop, or atleast for me it did. I also train with the Police Department in my City and we use laser but to get a ticket you usually have to be within about 1100 ft or less to get an accurate reading.
Good luck !
Originally Posted by rosamax
I have the passport 8500 and am very happy with it. It picks up the radar very far away most of the time but sometimes a cop will come out of nowhere and it will go off like crazy. I think that is that instant on radar crap. You still have to be smart with a radar detector. Watch your rear view mirror for cops trailing you and just clocking by their speedo, and watch ahead of you for cops using laser. NO radar detector will help you with laser unless it actually blocks the signal completely. If the laser alert goes off and you are all alone and speeding, it is just telling you that you got a ticket. That's my opinion. I haven't got a ticket in 3 years, the last year of that I had the detector and I speed 10-20 over most of the time.
04-01-2004, 11:25 AM
#9
alright thanks guys. i have been looking around and it looks like it comes down to the valentine 1 and passport being the best. but the valentine one is an extra hundred bucks for the arrows on the display. i will most likely be going with the passport 8500 so if anyone knows the best place to get one id appreciate it.
04-01-2004, 10:24 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 204
Guys, when it comes to police using laser, usually you are screwed. The radius for laser detection is about 15 feet, so if your detector gives you a signal, its on you! Its instantaneous, and very accurate. Once in a while my friends' passport 8500 will detect a stray laser signal, but seldom. This is why laser is widely used by highway patrol.
Also, for you guys out in California and other states where they can afford to use the latest generation of radar, you are at a disadvantage; here's why:
It used to be that if an officer is shooting radar into a crowd, they have difficulty isolating one car's speed. This newer radar allows the officer to get readings on any car. People used to tell me that if you are next to a semi, they would always get the signal because they are the largest vehicle, but not anymore. Just be aware. If you're going to speed, invest the extra $'s in a V1 or a Passport 8500, you will get better warning.
Also, for you guys out in California and other states where they can afford to use the latest generation of radar, you are at a disadvantage; here's why:
It used to be that if an officer is shooting radar into a crowd, they have difficulty isolating one car's speed. This newer radar allows the officer to get readings on any car. People used to tell me that if you are next to a semi, they would always get the signal because they are the largest vehicle, but not anymore. Just be aware. If you're going to speed, invest the extra $'s in a V1 or a Passport 8500, you will get better warning.
04-01-2004, 10:42 PM
#15
A couple of my good buds tested the 8500 and V1 side by side (each had one respectively of course). They said that the V1 is alot more sensitive. It beat the 8500 out on detection distance.
However, the V1 also pick up more false signals, automated doors, and store security systems etc. So they said b/c of that it sorta cancels itself out.
I got the 8500 at BestBuy. Buy it retail just in case something happens, and you want to change your mind. I got the 8500 b/c of the sensitivity issue my buds tested out, and because its the best all around detector.
You're dead if you get insta-on'ed. Nothin you can do about that, but not speed excessively, and/or get a good lawyer. (Both of which I have done since my ticket
)
However, the V1 also pick up more false signals, automated doors, and store security systems etc. So they said b/c of that it sorta cancels itself out.
I got the 8500 at BestBuy. Buy it retail just in case something happens, and you want to change your mind. I got the 8500 b/c of the sensitivity issue my buds tested out, and because its the best all around detector.
You're dead if you get insta-on'ed. Nothin you can do about that, but not speed excessively, and/or get a good lawyer. (Both of which I have done since my ticket
)
04-02-2004, 06:16 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 919
There must be something wrong with your laster dection.. If you read my prior post ive stated a time where it worked far ahead of time. I have also tested it with my local police department ( I train with the police) and its works from great distances. Good Luck guys.
As for price, I would go with that guy thats selling his for 260$ brand new. The only way you will get a brand new one cheaper then that, is knowing someone at best buy like i did, and with their discount they get it for under 200$.
As for price, I would go with that guy thats selling his for 260$ brand new. The only way you will get a brand new one cheaper then that, is knowing someone at best buy like i did, and with their discount they get it for under 200$.
Originally Posted by guido32
Guys, when it comes to police using laser, usually you are screwed. The radius for laser detection is about 15 feet, so if your detector gives you a signal, its on you! Its instantaneous, and very accurate. Once in a while my friends' passport 8500 will detect a stray laser signal, but seldom. This is why laser is widely used by highway patrol.
Also, for you guys out in California and other states where they can afford to use the latest generation of radar, you are at a disadvantage; here's why:
It used to be that if an officer is shooting radar into a crowd, they have difficulty isolating one car's speed. This newer radar allows the officer to get readings on any car. People used to tell me that if you are next to a semi, they would always get the signal because they are the largest vehicle, but not anymore. Just be aware. If you're going to speed, invest the extra $'s in a V1 or a Passport 8500, you will get better warning.
Also, for you guys out in California and other states where they can afford to use the latest generation of radar, you are at a disadvantage; here's why:
It used to be that if an officer is shooting radar into a crowd, they have difficulty isolating one car's speed. This newer radar allows the officer to get readings on any car. People used to tell me that if you are next to a semi, they would always get the signal because they are the largest vehicle, but not anymore. Just be aware. If you're going to speed, invest the extra $'s in a V1 or a Passport 8500, you will get better warning.
04-05-2004, 06:51 AM
#18
i have a brand new one for sale....the only reason why im selling it is because i got one for my birthday so i dont need it anymore.....anyone who wants it i am selling it for $250 shipped....PM me or instant message me on AIM...
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