CHEV AGAIN

I am on the fence about a detector, I am not planning to drive in Va. and realize that if you're hit with laser it's merely an early warning device for the ticket. BUT we're taking a trip this summer and I'm wondering if it might save me some grief? I do like gadgets, but.. My eye is on the Escort 9500ix
Thanks for your input

Mark

usdmpwr07

I have a V1. A radar detector is only as good as you know it's limitations.

piper_chuck

Stay within 5 or so of the speed limit and you'll save yourself quite a bit of grief.

TerryL

5 or so of the speed limit is NOT speeding and no reason for a detector. I've had a V1 for years and in addition to my Vette I ride superbikes. The V1 has saved me thousands over the years. Set it on full Logic mode 'L' and learn how it works and it will serve you well fellow traffic scofflaw...

psp6158

I can tell you if someone is running radar and has it activated/on all the time it can help you. If someone is looking for speeders and only activate it when they observe someone clearly above the speed limit, it does you no good. Speed is instantaneously given, it takes your body 3/4s of a second to react, so at 70mph you've gone about 100 feet before you've touched the brakes. Some cops will not give breaks if they see one, I could care less. There are radar detector detectors in use where detectors are illegal, like Virginia. It does give a little protection in the grand scheme of things. There are many forms of enforcement that detectors won't pick up of course,unmarked cars, stop watch, vascar etc...

Don-Vette

I would never drive my car without my 9500ix. I just turn it off and go the speed limit in Virginia.

MikeERWNC

I drive with mine just for piece of mind.
I rarely drive more than ten over.

But having a detector lets me know how many cops actually don't even bother to light up the Corvette.
Which is the majority of the cops on the roadways.

Don't get caught in VA with a detector!
I put mine in the cubby in the back as soon as I hit the state line.
Going from Johnson City, TN to Pikeville, KY through VA, I don't think I have ever seen a cop.

TerryL

Agree with everything except "it does you no good". Many many times I've 'heard' mine go off...and on. If the signal was strong, more often than not there (was) a radar unit with an operator smart enough to know how a detector works. I'm sure he caught most detector users who were the lead target. Sometimes I've been the lead target but (paying close attention) still had enough time to scrub off enough speed to avoid contact. Hasn't happened to me in over 20 years with various vehicles, 4 and 2 wheel. It's also nice to know where the signal is coming from, front or rear, at least with the V1.

Of course, I understand that with instant on laser, the target vehicle doesn't have to be the lead target. Out here the only instant on users are the CHP and they're stopped, outside their car pointing the gun at us. Detected or not, so far I haven't been caught by the revenuers. I know how the V1 works and how the LEOs work. Experience on both sides has taught me well. Traffic scofflaw I'll admit, but I don't speed in heavy traffic or within city limits, nothing for anyone to be startled by. Everyone's got a cell phone these days anyway. Remember too that all LEOs aren't running radar. Passing one at a buck forty...well, he won't need a radar hit to know you're hauling the mail.

Aaah but, crossing Nevada or Utah or Wyoming or...at speed, can be a very nice ride if you're careful and use a radar detector.

Jeff-Ford

Radar detectors are great once you get used to it and know how to react when it goes off. They are pretty worthless when it comes to LIDAR (Laser Illuminated Detection And Ranging).

tennblkc6

love my ix. I rarely go any more than 10-12 over and I always use a rabbit when I do and this mostly take care of "instant on".

ProfessorDeath

I used to waste money on them. I got far more tickets then than I do now, and I don't run a detector now. Just use that brain and you'll be just fine.

Entaille

Waze is free and much more useful. I don't see a need to run one.

PSU_Vette

I have the Escort Passport Max and love it. It's a little pricier but it works well. I've done quite a bit of "spirited driving" with it and it certainly saved me dozens of tickets.

wayback

V1 with Dashlogic HUD interface is a great setup. The V1 stays blacked out, no lights at all, and all information is displayed thru the HUD.

If you have HUD you are already used to checking it so it is very easy to see the V1 information.

In TX most LEOs are easily picked up in plenty of time to make speed corrections. LIDAR is the exception, once you are warned it is too late, unless they are checking the car right next to you and you get a little warning.

No tickets in any of my Corvettes since 2004, and I have been daily driving them.

RocketDawg

Just for the record -- it's LIGHT Detection And Ranging.

lowes48

Best rang detector out there is ESCORT REDLINE will give you max distance and is undetectable by police. 2nd best is the V1 and yes i have owned both. Don't take my word for it search the web many test to prove top dog is the Redline by escort and 2nd is the V1 and 3rd would be the passport. the 9500 is a old model with a lot more better choices out there. GO read this.http://escortradarforum.com/forums/s...ead.php?t=8095

BWF07

Not sure why the need. I have been driving for for over 50 years and never had a ticket for speeding and yes that includes Corvette's, since 1968. I did a 3500 mile road trip last year that included interstates, toll roads back roads and in towns and cities. I have found that on the interstate they don't give you a second look if you are 10-15 mph over the limit. I passed troops parked on the on ramps, on the side of the road and in those turn arounds on the interstate.

Now I will admit going through the small town, I watched my speed but they are only a short distance. So my point is how fast do you intend to drive over the legal limit.

OK flame suit on.

abc8cub

I usually only drive 5 over the limit and just enjoy the ride with no stress but when you pass someone it is so hard not to let that LS3 keep singing at least for a little while.
It's truly addictive and the detector has saved me a couple of times over the years.
One save can pay for it.....

Landru

Yup, the ol' 'rabbit method' is fool proof, have used it for years. Around here all one needs to do is 'the' posted limit & it isn't long before some jamoke flies by. Just pace it, & watch.

My 8500-X50 is only an aid letting me know what's around, useless against instant-on/LIDAR/pacing. Awareness of where & how fast one's going is good policy for those methods.

Chemdawg99

With both posts above

I haven't had a radar detector in my car for years, but if ever get another one, it will be a Valentine One.

That said, you really should just keep your eyes open and know where the speed traps are or could be on frequently traveled routes.