GenFlyer

Whats everybody's favorite/recommended radar detector? My faithful Escort Passport 8500 just bit the dust after about 5 years. Looking to replace it when I get my tax return. Im thinking Valentine 1 but still not sure. Opinions?

Red Raspberry

Had a V1 for the last ten years. Got it upgraded once.

krazytib

I stopped using a radar detector a few years ago and I swear I get pulled over less. I had one cop say to me "well I guess that doesn't work" as he handed me the ticket to sign and I was like what are you talking about and he pointed at my radar detector. I stopped using it after that and now I get pulled over less. Having a radar detector is like telling a cop that you speed all the time and only drive the speed limit when cops using radar get detected.



I also noticed all cops seem to use Lidar now and I never saw a radar detector actually warn you before the beam has already got your speed since they only emit the laser when the cop pulls the trigger after you are already in his sight.

HyundaiKitCoupe

That's why I don't use it in the middle of the windshield! Use it between the rear view mirror and passenger visor. When I had it in the windshield before, the cop asked me "what is that sh*t" and I told him it was a radar detector. He couldn't do anything.



I don't know about California, but here in D.C. if you don't use a detector, there is a high probability that you will receive some ticket for something wrong done sometime last month from some laser/speed camera hidden somewhere.



As far as cops, well you're not legally obligated to tell them why you have one unless it's illegal in the state AND they tell you they detected that you have one (under suspicion) in that state.





A lot of cops have began employing this method. I always slam hard on my brakes immediately when this happens.

radu_rd2

V1 saved my ass at least 10 times. Each single time I would have ended paying more than the V1 (mostly in insurance premium increase, not the ticket itself).



I turn the detector off whenever I know a cop car could see the lights. It's not illegal but it's common sense that they won't like it.



As far as laser goes - basically your hope is if they use it on some car ahead of you and your detector catches that, then you can slow down before they notice you. If they are targeting you with lidar, the detector won't help (it will be too late).



Regardless, if you ever get a ticket, don't even think about not fighting it. I just got one dismissed because the officer didn't show up. Even if he had, I am 100% sure I would have won anyway. The judge was VERY lenient, he dismissed two worse cases before mine. I'm sure that's not always the case, but it's always worth a shot.