Should I get a radar detector?

[VRG_135]

Saw a passport radar detector for sale at Costco for 250 bucks. Is that a good price? And/or what might some other good brands and prices be?

[tock172]

I've had a Valentine 1 for years. I wouldn't drive anywhere without at this point. It has easily paid for itself several times over in the form of avoided tickets. I've also taken the time to hardwire it using the kit that's included. It's not cheap at $399, but like I said, I can't imagine not having it at this point.

[Gizmo135i]

I personally have the passport 9500ix... it's very effective. The only windshield mounted ones I would consider are the 9500ix, valentine one, or passport maxx if you have the dough. Not sure which model Costco has on sale, but If your going to spend $250 you might as well spend the extra $150-200 and get one of those three.

[mr.fabulous]

I had a V1 in my E36 (and cars before that) since the V1 first appeared in what must have been the mid-90s (my latest is the 1st gen with laser, quite old at this point). A Passport before that. It saved my ass plenty of times... and not just on the freeway, but also while meandering down some side street and not at break-neck speeds, but maybe 33 in a 25 (I very specifically remember an incident on Mandarin Rd in JAX). 19mos ago when I bought my E82, I decided to leave it out (I still have it, it's in a box in my garage). At my age the speed limit is no longer a problem... but one day I might still get caught napping and then perhaps I'll re-think this... but for now, no V1.

[shawnj]

Originally Posted by tock172

I've had a Valentine 1 for years. I wouldn't drive anywhere without at this point. It has easily paid for itself several times over in the form of avoided tickets. I've also taken the time to hardwire it using the kit that's included. It's not cheap at $399, but like I said, I can't imagine not having it at this point.

I see you're in SD too. Does your V1 actually pick up CHP lasers? I'm on the 5/15/163/805 everyday

[tock172]

Originally Posted by shawnj

I see you're in SD too. Does your V1 actually pick up CHP lasers? I'm on the 5/15/163/805 everyday

I live and work in the area and drive on the same freeways frequently. The V1 is not as effective as it used to be, but I still wouldn't go without it. Of all of those freeways, the 15 is the worst in terms of police. It's not uncommon for my V1 to catch a Ka hit from a CHP intercepter a few miles out on a daily basis. I don't get too many laser hits. Remember that regardless of what detector you go with, laser can only be detected when it's aimed directly at your vehicle. I do my best to avoid the 15, but when I'm on it, I make sure I have my V1 on and Waze running on my iPhone. What color is your 1er? I'll keep an eye out for you.

[shawnj]

Originally Posted by tock172

I live and work in the area and drive on the same freeways frequently. The V1 is not as effective as it used to be, but I still wouldn't go without it. Of all of those freeways, the 15 is the worst in terms of police. It's not uncommon for my V1 to catch a Ka hit from a CHP intercepter a few miles out on a daily basis. I don't get too many laser hits. Remember that regardless of what detector you go with, laser can only be detected when it's aimed directly at your vehicle. I do my best to avoid the 15, but when I'm on it, I make sure I have my V1 on and Waze running on my iPhone. What color is your 1er? I'll keep an eye out for you.

Ok I heard getting an update will help with the falsies too. Thinking about getting one for sure. Waze has saved my ass plenty of time, the V1 would be a nice addition

Black msport/stock wheels

[TheCaptain]

Don't beat around the bush, get a Valentine 1. It takes about 5 minutes to hardwire with a fuse tap.

[1flaguy]

I have had my v1 for more than 10 years and it has paid for itself many times over. Finally I hard wired it into my 1 after having 6 cars before and not wiring.
You will be very satisfied. FYI look on eBay and see how high used ones sell for worth it to just get a new one.

[Mr Rooty Von Tooty]

Yes. I have had Beltronics RX-65s in all of my vehicles, and they have saved me from numerous encounters with the sneaky radar police who hide in bushes, behind trees, and other places of concealment:

http://radar-detectors-review.topten...or-review.html

This is an inexpensive reliable unit that can be picked up for around 100 bucks with a little bit of searching. In one car, the unit has been operating for 10 years without a glitch!

BTW, I use Blendmounts to secure them:

http://www.blendmount.com/

Don't forget to search for a coupon before buying. One sad note if you have a Benz, they don't make a mount due to the weird way Mercedes mounts its rearview mirror.

[Matticus91]

If 90% of my "fun driving" wasn't on VA roads I'd have a V1 in the windshield.

[davis449]

I have a 9500ix. I went so far as to put a hardwire kit on my GF's car so I can just move it. I am about to buy one for her car as well. To your question, I'd say yes, no matter what, but be ware that laser detection is pretty much worthless on detectors of any kind. If you see laster, you're pretty much busted. That said, if you "drive by your detector" you deserve to get nailed.

[VRG_135]

Originally Posted by Gizmo135i

I personally have the passport 9500ix... it's very effective. The only windshield mounted ones I would consider are the 9500ix, valentine one, or passport maxx if you have the dough. Not sure which model Costco has on sale, but If your going to spend $250 you might as well spend the extra $150-200 and get one of those three.

I believe it was the 9500.....

Has anyone had a Whistler or Cobra? Looking at online reviews, they might also be excellent choices. I'm just now enjoying driving my car like I was before I got pulled over. I've always relied on paying attention, but when LE hides on on-ramps and you can't see them at all, I've decided I need help. But I don't know if they use radar or laser. If they use laser, then I don't believe any detector will help.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by VRG_135

I believe it was the 9500.....

Has anyone had a Whistler or Cobra? Looking at online reviews, they might also be excellent choices. I'm just now enjoying driving my car like I was before I got pulled over. I've always relied on paying attention, but when LE hides on on-ramps and you can't see them at all, I've decided I need help. But I don't know if they use radar or laser. If they use laser, then I don't believe any detector will help.

I had a cheapy cobra years ago, worked great on highways for radar, didn't work at all for speed traps/cameras.

[davis449]

Originally Posted by VRG_135

I believe it was the 9500.....

Has anyone had a Whistler or Cobra? Looking at online reviews, they might also be excellent choices.

Go read like every radar detector review\test ever and don't waste your money.

[MZWIE]

Valentine or Passport. Don't bother with anything else.

[Loho]

Originally Posted by VRG_135

I believe it was the 9500.....

Has anyone had a Whistler or Cobra? Looking at online reviews, they might also be excellent choices. I'm just now enjoying driving my car like I was before I got pulled over. I've always relied on paying attention, but when LE hides on on-ramps and you can't see them at all, I've decided I need help. But I don't know if they use radar or laser. If they use laser, then I don't believe any detector will help.

You are correct on that last statement. Only thing a detector is going to do is tell you you're about to get pulled over before their lights even go on.

From my experience, my radar detector I've had for years (Passport 8500) only really helps on rural highways outside of DFW's bigger cities, ie in between Dallas and Houston, between FW and Wichita Falls, etc, where being able to detect the Highway Patrol cars K and Ka band radars a mile away is pretty beneficial.

Inside the city itself I've never seen K or Ka being used that I've picked up. Only seen cars or bikes parked and using the handheld guns that are laser, which outside of a jammer, and/or not speeding, you cant avoid.

[davis449]

Originally Posted by Loho

You are correct on that last statement. Only thing a detector is going to do is tell you you're about to get pulled over before their lights even go on.

From my experience, my radar detector I've had for years (Passport 8500) only really helps on rural highways outside of DFW's bigger cities, ie in between Dallas and Houston, between FW and Wichita Falls, etc, where being able to detect the Highway Patrol cars K and Ka band radars a mile away is pretty beneficial.

Inside the city itself I've never seen K or Ka being used that I've picked up. Only seen cars or bikes parked and using the handheld guns that are laser, which outside of a jammer, and/or not speeding, you cant avoid.

I've seen cops shooting K and Ka band in and all around DFW.

[VRG_135]

The municipality I need to know about is Lewisville. Are they Laser only, or K or KA radar. That's the city where they hide (on 121).

[Josh (PA)]

The GPS filter on the 9500ix and similar is extremely valuable for programming out constant false alarms on your route. I've had both the V1 and 9500ix units and strongly recommend the new features in the Passport. It has paid for itself many times over.

[PA135i]

V1 hardwired here. neat clean appearance and frees up the cig outlet.

[PA135i]

Escort Redline


This is the best for distance. If you frequently do highway trips, the Redline might be your the best choice due to it's extended range ability. It beats all other detectors for distance.

The Valentine 1, IMHO is the best all around detector, it has the arrows which are very useful. And it has great range.

The better detectors are not cheap but they can last a long time and give you very good protection from the "fuzz".