Signed up for Driver's Ed; need radar detector

[DGW]

Originally Posted by t6dpilot

How do all you V1 users deal with all the false signals? On the open roadbitbis great, but go near any shopping area and the thing goes nuts. Really annoying...

Upgrade it. All the traffic camera signals went away.
Also turn the sound way down on the band that picks up all the auto door openers.

[5String43]

I've used a V1 for years. It's been terrific. And no problems with fried circuits, knock wood. As noted, any of the good ones will save you their purchase price many times over.

[Tidybuoy]

I have the Escort 8500 and my friend has the V1. We did a test and installed them both when we went on a trip. They literally went off at the same time in most situations.

I personally like the warning sound of the Escort and think the V1 is a little more annoying. The Escort has a unique sound for KA band, which is what the CHP use. It's a clicking sound and is able to be heard over any music I'm playing and has saved me probably hundreds of times over the years. My only ticket is when I drove the other car without radar - 40 in a school zone. My only complaint on the Escort is that the suction cups suck. I've had to replace several times.

[tirwin]

Escort RedLine + SmartCord Live

I used to be a huge V1 fan but the RedLine seems to be the most sensitive detector on the market. I have not seen the data in the new Max unit.

The SmartCord connects your detector to a real-time network of other Escort users via the data connection and an app you install on your smartphone. The smartphone connects to the detector using bluetooth. As other drivers detect radar/laser ahead of you, you will be instantly notified. The concept is calling "crowd sourcing". It's like having a bunch of distributed detectors all linked together, acting as one.

Driving around Atlanta, it is highly useful. When I look at the app in map mode it is crazy seeing all the alerts in the greater Atlanta area.

We have some absurd speed traps around here and when we go to the beach there are a ton of podunk towns that are in the traffic revenue business.

I have the direct wire version in the 911 and the cig lighter plug version that I move around to the other cars.

As far as laser goes, the RedLine picks it up remarkably well. I rarely encounter LEOs using laser, but when I do the SmartCord Live app usually tells me about it way before I get there. The few times I've been tagged with laser it gave me a split second chance to slow down. If you're really worried about laser, the ZR1 shifter is what a lot of people do. Friend of mine bought the whole 9500ci package for his Audi ($1500!) and still got a ticket. Detector never went off. Cop paced him.

No matter what, it still comes down to driving responsibly. All the technology in the world trying to make things idiot proof only accomplishes one thing. It makes better idiots.

[darrin]

imo, a major consideration is where you intend to use the radar detector -- I live in denver and have an urban commute against traffic (live in the city and commute to the 'burbs) -- my escort passport 9500ix is perfect for me because its gps feature learned and blocked out the half dozen or so false positives on my commute on its second use. So, while it may arguably be a bit less sensitive than others out there, the combination of peace and quiet and peace of mind is ideal for me. As an added bonus, I've set its display to show my targa's voltage while it's on, keeping me tuned into my alternator's health (it can also be set to show speed, etc.) no regrets!

OTOH, since the gps needs to "learn" the bogies by driving by them first, the gps could be of limited usefullness if your primary use is road trips to a variety of places on a variety of roads.

[tirwin]

imo, a major consideration is where you intend to use the radar detector -- I live in denver and have an urban commute against traffic (live in the city and commute to the 'burbs) -- my escort passport 9500ix is perfect for me because its gps feature learned and blocked out the half dozen or so false positives on my commute on its second use. So, while it may arguably be a bit less sensitive than others out there, the combination of peace and quiet and peace of mind is ideal for me. As an added bonus, I've set its display to show my targa's voltage while it's on, keeping me tuned into my alternator's health (it can also be set to show speed, etc.) no regrets!



OTOH, since the gps needs to "learn" the bogies by driving by them first, the gps could be of limited usefullness if your primary use is road trips to a variety of places on a variety of roads.

Just FYI... the RedLine + the app lets you get the best of both worlds. Higher sensitivity and you get GPS lockout for false positives.