Anyone using a Radar Detector?

[MRoberts]

I just moved and will be doing a long commute, 150 miles one way, 4-5 times a month. In an effort to keep the trip as economical as possible, I was thinking a radar detector might be a good idea. I'd appreciate any thoughts, recommendations and experiences.

TIA - Marty

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Since 1993. Wouldn't drive without one. Escort brand is my preference

 

[zetatre]

As you research the topic, look into Veil G5. It's a special coating you apply to the front flat parts of the vehicle that reduce the reflictivity. Laser guns require a flat reflective surface in order to send back an accurate signal that can be processed to determine speed. In normal condition the amount of time required to lock in speed is very short which basically means that by the time the radar detector goes off, you have very limited time, if any, to adjust speed before the speed is captured by the officer. The Veil G5 makes it harder for your vehicle to reflect back a good enough signal to be processed by the gun and as a result gives you more time between the time you're targeted and the time you're speed is locked in. That combined with a Valentine 1 could be pretty effective.

 

[MRoberts]

Which Escort model? Just read that the Redline might be a good choice for interstate/highway driving due to it's long range.

 

[AaronOregon]

You're safe with a radar detector if you are following other vehicles. If not, I would look into that coating......

 

[bigceltic]

I just moved and will be doing a long commute, 150 miles one way, 4-5 times a month. In an effort to keep the trip as economical as possible, I was thinking a radar detector might be a good idea. I'd appreciate any thoughts, recommendations and experiences.

TIA - Marty

Valentine One is my choice. Would not drive without it. The best part is the "bogey count" and the arrows - has saved me many times, esp when a State Police is coming up from behind. I have the remote display mounted to my cigarette lighter socket so only I can see it (and not someone driving behind me). Highly recommend - it is pricey but worth it in my book. Have been using it for over 12 years now and it is about time for me to send it in for an upgrade.

George

PS - I have also started using WAZE app as well- that really helps identify the speed traps.

 

[Jim W]

I am and I have been using a radar detector since the late 80's. I had a couple of different models during that time frame. I gave my wife my latest passport model for her needs since she has a lead foot. I than bought a low-cost Cobra unit that works for my needs. But I tend to drive the speed limit when no one is around but I try and find a Rabbit out in front and follow them. When I was working, and traveling the interstate I would pass a couple of university and always was able to follow the college kids home. The fastest one's always seem to be the college age girls going home for the weekend.

 

[DavidLumb]

I have the Escort Redline, and the Bel STI Magnum. Both have been very good, in fact excellent. Redline outranges and outresponds the Magnum slightly and adjusting the bands for the area you live will make them respond even faster. My Magnum was factory modified for the band selection firmware...nice option and unavailable on some detectors. You get what you pay for in detectors...and sometimes not!

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I'm running the Escort Passport also. A few hundred bucks has saved me thousands*

 

[p-Bar]

You can't beat a laser gun . They are too fast

 

[spoon059]

Like some others stated... you are better off learning what type of technology your local departments are using before you spend money. Radar guns constantly push out a wide band of radar which is easily detectable by a radar detector. If you are paying close enough attention and surrounded by traffic, you can likely slow down enough before the officer is able to determine which vehicle set off the radar.

LIDAR or laser is vehicle specific, is only activated by a trigger pull and sends out a very narrow beam of light. The LIDAR that my department uses projects a beam that is only about 3 feet wide at a half mile distance. If I am standing at the side of the road, I watch the traffic approach and determine which vehicle appears to be moving the fastest. I then point my LIDAR gun at that specific vehicle and pull the trigger. Within a second I am locked on to your vehicle and getting your exact speed and your exact distance from me.

That means that by the time your LIDAR detector is going off, the officer has already targeted YOUR car and knows your exact speed. By then, all you can do is prepare to get pulled over at that point. You'd be better off saving that money for an eventual ticket if your local smokies use LIDAR.

 

[tp0d]

V1 is the only solution

I drive 30-40k a year in a 300mi radius, and I use a Valentine 1. Has saved my butt many times, and I can honestly say I havent got a speeding ticket in the past 6 years of using it, and I have a really lead foot. Easily 15-20mph over limit whenever the lanes are open, and in some areas more.. heh.. Time is money.

 

[AaronOregon]

You can't beat a laser gun . They are too fast

Exactly why I said what I did in post #5.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

99% of the time, highway patrol is using KA band. Ya I get hit with a laser here in there, but it's rare in Ca. I'm/we're always stunned when the lazer detection goes off because its' so rare. There must be a reason its' not used fluidly.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

You can't beat a laser gun . They are too fast

This https://www.escortradar.com/lasershifterpro/ is supposed to take care of that laser issue.

My Escort Max360 has saved me on countless occasions.

 

[p-Bar]

This https://www.escortradar.com/lasershifterpro/ is supposed to take care of that laser issue.

My Escort Max360 has saved me on countless occasions.

Now we are talking about a laser jammer . A bit different than a detector. It sends a false signal back to the laser gun.

 

[spoon059]

Now we are talking about a laser jammer . A bit different than a detector. It sends a false signal back to the laser gun.

Be careful with those, I know they are illegal in some jurisdictions and can have serious FCC violations. It would be much cheaper to pay the ticket than the fine for interfering with government airwaves.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I can't legally own a Jammer in Ca.

 

[Lynx0849]

I can't legally own a Jammer in Ca.

I am pretty sure jamming is against federal law that protects legal transmitters from interference, intentional or not.

 

[jeepit]

Jamming apparently legal in Wisconsin.