KiwiSean

Apologies, because I think this came up a long way back but I can't find it.

What's the best radar detector for NZ and do you think dash mounting is ok or better to go the whole hog and have sensors and jammers mounted in the bumper?

Cheers.

Macca

Man thats a though one. Ive been with Valentine One now for 15 years after a series of Bels that overheated when left in the car for a while on a summers day. I have all the bands that create falsing programmed off (easy to do) and to this day the thing is still rock solid. Ive never used a laser jammer.

That being said Im continually trying to be convinced by others that Passport and Bel have really lifted their game. I believe the Passport 9500 fully hardwired with integrated laser jammer. Apparently I am told it is even more sensitive in some bands than the latest V1 and that it has a whole load more modern features. I still like my V1, its like a Rolex ha ha

Basically after joining Ron & Patsys group 3 years ago I now never speed on a main arterial route (well never go above say 110-115) and save my hard driving for B roads (which means I now only trave SHW1 when I absolutely have to!).

If you go Passport or Bel look at ex USA - pricing seems attractive - just make sure you can switch bands on and off. I believe a Passport 9500 system with all the bells and whistles installed in NZ is near on 4K from what one of Rons group told me.

Let me know if you get one so I can make sure I drive behind you :-)

KiwiSean

Thanks mate, that gels with what I've been reading. The Escort Passport Max 2 is supposed to be great too but the 9500 seems the kit of choice in NZ. Just not sure if I need the jamming as well. The hard wiring has already been done on the Audi so I might just plug and play a dash solution and see how it goes eh?

nzskater

I'm using the Passport 8500ci Plus. No jamming as I don't think it's worth the investment (anyone feel free to correct me).

GPS warning of red light cameras plus remembering where false positives are located is a huge plus.

Had it go off recently, didn't see the cop for 1 minute, thought it must be a false positive but then noticed flashing lights on my tail. Detector had alerted me to him as I approached; I didn't see him when I passed the on ramp as didn't the SUV that decided to run in front of me at 160+. I watched as the cop overtook me, and saw him ticketing the other guy a few minutes down the road. Success in my books.

I'm really impressed with the range it which it picks up a signal. Often goes off a few corners before I see anything. Well worth the investment. Think I paid about $1500 installed.

Maxem

Dealt to that with a file first. It wasn't deep enough to need any welding or skimming. Lucky I'm not paying myself by the hour.

Macca

Sounds like a good idea. A stand alone unit like Jakes 8500 could be a good compromise. Im not convinced with the jammers myself and dont like all the install work required to make them aesthetically acceptable. Ive only ever had three tickets in the last 20+ years and one of those was a fixed camera (boxing day low traffic volume so feel within the catchment calculation at 61 kmph!) so the GPS fixed camera database could be handy. The other two tickets were over the past 8 years and both at times when I left the V1 at home - so Im personally a big fan of these devices - its paid for itself many times over. These days however IMO its folly to go over 110 on SHW1 unless you have good visibility and engaging in an overtaking manoeuvre...

nzskater

Out of curiosity; how was joining Ron & Patsy a catalyst for no more speeding on SH1? Completely agree btw. There are a few sections that tempt, but I tend to restrain myself on most occasions.

The camera DB is great. It's update-able as well, taking in updates from the other units that have connected back to the central DB (which is only really handy if you remember to update it, just realized I have only updated once).

Macca

They simply taught me I can essentially get between any two NZ towns by virtually eliminating main state highways, enjoying lightly trafficked and almost never policed back roads to get to my destination in similar time (longer overall distance) but having way more fun....:-)

John McM

I have a radar detector and laser jammer in the 996TT and a V1 I swap between the 964 and Turbo 3.6. However I hardly use them now. GPS confirmed my speedos are 7km optimistic so I set the cruise control at 116km/hr and cruise. I do that because a Porsche Turbo is a license loser. The Turbo 3.6 will hit 140km/hr so easily I no longer put myself in that position. That's why I love the track. The most boring part of my driving is to/from HD. There are not many back roads there and it's heavily policed.

RS ZWEI

V1 now has an iPhone app, has anyone played with that?

Ndewar

I have a jammer hard wired and a 9500i and have only seen the jammer go off twice whilst the range of the 9500 is amazing . Never been ticketed and generally don't speed on the SH system. Love the back roads and HD.
I have been warned and saved numbers of times and believe I am a safer driver with the detectors fitted. All comes down to your attitude and choosing your oments and places.
Macca I hear the SPCL have been contacted regarding your lizard taxi exploits.

Macca

Neil. It was all for good cause. Actually it wasnt but thos critters are everywhere here and they have soft bones - Im sure hes still alive in a village somehwere - at home they from form our ceiling (5.4m) and land with a "splat" but run off seconds later with our toothless old Siamese in chase - if she gets them its a fate far worse than flying off a car at 75, first she gives them the gummy bear treatment (a saliva bath) then she flails them with her claws. Cats got smart over the years and when they drop their writhing tails she no longer gets distracted! You probably had them in Rhodesia Im sure. Bloody Gekos. They crap everywhere...

PHG

A one, John
I drive the Hyundai quicker than the PCar most of the time..they are a magnet for cops

peterC2S

From my 2nd favourite thread on Rennlist - I know it looks like a public road but I love this photo

John McM

Pete, a good image for us to take into tomorrow. Looking like another wet one.

Unlike last time, I haven't taken any money up front for BB's track group. Sam or Ralf, if you don't want to come, we'll use the sessions for seat time in BB.

Dave, Chris and I should be up first so rock on up about 10:00 am if you want your BB session.