Which Radar Detector to get?

[Paul Ferradas]

I think it's time for a radar detector. My wife told me to be careful on the roads after reading this article:

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/16660336.htm?source=rss

I typicaly drive about 10-15 mph over the speed limit. Once in a while late night I'll open her up and do 100-110 for a quick stretch bt not too often because I get a bit nervous thinking there might be a cop hiding out somewhere.

I don't have much knowledge in radar detectors.

Are police using highly suffisticated radar guns nowadays that dectors aren't catching?

In this particulat case, the cop is using a Laser Tech Ultra-Lyte 20 Lidar gun .

Any recommendations on detectors that cover all these guns would be great!

Thanks

[moochie]

From what I've read the Valentine V-1 is the only way to go.

http://www.valentine1.com/home.asp

[rouxroux]

The best 2 types I've owned are the Valentine 1 and the Passport 8500, with the V1 being the better of the 2 IMHO (they are right...once you have the arrows, everything else is 2nd best)...I do have a bit more "falsing", but I trust the V1 over anything else.

Of course, NOTHING will help you on a Ka shot if you're the ONLY thing around. You'll learn to "blend in" and avoid being "Mr. Obvious". Last time I felt "immune" was back in the late 70's with a really nasty 10.5 gigahertz transmitter....

[81 911 SC]

Valentine 1 is your best choice with the Passport 8500 coming in second

[MBecker911]

Valentine 1. Worth every penny.

[Dantilla]

This topic comes up on a semi-regular basis. A few guys will swear by something other than the V-1, but the vast majority will tell you the V-1 still tops all the others..

[chuckr]

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F

[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by 81 911 SC
Valentine 1 is your best choice with the Passport 8500 coming in second

+2

[Porsche virgin]

Originally posted by Noah
One of the car mags -- Car and Driver, I think -- does a scientific radar detector shootout every year. You will find your answer there.

C&D hasn't done one in quite a while. I think '02 was the last one. V1 was the hands-down winner, if I remember correctly.

I think a new test is in order, though, now that the Passport 9500 is out (or will be out very soon).

[ErVikingo]

I had the original Escort, then some passports and then a V1, never lookign back from the V1. IMHO its the only option.

[Paul Ferradas]

$400-$500 for the Valentine, OUCH. I'm sure it's the best but my price point is around $150-$200 for a detector.

[FinallyGotOne]

not a K-40- too pricey and is only okay rated. I have heard only good things of Valentine

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Screw detectors. Get a H.A.R.M.

[Flyer88]

Originally posted by Paul Ferradas
$400-$500 for the Valentine, OUCH. I'm sure it's the best but my price point is around $150-$200 for a detector.

Cheap detector + 2 tickets + V1. I've had my V1 for over 4 years and love it. Mike V. really takes an us v. them approach to his product - always trying to stay one step ahead. Product is upgradable too!

[holtjv]

Originally posted by Joeaksa
+2

+3

[osidak]

how much does one ticket cost?

Do like I did - Purchased my V1 on fleabay and then did the upgrade. Came out ahead and got a brandnew V1 (with all the toys included) for about $300

[Steve Carlton]

Yeah, the directional arrows on the V1 are better, but all the reviews and comparos I've seen put them on par with each other, with the 8500 sometimes winning. The 8500 is sleeker and the V1 is kind of dorky looking, IMHO. If you want to integrate laser, the 8500 is capable of an integrated upgrade. Relying on laser detection won't likely prevent you from getting a ticket. You need to jam it. Escort calls it "shifting."

http://www.passportsr1.com/zr3.htm

[ZOA NOM]

Paul, see this video clip for an idea of the Valentine 1. Understand that the motorcycle cop I busted was on the opposite side of the road, pointing his radar gun away from me. You will see the value of the Valentine's directional info. $400 bucks has long been paid for with mine. There is simply no other choice.

[Noah930]

Paul, you realize that with your local LEOs running lidar, neither detector is gonna do squat for you. Well, it'll go off to let you know when you should pull over for the LEO that just tagged you doing 15-over. Realistically, lidar is "instant-on," meaning there won't be enough time to detect it and slow down in time to not register as speeding.

If you want to try something that'll actually give you a chance against lidar, then you'll have to look into a laser jammer. No one seems to know which one is the best (or, at least I've never had anyone give me any useful information when I've asked this question on this board a couple times in the past), but I've heard good things about the Lidatek system. It runs about $600+, IIRC. But it will actually jam the lidar gun for about 5 seconds, giving you a chance to slow down.

FWIW, I've got a V1. But I realize that it's pretty much worthless against the state troopers, who mostly run lidar from the side of the highways here in Mass. It's still good against troopers in cruisers (lidar can only be used from a stationary LEO), and most local police (as lidar doesn't seem to be used by them, yet). Don't know if I'd trust much of what's available in the $150 price range.

edit: This link may have been posted in the past. Remember that while some science is used, this site is also trying to sell products.
http://www.radarbusters.com/support/speedlabs-2006/default.asp

[FastCarFan]

Another enthusiastic vote for the V1. The product is very high quality & the arrows are EXTREMELY helpful.

I just bought my 2nd V1 to replace my 11-year-old V1 that was starting to act up a bit. It still worked against radar, but it would often go into this "mode" where it would beep 2-3 times, stop for 5 seconds, beep 2-3 times....It drove me nuts!

It worked flawlessly for 11 years, so I can't fault the product. I can't count the number of times it saved me.

Get the V1. I would not buy any other detector.