Detector owners, how effective are the $$$ ones?
11-25-2005, 06:56 AM
#1
Detector owners, how effective are the $$$ ones? I owned a Cobra(unsure of model) when I had my Cavalier and it helped to a small degree but just how effective are the high dollar ones like the Passport and the Bel?(At 400 the Valentine can **** off). Are they completely ineffective in town? How fast over can you be going in town and on the open highway? If were talking about a perfectly straight and flat mile or so road...what distance from the cop will it warn me...and will it be before im clocked? Ive heard that detectors are only good at telling you when you are caught, but not from preventing it....does this statement remain true for high dollar detectors? Anyone actually ever tested theirs versus a friend cop's(theres an oxymoron for you) radar? Thanks for any info. 
On a side note, does anyone have copies of the booklets radartest.com has online thatt supposedly make it harder for you to get caught and what not?(You know the ones they want 10$ for...like their reviews)
On a side note, does anyone have copies of the booklets radartest.com has online thatt supposedly make it harder for you to get caught and what not?(You know the ones they want 10$ for...like their reviews)
11-25-2005, 07:19 AM
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I hear there are now laser scramblers to where they will warn you that a laser is being used and scrambles it in time for you to slow down and the cop wouldnt get an accurate reading. If im not mistaken, they are illegal as **** though, as far as I know.
11-25-2005, 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Jared22
Just drive the speed limit before you kill yourself
Speeding under the right sercumstances is just that..a speed rush. Most of us mod our car for power and for handling. And most of use know how our car is going to react under many circumstance to avoid or try to avoid an accident.
11-25-2005, 12:50 PM
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On the decector question, I'd go i with a valitine. Thats what i plan on purchasing, my last speeding ticket cost 160 over the valentine price and members here have good things to say about valitine dectors. You may find there answers and questions with a valitine search or type in the bell dectector.
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11-25-2005, 01:43 PM
#8
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i have an Escort 8500. i really like it, its saved my *** a few times. works great, and alerts me well b4 i ever see the cops. i don't excessivly speed(10 over), but it does its job. i got it from a GP on here(think its still goin on)
11-25-2005, 05:04 PM
#9
My Valentine has picked up CHP from 3 miles. Typical Radar is only effective up to about 1/2 mile. Mostly because the cop need to be able to identify the vehicle they are reading. In town the valentine is very effective. It has the bogey counter. All you have to do is drive around for a while to get familiar with where the false alarms are coming from. After that if the counter is high you know there may be a cop near by. I wouldn't own anything else.
11-26-2005, 11:15 PM
#10
My opinion has always been to go with ~$100 detectors. My current favorite is the Cobra 9500 (?) which you can buy at CC and includes a digital compass.
Is this type of detector as good as a Val? No. But as a detector user for many years, knowing the proper use of a detector is more important than the price tied to it.
You can find reviews online that show which low dollar units have good detection. There is junk out there, and you don't want those. But in reality there are low cost units that offer the same level of detection when judged as a usable metric.
In order to be effective:
1.) You have to use it. A $400 Val may be the best detector, but it is an awfully tempting target for theft to leave perm mounted. Maybe you have the patience to set it up each time you drive, I know I don't so I stick with cheap ones perm mounted.
2.) No detector will save you from instant on, or for that matter, laser - if you are outside of traffic flow. This is your biggest enemy and learning this one simple fact will make even the cheapest detector as effective as the best. The only chance you have against these methods is to catch Jimmy shooting cars slightly ahead of you. Like to drive 20 over all by yourself? No detector is going to help you if the cop isn't lazy.
3.) It has to have good falsing / auto mute management. Again a detector that annoys you ends up being off or turned all the way down too often. Not much point in that. Personally I find BEL units terribly annoying.
So what is the point of a $400 unit as opposed to a $100 unit? Typically two main areas. First is features. Cordless operation, directional detection like on the Val... these are high dollar features that may be worth it to some. Seconday, VG detection. Cheaper detectors radiate noise like all hell. So if you are in a state not allowing the use of detectors, well if you insist on using one you'd better not go with a cheapy. Once can argue that the range is better, but if you pay attention at all while you drive the 3 mile range of the Val shouldn't be a lifesaver vs. a cheaper one's 2 mile detection range.
Is this type of detector as good as a Val? No. But as a detector user for many years, knowing the proper use of a detector is more important than the price tied to it.
You can find reviews online that show which low dollar units have good detection. There is junk out there, and you don't want those. But in reality there are low cost units that offer the same level of detection when judged as a usable metric.
In order to be effective:
1.) You have to use it. A $400 Val may be the best detector, but it is an awfully tempting target for theft to leave perm mounted. Maybe you have the patience to set it up each time you drive, I know I don't so I stick with cheap ones perm mounted.
2.) No detector will save you from instant on, or for that matter, laser - if you are outside of traffic flow. This is your biggest enemy and learning this one simple fact will make even the cheapest detector as effective as the best. The only chance you have against these methods is to catch Jimmy shooting cars slightly ahead of you. Like to drive 20 over all by yourself? No detector is going to help you if the cop isn't lazy.
3.) It has to have good falsing / auto mute management. Again a detector that annoys you ends up being off or turned all the way down too often. Not much point in that. Personally I find BEL units terribly annoying.
So what is the point of a $400 unit as opposed to a $100 unit? Typically two main areas. First is features. Cordless operation, directional detection like on the Val... these are high dollar features that may be worth it to some. Seconday, VG detection. Cheaper detectors radiate noise like all hell. So if you are in a state not allowing the use of detectors, well if you insist on using one you'd better not go with a cheapy. Once can argue that the range is better, but if you pay attention at all while you drive the 3 mile range of the Val shouldn't be a lifesaver vs. a cheaper one's 2 mile detection range.
11-27-2005, 02:05 AM
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This is one of those things where you get what you pay for. Definately make sure you get one with a G2 blocker. And if you're worried about getting your valentine 1 stolen there is a stealth hideaway unit.
11-27-2005, 02:12 AM
#12
Originally Posted by Mudvayne
This is one of those things where you get what you pay for. Definately make sure you get one with a G2 blocker. And if you're worried about getting your valentine 1 stolen there is a stealth hideaway unit.
11-27-2005, 02:55 AM
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Originally Posted by SmokeySS
I know some people mount in the UV strip of the windshield to hide it but what does this hideaway unit look like? Also, is there a system you can mount hidden but have a seperate display that wouldn't look like it's for radar but maybe an MP3 player or something?
11-27-2005, 08:24 AM
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I'm a radar, laser jamming fanatic and at the moment it’s my main hobby. The reason for this post is to help anyone considering buying a detector or jammer pick out the best bang for there buck. I'm also a member of the Guys of Lidar we are a non-profit, group of enthusiasts who currently tested every radar detector / jammer on the market and offer a NO bs approach with no hidden agendas like other places that review. So far this year we have conducted 3 events with our last one a few weeks ago being the best.
If you have any interest or want any advice please stop by our forum www.radardetector.net and we'll be glad to offer advice. The best thing, everything out there gets tested on many different types of cars including a 02 WS6 so you'll know for a fact what will work on our car!
Our first video can be found here from May testing this was my first time editing and our first time doing such an event. You'll notice the quality gets a lot better on future events! In this video only the Blinder M-20 + VEIL are tested on my EVO, roommates Audi S4, and a 94 Corvette! Good results!
http://www.d-rail.com/test6140/veil-blinderfinal.wmv
The 2nd event can be found here with more cars, and more jammers being testing. At this event we where able to test the Blinder M-20, Lidatek LE-30, Antilaser V6 *WOW*, Belscort ZR3, and VEIL.
http://www.jasonsvideoproductions.c...guysoflidar.htm
Finally the 3rd event we just held we tested everything under the sun. At this test we had 2 certified police officers use the laser guns / radar guns. We also had every version / type of police laser used in the United States today to test against all the jammers. Most notably for the people who live in south and have to worry about Laser Atlanta, you'll be glad to know certain products can jam "stealth" mode if that's a problem in your area!
We also tested every popular radar detector on the market today against an over the hill around the corner test with lots of trees, picked out by our certified officer to see who was the king! Own an x50? Should of waited the old 8500 actually did better!!! Remember what I said at the top NO BS! Finally we where also able to test all the detectors against pop mode, and the Spectre III. So if you live in Virginia there is only one detector that is hidden from the Spectre III!
Our 3rd video is still being edited but you can read the results here and watch the trailer!
http://www.kc8unj.com/radar/guysoflidar/
Lastly we have done tons of real world tests with all of our equipment and they can be found here!
http://www.jasonsvideoproductions.com/
Remember if you need any advice or help please stop by the forum and say hi! New real world videos are put up daily, and the manufactures of VEIL, Blinder, Antilaser, Lidatek are on the forum to offer there advice as well!
Thanks again!
--staton
www.radardetector.net
If you have any interest or want any advice please stop by our forum www.radardetector.net and we'll be glad to offer advice. The best thing, everything out there gets tested on many different types of cars including a 02 WS6 so you'll know for a fact what will work on our car!
Our first video can be found here from May testing this was my first time editing and our first time doing such an event. You'll notice the quality gets a lot better on future events! In this video only the Blinder M-20 + VEIL are tested on my EVO, roommates Audi S4, and a 94 Corvette! Good results!
http://www.d-rail.com/test6140/veil-blinderfinal.wmv
The 2nd event can be found here with more cars, and more jammers being testing. At this event we where able to test the Blinder M-20, Lidatek LE-30, Antilaser V6 *WOW*, Belscort ZR3, and VEIL.
http://www.jasonsvideoproductions.c...guysoflidar.htm
Finally the 3rd event we just held we tested everything under the sun. At this test we had 2 certified police officers use the laser guns / radar guns. We also had every version / type of police laser used in the United States today to test against all the jammers. Most notably for the people who live in south and have to worry about Laser Atlanta, you'll be glad to know certain products can jam "stealth" mode if that's a problem in your area!
We also tested every popular radar detector on the market today against an over the hill around the corner test with lots of trees, picked out by our certified officer to see who was the king! Own an x50? Should of waited the old 8500 actually did better!!! Remember what I said at the top NO BS! Finally we where also able to test all the detectors against pop mode, and the Spectre III. So if you live in Virginia there is only one detector that is hidden from the Spectre III!
Our 3rd video is still being edited but you can read the results here and watch the trailer!
http://www.kc8unj.com/radar/guysoflidar/
Lastly we have done tons of real world tests with all of our equipment and they can be found here!
http://www.jasonsvideoproductions.com/
Remember if you need any advice or help please stop by the forum and say hi! New real world videos are put up daily, and the manufactures of VEIL, Blinder, Antilaser, Lidatek are on the forum to offer there advice as well!
Thanks again!
--staton
www.radardetector.net
11-29-2005, 03:27 PM
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8500 is great for my purposes...gave me 2 good 3/8 mile hits on Ka band on radar sitting out of line of site just over a hillcrest...game me a good 1/2 mile hit on K sitting out of line of site behind bridge around corner. It was in VA, so I'm pretty sure the VG was workin real well too.
the rest you gotta take care of yourself with common sense and awareness.
the rest you gotta take care of yourself with common sense and awareness.
12-20-2005, 02:44 PM
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i know its an old post, but i wouldnt go cheap on the detectors, i have owned a few cheapers ones, and now have a Passport 8500 X50. It is amazing how much it saves me! It saved me a racing ticket, and several little speeding tickets. Also its a nice warning if you have a cut-out open on your car, that way you can get your foot out of it, and coast by or whatever. i dont leave home with out mine wheather im going the speed limit, or doing some straightline acceleration tests 
Paid $309 for the one with the blue display. I have had it since the X50 came out, and it has definatly payed for itself. In almost 2 years i got pulled over 1 time for 80 in a 60, and didnt get a ticket because i had just bought my car, and just told me to slow it down. (went off a few miles back, diodnt see the cop, sped back up, wel turns out he was pacing me, detector did its job, but i was just stupid and in a hurry)
Paid $309 for the one with the blue display. I have had it since the X50 came out, and it has definatly payed for itself. In almost 2 years i got pulled over 1 time for 80 in a 60, and didnt get a ticket because i had just bought my car, and just told me to slow it down. (went off a few miles back, diodnt see the cop, sped back up, wel turns out he was pacing me, detector did its job, but i was just stupid and in a hurry)
12-20-2005, 06:13 PM
#19
I certainly wouldn't go cheap on a detector, I've owned Escorts since the early 80's, and have only gotten 2 tickets in that time (both times I was driving someone elses car without a detector)
But as todddchi pointed out, proper use of any detector will help keep the long arm of the law out of your wallet.
Basically any detector is going to help, but it's up to you and your budget to decide if you want a basic unit that simply tells you there's a radar source in the area, or if you want the bells and whistles like bogey counters, arrows, remote mounts, and so on. Additionaly the more expensive ones are a bigger target for thieves, most will take an Escort or V1 over a cheaper brand, so bear that in mind when you make your choice.
Read the reviews, and make your choice based on performance vs cost, and get the best you can afford
But as todddchi pointed out, proper use of any detector will help keep the long arm of the law out of your wallet.
Basically any detector is going to help, but it's up to you and your budget to decide if you want a basic unit that simply tells you there's a radar source in the area, or if you want the bells and whistles like bogey counters, arrows, remote mounts, and so on. Additionaly the more expensive ones are a bigger target for thieves, most will take an Escort or V1 over a cheaper brand, so bear that in mind when you make your choice.
Read the reviews, and make your choice based on performance vs cost, and get the best you can afford
