Bruce In Philly

Who here has stopped using, or won't buy a radar detector because of Waze?

I still use my Valentine One.... it has saved me recently in NJ, but honestly, my Waze is way more effective. I have the detector wired into my 2009 C2S running the power cable up the A pillar from my V1 plug thingy into my my OBD2 port. The thingy gets power and speed data from the port so it suppresses alarms below a user-defined set point... I think I have mine set at 40 mph.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

nick2413

I'm using both Bruce. I have an R3 and use Waze, I turn the laser function off because of false alerts, plus the way I understand it is that if you're hit by laser it's too late anyway.

Bruce In Philly

I put a BandAid over my rear laser receiver.... yep, too many false alerts. I am thinking about turning it off completely too.

Odd about what folks and makers say about laser detection.... Years ago, they said, as you do, laser does not scatter or spray so early detection is pretty impossible. Now they are saying it is possible.... hmmm...... I have been using radar detectors with Laser detection for... um... twenty years? now, and I can't say that I ever was hit by a legitimate beam... I get so darn many falsies that I just am not sure. I have seen troopers using laser once or twice.... they have to stand there and aim the darn things.

For some reason, my rear laser receiver is really sensitive.... this is my second Valentine One and the earlier one was exactly the same with regard to rear laser sensitivity. I noticed that flashing shaddows from treelines can set it off... maybe there is something about ambient light flashing in my cabin... or headlights from behind that trigger. Who knows... but overall, laser detection is an apparent wasted attempt.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

Hella-Buggin'

But Waze is dependent on other drivers correct? If all goes according to plan, there are no other drivers around on that twisty canyon run.

Dennis C

I like the user network offered by Waze, but their navigation algorithm is horrible. I tried it a few times and it provided me with unusual routes,and one that was simply wrong. I don’t use it anymore. I prefer the user network offered by Escort, which effectively does the same thing and it automatically integrates with my Escort radar detector.

Astraelraen

Are radar detectors effective in the mountains or canyons? I don't typically drive all that aggressively in the city or on the straights, but in the twisty canyon or mountain roads as we all know the 911 is easily capable of doing 2x or more the (usually lower) speed limits. I worry the nature of the curves, rocks, etc will naturally block a radar detector from working and have not purchased one because of that.

ManoTexas

Quit using one when instant on became prevalent. In traffic and looking way ahead where you should be, you’ll see everyone hitting brakes when they see a cop. Instinctive reaction. When no traffic or very lite all it does is tell you you’re getting pulled over. At least in my estimation. However your install is done if you can see the alert monitor, the cop can see it also and they’ll not be as lenient from my viewpoint.
I’d rather have cop view me as old fart doing a little he shouldn’t and give me a break. Local sheriff’s have been very nice, been caught doing 60’s in 30-35 zones on back rural roads and just told slow it down. Texas state troopers almost always give tickets but usually for 5 over, luckily been long time since been pulled by trooper.
Used to run radar sitting on bike tank bag but again quit due to instant on radar. And on back roads here when i encounter local law, when they hit lights and I hammer it, they know will never catch me and give up almost immediately (I can feel the flaming posts now lol).
Couple years ago local officer pulled me for running stop sign. He came back all excited saying “do you realize you have a perfect record?” When I started to say I couldn’t remember when I last got a ticket (with a straight face), he interrupted me saying “do you realize you have a perfect driving record?”, like he’d never met anyone like that. He let me go. What he didn’t know was I fight every ticket received in Texas and have been successful so far. Course I just jinxed it!

Dennis C

if you’re the only car on the road and a police officer uses POP or instant-on radar, then the radar detector is essentially useless. I frequently drive in canyons and on mountain roads, and I find that it can be helpful, but you can’t rely on it 100%.

I had an Escort system installed in my 991, with a custom display in the rear view mirror. It’s essentially invisible, unless you really know where to look. I did this for a couple of reasons. First of all, I don’t like having to take a radar detector off the windshield every time I park my car, especially if I leave the top down. Secondly, I don’t want it to be visible in the event that I am pulled over.

Overall, I’m happy with it. I’d have one installed again, even though the price is tough to swallow.

wjk_glynn

If you want to go down the rabbit hole...

https://www.rdforum.org/index.php

qikqbn

I am old school. I tried Waze a few times, but for some reason felt google maps was easier for the info I wanted at the time. I like keeping things simple while I drive. I like to focus on the driving. Maybe I will give Waze another shot, but I still have Valentine One detectors in my cars. I love the arrows. Simple... if/when I am on a quiet street or canyon and get any kind of blip where I know there shouldn't be one then I know to keep my eyes open and slow down. It has saved my bacon so much. My biggest problem with these apps, this is just me, but I don't like to be distracted by looking at my phone for map apps when driving, let alone all those distracting tiny little icons mixed with police activity. I don't want to have to wear my reading glasses while driving. I have 20/20 for far sight, but need reading glasses for my phone. Reading eye sight went to hell after I hit my forties

aaks38

Problem is most big city counties in the US have went to Laser as radar has issues. If you live in any of the major cities, they most likely have laser and its very hard to detect due to lack of return reflections as with radar. By the time you do detect it, its probably too late. Waze is good but obviously requires people to constantly update a cops whereabouts. Its hard to win this fight..

rwdds

Similar set-up. I still use mine on turnpike or interstate drives. It's mounted high to the left of the mirror stalk, and I turn the volume off. I pick up the arrow flashes and keep my situational awareness on high alert. It's not perfect, but it saved me near the Quakertown exchange last spring on my way to Harrisburg.

tapcon

I keep the speeds down on local streets because in my area they use laser pretty much all the time. Use Waze for highway driving which has been fine so far. Figure the money saved on detectors I can use for more cool Porsche stuff.

Carerra

I go through rural areas on two lane roads quite a bit, so my Redline comes in handy because people there don't use Waze

Balr14

Nothing but laser around here. I work for the county and we handle the IT for the Sheriff Dept and the best advise I can give you is stay out of the left lane.