radar detector suggestions

[Rogue]

Actually, not to stoop to the level of Schadenfroh or anything, I was told by our RADAR certifying officer that most RADAR detectors are actually manufactured by the same companies that make the RADAR equipment for law enforcement agencies. His statement was that all of them have a required 2 second delay in them before they indicate detection of a signal. Of course, I have yet to verify this information personally, but it makes some sense in some ways. The officer in question has typically come across to me as an honest person, but I don't know if he got that info directly or from someone like Schadenfroh or his buddy at Boeing.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: ReelC00L
So is the consensus here that the cheap ones are not worth the money and only the $300 - $400 units are worthwhile? I find that hard to believe and it sounds more like marketing hype to me.

Also, Rogue, thanks for the info above. It does make sense when you think about it that the radar detectors would have a delay so that it reduces false alarms but how many people think about that? My feelings about getting one are that it would be good for longer trips and might help once in a while in local driving which correlates with what you said about the State Troopers.

The concensus is to buy a cheap one. No radar detector provides any real protection, so spending $400 on a V1 is a waste of money. A simple $100 detector, on the other hand, will at least let you know when the cops are about as good as an expensive one.

Originally posted by: rbloedow
The best device for not getting tickets: DON'T SPEED, JACKASS!!!!! :frown:

DIE, you pompous ass. :|
I'm more than sure you do 5 over down the freeway just like everyone else, and I think I can safely speak for the rest of us when I say that we don't want to listen to your hypocritical BS.

 

[Maximus96]

I find the side arrows on the V1 pretty useless, but i can't say i'm speaking from experience because i dont have the V1. i got a bel 985 instead. i also read somewhere that cops can't clock you from the side, its either front or rear. please correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[Rogue]

That is true, you cannot be "accurately" clocked from the side. When running RADAR there is something called the tangent angle. That is the offset from straight ahead that the officer is shooting his RADAR from. If he is across the median on an interstate for example, his tangent angle is fairly large. If it's one lane each way and he clocks you going toward him, the tangent angle is less. Anyway, this tangent angle decreases the registered speed on the RADAR unit, so you may be going 85, but the RADAR unit will register something closer to 81-83 depending on the angle. The RADAR unit also always gives the driver the benefit of the doubt, rounding down for speeds of less than a whole number.

 

[Fiveohhh]

no radar gun can clock you when its shooting perpendicular(s/p) an object has to be moving towards you or away from you, If you know what the doppler effect is that is how radar works.

The side arrows are pretty useless also but atleast doesn't have you looking forward or backwards.

THe delay is no more than 1 second, I've came around a few corners and had the radar turn on a split second around the corner and the squad was rounding the corner the same time I did so he couldn't have seen me coming

 

[kami333]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle

Originally posted by: kami333
Valentine 1, Escort 8500, Bell 985

Those three, in that order (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

But you can only benefit from such a device if you understand what it is telling you, how police radar and laser work, and how the police use them. For example, nothing can save you from instant-on mode in very light traffic when they get you the moment you crest a hill. You've got to use your head.

I agree, I don't have a radar detector but plan to once I have enough money (probably a few years down the road)

Just drive smart and you won't be in a situation where a cheap one will help. Don't speed over hills, down hills, around corners, past overpasses, exits, rest areas, towns, don't be the only fast one but rather find someone fast and follow them, if you are the only fast one keep it down to 9mph over, use caution if there is a particular spot where all the cars in front of you are breaking, etc. If it's the local highway and you see a cop pulled over and aiming his radar, make note of it, it might be a popular place.