Radar Detector - Best Choice?

[alvald83]

I am finallizing my checklist for my trip and wanted to get a Radar detector. Is anyone using one that you might recommend? Its been a long time since i have used one. We didnt have laser and the new stuff when i last owned one. Any recommendations? Thanks Al

[bongobobny]

Uhhhhh, don't speed??

 

And here's an answer KIC would be proud of, buy a 2nd gen:stirthepot:

 

Seriously, I stopped using them years ago. When it goes off, it's too late, they already got you...

[RedRider]

Valentine1. It is the gold standard.

 

RR

[reddevilmedic]

passsport 9500i or 9500ix. pricey, but imo, better than v1.

[playboy]

Cobra 29 peaked and tuned with a 500 watt Texas star and a good antenna. But your stator rectifier thingy bopper would have to be upgraded.

[djh3]

I too quit using them probably back in the mid-late 80's. When instant on and laser became the standard issue weapon for the fuzz to me radar detectors were done. It cant pick it up until its on and if its at you your toast. My brother in law swears by his pasport. My pick up had one in it and its laying in the garage somewhere (dont know brand). I took it out because I figured if I got 5mph over and told the officer "nope didnt know I was speeding" its sort of hard to explain why you got a detedtor. My rule of thumb is 5-7 over and (knock on wood) so far I aint been messed with. Usually I got folks blowing by me on expressway. Backroads, I'm usually traveling for scenery, but I know sometimes you gotta make time.

[Snaggletooth]

As a friend of mine that owns an electronic store says, "This one will tell you that you are so busted faster than any of the others."

 

I gave up on all the radar and laser detection toys long ago. When it got to the point where they could pin point the exact vehicle and nail ya the first shot it just didn't seem to be worth the expense anymore.

 

And I'm always within the legal speeds limits on every road or street I travel on at all times. If you ever thought you saw me in excess of the limits I don't know who you are or why you would say such a thing.

 

Some times I crack myself up saying stuff like that.

[reddevilmedic]

heres a review: http://radar-detectors-review.toptenreviews.com/

[Venturous Randy]

I run a radar detector all the time on my bike. I have it mounted in the left vent reading thru the fairing and it works good.

The reason I run a detector is not because I speed, but because radar does not read who is going fastest or slowest, it reads off the strongest bounce back signal. The problem with this is a motorcycle gives a very small bounce back compared to a car or especially a big SUV or truck. If you are going 45 in a 45 speed zone and you have a large truck going 55 a half mile behind you, the cops radar gun is going to be reading 55 and he is going to be looking at you.

Years ago, I actually felt more comfortable with radar as it was usually used by city and State patrol. Now, we have deputies and even constables running radar and I feel they have very poor training and understanding on how they work. And, even with instant on, you will still have the cop shooting radar at anyone they see coming and you may still get a good warning.

But, if you speed and depend on your radar detector to save you, you are going to get a ticket sooner or later. And remember, speed will get you killed quicker than about anything else.

I have a Cobra 6band with lazar, but the way I have it mounted, the lazar will not work, but that is ok with me because if a cop is using lazar on you, he will know how fast YOU are going. I bought this detector at Sears several years ago for $29 on sale after the local LEO,s changed bands. I also have a rocker switch to turn it off when I want to.

OK, I will get off my soapbox.

RandyA

Edited March 18, 2012 by Venturous Randy

[Sailor]

I have a passport which picks up all types of radar from both the front and back. I know that there is radar scatter and if the cop clocks someone ahead of me that scatter will show up on my detector. Radar will also bounce off objects on a corner and I can detect radar before I go around that corner. I have it in my truck and one time I took it off the dash and put it on the floor. It was aimed at the passenger door and it still picked up radar.

[djh3]

Ventourous, I like the thermometer. But it might scare me when it said 99 and I want to go ride.

[KIC]

Uhhhhh, don't speed??

 

And here's an answer KIC would be proud of, buy a 2nd gen:stirthepot:

 

 

He..he..yea.

 

 

[Venturous Randy]

Ventourous, I like the thermometer. But it might scare me when it said 99 and I want to go ride.

 

Yep, there have been times that it told me how miserable I was.

RandyA

[BuddyRich]

I use to use Passports and Bel. They were pretty good. Don't need to get anywhere that fast anymore. I get there when I get there. Still got a Passport 8500 X50. I'll sell it for 80 bucks. Don't have the suction cup mount but you probably don't want to use that anyway. I had it on a Ram mount with Velcro.