Radar Detectors

[oldwomanc6 60]

Ok, folks, I know there are a few of you who use them.

Me, too. I've had a couple , a Beltronics and an Escort Redline. Both.of which are undetectable to the cops, which is important in the DC Virginia area.

I love my Redline, it's the most sensitive out there. It's saved my behind more than once. The only problem is that the unit has been misbehaving.

It's not the first time.

I've had it almost three years. About a year and a half ago the speaker crapped out and it started telling me that every hit was laser. I sent it back , and they fixed it...

SUPPOSEDLY.

It's doing it again.

Anyway, I'm sending it back, AGAIN.

Believe it or not ,that's not my question. I'm sending it back and they'll fix it or not. I'f they want money, they can keep it.



SO, if I need to buy a new
one, what are your recommendations?

BTW, I'm not looking for the google answer. I could do that myself . I'm looking for those of youwho have real world experience _

lisa
WSCR 594
FB 1023
CBDB 9

[ryoder 1,590]

When Escort made their big splash many years ago, and put all the rest to shame, it was due to their designer: Mike Valentine

Mike eventually left and started his own company: http://www.valentine1.com/

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[Amazon 7]

I do not drive all that fast most of the time but in this local area the departments are very into Revenue Enhancement to the exclusion of actually catching criminals.

I got rid of my old detector when I actually had a lying sack of shit who gave me a ticket and lied about the speed.. basically because he detected my detector.

So.. I bought the ones their detectors can't see. I just want to know when they are around. so I can make sure I am under the limit.

I have one of these in my truck... that I drive infrequently most of the year.

https://www.escortradar.com/passport9500ix/index.php

I have one of these in my Daily driver...http://www.escortradar.com/iq/

I have not been blessed by their unwarranted attentions since.

[ryoder 1,590]

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I do not drive all that fast most of the time but in this local area the departments are very into Revenue Enhancement to the exclusion of actually catching criminals.

I got my first detector (an Escort) many years ago after getting busted by a speed trap thanks to some little hick town in IN that extended their city limits a *mile* out into the countryside so when I got pinged by the cop behind the billboard with nothing but cornfields on both sides, that was "in the city limits".

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[AggieDave 6]

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I do not drive all that fast most of the time but in this local area the departments are very into Revenue Enhancement to the exclusion of actually catching criminals.

I have two jobs, accident reconstruction and traffic enforcement. The first drives the second and I'll tell you from my professional experience that even 5mph can make the difference between a close call, an accident and even someone's life. In 2010 over 32,000 people died in vehicle accidents in the US. That roughly 90 people a day. After spending a few years cutting dead bodies out of cars, you start to see certain trends and I'll tell you that speed kills. I'll also say that I've never been told how many stops I have to make or how many citations I have to write, never once was any sort of quota even hinted at. I can also say that I have no idea what the fine schedule is with the court and I really don't care to know, it has zero bearing on what I do. Road safety has 100% influence on my enforcement actions. I'm not some wet behind the ears rookie, either, I'm faced with the realities that happen on my side of your driver's window. Realities that 99% of the motoring public never see and would rather not see because it is brutal and it happens with a high frequency.

Now I'll also tell you that a radar detector is a complete waste of money if the officer knows how to run their equipment. Visual speed estimation first (which some departments test their officers on to become certified to run radar/lidar) and then verify with electronic means. My favorite is a certain model LIDAR made by Kustom Signals, fast and accurate, if your radar detector even goes off, I've already locked your speed and distance measurements. Since at 1,000ft the diameter of the infared laser is 3ft and I'm not aiming up at your windshield so I can get a good read, most people tell me that their detectors never even went off. Also, it's easy to find my "hiding" spots, look for shade with a clear view of the road. It gets hot on that motorcycle, even in the winter, when you're sitting in the sun, so shade is what I want.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[oldwomanc6 60]

I've heard good things about the Valentine. From your link, I couldn't tell if they are undetectable or not. Do you know?

It's important, considering where I live. I live in MD, but spend a lot of time driving in VA and DC.

lisa
WSCR 594
FB 1023
CBDB 9

[CanuckInUSA 0]

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I'll tell you that speed kills

I hate this expression because speed by itself in a controlled environment does not kill. But there is only so far I am willing to go arguing this point with a traffic cop. LOL ... Speed on unpredictable public roads, when used by people who lack high performance driving knowledge and used by people's who's equipment may not be optimally maintained and/or not brought up to optimal operating temperatures can kill when the drivers are complacent. I would say one important driving skill that can prevent many incidents that the average person does not use, is not looking far enough ahead of them as they drive. More often than not people are only focusing on the traffic immediately in front of them and fail to notice some condition ahead of them until it is too late and they are traveling too fast or react too slow to avoid the incident.

But for those of us who take to the controlled environments of the race tracks, who possess knowledge of how to drive at or near the limit, who's vehicles are well maintain and very importantly who took a few laps to bring our tires and brakes up to their optimal operating temperatures, speed by itself does not kill ... as long as you don't run into any solid objects. But of course we are not talking about race tracks now are we. Radar detectors are simply not needed there.

I actually have a Valentine 1 radar detector that I purchased when I first bought my 911, but I have not used it in years. Ever since I began tracking my car, there was a clear difference in my mind on how I could drive at the limit on the track versus how I should drive well below these limits on the public roads and so far (knock on wood) in the years I've owned my car I have only received one speeding ticket and that was while I was driving my Jeep one morning while I was a little late to work. Carry on

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[oldwomanc6 60]

I like the idea of the Passport IQ. Since it is a GPS, and looks like one instead of an obvious R.D., I can leave it up on the dash when in DC VA.

lisa
WSCR 594
FB 1023
CBDB 9

[FlyingRhenquest 1]

That's just a corollary of the rule that it's not the fall that kills you, it's the sudden stop at the end.

Most drivers really aren't so good at it, here in the USA. There's no real training required to get a license, and just a cursory test to see how you drive. On top of that they pile increasing distractions and vehicles that never get maintenance. I see some stupid shit on the road just about every day.

I've always kind of felt that radar detectors breed some complacency and a false sense of security. If you're paying enough attention to be driving at the speed you're driving, you'll probably see the cop before he sees you anyway. When you're part of the herd, you're much less likely to stand out than when the streets are empty -- I drove back up from water training after midnight through Denver and counted no less than 8 cops on the road. I was already pretty sure I didn't want to be speeding in Denver after midnight. And any other time of day the traffic on the interstate is usually under the posted speed limit anyway.

Of course, I did a lot of marathon driving back when I was younger. My job required me to drive around the back roads of Alabama a lot, with the occasional trip to Atlanta or Mississippi. If you're well over the speed limit on a marathon drive, you're going to get a ticket sooner or later. I kept a CB radio in the car to listen for warnings from truckers, learned to watch what the locals were doing (People who live there know all the tricks) and never used a radar detector. In 20 years of driving, I've had a few tickets, but not enough to count on one hand. Each one came either from not paying attention or learning an important lesson (IE: Stick to the speed limit after midnight.)

I'm trying to teach myself how to set things on fire with my mind. Hey... is it hot in here?

[Amazon 7]

All well and good but I normally blend into the flow of traffic.. not going faster than the rest of the Revenue providers. I want to know when the dickheads are around and drive accordingly in traffic.... buy holding up the flow while someone else gets drives with that flow and gets the attention of Ticket Tommy.

Your department may not have that need but several around here do. In fact.. the next door neighbor is a cop and so was his wife on the same department. It pisses him off greatly that he and his officers on their shift need to raise money to fund the chiefs cool toys.. not actually go after the meth assholes or the burglars or home invader types who buy their wares.

But go ahead and defend that ole blue line... the Sergeant is fed up with it.

[sfzombie 3]

well, i will argue with this cop for you. speed does not kill. not having a decent following distance and not being aware of your surroundings kills. when i drive, i always have a 3 second following distance, unless i creep too close, and i do check it periodically. and i always check all three mirrors every 10-15 seconds. very important to know who is coming up on you in the other lane in case you need to avoid an obstacle. and i text and drive all the time. i have a flip phone and i don't even look at it while texting, just count how many times i hit which button. very safe.

as for the radar detector, why on earth would you want to use one? just leave earlier, set your cruise at 2-3 mph over the limit, sit back and check your mirrors and following distance and enjoy the small fuel savings. and check your tire pressure at least monthly. be safe.

http://kitswv.com

[CanuckInUSA 0]

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and i always check all three mirrors every 10-15 seconds.

Every 10-15 seconds? I am checking my mirrors every 3-5 seconds and look as far ahead as possible and use my peripheral vision to monitor what is close to me. Funny thing though on my way to Oz. While one of my track instructors is a former Formula One race car driver (meaning I have been trained by one of the best), I still make mistakes out there on the road. The only thing (knock on wood) that has saved me to date is that I recognize my mistakes early and take actions ASAP to correcting them. Far too many drivers are complacent with their driving. But the average driver is fine and not someone to worry about. It's the people who think they possess superior skills without actually having any formal training and practical experience who drive faster than they should be driving. It's best to just move over when you encounter these people.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[airtwardo 7]

I am checking my mirrors every 3-5 seconds

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So on a 2 hr drive you're lookin' back 2400 times?

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[CanuckInUSA 0]

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So on a 2 hr drive you're lookin' back 2400 times?

Aren't you? If not, then why not? Was that driving 2 hours in traffic? or driving two hours on a deserted road? Maybe you don't scan 2400 times when you are not in traffic. But when you are in traffic, it's about being aware of the environment around you. If you are aware that 3 seconds ago there was a car in your blind spot and now you still don't see them, well there is a high probability that they are still in that blind spot and you know not to turn where this other car may be.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[blueblur 0]

Great point about experiencing high-performance driving (riding in my case). It slowed my ass WAY down on the street when I was on the bike. Something about "not appropriate in this environment" to be pushing double+ the speed limit. Now that I have a sporty-handling car (3 series), I enjoy the exit ramps and such, but highway speeds stay in the 5-9 over range.

In every man's life he will be allotted one good woman and one good dog. That's all you get, so appreciate them while the time you have with them lasts.

- RiggerLee

[ryoder 1,590]

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as for the radar detector, why on earth would you want to use one? just leave earlier, set your cruise at 2-3 mph over the limit, sit back and check your mirrors and following distance and enjoy the small fuel savings. and check your tire pressure at least monthly. be safe.

For the reason I explained earlier: Local authorities that pull crap with speed limits just for revenue enhancement. If all speed limits were set based on *logic*, (eg 85th percentile rule), I wouldn't need one. Another example:

I-70 passes East/West through the mtns here. It is a 4-lane, divided, limited access highway. The speed limit is 65mph, and in dry weather the traffic flows up to 70mph. And yet, up in the mtns, there is a stretch of several miles where, for no apparent reason, the speed limit drops to 55mph.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[CanuckInUSA 0]

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Now that I have a sporty-handling car (3 series), I enjoy the exit ramps and such, but highway speeds stay in the 5-9 over range.

+993

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[airtwardo 7]

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So on a 2 hr drive you're lookin' back 2400 times?

Aren't you? If not, then why not? Was that driving 2 hours in traffic? or driving two hours on a deserted road? Maybe you don't scan 2400 times when you are not in traffic. But when you are in traffic, it's about being aware of the environment around you. If you are aware that 3 seconds ago there was a car in your blind spot and now you still don't see them, well there is a high probability that they are still in that blind spot and you know not to turn where this other car may be.

I 'drive the mirrors' more than most people I know...every 3 seconds?

Nope...


And in reality... 2400 times in a couple of hours will fatigue most people eyes and effect their concentration beyond the benefit it possibly gains.

I pay attention & anticipate stupidity while driving, a habit anyone a with motorcycle gets into pretty quickly...but if there isn't an obvious reason to keep diverting my attention 20 times a minute...I don't.

I average between 35,000 & 40,000 miles a year behind the wheel these days...more than 1/2 that in unfamiliar cars in foreign countries...Haven't been in a car accident in 35 years, haven't gotten a ticket in over 20.

So far so good!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[Amazon 7]

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as for the radar detector, why on earth would you want to use one? just leave earlier, set your cruise at 2-3 mph over the limit, sit back and check your mirrors and following distance and enjoy the small fuel savings. and check your tire pressure at least monthly. be safe.

For the reason I explained earlier: Local authorities that pull crap with speed limits just for revenue enhancement. If all speed limits were set based on *logic*, (eg 85th percentile rule), I wouldn't need one. Another example:

I-70 passes East/West through the mtns here. It is a 4-lane, divided, limited access highway. The speed limit is 65mph, and in dry weather the traffic flows up to 70mph. And yet, up in the mtns, there is a stretch of several miles where, for no apparent reason, the speed limit drops to 55mph.

+1

I am sure Officer Tackleberry is thinking we are hauling ass... I am talking about 2 or 3 MPH over in 25 to 30 MPH zones... I rarely go more than 5 over .. on the freeway.. Perhaps if passing It might go up to 8 over. basically blending in and flowing with the traffic.


Should I add that the very worst offenders around here...... the local cops ...city and county...do at least 50 or 60 on the 35 MPH county road I live on... but hey... its not as if one of the other blue line will say shit about that no matter if they are in their cruiser... or personal vehicle.

[theonlyski 8]

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Now I'll also tell you that a radar detector is a complete waste of money if the officer knows how to run their equipment.

Ever encounter a person running a LIDAR jammer? What kind of penalty would that tack on a ticket (provided you would be able to reasonably stop them in the first place)?



I've got a BEL something or another, don't really speed much but it does let me have a little more situational awareness and even lets me know when I should let the jackass that's been on my ass in the middle or right lane pass. It's quite entertaining to see someone flip you off and 2 miles later, he's talking to the cop.

"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

[sfzombie 3]

that's why i say 10-15 sec. if you keep a decent eye out, you know where the cars are and there is no need to distract yourself every 3-5 sec. and if you have a good following distance, distraction will not be a problem, checking mirrors is not a distraction, it's smart driving. and it actually keeps you more alert than just looking in front of you. when you just look forward, you actually get blinded to anything else and lose sight of important things, proven facts. they say "keep your head on a swivel", but i prefer to have my mirrors adjusted so that i don't turn my head, just turn my eyes. if everyone used their following distance correctly, you wouldn't see those 100 car pile ups in a fog bank or icy roads.

back on topic, radar detectors are not a bad thing, just risking more money on the fine in that area where they're illegal.

http://kitswv.com

[AggieDave 6]

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Should I add that the very worst offenders around here...... the local cops ...city and county...do at least 50 or 60 on the 35 MPH county road I live on... but hey... its not as if one of the other blue line will say shit about that no matter if they are in their cruiser... or personal vehicle.

You also assume that I tolerate such nonsense in their POV or in a marked unit. I do not and nor do many others.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[ryoder 1,590]

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back on topic, radar detectors are not a bad thing, just risking more money on the fine in that area where they're illegal.

That is only VA & DC.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[AggieDave 6]

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Now I'll also tell you that a radar detector is a complete waste of money if the officer knows how to run their equipment.

Ever encounter a person running a LIDAR jammer? What kind of penalty would that tack on a ticket (provided you would be able to reasonably stop them in the first place)?

No, I haven't encountered any jammers, LIDAR or RADAR. The RADAR jammer isn't legal in Texas, the LIDAR jammers that I've seen on the market don't really convince me that they actually work. As for penalties for a LIDAR jammer, there's not really any penalties for that, but for the RADAR jammers, they have their own offenses and consequences.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[monkycndo 0]

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Should I add that the very worst offenders around here...... the local cops ...city and county...do at least 50 or 60 on the 35 MPH county road I live on... but hey... its not as if one of the other blue line will say shit about that no matter if they are in their cruiser... or personal vehicle.

A high school friend's ex husband was a city cop and had a long drive to get to work. He always hauled ass to get there. He got stopped a good number of times by CHP and would flash his badge to get let off with "professional courtesy". Well, the second time he got nailed by the same officer was a wake up call. The CHP told him he just got an official warning and if he was caught again, his duty sergeant would be getting a call to be alerted that this guy had been warned several times about his driving. Let's say that had the desired change in habits. He no longer drove like an idiot. **golf clap**

I have a lot of respect for LEOs. The one's that do there job well have to put up with the shit that is caused by the ones that consider their job a pass for being assholes or above the laws they are charged to enforce. I believe the bad apples are a small percentage compared to the regular ones that do there jobs without the power trip mentality.

And no AD, I am not sucking up to you. I never drive in your neck of the woods so don't need a "get out of jail free" card.

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