What radar/laser detectors do you use?

[Bonburner]

I'm debating which detector to get, hopefully one of the smaller ones .. but we'll see.
Willing to read suggestions of course.

[sa1126]

What do yall mean by stealth mode? Are they illegal in some states?

[eriktherod]

Originally Posted by sa1126

What do yall mean by stealth mode? Are they illegal in some states?

Yes, in Virginia and DC they are illegal. Also in Canada.

Some cops will run a radar detector detector which picks up the signal "leaked" by the non-stealth detectors. Once they locate that you have one, they will pull you over/etc.

Now, if they pull you over for something else and notice it, they can also take it/destroy it/fine you, so be stealthy on your installation if you choose to do it. I've heard of people putting them under those visor CD holder things or even under a baseball cap with the display visible out the back.

It's really annoying as I used to drive to Martinsville in VA for the race. It's just barely in VA but yeah, every time I got close to the border of VA I'd take down my V1. Makes me wish I kept the Redline at times!

[mpicher]

Escort 9500ix here.

Love that it has GPS in it so I can map out everything I want to ignore. Maine has radar guns on the back of all of the 45 MPH warning signes on the Interstate so they can monitor traffic flow. I've got them all mapped out with my 9500.

You can also download updates for stop light cameras, etc. The new functionality with an internet connected phone is pretty cool too so you can get updates from other users.

Well worth the $$$.

[eriktherod]

I believe I-40 has it a bunch as well. I remember going down to the Raleigh/Chapel Hill area and getting bursts of that. It's very annoying in the V1, was a dream to have them ignored in the 9500ix.

Ah yes, I have yet to try that Escort Live deal!

[civicdrivr]

Originally Posted by eriktherod

Now, if they pull you over for something else and notice it, they can also take it/destroy it/fine you, so be stealthy on your installation if you choose to do it. I've heard of people putting them under those visor CD holder things or even under a baseball cap with the display visible out the back.

In VA, they can't destroy it, and they can only take it as evidence. If, after the court date, you do not claim the detector within 3 months, only then will they destroy it.

[eriktherod]

Good to know. I've heard some horror stories of cops asking people to put it under their rear tire and drive over it.

[michaelahess]

Most (if not all) detectors don't have the range of a radar gun from what I've heard so basically they are only good for very hilly terrain and when in town going around a lot of corners, they catch reflections to give you a heads up.

I used to use them, never got any real benefit from them, but then again I never go more than 5-10mph over the limit out of town, and always within 5 in town. Unless it's going with the speed of traffic in a bigger city. In which case it's a moot point anywhere.

They are an unneeded cost that just pisses off the cops if they do pull you over and see it, legal or otherwise.

[michaelahess]

BTW, laser detectors are useless, if a laser hits you, it's already returned to the source, you're busted.

[eriktherod]

While I agree that the added 'laser detector' on most radar detectors is useless, the actual radar detector is not. Radar waves can spread to being over 85ft wide while laser (LIDAR) is 3x3 foot infrared beam that must be precisely aimed. Basically, laser alerts mean you've already been targeted while radar can be detected from a distance away from reflections and such.

Radar, like most waves, will bounce around terrain and continue to travel long distances (over miles). I have gotten readings from radar from up to 2 or more miles away in straightaways (highway) and over a mile in the turns. Even if I was the only one on the road coming at them from 2 miles away, I can about guarantee you that an officer is not going to write you a ticket from a speed reading over 10,000 feet away. The radar guns themselves have a distance threshold of accuracy and many places have statutes that determine the maximum range a RADAR/LIDAR gun can be used (typically 1500-2000 feet max) as a speed measurement.

Your driving habits are more than enough to prevent you from getting a ticket, which is probably good. However, for those of us with the need to speed, a lead foot, or whatever you want to call it, a radar detector is a solid investment. A lot of times I like getting readings when I'm just casually driving, situational awareness gives me piece of mind.

Basically, think of radar like the FM radio versus laser being a laser pointer. While very directional, radar guns still scatter the waves everywhere due to terrain and other obstacles. When the wave returns to the gun (after bouncing off an object, like a car), you can easily get a signal from behind the source. I'd get a good quarter mile reading from a cop shooting straight ahead just from that kind of bounce-back.

This is also why I say you get what you pay for, cheap detectors will be as you described and offer little-to-no advance warning.

[michaelahess]

Originally Posted by eriktherod

I can about guarantee you that an officer is not going to write you a ticket from a speed reading over 10,000 feet away.

I agree with you mostly, but I will say I got a ticket, even tried to contest it, that was over a mile away. My detector went off and I slowed to 65 from 70 and the cop still got me. Ticket stuck too.

I guess living in Wyoming with our long straights and the eastern half being as flat as Nebraska has ruled out the usefullness of them to me. :happy0180:

My uncle was a cop in Chicago for 30 years, he said the modern ones can get accurate readings over 2 miles away. They need some length of time for a firm reading that can be used in court though. A 2 second one isn't going to cut it. So with curves and what not, you are definitely better served by detectors.

[eriktherod]

With long straights, you'd want one the best detection range you can get since that's the most important. There are external detectors that Escort offers which have insane range (up to 3 miles and more), and are also stealth, they're just big bucks ($1000+). I'm curious which detector you had at the time, I'd recommend the V1/Redline for superior range in your case.

That being said, while a RD gives you an extra pair of eyes (especially at night), it does not make you immune of course. The only ticket I have gotten was LIDAR and I can't count the number of saves I've had using my fingers and toes anymore.

There is also the "instant on" problem, where the skilled officers will not run with their gun going constantly but rather pop you with a quick trigger. I am somewhat adverse to this technique because I feel like it has the higher chance of being inaccurate, but they definitely do it. With those ones, you'd better hope you're not the first one targeted!

Fortunately, I can say that those officers are few and far between. Most of them like to be lazy (I can't blame them really), and just sit in a spot with their gun going and wait it out. Many state troopers are adopting newer guns which use Ka-band instead of the older K-band, which makes ruling out falses even easier. That and the new guns have a twin antenna design (front+rear), it makes detecting them from miles away even easier too, whether you're coming or going! This "constant on" as we call it is fairly common and easy to detect and respond to.

The main thing with any RD is to learn how it works and to always be ready to respond. It also doesn't help to have a "rabbit" (someone in front of you going as fast) on those long roads. Like I said, I've gotten a ticket but that won't stop me from using it because I know how many I might have gotten, especially in unfamiliar places.

[n2oinferno]

None. I'm extra cautious though. I drive for work, so if I get in any trouble I'm already deeper than most. Funny story... I do IT work for SCHP. I went to a troop post one day to check out a problem, and asked the Sgt. there if I could ask him to do me a favor. First thing he says is "did you get a ticket?" lol.

I just don't speed anymore. Any time I'm on the highway with low traffic, I set cruise and just go. I had my license suspended for a year before. IL law, two moving violations in a 24 month period before turning 21 and they take your license. Don't need that to happen again.

That said, I may get a V1 just to keep me on my toes.

[Dkittrell]

Anyone have experience with escort 8500? I heard it was good . After receiving a criminal speeding ticket this past weekend I want one of these