Giantviper

I was looking at maybe purchasing a radar detector for my car. I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on wich ones thay like the best as there is alot on the market. I want to try and keep the price down under $500. but was looking fopr some suggestions.

I would also consider an indash hidden one but again do not want to spend alot.

SKooT1027

There are a ton of really expensive ones.. like $300 .. but my friend has a cheap $40 whistler from like walmart or target or something that i think works pretty well. You gotta decide if you wanna spend the extra $250+ or not.

944Fest (aka Dan P)

V1 is the king.

For Laser protection, I REALLY recommend the K40 Laser Diffuser Plus.

You can see the puzzled look on the officers face as you drive by.

No kidding.

Available at BMW dealers and elsewhere, price varies. Mine was under $200, but that was thru dealer connections.

aeronautica86

Valentine V1

Escort Passport 8500

These are the best.

itsme-itsme

Tell me more about this "K40 Laser Diffuser Plus"! I have a V1, but assume that when the laser alert goes off, it's too late.
My last ticket was 20 years ago. I don't speed as a habit, but always run the speed of traffic. I use the V1 to keep me on my toes. So far so good. Best bang for $400.

944Fest (aka Dan P)

http://www.automotosports.com/k40_main.asp

I've got the license plate mounted unit and I am here to testify this thing WORKS!!

Giantviper

thanks for the advice. One other question some detectors advratise that they also detect radar behind you. Is it just me or is that a gimick becuase once u pass they most likley have already got you and are oulling out to come get you or just missed you? Does the rear detector have a practical use?

944Fest (aka Dan P)

The V1 has arrows that tell you where the radar is coming from. (front, side, behind) It is a great tool for pinpointing the bogies. If you pass a stopped cop and your detector continues to chirp, you may think it was that guy behind you. Over the next hill bada-bing they get you. V1 tells you there are two guns active, one behind and one ahead. Nice to know information, if you can imagine!!

SKooT1027

it says the laser diffuser is legal, but i have a feeling thats just if the cop doesnt know its there. Like radar jammers, id assume laser diffusers are illegal too if caught.

Russian Rocket

Valentine 1, thread over

schnellfahrer

Will the V1 work all over the world. I mean, are there different radar systems in use in different parts of the world?

itsme-itsme

Diffuser sounds like a gimmick. I hnow the laser speeding (s)cameras we now have in Charlotte only have to hit the vehicle. If in violation, a souped up camera takes a picture of the tag. The picture you get with the ticket shows the rear of the car with a small square indicating where the laser hit. Then, the tag is magnified in a seperate window.
I seriously doubt a roadside cop barely has a steady enough hand to hit a car going 4-+ MPH, much less the tag specificly. Unless this thing protects the entire rear of the car, its a waste of money.
Get a V1 and don't be the driver drawing attention to yourself.

itsme-itsme

40+ is what I meant

aeronautica86

SKooT, laser diffusers are perfectly legal, radar jammers are quite the opposite.

Luis de Prat

If you are referring to Europe, yes, the V1 will detect the K or Ka bands used by the Photo Radar that is so popular in European countries.

V1 detects X, K, and Ka Band, and can also be programmed to detect Ku band used in other parts of the world. It also detects Laser right out of the box.

For European use, Ka-Band is probably the most widespread. At least in my experience in Southern Europe. I've used a Passport 8500 for several years with very good results, but got tired of guessing where the radar was and just bought a V1.

Problem with Valentine is that they only ship orders to U.S. billing addresses, so you'll have to buy one off eBay or through an acquaintance in the U.S.