Radar Detector Opinions

[Mtnman]

I need a radar detector. I would like to know some of your opinions on them. I do NOT want to spend $400+ on one (so basically, no Valentine 1)
I do not mind if it is used, and most likely it will be.
I prefer to discreet mount, or at least wireless or hardwire capability.
I am in North Carolina (they are legal, and normally police dont even have laser technology in car)

What do most of you use, and what would you reccomend?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

You should be able to find a nice, used V1 for about $300.

V1 is all I've ever known. I have not had a speeding ticket since I started using the V1 (ten years ago). Mine are hardwired.

[az3579]

Honestly, it doesn't matter what you use because you can't defend against laser unless you get a jammer. Heck, I've heard reports of even some jammers getting punctured by the laser.
More and more states are using laser if I'm not mistaken. That means the hundreds you spent on a detector goes out the window the second you get hit with instant-on.

Why don't you just... I dunno, slow down perhaps? :p

[Alphatek45]

Passport 8500 X50 (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=SX71HVGMNEk&offerid=178853.10000005&type=4&subid=0)

Very happy with it. Direct wired. Can buy em all day @ $150.00 on ebay (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%2F%3F_from%3DR40%2 6_trksid%3Dp5197.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3DPassport%2B85 00%2BX50%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories). (used good shape)



http://s1177.photobucket.com/albums/x356/Alphatek45/?action=view&current=00846bfb.mp4

I don't really have one so I can speed. I have one so I don't have to stare at my speedometer trying to avoid a $600.00 "super speeder" ticket when passing someone or whatever. Helps for long highway runs as well...its easy to let the car get away from you.

I have been looking into V1 for the ZHP so I can use this one in a different vehicle.

[nk_zhp]

+1 on AZ's post. Passive radar scanning is getting less and less popular by day so might want to invest into a laser jammer.

[MasterC17]

A radar detector, in my opinion is an absolute must if you drive "spirited". It would probably be unnecessary for your mom or wife's X5. You can buy refurbished Valentine 1's directly from Valentine for $350 if you ask - be warned they may say they don't have any even if they do. I have an integrated Beltronics RX-75 Pro and love it. It does both Radar and Laser (w/ Jammer). It's saved me a couple times so far. If you do get hit with Instant-On you're screwed, but many of your "town cops" don't have or won't use instant-on. Personally, I wouldn't drive my car around without a radar detector, it's an extra peace of mind that I enjoy. For me I really like the full integration my Radar Detector offers, but it's also more expensive than a V1. For the money, the V1 is definitely the best radar detector you can get and can also be hardwired. Let us know what you go with :)

[Marcus-SanDiego]

In California, 95% of the hits I get are from CHP using radar -- not laser. As a result, the V1 is a must here. In areas where there can be laser -- or should be laser -- I simply do not speed.

[Jon D]

In California, 95% of the hits I get are from CHP using radar -- not laser. As a result, the V1 is a must here. In areas where there can be laser -- or should be laser -- I simply do not speed.

Pretty much my experience as well in FL. V1 for me as well.

[mimalmo]

Does CA still have that law that prohibits speed traps?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Yes. But there are lots of exceptions.

http://law.onecle.com/california/vehicle/40803.html

[gr330zhp]

I have a K40 and love it! It has saved me on numerous occasions from quite a distance

But if I were gonna do it over I would buy a Valentine 1.

[Mtnman]

i just went to k40 site. Do you remember a ballpark price? They dont list it.

[romanred62]

i just went to k40 site. Do you remember a ballpark price? They dont list it.

k40 = $1600 - 1800 at the place i got my tint done

[gr330zhp]

I paid roughly $350 if I remember right. I have lots of family in NJ, and while visiting one weekend I bought it from a tuner shop on Rt. 46. NJ guys know haha

[romanred62]

I paid roughly $350 if I remember right. I have lots of family in NJ, and while visiting one weekend I bought it from a tuner shop on Rt. 46. NJ guys know haha

$340 for a k40 setup?! :jawdrop sounds like i need to take a road trip to NJ

[gr330zhp]

Mine is not built in to the front plate...It is dash mounted much like a V1 or Escort. But uses similar technologies as the built in one. My parents just received delivery of a 2011 S4, and one of the dealer options was to get a K40 built in for $900.

[romanred62]

Oh ok. I was about to say. My dad paid around $1200 to have one installed in his Nisan Titan 6 or 7 years ago.

[gr330zhp]

Oh ok. I was about to say. My dad paid around $1200 to have one installed in his Nisan Titan 6 or 7 years ago.

Yeah....I always said I would do that someday, but with the dash mount, I can use it in any car, and knock on wood, it has worked great for the 2 years I have owned it...

[romanred62]

Yeah....I always said I would do that someday, but with the dash mount, I can use it in any car, and knock on wood, it has worked great for the 2 years I have owned it...

I wanted an installed k40 but ended up settling for a Passport RedLine as a Christmas present.

[gr330zhp]

I wanted an installed k40 but ended up settling for a Passport RedLine as a Christmas present.

Very good choice!

[Mtnman]

K40 Radar Detector RD650VG-2. X/K/KA Superwide Radar Decector with Laser Detection Front and Rear & VG-2 Shield. I have car charger, suction cups, and owner manual. Email or call with any questions.

found this on craigslist. Is this what you have? he wants 50 bucks.......http://images.craigslist.org/3ne3m13lc5T55W65P6b148c9f85fa61ae1220.jpg

[gr330zhp]

Umm yeah actually it looks very similar!

Damn only $50 bucks now, I wonder why so little??

[ZSP-Mafia]

Im thinking about getting this (http://cobrairadar.com/) one

[az3579]

Umm yeah actually it looks very similar!

Damn only $50 bucks now, I wonder why so little??

Old technology.

[M0nk3y]

If I were you, avoid K40.

Escort or Valentine are you only bets. Search around...I picked up my 8500x50 for $130 on bimmerforums. You gotta be looking everyday though, they disappear quickly once they are listed.

Ebay I don't trust for buying Escorts...because every 2 years or so they need to get serviced..So you can get an Escort 8500x50, plug it in, and it may read service required. It cost $60 to get re-programmed. I just sent mine in and got it back, takes a couple of days.

K40 isn't a good jammer to get, they get punctured through everyday easily at 700ft +

If someone wants a jammer, look into Laser Interceptor and Binder. And for the record, local PD uses Q/T and POP alot

[Mike V]

I also have an 8500 X50 that I picked up from a friend for $200 two years ago. As others have mentioned, $150 is the going rate these days. This thing has amazing range. I've picked up police shooting instant-on to other cars as far as 5 miles away. That was in a very flat area (northwest MN) but around here where it's a little bit hilly, I usually pick them up 2-3 miles out. I also like the button on the power cord to silence it when you want to.

I don't usually go higher than 8 over on interstates (unless someone passes) but I was caught by laser at 85 in a 70 trying to get around a *&%$ing left laner. The irony of that is I had just told a friend a couple days earlier that the only time I get a laser hit on that detector is if the flightline maintainers were doing B-2 radar tests as I was on my way home. I haven't really used the detector much since then and realized I need a 9500Ci. After seeing the price ($1599), I decided that I just need to set the cruise at 8 over and leave it there and try to have more patience with left laners. :)

I was primarily using detectors to follow people who go 15+ over the limit. It used to be very effective to hang back behind someone hauling ass so that you'd pick up the instant-on and the other guy gets pulled over. With laser becoming more widely used, this method is no longer works too well.

[M0nk3y]

Don't get the 9500ci, their laser heads are well....junk.

Keep your 8500x50 and invest into Binder or Laser Interceptor Jammers, should be around $600 IIRC.

In Ohio, only State Troopers are using LIDAR. Of course, it's pretty easy to see if they are using or not, they are stationary. Radar Detectors are still good b/c police can still run A/O or Q/T while moving