spacemule
The Peanut Gallery
Got one? What's the best bang for the buck. I see that Wal Mart has one for $39, but I have a sneaking suspicion it's not worth the carton it's packaged in.
radar detectors
- Thread starter spacemule
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come-on man how can a billion chinamen be wrong, they got nuten but the best at wally world!
spacemule
The Peanut Gallery
It's made by Cobra no less.
You ain't planning on speeding now are ya Space.
spacemule
The Peanut Gallery
Nope. I'd just rather have an occasional reminder to check my speed from a detector rather than a cop. :greenchainsaw:
mcinfantry
ArboristSite Member
valentine 1
i had one before i as a cop. never stopped anyone (in 8.5 years in a city of 400,000) who had a valentine 1
im no longer a cop, and i have a valentine 1
i had one before i as a cop. never stopped anyone (in 8.5 years in a city of 400,000) who had a valentine 1
im no longer a cop, and i have a valentine 1
The valentines are great detectors, but on trips with other riders we found it was no better than the x50's yet cost a fair bit more. If they make detectors illegal here I will get one of the new Bels, apparently the cops can pick them up.
I really like my escort X50, its never let me down and I dont ride slow on my fireblade. I have been tempted to get a laser jamer but for the most part its seldom the cops are using the laser that well or I dont get enough warning otherwise.
I do have a fold up plate which is quite useful.
I really like my escort X50, its never let me down and I dont ride slow on my fireblade. I have been tempted to get a laser jamer but for the most part its seldom the cops are using the laser that well or I dont get enough warning otherwise.
I do have a fold up plate which is quite useful.
Sounds like some good advice there.
We used to use an old escort, worked well. I would spend more money than that wal-mart special or just forget about it.
cjk
ArboristSite Operative
If you are going to spend money on a radar detector get the Valentine One.
luckycutter
Addicted to ArboristSite
Go through and add up the total cost of a ticket or two. Include bumps in insurance as well. I bet this will be more than the cost of a top rated detector.
I chose the escort 9500 because of the gps feature. when I travel I already know where the speed traps in other states are(they can be programmed into the detector), and I get ample warning of the local traps as well. The escort also tells you how fast you are going when you get hit by radar. Bel makes a good model as well. The Valentine is in desperate need of an upgrade, but still has some worth while features.
Laser jamming is well worth the expense if you are on the open highway a lot. Just make sure what is legal in your area.
P.S. Driving safely does not always mean driving the posted speed limit.
spacemule
The Peanut Gallery
Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm not averse to paying top dollar for a quality product--I just don't want to pay $300 for something where a $100 version is just as effective. One thing I don't know about is the current technology of radars. Is it constantly being upgraded? Would a detector from 10 years ago be as effective today? Is it specific to certain areas of the country?
luckycutter
Addicted to ArboristSite
You should go to a website that actually test the detectors in real life situations. There are a few and they would give you much better info than the opinions you would get
here.
here.
spacemule
The Peanut Gallery
I've looked at a couple. I got the strong feeling that they were being paid by the companies that make the radar. I trust actual user's recommendations more.
10 year old detectors are good if the cops are using 10 year old gear or strategies. It can be like fighting new viruses with 1999 era antivirus software.
Its all cheap insurance. My detectors has saved me so many times but no detector is full proof.
cord arrow
Addicted to ArboristSite
No place has beat up detectors like the corvette forum...good info there.
palogger
ArboristSite Operative
to me the best radar detector is a CB radio, I mean the truckers always know where the cops are, and in states where radar detectors are illegal a CB is not
JJay03
ArboristSite Guru
I got a valentine One actually just started using it again in my daily today after getting 2 tickets in the past month. Mad at myself for not using it Im sure if I did I would not have the tickets. I have been pulled over once with it which was on the highway coming over a hill and got hit with laser. I can say though that it saved me many times. I cant help but speed im always in a rush.
John D
Addicted to ArboristSite
After getting hit with instant on,what difference does it make? Unless you travel in heavy traffic,they are next to useless. I dont see there value anymore.In heavy traffic where you will get whiffs off the cars in front of you,you dont need it anway.I just slowed down a few mph,and no problems,just dont go more than 10 over the speed limit and you will probably be fine.Run 10+ over all the time,and your going to get tickets,(or accidents)radar detector or not,they will run up behind you and pace you as well,no detector needed.
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JJay03
ArboristSite Guru
I usually dont run that much over but from time to time will. Most the time in my area there is a car in front of me that will get hit first and ill pick it up. I even picked up laser before at some far distances.
We all drive in different environments, with different police tactics and differnt driving situations. what works for one might not work for others. Wouldnt be without the detector myself.
