Do Radar Detectors Really Work for you?
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 1
From: Boulder, CO
With the risk of sounding too smug, the thing that works for me is common sense. I've never owned a radar detector and have never been issued a speeding ticket (I drive around 18K miles a year). That's not to say that I always drive at the speed limit, far from it. Just think ahead before you go crazy with the right foot and you'll be OK.
Bob-
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,007
Likes: 49
From: Alpharetta, GA
I can tell you after spending 15 years as a law enforcement officer and almost 9 of those as a motorcycle officer I have seen them all! With the advances in laser technology many times detectors just let you know you are about to get stopped! If I was working a highway I would spend time looking (scanning) for speeding vehicles before I ever raised my laser/lidar to aquire the vehicle's speed. The reading is instant. On open highways we can pick violators up as much as 3/4 of a mile away and follow them in. I never wrote at those distances but many times violators never knew we had them "locked" in and once they were within 1500-1900 feet we would stop the lock and pursue them. It was obvious if a laser/lidar detectors was on in a vehicle at lock because the speeds would decrease rapidly 
. Each time a radar detector was found in a vehicle we listed that there was a detector on the notes of the citation and the prosecutors would not plea bargain the tickets because the courts believed it showed an "intent" to speed. Doppler radar is different and detectors are more beneficial with those because the cone of the beam is so wide. I am not trying to say the laser/lidar is not at all beneficial but I can tell you they are no fool proof insurance. Let the bashing begin 
. Each time a radar detector was found in a vehicle we listed that there was a detector on the notes of the citation and the prosecutors would not plea bargain the tickets because the courts believed it showed an "intent" to speed. Doppler radar is different and detectors are more beneficial with those because the cone of the beam is so wide. I am not trying to say the laser/lidar is not at all beneficial but I can tell you they are no fool proof insurance. Let the bashing begin Unfortunately, I think you are right. I just got a ticket last week in my Escalade. I was radar'd and he saw the car do a complete nose dive when he shot me. I KNOW he did not get my speed at more than 5 mph over. However he saw me slam my brakes (Obvious in that tank). I pulled the detector off the windshield and when he came up he said, "Don't rely on Radar Detectors to tell you if you are speeding."
That said, I have an escort radar detector laser jammer built in on the GT3. I should've had at least 3 tickets by now with laser but they can't get your speed until I hit a button in the Ash tray to disarm the jammer.
So those I feel definitely work.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 21
From: Orange County, CA
I also have a radar detector laser jammer built in my SL55. It has saved me much more than the cost of the unit.
I enjoy seeing the motorcycle cop point the laser gun at me for the full 180 degrees and scratching his head, all the while the alarms are going off in the car.
I enjoy seeing the motorcycle cop point the laser gun at me for the full 180 degrees and scratching his head, all the while the alarms are going off in the car.
Last edited by mcipseric; May 6, 2010 at 05:26 PM.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,653
Likes: 93
From: Torrance, CA USA
A lot of good sound advice given above.
I have a V1, and I like it.
I first got a Cincinnati Microwave Passport back in the mid 80s when my girlfriend, now wife, took many weekend trips. The passport saved us MANY times. I also drove a bit faster in those days than I currently do. I guess I was more concerned with the destination than enjoying the ride as I do now. I have always had a radar detector in my car, so it is something I am simply used to.
I could probably do without the V1 in the 993, as my first layer of defense is, as ILKO points out, common sense, sure I speed, but in general I keep it at the flow of traffic. I do like the extra awareness the V1 gives for radar, but I do not rely on it as my primary defense against tickets.
I haven't had a ticket in about 6 years, and I should have known better, as it was in a trap area near my house.
There are many good radar detectors out there, and which has the features you like will depend on your own personal taste, but nothing is fool proof and none of them are guarantees against any tickets, but any of them used wisely in conjunction with common sense can tip the odds a bit in your favor and reduce your risks.
Drive safe.
I have a V1, and I like it.
I first got a Cincinnati Microwave Passport back in the mid 80s when my girlfriend, now wife, took many weekend trips. The passport saved us MANY times. I also drove a bit faster in those days than I currently do. I guess I was more concerned with the destination than enjoying the ride as I do now. I have always had a radar detector in my car, so it is something I am simply used to.
I could probably do without the V1 in the 993, as my first layer of defense is, as ILKO points out, common sense, sure I speed, but in general I keep it at the flow of traffic. I do like the extra awareness the V1 gives for radar, but I do not rely on it as my primary defense against tickets.
I haven't had a ticket in about 6 years, and I should have known better, as it was in a trap area near my house.
There are many good radar detectors out there, and which has the features you like will depend on your own personal taste, but nothing is fool proof and none of them are guarantees against any tickets, but any of them used wisely in conjunction with common sense can tip the odds a bit in your favor and reduce your risks.
Drive safe.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
We have several radar detectors and swear by them. They have all paid for themselves. In the GTI and A3 we have V1's. In the 911 we have a built-in Escort with laser jammer. Both work extremely well but the V1 tends to pick up more stray signals. We don't speed like crazy but it gives us peace of mind and levels the playing field a little. They're not fool proof and like others have said using common sense and not blindingly relying on the radar detector will be your best bet.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 14
From: Dallas, TX
The V1 is sensitive and very chatty. It will drive you crazy if you react to every light and sounds.
With the V1, you have to really learn how to read the information it provides you. It also has programming options that would allow you to filter out some of the useless info.
I usually leave it in the Logic mode with decreased K-band alert. And pretty much only pay attention to consistent signals.
Again, what everyone else said, use your head first.
With the V1, you have to really learn how to read the information it provides you. It also has programming options that would allow you to filter out some of the useless info.
I usually leave it in the Logic mode with decreased K-band alert. And pretty much only pay attention to consistent signals.
Again, what everyone else said, use your head first.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,325
Likes: 1,190
From: Vista CA
Why?
this was a very well written and informative post.
Radar detectors are a panacea.
IMO nothing prevents speeding tickets better than paying attention to your surroundings and driving at speeds appropriate for the situation.
Speeding at night is a suckers game.
cheers
Craig
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 18
From: Northern New Jersey
I have the Bel RX 65 and have been very happy with it. I am sure it has saved me plenty of times. As other have stated you just ahve to learn how to read what your detector says. And if you get a lazer reading your done.
My dad also just purchased the new top of the line Escort with the GPS in it. I ahve not had a chance to play with it but it looks very cool and also displays your speed as well.
Oh and larpy thanks for the advise.
My dad also just purchased the new top of the line Escort with the GPS in it. I ahve not had a chance to play with it but it looks very cool and also displays your speed as well.
Oh and larpy thanks for the advise.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 394
Likes: 2
From: Auburn, CA
I use a V-1 in my 993 all the time and know it has helped me avoid speeding tickets on dozens of occasions. I did get a speeding ticket from CHP several years ago as officer was "hiding" and used instant-on to nail me. He was quite smug about it when I asked how he clocked me. Said he waits until a speeding vehicle approaches and then flips his speed gun on when its too late for vehicle to slow in time.
Anyway, it's been a valuable investment for me.
Phil
Anyway, it's been a valuable investment for me.
Phil
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 14
From: So Cal
+1. I used to feel safe with the V1 and also heard how it would be too late when you're zapped with laser until it happened to me. Now I feel it's worthless since many city cops use laser hidding behind the bushes now. It's still useful for long trips for now.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 21
From: Orange County, CA
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,228
Likes: 16
From: Seattle, WA
+1 for the V1! Set on Logic mode, my trip south to Portland Oregon last weekend was smooth and relatively fast despite the traffic. The V1 will tell you where there's a Walmart or Home Depot and when you have passed one. It only lit up once with 'Ka' but I could tell where it was coming from. If nothing else excercise common sense and always look whats parked ahead and take note of what's coming from behind.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 21
From: Orange County, CA