View Poll Results: What do you use?
None.
10
12.35%
Waze with Radar
11
13.58%
A PBA card
2
2.47%
ALP
0
0%
ALP with Net Radar
2
2.47%
ALP with Bel
3
3.70%
ALP with Escort
4
4.94%
K40
4
4.94%
Escort
28
34.57%
V1
15
18.52%
Other, please comment
2
2.47%
Voters: 81. You may not vote on this poll
Radar/Laser Combination
05-04-2017, 12:55 AM
#16
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by 12v Nick
I'm no expert here 
but I'm happy to share my thoughts – for what they're worth.
The radar and laser industry is a constant "cat and mouse" game between LEO technology, the geographic distribution of that technology, and the defense systems we have to protect us. Both sides are constantly adapting and improving, which means there is going to be a wide array of products at different performance levels available at any given time. These are my most current recommendations:
Good – Valentine One or Escort MAX360 (Portables)
I'm not a huge fan of portable/windshield mount radar detectors, but I can't deny the market for something under $1,000 that doesn't require someone to have a quality integration shop in their area. Both of these detectors are great in their own ways. The V1 is going to have a bit better performance when it comes to detection range and proper directional alerts(front vs rear radar signals). That's really the only thing the V1 has going for it though. It's design hasn't changed in decades, so it looks like it belongs on the visor of a Winnebago, and the alert tone and display are a bit of a nuisance in my opinion. I've had a V1 in the past that I only broke out for car club runs and long trips – city use made me want to throw it out the window.
The Escort MAX360 is, in my opinion, the most "well-balanced" portable on the market. Since V1 lost their patent on direction alerts, Escort now has that feature built into this unit. It's not as reliable as the V1 since the tech is new for them this year, but it's not substantially worse. The best part about the MAX360 is that it incorporates Escorts patented GPS logic. This logic stores the coordinates and frequency of every alert you get. Pass the same stationary alert three times and it locks that signal out, knowing that it's a grocery store door sensor or road sign. It also allows the power to automatically vary based on speed, giving you full-tilt on the highway and a livable range in the city. Overall, both are great choices, it really just depends on what's more important to you – the top performance or the most livable system. Still, we have absolutely no laser defense with either system. Since laser is line-of-sight, a detector-only setup can only notify you that you're about to receive a ticket. For that reason, I highly recommend laser jamming.
Better – Portable Radar w/ Anti-Laser Priority Jammers
There's no denying that Anti-Laser Priority(ALP) has dominated the market over the past couple of years with the most advanced and up-to-date laser jammers in the US. The company is constantly evaluating the in-field data and making changes to boost the performance and effectiveness of their system. That's something we've never seen in this industry before, so I give them a lot of respect for that. As a company that focuses on tech, the aesthetics of their controller are awful and really should be hidden in most applications, but that's easy enough in a 991 w/ a smoker's package.
I recommend dual front as a minimum, triple front is best, and dual rear is recommended but not a huge deal if it's outside the budget. Rear laser acquisition only accounts for roughly 2-5% of the hits we see in the US, but of course that varies based on what your local geography allows for. So caveat emptor.
Best – Beltronics STiR+ and ALP Laser (fully integrated systems)
Having a built-in radar detection system you gain a good deal of range performance as well as the ability to clear the windshield of electronics and opt for a full-integrated system – something that really feels like part of the car. Like the Escort MAX Portable unit, the BEL STiR+ offers the best "well-rounded" user experience for the cost. Because they are made by Escort, you still get all the great GPS-Enables features like auto-lockout and variable speed sensitivity. Not to mention the added benefit of a database of red light and speed cameras across the country to pre-warn you of upcoming threats.
Using this system in conjunction with the ALP laser gives you the best performance in both categories. That said, Escort JUST released the new MAX CI fully integrated systems with upgraded laser jammers. In private testing, the new Escort all-in-one system is going to be the best choice over the BEL/ALP combo. Since I have yet to install one(give me a couple weeks) I can't make any direct comments – but I will soon!
Just my .02¢
but I'm happy to share my thoughts – for what they're worth. The radar and laser industry is a constant "cat and mouse" game between LEO technology, the geographic distribution of that technology, and the defense systems we have to protect us. Both sides are constantly adapting and improving, which means there is going to be a wide array of products at different performance levels available at any given time. These are my most current recommendations:
Good – Valentine One or Escort MAX360 (Portables)
I'm not a huge fan of portable/windshield mount radar detectors, but I can't deny the market for something under $1,000 that doesn't require someone to have a quality integration shop in their area. Both of these detectors are great in their own ways. The V1 is going to have a bit better performance when it comes to detection range and proper directional alerts(front vs rear radar signals). That's really the only thing the V1 has going for it though. It's design hasn't changed in decades, so it looks like it belongs on the visor of a Winnebago, and the alert tone and display are a bit of a nuisance in my opinion. I've had a V1 in the past that I only broke out for car club runs and long trips – city use made me want to throw it out the window.
The Escort MAX360 is, in my opinion, the most "well-balanced" portable on the market. Since V1 lost their patent on direction alerts, Escort now has that feature built into this unit. It's not as reliable as the V1 since the tech is new for them this year, but it's not substantially worse. The best part about the MAX360 is that it incorporates Escorts patented GPS logic. This logic stores the coordinates and frequency of every alert you get. Pass the same stationary alert three times and it locks that signal out, knowing that it's a grocery store door sensor or road sign. It also allows the power to automatically vary based on speed, giving you full-tilt on the highway and a livable range in the city. Overall, both are great choices, it really just depends on what's more important to you – the top performance or the most livable system. Still, we have absolutely no laser defense with either system. Since laser is line-of-sight, a detector-only setup can only notify you that you're about to receive a ticket. For that reason, I highly recommend laser jamming.
Better – Portable Radar w/ Anti-Laser Priority Jammers
There's no denying that Anti-Laser Priority(ALP) has dominated the market over the past couple of years with the most advanced and up-to-date laser jammers in the US. The company is constantly evaluating the in-field data and making changes to boost the performance and effectiveness of their system. That's something we've never seen in this industry before, so I give them a lot of respect for that. As a company that focuses on tech, the aesthetics of their controller are awful and really should be hidden in most applications, but that's easy enough in a 991 w/ a smoker's package.
I recommend dual front as a minimum, triple front is best, and dual rear is recommended but not a huge deal if it's outside the budget. Rear laser acquisition only accounts for roughly 2-5% of the hits we see in the US, but of course that varies based on what your local geography allows for. So caveat emptor.
Best – Beltronics STiR+ and ALP Laser (fully integrated systems)
Having a built-in radar detection system you gain a good deal of range performance as well as the ability to clear the windshield of electronics and opt for a full-integrated system – something that really feels like part of the car. Like the Escort MAX Portable unit, the BEL STiR+ offers the best "well-rounded" user experience for the cost. Because they are made by Escort, you still get all the great GPS-Enables features like auto-lockout and variable speed sensitivity. Not to mention the added benefit of a database of red light and speed cameras across the country to pre-warn you of upcoming threats.
Using this system in conjunction with the ALP laser gives you the best performance in both categories. That said, Escort JUST released the new MAX CI fully integrated systems with upgraded laser jammers. In private testing, the new Escort all-in-one system is going to be the best choice over the BEL/ALP combo. Since I have yet to install one(give me a couple weeks) I can't make any direct comments – but I will soon!
Just my .02¢
Let us know when you have some perspective on the Escort CI 360. A lot of us are interested in that one.
05-04-2017, 07:29 AM
#18
I use a V1, BlendMount with WAZE.
V1 is very effective, has arrows for location.
WAZE is effective if your area/road is at min moderately traveled.
Back roads, just not enough input.
WAZE does give you Camera alerts and many other road hazards.
I see a lot of head on Lazer on the Interstates and may go to front jammers in the future.
But when I have been caught, it was with conventional radar, head on moving vehicle.
The Racine County Sheriffs take pride in that ability!-Richard
V1 is very effective, has arrows for location.
WAZE is effective if your area/road is at min moderately traveled.
Back roads, just not enough input.
WAZE does give you Camera alerts and many other road hazards.
I see a lot of head on Lazer on the Interstates and may go to front jammers in the future.
But when I have been caught, it was with conventional radar, head on moving vehicle.
The Racine County Sheriffs take pride in that ability!-Richard
05-04-2017, 02:13 PM
#21
I was mostly curious if people only use ALP, or if in combination with a certain radar detector. There was no consensus except that ALP is well regarded. It seems like laser jammers/shifters are quite effective but I think radar is needed just as much as a line of "defense."
I personally would prefer something that doesn't require a windshield mount. It looks cleaner and more inconspicuous. The ALP would offer that, but what about for a radar detector?
I personally would prefer something that doesn't require a windshield mount. It looks cleaner and more inconspicuous. The ALP would offer that, but what about for a radar detector?
05-04-2017, 02:52 PM
#23
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05-04-2017, 02:54 PM
#24
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05-04-2017, 03:08 PM
#25
05-04-2017, 03:39 PM
#26
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05-04-2017, 03:41 PM
#27
05-04-2017, 10:33 PM
#28
I'd be careful w the installer choice and research thoroughly. Try to see some examples of the work done, and see whether they're used to working on cars at your level. You wouldn't want someone learning on the job w your 991, and this install at the very minimum involves taking some parts off / running wires through the firewall, a little extra money is likely well spent on a proper craftsman.
05-04-2017, 10:49 PM
#29
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I'm no expert here but I'm happy to share my thoughts – for what they're worth.
That said, Escort JUST released the new MAX CI fully integrated systems with upgraded laser jammers. In private testing, the new Escort all-in-one system is going to be the best choice over the BEL/ALP combo. Since I have yet to install one(give me a couple weeks) I can't make any direct comments – but I will soon!
but I'm happy to share my thoughts – for what they're worth. That said, Escort JUST released the new MAX CI fully integrated systems with upgraded laser jammers. In private testing, the new Escort all-in-one system is going to be the best choice over the BEL/ALP combo. Since I have yet to install one(give me a couple weeks) I can't make any direct comments – but I will soon!
I'd be careful w the installer choice and research thoroughly. Try to see some examples of the work done, and see whether they're used to working on cars at your level. You wouldn't want someone learning on the job w your 991, and this install at the very minimum involves taking some parts off / running wires through the firewall, a little extra money is likely well spent on a proper craftsman.
It seemed as though it "only" had 2 front laser shifters. Wouldn't 3 front shifters work better on this new system? Does it have that capacity?
05-04-2017, 11:52 PM
#30
I'm running quint, 3 front 2 rear. ALP does quint max, but I believe they're working on the ability to do 3 on the rear as well, having said that, 991 rear install options are very limited, everybody goes w the license plate install, so I'm not sure where you'd spread the 3 on rear.
I've been told 3 does much better w VPR guns, but you might still get lucky w 2. The 991 is no Ford F150 but it's actually quite wide, so I do like the extra coverage. And if you're going through this hassle, why not go for the extra protection, an extra sensor doesn't cost much, won't blow up the labor either.
I've been told 3 does much better w VPR guns, but you might still get lucky w 2. The 991 is no Ford F150 but it's actually quite wide, so I do like the extra coverage. And if you're going through this hassle, why not go for the extra protection, an extra sensor doesn't cost much, won't blow up the labor either.