Hello, I have been contemplating getting a v1 or 8500 radar detector. I had a couple questions, do these actually pick up cop cars, like let's say im driving next to one, or do they only pick up the cops that are camping (parked and using a gun to clock speeds). Will these pick up cops on the freeway? And lastly what kind of distance do these things work on, like lets say in blocks, will it pick up a cop 4 blocks from the unit? Thanks -Mike

 

It'll pick up cop cars roaming around provided they leave their radar on all the time. In my experience, it's usually the city cops that do this...The highway cops and troopers usually do not, they use instant-on most of the time, meaning you have no detection until they are clocking you, or somone close to you.

Will it pick up a steady radar source from 4 blocks away? Easily.

A radar detector is a great tool, but it can not and will not save you from everything. The more you need to rely on one, the more likely you'll get a ticket soon. Awareness is still your best method of protection.

 

I agree. Let me tell you from experience. When I wanted every one just to slow down I kept the stalker (radar) on. When I worked with STEP(selective traffic enforcement program) I would instant on the vehicle after I visually estimate his speed @ or around 15mph above the posted limit. I would then call into the vehicle stop LEO with the vehicle description and their speed. This is also known as a wolfpack. A good cop can target and get you no matter what radar you have. This is done with an unmarked pace vehicle, air, instant on and laser. I personally have the V-1 and it is a good tool in conjunction with big picture awareness.

 

My experience in SoCal is that CHP does run their radar continuously, even when they have someone pulled over.

 

Thanks for the tips !!

 

TN Highway patrol likes to pulse cars as they come around a curve or over a hill. If you have a car 1/2 mile or less in front, and the THP pulses that car, you have time to hit the brakes and slow down. If you are that person...ticket or no ticket; depends on your speed or how the trooper feels that day.

 

As I-SPEEED pointed out, there are several clever ways you can be caught, but for the most part the radar will give you a warning for 99% of the speed traps that are setup if there is any kind of traffic flow on that road. Even an instant on for a car up the road will set off your detector a few miles away, giving you adequate warning to slow down. You are vulnerable when driving alone though. Only about 1/4 of the cops I see on the roads here actually have their radar on constantly, but I also rarely see a moving car pull someone over unless they were really driving dangerously fast either.

Investing in a radar detector can only help though and I'd highly recommend it, as my V1 has saved my butt many times. About 6 months ago I was cruising in traffic at about 85, but radar blared and I slowed down and merged into the right lane. Guy that was behind me (I guess pissed that I slowed down for no reason) blasted by only to be pulled over when cresting the hill... doh! Both the 8500 and V1 you've mentioned are great radar detectors. The 8500 is less expensive and lower profile, but is only a radar detector. The V1, having both a forward and rear facing antenna, is actually a radar locator and will not only notify you of the number of threats and strength, but also the direction its coming from. IMO this is worth an extra $100, but thats up to you.

 

LEOs use LIDAR (laser) very heavily here in CT - so you generally *see* them before they blip you. It's line of sight only. So, if you are relying on your detector only, it will not save you if you were inattentive in that case.

Also, CT State Troopers tend to be on the side of the road - with no lights, no radar, no lidar, no PoP - just visually observing traffic. They do this during the day - AND AT NIGHT!!! You blast past him and he will be all over you like a cheap suit. Again - no detector will help you there.

LEOs in CT also use VASCAR - airplane/helicopter time/distance calculations. Nothing will save you here unless you are obeying the posted speed limit.

I have a V1 and I rely on it only for what I can't see or observe. That plus knowing the known speed traps and being sensible with your speed has kept my nose clean since I migrated to these shores 6 years ago.

Your mileage may vary - but as others said here - keep the big picture in mind always.

EG

 

I have both the V1 & 8500. In my opinion, the V1 is defiantly the better detector. It goes from the vette to the truck, depending on what I'm driving at the moment. The 8500 stays at home on the shelf to use as a back-up if I need it. The arrows & bogey counter on the V1 make all the difference to me.

 

The V-1 has saved my *** many times around curves coming over hills side of the road LEO etc it works well but by the same token you have to be aware of where you are and what you are doing or you will have a problem.

 

The state troopers usualy are the good guys. They are the experienced LEOs and will usually let you get away with more unless you are doing something really dumb. The problem is the small town cops that are looking to fund the two man police department. They are the ones that run the traps. But usually they cannot afford the instant on so have the radar on all the time. That is where a detector is excellent. It will help you with the small town speed traps.

Just remember that a detector will not make you invisible. Just keep it reasonable, don't drive crazy, and the detector on and you should be okay.

tom...

 

Bottom line: invest in the one of your choice. My 8500 has paid for itself at least ten times over during the past years. I even dropped the $$$'s and got another one, this time the X50 in blue and have

NO REGRETTS

about the expenditure. Usually I avoid a trap every time I drive in and around Memphis.