Radar Detectors: Which one do you have?

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

Why would you need to win the Lotto for something that costs about as much as a PS3?

Wut? Maybe now that it's a little older. Substitute the M47 then - $750.
It's not just the absolute amount, it's just something I consider a luxury. Kinda like top-end X2 graphics cards.

 

[JulesMaximus]

9500ix. Has a built in GPS feature that after you drive by a false signal 3 times, it filters it out. It's a must for inter-city driving.

The Valentine, while has more range than the 9500ix, has more false signals.

I can drive for hours with my 9500ix around the city and not get a false signal.

'Round here you'd be lucky to find enough clear road to speed. I just don't find it's worth bothering with.

 

[Imported]

Is the only difference between the 9500ix and 8500 x50 GPS? The 9500ix is like $170 more, but Passport does have some kind of trade-in program that I'd probably utilize.

 

[ayabe]

The only thing a radar detector will guarantee....you're not getting a warning.

 

[caspur]

Is the only difference between the 9500ix and 8500 x50 GPS? The 9500ix is like $170 more, but Passport does have some kind of trade-in program that I'd probably utilize.

The dealer cost on the 9500ix is approx. $315, depending on the volume you buy. Gives you a rough idea of how much the retailers make on this item.

Beware of some of auctions on ebay which are from overseas resellers without US serial numbers.

The GPS feature on the 9500ix is very useful, though I am not sure if it is worth ditching the 8500 if the price premium is that high. I keep my 9500ix is expert mode which can display multiple signals and their strengths (similar to the V1). If the 8500 can do this also, it nearly as useful as the GPS, though you obviously have to manually mute the falses.

There is also a speed cam database on the 9500ix and in conjunction with the GPS, you can also mark speed traps, etc. Keep in mind, the database doesn't seem to be correct all the time. In some states, (Arizona for example) have mobile photo vans which are not in the database.

Detection range I've had good results with the Ka band radar guns used in my town. I typically get .5-1 mile without line of sight.

 

[MotF Bane]

Don't try and save money by purchasing a used or cheaper radar detector. Also, watch out for the exotic detectors which can change the speed on the radar gun. Do you really think passing a police officer at 95 mph and having his radar gun show 55 is really going to fool him? Most traffic enforcement officers can estimate the speed of a vehicle within a few miles, and their testimony is accepted in court even without radar.

That would be a radar jammer, and those are illegal across the country.

 

[MotF Bane]

I think the Laser and Radar systems require a 2nd verification pulse. If you change speed immediately it doesn't register right away.

http://www.guysoflidar.com/tech.html
The pulse rates of LIDAR guns are shown on that page. JLee already answered you with respect to radar. You can't change speed fast enough to avoid the second pulse.

But yeah, laser jammers are about 99% effective. If you can afford one and are willing to modify your car so it fits, and you're willing to take the legal risk (it's illegal in about 15 states), it's def worth it.

http://www.guysoflidar.com/usa-laser-jammer-laws.html
Not quite fifteen, not really important. Jammers do become less effective at closer range in general, where the LIDAR gun can get punch-through. Really good jammers will JTG/JFG, notably the LI series, but those cost a fortune.

Is the only difference between the 9500ix and 8500 x50 GPS? The 9500ix is like $170 more, but Passport does have some kind of trade-in program that I'd probably utilize.

I believe that is the only difference. The linked forum may help you.
http://www.radardetector.net/forums/

 

[PsiStar]

V1 & it is great. But they are *not* cloaks of invisibility. Laser is detectable at a distance. These things are hand held & if it is flicked on while still being aimed, you have a chance. Ever shoot a hand gun at even a large target a couple of hundred feet away ... not so easy. And there is beam spread with Laser to make it a little easier to aim. Heisenberg had something to say about that.

Never speed when you are the only thing on the road ... DUH! A cop with even a 30 y/o radar gun will catch you.
Never be the head or the tail of a string of cars.
Never speed with a group especially if your car is red and/or you are under 30.
Never speed with cruise control.
Never use a jammer if you are the only thing on the road ... DUH!! Does this need explanation? If a number doesn't show up on the gun and you are the only car on the road ... what is the conclusion??? Hmmmmm ...

I often take really long driving trips ... 1000 miles or so ... and have for years. Speeding is a kind of a PITA actually. Some locales have so much radar I think you could heat a cup of coffee with what is floating around.

If you have a need for speed join NASA. THAT is fun albeit a little rough on brake pads & tires, but if you can't pay don't play.

 

[MotF Bane]

Never use a jammer if you are the only thing on the road ... DUH!! Does this need explanation? If a number doesn't show up on the gun and you are the only car on the road ... what is the conclusion??? Hmmmmm ....

The conclusion is that, if you are not in a state that has banned laser jammers, and there is nothing else wrong with your car, they have no evidence of your speeding. Also, that's why you always have a jammer kill switch near your wheel, so you can shut it down as soon as you get your speed to a proper level.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

I don't use laser, but radar will give me a reading before you're able to move your foot from the gas to the brake.

Right, but the radar detector will give the driver a reading before you can even see the car.... so before you're able to get a reading on the "speeder" he's no longer a "speeder."

BTW, I always wondered about these threads: What's the point of a radar detector? To help you not get caught. But why would you need to not get caught? Because you're speeding? Shrug. But I suppose such discussion is OK on AT.

 

[bruceb]

I have this one Escort 8500 x50 ... and I tend to agree, that if a cop is using either Instant On Ka or Laser, you will likely be caught. Especially if there are no other cars on the road. Your best hope is a road with other cars and hope, your detector picks up something when the cop is clocking a car or two in front of you. Try to know where the traps are set up and be ready for areas you are not familiar with.

 

[SparkyJJO]

I set the cruise at 69 on the highway and laugh at all the goons who slam on their brakes at the sight of cops. Then get annoyed when I'm forced to slam mine on and go like 60 because people crawl by the cop guiltily.

 

[lothar]

Detectors are a waste of money.
Never go faster than the speed of traffic and you're not likely to get pulled over.
If people are driving 75 in a 65MPH highway, don't go faster than 75.

 

[jlee]

Right, but the radar detector will give the driver a reading before you can even see the car.... so before you're able to get a reading on the "speeder" he's no longer a "speeder."

BTW, I always wondered about these threads: What's the point of a radar detector? To help you not get caught. But why would you need to not get caught? Because you're speeding? Shrug. But I suppose such discussion is OK on AT.

Not familiar with instant-on? I'll have to post a video up later. As I said earlier, if you're getting an early warning, it'll work. If you're the sole target...well, you're SOL.

 

[Jumpem]

None. I have no reason to be going more than one or two mph over the limit.

 

[spidey07]

Not familiar with instant-on? I'll have to post a video up later. As I said earlier, if you're getting an early warning, it'll work. If you're the sole target...well, you're SOL.

As stated a 8500 can pick up Ka well over a mile without line of site (it kinda makes finding them fun because you're looking for them for a good minute+..."where's he at?". We will get the warning if you so much as use it on another car.

I hardly ever get any falses. If it goes off, it's a cop.

About the laser going crazy whenever I come on a police SUV, it's only a special kind and I guess he's got laser constantly on. Our state, KY is using laser more though but it's still kind of rare. Most of the times they are sitting on an overpass gunning you with another waiting on the entrance ramp to pull you over.

 

[onza]

8500

 

[MotF Bane]

As stated a 8500 can pick up Ka well over a mile without line of site (it kinda makes finding them fun because you're looking for them for a good minute+..."where's he at?". We will get the warning if you so much as use it on another car.

I hardly ever get any falses. If it goes off, it's a cop.

About the laser going crazy whenever I come on a police SUV, it's only a special kind and I guess he's got laser constantly on. Our state, KY is using laser more though but it's still kind of rare. Most of the times they are sitting on an overpass gunning you with another waiting on the entrance ramp to pull you over.

http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

Aside from your range guessing, what type of SUV are you encountering exactly?

 

[spidey07]

http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-2007/radar-detector-test.html

Aside from your range guessing, what type of SUV are you encountering exactly?

It's always some kind of unmarked black expedition or explorer looking with full tinted windows. Parked investigating an accident or traffic problem, maybe felony stop. Has grill and front/rear lights on the inside.

 

[MotF Bane]

It's always some kind of unmarked black expedition or explorer looking with full tinted windows. Parked investigating an accident or traffic problem, maybe felony stop. Has grill and front/rear lights on the inside.

That's not on the list of taillight laser vehicles, but perhaps the undercover lightbars are emitting laser signals.

 

[ShawnD1]

I said that the radar will give a reading before you can react. If you're not the one targeted, then obviously you'll have a chance to slow down. 🙂

Are you guys allowed to pick ticket spots? You could probably set some kind of world record for number of tickets handed out if you camped in a construction zone all day. Sign says go 30mph or 50km/h and nobody ever slows to that speed. Nobody.

 

[spidey07]

Are you guys allowed to pick ticket spots? You could probably set some kind of world record for number of tickets handed out if you camped in a construction zone all day. Sign says go 30mph or 50km/h and nobody ever slows to that speed. Nobody.

I do. There are people working and I'm not going to put them in danger. And around here if you speed at all in a construction zone you're gonna get nailed. double fine.

 

[MotF Bane]

Are you guys allowed to pick ticket spots? You could probably set some kind of world record for number of tickets handed out if you camped in a construction zone all day. Sign says go 30mph or 50km/h and nobody ever slows to that speed. Nobody.

School zones work pretty well too. Nobody drops down to the 20, especially when it's a big road.

 

[jlee]

As stated a 8500 can pick up Ka well over a mile without line of site (it kinda makes finding them fun because you're looking for them for a good minute+..."where's he at?". We will get the warning if you so much as use it on another car.

How many times do I have to repeat myself? I am quite familiar with how radar detectors work. If you don't get advance warning (from another vehicle, as I said earlier), you're not going to be able to react fast enough.

 

[spidey07]

How many times do I have to repeat myself? I am quite familiar with how radar detectors work. If you don't get advance warning (from another vehicle, as I said earlier), you're not going to be able to react fast enough.

That's fine. I drive 170 miles a day. I know where you guys like to sit. I always keep it below 25 over which gives me 95 Mph on my way to work. They won't even pull you for under 10 here as it's zero points on your license.

The stretches of interstate I take where I do go above 95 there's no place for you to sit and can't see me. No exits, walls of rock on each side, hardly no shoulder, other side of highway is 500 yards away. These are my "safe" spots where I can go wide open.