Contemplating about getting a radar detector for my Vette. I just can`t keep this damn thing at posted speed limit so i thought i would get a radar detector. Any suggestions on brand, prices, places to buy one and ...do they really work? i`m in so. cal. THANX.

 

I have a escort 8500 series that works great it has saved my butt several times.It is an older model don't remember how much it cost.

 

ive got a higher end cobra (around $150). my dad has an old cheap one. cant tell you how many times its saved us both. get one!

 

Yup, they work, but they are no replacement for smart driving. Almost every cop uses instant on now so if you are the only one on the road, you'll never hear anything until he nails you. I know, those long stretches of open desolate highway are so inviting to drop the hammer, but they are just as inviting to revenue generating.

That being said, I've got an Escort 8500 myself and it has definately saved my **** more than once. :cheers:


[Modified by Mr Mojo, 10:25 PM 4/15/2003]

 

its a tool and you have to learn how to use it. its not a magic box that keeps you from getting tickets.

 

Most of what I have seen here says that the Valentine-1 is supposed to be the top dog, but it's pricey at $400 plus. It is also supposed to be upgradable when new features come out. The Escort 8500 is another good one but I'm with ShawnZR-1 on the instant-on radar. If you are out in the open and cookin' down the road you are probably going to be in the crosshairs and then toast.

 

:iagree:

 

:iagree: with the comments above. they will save you from getting a few tickets but they do not make you immune. they work best in open areas (where you're more likely to push it anyway) but nothing will defeat instant on, and the laser detection is not perfected yet (and may never be). if you typically drive over the limit, it will save you some tickets. if you are planning on changing your driving habits because you will have one, you will be disappointed when you get ticketed. i had a passport for years and loved it. there are disputes but the valentine is i think regarded as the best with the most recent escort/passport a close second. if you are going to get one, you ought to get the best. driving with a radar detector that doesnt work is like trying to win a gunfight without bullets.

 

Yep, they work if used properly. Valentine 1 is reknown as the best, although there are some close enough for less $$.

Gotta use it wisely, but it is just a tool in your entire arsenal to avoid the speeding ticket.

#1 Use bait whenever possible. Assess your bait. Backwards ball cap, 90hp in decals and a B-52 wing on a ricer going 20 mph over the limit = #1 Radar target; Follow at safe distance. (Also 'cause it's beneath you to run with that piece of crap) Tan buick sedan + grandpa with a hat on = will not get fired at. Don't use as bait.

#2 Know the environment. Watch for dips and crests of hills and overpasses, if bait made it through without a signal, OK, otherwise, slow down anyway.

#3 Stay in the Right hand lane when possible, but don't swerve in and out. Traffic can be your friend - but don't scare 'em in the process. This can make you less obvious.

#4 Internet has lots of sites with listings of where the traps set up - have a look (and maybe report one or two)

#5 Stay Alert! That white crown vic in front of you may not be your friendly neighborhood minister. There may be a trooper (or mountie) hat sitting on the passenger seat.

#6 Don't pass anyone at more than 20kph difference, Slow to pass. You never know when some fool will do something stupid in front of you or they may just hop on that cellphone and tip off 911 about a maniac in a sportscar who just blew thier doors off.

That's a few things I've learned. Funny thing is, I rarely speed anymore. I found racetracks and ranges for thrills.

 

excellents observations, like you were reading my mind for a while. :chevy

 

Yes they work , get a Valentine One .I always thought it was a lot of money for one so I kept buying the cheaper ones, after a year or two they would crap out. So I bought a V1 and I wished I would have bought it to start with. :thumbs:

 

:iagree:

The worst is the Vascar..the Trooper can calculate your speed from point A to point B. Doesn't use Radar. Those mean little devils! :reddevil

JJL

 

Yes indeed they work but are no substitute for alert driving.

I have a cheap ($61) Cobra mounted stealth above the rear-view that gives effective early warning.

If you decide to air it out, turn on your headlights hi-beam along with the fogs; these tend to blind LINDAR somewhat and give you a little edge.

As mentioned the best defence is to drive alertly and know the highway; in NY the safest way is to go with the flow which is usually 10-15 over the posted.

 

Mine has paid for itself many times, but I don't use it in my Vette. I don't speed on the streets in that car, but I do in my truck. :yesnod:

 

I'm in Cal too. CHP uses the Ka band and is instant on, but being lazy cops they usually leave it on all the time. I have seen them blip it on and off before though.

I have a $90 Cobra that is 2 years old and it works great. I have picked up radar a mile away with it.

If you're buying an inexpensive detector I'd stick with a Cobra.

 

I've got an inexpensive uniden LRD 937. It works fine and around here the police drive with radar always on so i know when there close even if i'm not doing something stupid. As said by others, nothing can save you from intstant on laser. :cheers:

 

Radar detectors really do work - mine always tells me when I am going to get a ticket! True they have saved me many times but that seems like a long time ago before they started to use the Instant On that they use so much more often. Funny thing is i only get tickets in the Jeep.

 

go get a valintien 1 (v1) those are the best

 

Driving more than 7-8 MPH over the speed limit is hard work. Radar detector or no, you need to be constantly alert for ambush sites. Instant on works best on the far side of hills where they can shoot you in the back with minimal reflections. Next is just over the crest of hills. Some people will still flash their lights to let you know of cops ahead. Keep the speed down if there aren't cars ahead to reflect the signal or flash their lights.

 

I swear by my radar detector, don't know how many times its paid for itself. But just a side note. When you see a sign that says something to the effect of Speed detected by aircraft, start looking for the large white stripe across all the lanes of traffic, Thats how the A/C uses VASCAR not radar to detect speed. Of course if its cloudy out you can rule out A/C and just keep your eyes on the other side of the overpass.