Which radar Detector do you have?

[ItsOnVoy]

Hey guys, so I have been looking at some radar detectors and it seems like the top rated ones are the valentine V1 or the passport 9500ix and I am stuck between them. The valentine has arrows which tells you where it is coming from but it sucks because of the false alarms it gives. The 9500ix does not have arrows but does have a gps which knows the false alarms after a bit and locks it out. To me those false alarms that it locks out, wont it not tell me if a cop hides there with the same frequency or band? Just wondering what you guys on GMT have and how good they are? I am looking to save up for one just to have it as a little back up when I drive to be that much more careful. A nice heads up really. Also where do you guys mount them? Pictures would be cool also

Or are they not even worth the money in the end?

 

[gotspeed1]

I had a Cobra in my Z28 that replaced the Whistler that the car came with. I got two speeding tickets with that one. Both were do to a cop turning his radar on at the crest of a hill. In one instance the cop came to my window and said "Well that didn't help you now, did it?". After about a year, the Cobra crapped out from being mounted to the dash and having consistent sunlight hitting it. I switched back to the Whistler, which came with me after the Camaro was traded in. It currently sits on the dash of the TB, six years later, and works like a charm. On a side note, there is no need for one if you drive sensibly. Most officers will let you slide with five extra, some a little more. In my opinion, any more than that is overkill.

 

[cody_s]

With most of the cops around here switching to laser, it doesn't even matter anymore. "Laser alert" means go ahead and pull over if you're speeding, cause they've already for you.

 

[ksimm92]

I have a esscort passport 8500 x50, Ive had it for over 2 years. it has its share of false alarms like pretty much every detector, i got it because i didnt really want one with a gps built in and because from what i read at the time it had really good range. most of the cops in my area use ka band, which is the hardest to detect, it sometimes picks it up 1/2 mile + down the road (of course no obstructions like hills ect.). I think i paid around 225 when i bought it, but it has gone down since then.

my personal opinion is that the ones with the gps are not worth the money, and no matter what detector you get it can only help you so much. especially with most of the state police on the highways using laser now. I have a CB and a scanner, i find my CB to be MUCH more effective at finding where the speed traps are on the highway (truckers will say over the cb EXACTLY where they are sitting). the only time i really find my radar detector to be somewhat effective is off the highway.


to answer your question about the gps false alarm canceling thing, yes basically the detector will turn off what ever band (x,k,ka ect.) is giving the false alarm for a preset distance... if there so happens to be a cop using that band in that area after the detector already knows to not go off, then no it will not alert you.

 

[Matt]

Which radar Detector do you have?

Cruise control set to 5mph over or or my right foot...but then again, I'm old and get my speed kicks on a racetrack.

 

[Boricua SS]

I'm old and get my speed kicks on a racetrack.

Hmmmm.. maybe I should start taking that approach ... learned my lesson..... for now

 

[Matt]

Hmmmm.. maybe I should start taking that approach ... learned my lesson..... for now

 

[ItsOnVoy]

I just want one as a nice little back up for when I like to put full throttle in my truck lol I'm not an asshole or a crazy speeder when I drive. Just have my moments to make the horseys run faster at times is all

I am still debating on what to get...many other forums say the 9500ix but some say the v1...both have ups and downs I think it goes down to where you drive often and all and if you want that v1 always ringing due to false or have the gps on the 9500ix remember that spot and not ring. I believe most cops no a days (not all) use K band and those false are usually a x band so I do not think if a cop does happen to hide by a store it will not pick them up. would be really rare from what I have read at least.

I have a esscort passport 8500 x50, Ive had it for over 2 years. it has its share of false alarms like pretty much every detector, i got it because i didnt really want one with a gps built in and because from what i read at the time it had really good range. most of the cops in my area use ka band, which is the hardest to detect, it sometimes picks it up 1/2 mile + down the road (of course no obstructions like hills ect.). I think i paid around 225 when i bought it, but it has gone down since then.

my personal opinion is that the ones with the gps are not worth the money, and no matter what detector you get it can only help you so much. especially with most of the state police on the highways using laser now. I have a CB and a scanner, i find my CB to be MUCH more effective at finding where the speed traps are on the highway (truckers will say over the cb EXACTLY where they are sitting). the only time i really find my radar detector to be somewhat effective is off the highway.


to answer your question about the gps false alarm canceling thing, yes basically the detector will turn off what ever band (x,k,ka ect.) is giving the false alarm for a preset distance... if there so happens to be a cop using that band in that area after the detector already knows to not go off, then no it will not alert you.

Do you happen to have the black one or the silver one? I read that the black one was much more upgraded then the silver one and is going to perform better. What is a CB? I also do drive a lot off the highways...only highway I personally take is the local ones not the interstates where the big boys play lol

my day to day is driving to school and work and I learned the spots cops hide and never went wrong with them yet either. So over all would it even be worth getting one? I am also personally thinking of saving that money till my new car and getting it when the car is faster also

 

[deekster_caddy]

What is a CB?

Short range "Citizens Band" radio. Most used by truckers on channel 14 or 19.

here's a start:
Citizens Band radio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I never had a need for one. Common sense is cheaper. But i think scooterscott on here has a Valentine for sale

 

[Uncle Blazer]

my Cobra has always done pretty well. Got a couple tickets early on with it before i knew how they actually worked. Once someone explained it using the "Flashlight Principle" i was able to adjust my driving accordingly. Now I just dont drive like a bat out of hell.

 

[tblazerdude]

Beltronics and Valentine usually get the best reviews. Passport use to be garbage, but since they came out with the 8500 series their quality has greatly improved. I bought the Beltronics RX65 (their best model at the time of purchase, competing with the 8500 and the V1) It lasted 3 years, and then the antenna fell out of sync, so I had to send it to beltronics for a $65 refurbishment. I think they just sent me a "new" one. Any of these companies is where you need to start if your serious about speeding. $300 is nothing compared to $1500 in lawyers fees to get your license back, and a $300 reckless driving ticket. Here in Illinois, They can charge you with reckless driving for 20 MPH over the limit. Avoid cobra, early warning, etc.

 

[ItsOnVoy]

Beltronics and Valentine usually get the best reviews. Passport use to be garbage, but since they came out with the 8500 series their quality has greatly improved. I bought the Beltronics RX65 (their best model at the time of purchase, competing with the 8500 and the V1) It lasted 3 years, and then the antenna fell out of sync, so I had to send it to beltronics for a $65 refurbishment. I think they just sent me a "new" one. Any of these companies is where you need to start if your serious about speeding. $300 is nothing compared to $1500 in lawyers fees to get your license back, and a $300 reckless driving ticket. Here in Illinois, They can charge you with reckless driving for 20 MPH over the limit. Avoid cobra, early warning, etc.

I know my uncle has a beltronics and he said it works great and saved him many times. Which model he has no idea. I will not go with cobras and stuff I rather spend the money and get a good one, seems like the other brands are good but not great and always on the dot

But I will look into that brand...I have been strongly looking at the 9500ix for all the features it has to offer but then again the v1 is still a great brand. I personally feel like its a test drive kind of thing to see what its good. I know that bestbuy sells the 9500ix and they allow returns in 30 days even with open items so that could be a good way to give that item a shot.

 

[The_Roadie]

...saved him many times. ...

I suppose keeping away from the speeds that you need to be "saved" from law enforcement is out of the question?

 

[ItsOnVoy]

I suppose keeping away from the speeds that you need to be "saved" from law enforcement is out of the question?

Everyone or if not many speed! Either by accident driving with traffic or on purpose to get through traffic. So saved him as in he had an idea there was a cop up ahead and slowed down so he doesn't get hit. I'm sure many get pulled over because they are not paying attention while there speed get higher driving with traffic and there you go your pulled over now.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I hardly ever speed. If I do, I have a damned good reason and the cop can follow me to the destination because it is likely an event he would be useful at.

 

[strat81]

I used to have a Uniden. Ditched it after getting bit with instant-on. Fuel economy sucks already in these rigs, so I just slow it down now.


The serious speeders I know run V1s.

 

[tblazerdude]

I suppose keeping away from the speeds that you need to be "saved" from law enforcement is out of the question?

The highway speed limits here around the chicagoland area are 55mph. everyone does 75, or more. Quite often more. I'd just like a line of defense in case I'm the fish the trooper catches. Excessive speeding is not my game, but saving my own ass is.

 

[ItsOnVoy]

The highway speed limits here around the chicagoland area are 55mph. everyone does 75, or more. Quite often more. I'd just like a line of defense in case I'm the fish the trooper catches. Excessive speeding is not my game, but saving my own ass is.

its like the android your talking about in the other thread Bill, do you really need everything it gives you? no just nice to have to use when you do! That radar is nice to have as a back up pretty much.

 

[The_Roadie]

The Android versus iPhone thread at least is about a choice between products that are both used legitimately.

Radar detectors, used to "remind" a driver that they may have "inadvertently" lost track of their speed and crept up to one that "might" be about to call the attention of law enforcement, who might then issue an "unfair" citation for their "accidental and oh-so-temporary" transgression, can (winky-wink) be rationalized as a safety-related product. Right.....

Discussion of radar detectors used to speed past posted limits and evade the consequences of ones deliberate choices are a violation of a site rule in the same way we shut down discussions of street racing. That's a forum rule we were strict about at trailvoy, and it's been brought over here for the owner's peace of mind. Threads like this skirt the edge of that rule and this is a reminder to please stay back from the edge.

I imagine they're looser on such discussions on the kid ricer forums.

 

[Answer069]

My GF and I both have higher end Cobra's in our commuters and they usually give us about 1/4 mi. warning if the cops here are using their radar or if they just have it on. yes they do give a lot of miscellaneous falses but there are many times that they go off and we start looking around and all of a sudden a cop passes or goes by in the opposite lane of traffic. actually the one in my car saved me from a ticket about 3 weeks ago. Stupid Trooper had his radar on. lol

 

[The_Roadie]

The curmudgeon in me LOVES false alarms. Gets you guys jumpy, alert, and slows ya down to boot.

 

[ItsOnVoy]

The curmudgeon in me LOVES false alarms. Gets you guys jumpy, alert, and slows ya down to boot.

Might get a noob all jumpy, not someone who knows there detector or has a good one to lock those out

 

[DFWWIZ]

For the money a V-1 is the best. The range is really good, depending on terrain its as much as 1-2 miles sometimes. And you can program it to various limits, offs/ons, etc and be quiet up to a certain level like 3 bars before it starts making noise. The lights will still flash even tho its quiet. There is a lot of settings you can tweak to customize how it operates. I've had Whistler, several top of the line Bels, and now the V-1. I like this one the best with its upgrade ability, functionality, range, and ease of use.

 

[ItsOnVoy]

For the money a V-1 is the best. The range is really good, depending on terrain its as much as 1-2 miles sometimes. And you can program it to various limits, offs/ons, etc and be quiet up to a certain level like 3 bars before it starts making noise. The lights will still flash even tho its quiet. There is a lot of settings you can tweak to customize how it operates. I've had Whistler, several top of the line Bels, and now the V-1. I like this one the best with its upgrade ability, functionality, range, and ease of use.

Does the V1 detect if there is a speed camera and all? I know that the 9500ix does. Has the V1 been annoying with false alarms? If I read correctly the false alarms are usually x bands right? Not too many cops or if not none use a x band. Most are all K band?

 

[DFWWIZ]

Does the V1 detect if there is a speed camera and all? I know that the 9500ix does. Has the V1 been annoying with false alarms? If I read correctly the false alarms are usually x bands right? Not too many cops or if not none use a x band. Most are all K band?

I don't even have X band "on" since no one uses it anymore. Its mostly Ka band or lazer. The false alarms even on K-band will hit but alot of times its recognized as junk, shows the junk logo "J" then stops. I had the Bel 895 and then the 995 that talked before this one...that was kind of annoying after awhile. They worked well but the range on this V-1 is just better.

 

[ItsOnVoy]

I don't even have X band "on" since no one uses it anymore. Its mostly Ka band or lazer. The false alarms even on K-band will hit but alot of times its recognized as junk, shows the junk logo "J" then stops. I had the Bel 895 and then the 995 that talked before this one...that was kind of annoying after awhile. They worked well but the range on this V-1 is just better.

Ahh okay! I mean once you learn what cops use in the area then I can start to turn off a band or something, me I would prob keep them on and just keep the volume down. After all the lights can grab my attention when needed you know. My only thing with the 9500ix gps blocking out false alarms is if you get a cop to hide there and it wont pick it up or something because of if blocking it out or something. The v1 seems to show there are 2 or 3 threats found etc. So you know hey there can be a cop there. But then again the 9500ix does have better reviews because of that gps...I can test one out if I want so I might give it a shot and see how well it does in my area. I usually drive in my area for the most part, don't always go out of my way really

Also with the laser, is it true that lets say you and a couple other drivers are driving down a road and a cop lasers someones speed, will the v1 pick that up telling you it found a laser? Or does it have to be a direct hit on your car? Not sure if you know that but just wondering

 

[DFWWIZ]

Ahh okay! I mean once you learn what cops use in the area then I can start to turn off a band or something, me I would prob keep them on and just keep the volume down. After all the lights can grab my attention when needed you know. My only thing with the 9500ix gps blocking out false alarms is if you get a cop to hide there and it wont pick it up or something because of if blocking it out or something. The v1 seems to show there are 2 or 3 threats found etc. So you know hey there can be a cop there. But then again the 9500ix does have better reviews because of that gps...I can test one out if I want so I might give it a shot and see how well it does in my area. I usually drive in my area for the most part, don't always go out of my way really

Also with the laser, is it true that lets say you and a couple other drivers are driving down a road and a cop lasers someones speed, will the v1 pick that up telling you it found a laser? Or does it have to be a direct hit on your car? Not sure if you know that but just wondering

Lazer is a pretty narrow beam that they usually focus on a headlight or license plate for reflection, so you might get a residual "hit" from 2000 feet or more. The lazer does not expand alot as it goes out, but then again how steady he holds it is the difference in getting tagged by a glancing shot. V-1 does tell you how many are tracking you if multiples. I drive around DFW and know where most photo cameras are, plus they have signs posting before hand. X band is not even used by police anymore so it makes no sense to have it on. Even the K band is becoming pretty much obsolete. Ka and lazer are the two being used most.

 

[ItsOnVoy]

Lazer is a pretty narrow beam that they usually focus on a headlight or license plate for reflection, so you might get a residual "hit" from 2000 feet or more. The lazer does not expand alot as it goes out, but then again how steady he holds it is the difference in getting tagged by a glancing shot. V-1 does tell you how many are tracking you if multiples. I drive around DFW and know where most photo cameras are, plus they have signs posting before hand. X band is not even used by police anymore so it makes no sense to have it on. Even the K band is becoming pretty much obsolete. Ka and lazer are the two being used most.

Okay got it! Thanks for the input man! Seems like those detectors can only do so much in the end and you can still get hit! Its just a help sometimes.

 

[DFWWIZ]

Okay got it! Thanks for the input man! Seems like those detectors can only do so much in the end and you can still get hit! Its just a help sometimes.

Any one of the big 3 detectors-Bel, Escort/Passport, or Valentine is going to give you protection and its mostly for hiway and the Ka band is reaching you when they are targeting cars 1/4 - 1 mile ahead of you. In city its going to be Lazer the majority of the time with the man sitting still to use that. If you go with V-1 make sure its at least POP2 (instant on) version. You can tell by having the serial # and checking it on Valentine's site. I still have the 995 Bel but the wife never uses it. I'd take $175 fo it if you wanted it.

 

[ItsOnVoy]

Any one of the big 3 detectors-Bel, Escort/Passport, or Valentine is going to give you protection and its mostly for hiway and the Ka band is reaching you when they are targeting cars 1/4 - 1 mile ahead of you. In city its going to be Lazer the majority of the time with the man sitting still to use that. If you go with V-1 make sure its at least POP2 (instant on) version. You can tell by having the serial # and checking it on Valentine's site. I still have the 995 Bel but the wife never uses it.

See I thought if anything it would be the other way around. I dont know because I do see a lot of cops sitting there hiding and when I pass them I do not see a gun in there hand and then I see some that do have a gun in there hand. I think it depends on the spot really

I'd take $175 fo it if you wanted it.

[EBAY]120934836174[/EBAY]



I am more then likely going to save up for a V1 or that ix but if I change my mind I will let you know! Thanks!

 

[Spyw]

View attachment 21787

I have a Bel RX65. I've had it for just over 5 years now, and it's served me very well.

When you're looking at a quality detector, you should, in my opinion, only be looking at Bel/Escort and Valentine. Bel and Escort are identical products with different brand names. Each brand has it's own benefits. Many people like Valentine's directional arrows and threat counter. Bel and Escort have more settings and GPS models. Look at the specs for each and you won't go wrong with any of those. I'd stay away from cheaper models and battery-powered models.

In the US, Ka, K, and X are the only bands in use. Something like 40 state police agencies use Ka. Ka is going to be the most common you'll run across, but K is still in wide use. Here, state and most local police use Ka, while most county use K. X is still in use, but very limited. Ohio, Indiana, and New Jersey are the only states that still have X systems, but they account for less than 15% of radar guns.

False alarms come primarily from the X band being triggered by things like automatic doors. Detectors like mine allow you to disable specific bands. I would recommend that you disable X unless you'll be driving through areas that you know use it. K also gives false alarms, but they are much less common. I've never seen a false Ka alarm. Ku is a European band that, as far as I know, is not used at all in the US. This is also another good band to disable.

LIDAR will continue to gain popularity but will never replace radar. Because of how it works, LIDAR is exceptionally good at pinpointing a specific vehicle, but must be used while stationary. Perfect for traps, but useless for patrol. Radar detectors work because an officer activating his radar will send waves in all directions that you can pick up before you are specifically targeted. With LIDAR, there is only a beam of infrared light that probably won't be picked up unless you are being targeted. Your detector telling you that a cop targeted you doesn't do you any good.

ETA:

When I was a senior in high school, I got two tickets a month apart. A few months later, I got my RX65. In the 5 years since, I have been pulled over 3 times for speeding, but have not gotten a single ticket. Having a detector isn't the death sentence some people make it out to be. Being polite to the officer will go a lot farther.

Make the cop's life easier and more often than not he'll make your life easier. For example, when you pull over, don't just get out of traffic, give him a lot of real estate on the shoulder to stand on. I pull until my left wheels are almost off the road so he has the entire shoulder between him and traffic. If you don't have a lot of room, pull off on an exit or turn off a busy street onto a side street. A cop is never happy having to hang his ass into 70mph traffic to talk to you. Also, have your papers either out or within easy reach when he gets to your window. I have my license, registration, and insurance in my hands, which are on the steering wheel, by the time I stop. Most cops appreciate you not digging through your glove compartment/center console/gun hiding spot.

 

[GregT]

Don't have one drive the speed limit.

 

[DFWWIZ]

See I thought if anything it would be the other way around. I dont know because I do see a lot of cops sitting there hiding and when I pass them I do not see a gun in there hand and then I see some that do have a gun in there hand. I think it depends on the spot really



[EBAY]120934836174[/EBAY]



I am more then likely going to save up for a V1 or that ix but if I change my mind I will let you know! Thanks!

that one you have from Ebay is a 955 and not the 995 that I have - its a big difference.

 

[DFWWIZ]

Lazer is like shooting a rifle with a scope. They absolutley have to have the gun up to their eye and hold it steady. The Ka or any other radar gun can be mounted in the vehicle or hand held, but not up to their eye. Radar has a much broader span which is why you can pick them up from cars being clocked ahead of you.

 

[ItsOnVoy]

I have a Bel RX65. I've had it for just over 5 years now, and it's served me very well.

yeah my uncle has that same one and he likes it!

ETA:

When I was a senior in high school, I got two tickets a month apart. A few months later, I got my RX65. In the 5 years since, I have been pulled over 3 times for speeding, but have not gotten a single ticket. Having a detector isn't the death sentence some people make it out to be. Being polite to the officer will go a lot farther.
Make the cop's life easier and more often than not he'll make your life easier. For example, when you pull over, don't just get out of traffic, give him a lot of real estate on the shoulder to stand on. I pull until my left wheels are almost off the road so he has the entire shoulder between him and traffic. If you don't have a lot of room, pull off on an exit or turn off a busy street onto a side street. A cop is never happy having to hang his ass into 70mph traffic to talk to you. Also, have your papers either out or within easy reach when he gets to your window. I have my license, registration, and insurance in my hands, which are on the steering wheel, by the time I stop. Most cops appreciate you not digging through your glove compartment/center console/gun hiding spot.

I couldn't agree with you more!! I have been pulled over once myself for speeding (2 years ago) and honestly I personally think it was more me being scared shitless and a clean record for why the cop let me go but I also was very nice and the cop was pretty understanding and was nice himself. Not all cops are like that because some are just mean but you do what you can you know. Be nice and see where that takes you

When you're looking at a quality detector, you should, in my opinion, only be looking at Bel/Escort and Valentine. Bel and Escort are identical products with different brand names. Each brand has it's own benefits. Many people like Valentine's directional arrows and threat counter. Bel and Escort have more settings and GPS models. Look at the specs for each and you won't go wrong with any of those. I'd stay away from cheaper models and battery-powered models.

that one you have from Ebay is a 955 and not the 995 that I have - its a big difference.

Oh ok my bad man! lol seems like I will more then likely save up for the ix or if I cant then Ill do the rx65 like you have, I read a ton of good reviews and seems to me many online seem to say if you do a lot of city driving then the ix gps will be a huge plus so it does not drive me nuts lol the range on that and the v1 I believe are about the same and the ix also can spot speed cameras (even tho I do not have any in the area I drive) but nice to to be there. I mean its like you said, if I learn what cops use use in my area then I can just disable x bands and stuff for the v1, what's nice with the v1 is the arrows and how it has a boggy (if I spelled that right) counter too. How is the distance on the rx65? I believe the ix is about up to 2 miles straight road though but mostly 1/2 to 1 mile or so giving enough room. Also it has 360 detection also right?

 

[DFWWIZ]

yeah my uncle has that same one and he likes it!

Oh ok my bad man! lol seems like I will more then likely save up for the ix or if I cant then Ill do the rx65 like you have, I read a ton of good reviews and seems to me many online seem to say if you do a lot of city driving then the ix gps will be a huge plus so it does not drive me nuts lol the range on that and the v1 I believe are about the same and the ix also can spot speed cameras (even tho I do not have any in the area I drive) but nice to to be there. I mean its like you said, if I learn what cops use use in my area then I can just disable x bands and stuff for the v1, what's nice with the v1 is the arrows and how it has a boggy (if I spelled that right) counter too. How is the distance on the rx65? I believe the ix is about up to 2 miles straight road though but mostly 1/2 to 1 mile or so giving enough room. Also it has 360 detection also right?

Most all have 360 but V-1 has 2 separate "horns" in it to give a better feel for where its coming from. I know I've gotten hits from as much as 2-3 miles ahead and 1 mile behind.

 

[ItsOnVoy]

Most all have 360 but V-1 has 2 separate "horns" in it to give a better feel for where its coming from. I know I've gotten hits from as much as 2-3 miles ahead and 1 mile behind.

wow that is quite the range!! I read that over hills and such is when they do not get a good read till your pretty much over it and then it starts to go off. still a solid RD in my eyes! Are those arrows you have something you can do without or have been a help?

Spoiler

Sorry for all the questions lol

 

[Spyw]

Don't have one drive the speed limit.

Then you've got all sorts of helpful insight for this topic. Thanks for the post.

 

[DFWWIZ]

wow that is quite the range!! I read that over hills and such is when they do not get a good read till your pretty much over it and then it starts to go off. still a solid RD in my eyes! Are those arrows you have something you can do without or have been a help?

Spoiler

Sorry for all the questions lol

Even long rolling hills like in Kansas, if you are approaching the top of one and the top of the next hill is 2 miles and a cop "shoots" a car that is say a 1/2 mile ahead of him, the V-1 will pick it up easily. The arrows are nice because as you roll by the radar it moves from front arrow to side and then to the rear arrow confirming that you have passed by it. Sometimes you never see who is tracking you, or if its left or right of you-well now you know. The volume also has two settings- the main volume is the knob and then muting volume is the ring around it. So if it does become annoying while its beeping, you simply push the knob and it goes down to your preset muting volume...not completely off.
We were talking earlier about Bel and Passport being the same parent company. Escort was the forerunner to Passport and the developer of Valentine is the person who helped get Escort going. He became disenchanted with the direction Escort was going which led to his quitting and starting up Valentine (his name).