Radar Detectors

[Joe T]

I am new to the radar detector thing and was wondering what some of you use . I would like to keep it under a couple hundred.

[kurquhart]

I use Valentine V1 and absolutely love it, especially the direction arrows. It is more like $400, but worth every penny. When you consider the potential increase in insurance costs (recurring) due to speeding tickets, a couple hundred more (one time) is in the noise.

I borrowed various models (e.g. Escort Solo) from friends before making my decision, and the top makes have 30 day return policies.

[martinreinhardt]

Kris is right; you should spend more than $200 on a radar detector if you want it to work.

I was going to buy a Valentine One, but went with the http://www.beltronicspro.com/rx65.html.

I think you can't go wrong with a Valentine One, Bell RX65 or Bell STI.

They really work compare to the cheaper radar detectors. I like mine, because I can deactivate the European KU Band and Laser which are not being used here in California as far as I know.

From my experience: CHP while mobile appears to use mostly Ka band (expect when I got pulled over euro style on CA14; officer Starsky guessed my speed ). On parked speed traps (and metal box cops) they appear to use mostly K and X bands.

[Tawfik]

I purchased the passport 8500 X50 about 2 months ago.
I disabled the X band because it is never used in CA. This unit has Laser detection and POP which is the new thing in CA.
It lacks the directionnal arrows from the V1 but its range is supposedly better than the V1.
I have succesfully used it in many occasions when detecting CHP or a cruiser "randomly" targeting Speed yellow cars
Check out these web pages for some good info and reviews
www.radarbusters.com
www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090

Cheers

[Kenyon Blower]

I have had escorts, passports, bell & now use the Valentine V1. I bought mine for the trip to the Steamboat Parade in 1998. When they came out with a new version, I was able to update for less than $200. It is the best I have ever had. The reception is top notch & the arrows & counters are a certain ticket saver. I have went passed a CHP stopped along the side of the road, writing a ticket & low & behold, 1 mile up the road was a 2nd CHP on an on-ramp. with out the counter & direction arrow, I would have thought the alarm was from the one I just passed. As far as range, they all will give you enough notice, unless they are using instant on. Nothing will protect against instant on.

[Joe T]

Thank you all for your help looks like I will read up and save up some more. Can these be hardwired in instead of a cord hanging.

[ttweed]

Nothing will protect against instant on.

Don't forget the airborne enforcement, either. They don't use radar, they pace you from the plane, then radio to a ground unit ahead to pull you over.

TT

[kurquhart]

Can these be hardwired in instead of a cord hanging.

Most can, yes. There are various DIY web pages you can find via Google.

I have my Valentine hardwired into my 997; you are welcome to take a look at it if you stop by the AX this Saturday.

[Kim Crosser]

Nothing will protect against instant on.

True - although check the notes on the Valentine pages. At least one of the "instant on/POP" mode radars (MPH BEE III) states in the manual that the POP reading by itself should not be used for citations. If you get "POPped" by one of these units, they suggest you ask to see the manual and point the note out to the officer...
http://www.valentine1.com/pop/whatispop.asp

[harnishclan]

Probably true POP should not be used to write a ticket, but I would save the procedure stuff for the court room. Might win the battle, but loose the war, because then the nitpicking starts. Questions like "Wheres your front license plate?" start coming up. I will let you know, my day in court is 30 Aug. My CHPer particular procedure was to stand on the side of the highway with radar gun (down) at his side and point to the offending vehicle. So I didn't get hit with radar, nor was I really even sure he was pulling me over! And for the record 79 in a 65 through the 125 to 52 west transition at 9:30 AM.

[PaulJr]

hey, in the unlikely chance that you do get pulled over, having a radar detector will almost certainly get you a ticket...

But I could use 1 myself =/

thx for he info