Radar detector

135ilust · 09-03-2014, 03:07 AM

Anyone here know of any good radar detectors????

edisapimp · 09-03-2014, 02:45 PM

They don't like this here.

MuNkY6913 · 09-03-2014, 04:40 PM

I made a DIY on mine a few years ago. Love it so far. Already paid for itself in tickets I've avoided. As long as you use it as a tool and not a guarantee. Only problem I had is the speaker blew this year so now it sounds like it's under water. Still works.

Whistler 98SE Pro Hardwire Install http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=763421

Kosta135i · 09-03-2014, 04:56 PM

I enjoy my valentine one, pretty easy to tuck the wire if you don't want to hardwire

JimD · 09-03-2014, 05:15 PM

The debate is between the valentine one and various escorts. The valentine one will give you and arrow indicating the direction of the officer. No escort does this. Some Escorts, on the other hand, have equivalent range (this is sometimes debated but Radar Roy tested them and claims this but not for all escorts, only the best ones) and do filtering to reduce false alarms. There are more models.

I just set my cruise a few mph over and don't bother. So I'm not trying to convince you one way or another. If you want to be fully protected you also need a laser jammer. That can be a separate device but the top end escort integrates the two devices.

Even the best of everything won't protect you from an officer in a plane timing you between marks on the road.

RoundelM3 · 09-04-2014, 08:07 AM

I've used BEL detectors for years...currently have a 995i. Dependable, accurate, not expensive. I like to know when I'm being observed/blasted with microwaves. Here in NC, you lose your license if you're ticketed for 75mph or higher, so there's a great incentive to keep your speed down. Around town, it reminds you to look at your speed and see whether you're exceeding the posted limit (which my GPS also displays).

stangman · 09-04-2014, 09:44 AM

Here in NC, you lose your license if you're ticketed for 75mph or higher,....

Here in Michigan you get run over if you're only going 75. Might as well just drive a Prius.

CAVU · 09-04-2014, 11:30 AM

I ended up with an Escort Passport Max. Capability is great, but the display is impossible to see and just about worthless to me. I rely on the audio alerts. Not sure it has actually saved me a ticket, but the situational awareness of knowing LEOs are in the area allows me to check my speed and generally behave myself, which is important with no front plate, tinted windows and loud exhaust. JimD is correct, detectors and countermeasures are part of a strategy of ticket avoidance, they won't by themselves protect you from getting a ticket.

DSSG · 09-04-2014, 12:31 PM

My Beltronics RX65 works great plus it came in a nice metal case!

gemini.m3 · 09-04-2014, 12:37 PM

I bought the PASSPORT MAX, then did some research and decided on the Redline. There were some tests done on a few websites that showed the Redline had nearly 3x the range of the MAX, not nearly the same filtering ability but you can make up for that with Escort Live.

Best setup IMO is Redline and Escort Live

Bigiggs · 09-04-2014, 01:13 PM

Radar detectors are pretty much useless in the DC area. Every cop I see monitoring speed does so with laser and not radar. Pretty much makes owning a detector questionable. On top of that, they are illegal in VA and DC, so unless you live in MD and have cops that actually shoot radar will you be able to make use of a radar detector is the conclusion I have arrived at.

Billup · 09-04-2014, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

I've used BEL detectors for years...currently have a 995i. Dependable, accurate, not expensive. I like to know when I'm being observed/blasted with microwaves. Here in NC, you lose your license if you're ticketed for 75mph or higher, so there's a great incentive to keep your speed down. Around town, it reminds you to look at your speed and see whether you're exceeding the posted limit (which my GPS also displays).

I just moved here and didn't know that. I'm actually kind of shocked, because on my way home down I-40, everyone is going 80mph at minimum, and the speed limit is only 65.

patricksr · 09-04-2014, 04:42 PM

I think Escort 9500ix is still the best Escort radar detector in that is has close to the range of the Redline but without all the false signals since it has GPS filtering. I wanted Passport Max to be the best to give me an excuse to buy a new RD but the reviews have been very mixed.

darkrom · 09-04-2014, 05:40 PM

V1 hardwired. I've picked up on cops LASERING cars a few cars in front of me. Verified with the help of cop friends. Saved me for many years now.

hatepotholez · 09-04-2014, 07:30 PM

Valentine1 for sure, saved my behind a few times. I never leave home without it, seriously.

Also I recently sent mine in for a tune up and cosmetic refresh and it looks brand new.

brusk · 09-04-2014, 07:38 PM

Depends on where you drive and what bands your worried about. There is radar literally almost everywhere. V1 is great for highway, I only run Laser and Ka as the rest are constantly going off. If your worried about city or other bands get a GPS based Escort that won't alarm on the millions of known spots and that can automatically track when it goes past the same ones.

Using Waze and paying attention to the traffic will probably save you more times that a radar detector.

Overpar56 · 09-05-2014, 06:43 AM

I have an Escort 8500 X50. It's OK but Escort Live saved me a few tickets already. Escort Live works well if others are around you logging incidents, which means major highways.

One thing I heard secondhand from my tire installer, who does maintenance for OHio State Patrol, is here in OH cops hit the front license plate with laser. It's a nice flat surface. It beats trying to hit a headlight since the return could scatter. I haven't run a front plate for years and since we're surrounded by 1-plate states, cops normally don't bug me.

e36addict · 09-05-2014, 07:31 AM

I know there are better ones out there now, but I stick with the V1 because i'm so used to the arrows. It's saved me many many many times over the years.. I feel naked without it

RoundelM3 · 09-05-2014, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billup

I just moved here and didn't know that. I'm actually kind of shocked, because on my way home down I-40, everyone is going 80mph at minimum, and the speed limit is only 65.

I just moved here too, and studied for the driver's license test that I ended up not having to take. It is the law in NC - but, like you, my observation is that most people ignore the posted limits. I live right off Rte. 17 in Leland, and heading down towards the beaches, people are driving 70 in 55 zones. Go figure!

Billup · 09-05-2014, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

I just moved here too, and studied for the driver's license test that I ended up not having to take. It is the law in NC - but, like you, my observation is that most people ignore the posted limits. I live right off Rte. 17 in Leland, and heading down towards the beaches, people are driving 70 in 55 zones. Go figure!

Yeah, I read the book thinking I needed to take the test too, apparently I didn't read all of it. LOL.

Yeah I-40 by me is like Daytona 500, everyone is going 80+, so I just wedge myself between two cars and cruise along. I figure they can't possibly pull ALL of us over for speeding.

Where abouts is Leland? I'm in RDU.

Also, pertinent to the thread, I've been using a Valentine for some time now and it hasn't let me down once. I had an Escort before that seemed to work pretty well too, but I never really thought about it enough to compare the two. Both have been accurate for me.

RoundelM3 · 09-05-2014, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billup

Yeah, I read the book thinking I needed to take the test too, apparently I didn't read all of it. LOL.

Yeah I-40 by me is like Daytona 500, everyone is going 80+, so I just wedge myself between two cars and cruise along. I figure they can't possibly pull ALL of us over for speeding.

Where abouts is Leland? I'm in RDU.

Also, pertinent to the thread, I've been using a Valentine for some time now and it hasn't let me down once. I had an Escort before that seemed to work pretty well too, but I never really thought about it enough to compare the two. Both have been accurate for me.

Leland is the first town you come to when driving south on Rte. 17 coming out of Wilmington. Even the "freeways" around Wilmington are the same way - although I see more police/State Troopers along 17 than around the Wilmington freeways. Always good to be aware when speed measurement is taking place around you. I also try not to be the "lead dog" whenever I'm out on the road.

Funny story - last year when my wife and I came to Leland when we were looking to relocate from TX, our rental car was a dark gray Dodge Charger. I kept wondering why people seemed to move out of our way or not pass us even when we were keeping to the speed limit. They'd also slow down as we approached. Then I spotted a State Trooper in essentially the same car (unmarked, same color). Reminded me of my days in Law Enforcement years ago. Oh - one other thing: yes, they CAN pull all of you over, or choose one or more of the group. Just because you're in a group doesn't mean you're not breaking the law. Guess how I know that?

Billup · 09-05-2014, 11:22 AM

Okay, so you're out near the coast then, cool stuff! Maybe next time I take a ride out there on my cycle or in the 1er we can meet up for a drink or something.

Yeah, I have to admit, any time I see a charger, I get leery myself and slow down, until I can see the plate or driver that is!

09-03-2014, 03:07 AM	#1
135ilust Enlisted Member 11 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Radar detector Anyone here know of any good radar detectors???? Last edited by 135ilust; 09-03-2014 at 04:14 PM.. Reason: Grammar
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09-03-2014, 02:45 PM	#2
edisapimp Civil Rights Activist 115 Rep 949 Posts Drives: E46 Sedan, E88 Vert Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Long Island iTrader: (0)	They don't like this here. __________________ E88 Crimson Red Vert MSport 6MT - Listing your mods in your signature is lame. BMS DCI/MHD E30 Flash!!/AA Sport FMIC/VRSF CP w Tial BOV/VRSF 3" DPs/550i clutch w SPEC SMFW/Apex EC-7s/Whiteline RSFB/E92 M3 FCAs/Bilstein B12 Pro Kit/VRSF inlets
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09-03-2014, 04:40 PM	#3
MuNkY6913 The Crowing 111 Rep 2,005 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: State College, PA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 135i [8.00]	I made a DIY on mine a few years ago. Love it so far. Already paid for itself in tickets I've avoided. As long as you use it as a tool and not a guarantee. Only problem I had is the speaker blew this year so now it sounds like it's under water. Still works. Whistler 98SE Pro Hardwire Install http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=763421 __________________ 2009 135i : BMS JB4 G5 ISO,CXRacing FMIC Kit,Injen Cold Air Intake,Evolution Raceworks Charge Pipe,Walboro Inline Fuel Pump, E85 BMS Backend Flash w/ 60% E85,BMS Meth injection (trunkmount),BMS dual meth nozzles,Spec stage 2+ clutch w/ steel SWFW,BMS Catless Downpipes,Berk Tech Race Axleback
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09-03-2014, 04:56 PM	#4
Kosta135i Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 202 Posts Drives: Black sapphire 135i 2008. Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (1)	I enjoy my valentine one, pretty easy to tuck the wire if you don't want to hardwire __________________ [B][COLOR="Red"]Vrsf 3'' Dps~Vrsf 7'' FMIC~AA Gen 2 Exhaust ~BMS DCI ~VRSF CP with Tial BOV~Cobb V3 With Custom PTF E40 stg2+ Tune
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09-03-2014, 05:15 PM	#5
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	The debate is between the valentine one and various escorts. The valentine one will give you and arrow indicating the direction of the officer. No escort does this. Some Escorts, on the other hand, have equivalent range (this is sometimes debated but Radar Roy tested them and claims this but not for all escorts, only the best ones) and do filtering to reduce false alarms. There are more models. I just set my cruise a few mph over and don't bother. So I'm not trying to convince you one way or another. If you want to be fully protected you also need a laser jammer. That can be a separate device but the top end escort integrates the two devices. Even the best of everything won't protect you from an officer in a plane timing you between marks on the road. __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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09-04-2014, 08:07 AM	#6
RoundelM3 Major General 1833 Rep 6,987 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wendell, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	I've used BEL detectors for years...currently have a 995i. Dependable, accurate, not expensive. I like to know when I'm being observed/blasted with microwaves. Here in NC, you lose your license if you're ticketed for 75mph or higher, so there's a great incentive to keep your speed down. Around town, it reminds you to look at your speed and see whether you're exceeding the posted limit (which my GPS also displays). __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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09-04-2014, 09:44 AM	#7
stangman Private 8 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: SE Michigan iTrader: (0)	Here in NC, you lose your license if you're ticketed for 75mph or higher,.... Here in Michigan you get run over if you're only going 75. Might as well just drive a Prius.
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09-04-2014, 11:30 AM	#8
CAVU Captain 151 Rep 929 Posts Drives: '16 F87 M2 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	I ended up with an Escort Passport Max. Capability is great, but the display is impossible to see and just about worthless to me. I rely on the audio alerts. Not sure it has actually saved me a ticket, but the situational awareness of knowing LEOs are in the area allows me to check my speed and generally behave myself, which is important with no front plate, tinted windows and loud exhaust. JimD is correct, detectors and countermeasures are part of a strategy of ticket avoidance, they won't by themselves protect you from getting a ticket. __________________ *F87 '16 M2 ...* Mineral Grey, 6MT, Exec, MPE Gone: E82 '13 135is 475/586 ... Mineral Grey / Oyster, DCT, Premium, Tech, HK, Michelin PSS, BMW Performance Suspension
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09-04-2014, 12:31 PM	#9
DSSG Banned 8 Rep 195 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 135i M Sport Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (0)	My Beltronics RX65 works great plus it came in a nice metal case!
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09-04-2014, 12:37 PM	#10
gemini.m3 Major 1496 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 xDrive comp Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (8)	I bought the PASSPORT MAX, then did some research and decided on the Redline. There were some tests done on a few websites that showed the Redline had nearly 3x the range of the MAX, not nearly the same filtering ability but you can make up for that with Escort Live. Best setup IMO is Redline and Escort Live
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09-04-2014, 01:13 PM	#11
Bigiggs Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 281 Posts Drives: 135is Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: MD/DC/VA iTrader: (0)	Radar detectors are pretty much useless in the DC area. Every cop I see monitoring speed does so with laser and not radar. Pretty much makes owning a detector questionable. On top of that, they are illegal in VA and DC, so unless you live in MD and have cops that actually shoot radar will you be able to make use of a radar detector is the conclusion I have arrived at.
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09-04-2014, 04:42 PM	#13
patricksr Enlisted Member 3 Rep 39 Posts Drives: BMW M2 Comp Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: N. CA. iTrader: (0)	I think Escort 9500ix is still the best Escort radar detector in that is has close to the range of the Redline but without all the false signals since it has GPS filtering. I wanted Passport Max to be the best to give me an excuse to buy a new RD but the reviews have been very mixed.
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09-04-2014, 05:40 PM	#14
darkrom Colonel 188 Rep 2,224 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (5)	V1 hardwired. I've picked up on cops LASERING cars a few cars in front of me. Verified with the help of cop friends. Saved me for many years now.
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09-04-2014, 07:30 PM	#15
hatepotholez Major 293 Rep 1,015 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NYC, NY iTrader: (1)	Valentine1 for sure, saved my behind a few times. I never leave home without it, seriously. Also I recently sent mine in for a tune up and cosmetic refresh and it looks brand new.
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09-04-2014, 07:38 PM	#16
brusk Lieutenant 33 Rep 578 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Cleveland, TN iTrader: (1)	Depends on where you drive and what bands your worried about. There is radar literally almost everywhere. V1 is great for highway, I only run Laser and Ka as the rest are constantly going off. If your worried about city or other bands get a GPS based Escort that won't alarm on the millions of known spots and that can automatically track when it goes past the same ones. Using Waze and paying attention to the traffic will probably save you more times that a radar detector. __________________ 2008 135i - MHD/JB4, MS DP's, AMS IC, UI CAI, CDV delete, M3 control arms/Links, RE Toe Link, ECS Trailing Arm, M3 rear SF & Trans bushings, SS brake lines, Michelin PSS.
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09-05-2014, 06:43 AM	#17
Overpar56 Proud AARP member in good standing 28 Rep 635 Posts Drives: Me nuts Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Skyline, Chile iTrader: (0)	I have an Escort 8500 X50. It's OK but Escort Live saved me a few tickets already. Escort Live works well if others are around you logging incidents, which means major highways. One thing I heard secondhand from my tire installer, who does maintenance for OHio State Patrol, is here in OH cops hit the front license plate with laser. It's a nice flat surface. It beats trying to hit a headlight since the return could scatter. I haven't run a front plate for years and since we're surrounded by 1-plate states, cops normally don't bug me. __________________ 2012 135i DCT, Lemans Blue/black leather, PPK1, PE, Stoptech Sport rotors and Sport pads, unhealthy crackles and burbles and an aging demonic driver.
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09-05-2014, 07:31 AM	#18
e36addict Captain 137 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 35iX Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Tim @ BMW of Dallas iTrader: (5)	I know there are better ones out there now, but I stick with the V1 because i'm so used to the arrows. It's saved me many many many times over the years.. I feel naked without it __________________ 13 X1 35iX, 98 Z3 2.8, 01 M Coupe, 96 Z3 1.9 DASC, 95 318ti, 13 smart fortwo
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09-05-2014, 11:22 AM	#22
Billup Banned 472 Rep 928 Posts Drives: Your mum crazy. Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Baconopolos Island iTrader: (0)	Okay, so you're out near the coast then, cool stuff! Maybe next time I take a ride out there on my cycle or in the 1er we can meet up for a drink or something. Yeah, I have to admit, any time I see a charger, I get leery myself and slow down, until I can see the plate or driver that is!
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