Radar detector

[MotF Bane]

Is a radar detector even worth it? If so, any recommendations for which one?

 

[MotF Bane]

No timewarps for you.

 

[JoPh]

valentine?


edit?
do i win now?

 

[spidey07]

Totally worth it. Escort 8500. Picks them up at least a mile before you see them.

http://www.amazon.com/Escort-P...Detector/dp/B00028D778

 

[SN4p]

They are if you are a "spirited" driver. I have an Escort Passport 8500 and it has saved my ass more times than I can count.

Edit: Generally will not save you if you drive like an idiot. Also, laser radar guns can still get you.

 

[JoPh]

this thread is full of pain.. post are everywhere. pwnt.

but i heard valentines were good. are they still?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I've used them for 5 years. Started with a Bel 985, now I've got a Passport 8500. Saved me many times over, but now not so much because I've toned down my driving a lot for the sake of fuel mileage. So yeah, definitely pays for itself. The first time you get lasered is always fun

 

[spacejamz]

another satisfied 8500 owner here...

i would recommend getting the hardwire cord and run it up the column next to the windshield and then under the headliner to reach your rearview mirror...having the power cord visibile is just asking for it to be stolen...

you can get a something that plugs directly into an un-used spot in your fuse block (if you have the blade fuses) and then connect that to the hard wire to simply the installation...

 

[CraKaJaX]

Valentine One = :thumbsup:

 

[MotF Bane]

Originally posted by: JoPh
valentine?


edit?
do i win now?

Damn, you beat my block. Never even heard of a Valentine.

 

[MotF Bane]

I'm guessing the 8500 owners wouldn't recommend putting out the extra $200 for a 9500 model? Looks like it adds a big library of known traps, cameras, runs off GPS, and can learn from the traps you run past... not sure if there's any other changes really.

 

[SN4p]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
I've used them for 5 years. Started with a Bel 985, now I've got a Passport 8500. Saved me many times over, but now not so much because I've toned down my driving a lot for the sake of fuel mileage. So yeah, definitely pays for itself. The first time you get lasered is always fun

The first laser is goddamn scary. I hate those things.

 

[vshah]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
I've used them for 5 years. Started with a Bel 985, now I've got a Passport 8500. Saved me many times over, but now not so much because I've toned down my driving a lot for the sake of fuel mileage. So yeah, definitely pays for itself. The first time you get lasered is always fun

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeep and you know you're fucked if you were speeding that is

i have an excort 8500

 

[crab]

Valentine One

 

[MotF Bane]

Okay, so Escort Passport 8500 or Valentine One.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: MotF Bane
Okay, so Escort Passport 8500 or Valentine One.

Those are considered the only real options unless you want to spend a LOT more money. But after looking at Amazon there seems to be a 9500 out, don't know anything about it.

Looks really slick, uses GPS and a database of known speed traps, red light cameras, etc.

 

[MotF Bane]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: MotF Bane
Okay, so Escort Passport 8500 or Valentine One.

Those are considered the only real options unless you want to spend a LOT more money. But after looking at Amazon there seems to be a 9500 out, don't know anything about it.

Edit: You ninja'd me.

Then it's whether the 9500 is worth the extra $150-200 bucks.

 

[James Bond]

If you want cheap, Passport 8500.
If you want expensive, Valentine One.
If you want really expensive, Passport 9500 (A lot of people still like Valentine One more though)

 

[mugs]

Anyone who has a RADAR detector is going to tell you that it's worth it, because everyone wants to feel like they didn't make a bad purchase. They think that any time the RADAR detector beeps and they slow down, that was an avoided ticket. The reality is, you can drive past dozens of cops while speeding and not get any tickets. Cops don't pull over every speeder.

Some things to consider -

1. In my experience, there are things that make you more likely to get pulled over. Don't do anything to draw attention to yourself. Speeding doesn't draw attention to you - everyone speeds. I drive ~80-85 on the interstate and don't ever get pulled over. Driving significantly faster than surrounding traffic draws attention to you. Frequent and abrupt lane changes draw attention to you. Following closely draws attention to you. Having a car with flashy external modifications draws attention to you. Having out of state plates draws attention to you, because you're less likely to contest the ticket.
2. Cops don't have to keep their RADAR on. They can turn it on when they see you speeding, and by the time your RADAR detector warns you, they already have your speed. Maybe you get lucky and your detector picks up the RADAR when he's checking someone else's speed, maybe he doesn't. Just realize that your RADAR detector is useless when there is no RADAR to detect, and the absence of RADAR does not mean you're not going to get a ticket.

To me, a RADAR detector is a waste of money. If I had a riced out car and drove like a jackass, it'd probably be a worthwhile expense. But all I do is speed (within reason), and I don't get tickets for it.

 

[GeekDrew]

Originally posted by: MotF Bane
I'm guessing the 8500 owners wouldn't recommend putting out the extra $200 for a 9500 model? Looks like it adds a big library of known traps, cameras, runs off GPS, and can learn from the traps you run past... not sure if there's any other changes really.

I've had an 8500 for a couple of years... it's awesome. I really hate driving any vehicle without it.

That said... I don't know whether it's worth another $200 for the 9500. I've considered it many times, but in the end I've just decided that I'll stick with what I have, which is still great.

 

[arcenite]

I've bought 3 radar detectors and have sold all 3.

 

[Kadarin]

The BMW forum m3post.com members almost universally like the Valentine.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Are these even legal? I have nothing against them, but just surprised that they're legal, if they are. Then again, who cares, if you never get stopped they wont see it.

 

[GeekDrew]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Are these even legal? I have nothing against them, but just surprised that they're legal, if they are. Then again, who cares, if you never get stopped they wont see it.

They're legal in most states, and illegal in a few.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Are these even legal? I have nothing against them, but just surprised that they're legal, if they are. Then again, who cares, if you never get stopped they wont see it.

Legal in most states.