nicecar Posted February 12, 2004 Posted February 12, 2004 Hello everyone, I am looking for a good radar detector, guess the LAPD is short on budget lately, there seems to be a cop at every other corner catching people who are going just a few miles over the limit. I know nothing about radar detectors, what is a good brand and model? is more expensive the better? are used ones ok to buy?..etc. Any advice is appreciated, thanks.
odessit Posted February 12, 2004 Posted February 12, 2004 I have Passport 8500 - $299, had it for more then two years, very good coverage in K and Ka bands, laser... tells you when it is too late, but I am not sure whether anybody else (Valentin One?) is better. The only concern I have is that when it gets hot, I get "Service Required" flashing and I need to cool it in front of air conditioner vent. Annoying, but intermittent. Could be a concern in LA though. If money is not an issue and you have only one car -- I would check the latest Valentin One. Otherwise Passport 8500 is not a bad choice. Also, check http://www.epinions.com - there is a lot of interesting feedback Good luck, Alex
amf1932 Posted February 12, 2004 Posted February 12, 2004 In my estimation this is the best unit around: Valentine One
steviej Posted February 12, 2004 Posted February 12, 2004 I have the best radar detector and have yet to get a speeding ticket with it. It is called the speedometer!!!!! :chairshot: It comes with an added option.....cruise control. I like that for the flat out runs. If the cops are on every corner, why tempt fate? Radar detectors instill a false sense of security and are not full proof (ie. instant on laser guns, false positives from surrounding sensors) Generally I ride 5-10 mph over the speed limit and don't dash in an out of traffic. Read the traffic further up the road and be careful. okay guys, go ahead flame the heck out of me for this post. :whistles: ;) steviej
SW03ES Posted February 12, 2004 Posted February 12, 2004 Valentine One, my dad has had once since they've been around and he swears by it. I personally find them annoying, I've learned to be my own radar detector, if you're alert and are a courteous speeder (never be the fastest on the road, watch for parked cars, dont tailgate, dont weave, dont ride in the left lane) you wont have any problems with the cops. Radar detectors are only really useful on the highway anyways, too much interference in town, and avoiding cops on the highway is easy...
amf1932 Posted February 12, 2004 Posted February 12, 2004 Hey Stevie........I agree with you 100%. That's why I don't use one anymore...especially with the instant on feature they're using today. I also use the cruise, 'cause it's very easy to start speeding up, inadvertently, with a car as smooth and quiet as the ES. As radar detectors go, I still feel the Valentine One unit is the best around.....and also the most expensive.($399.00)
bbsal Posted February 12, 2004 Posted February 12, 2004 never heard if the valentine but im sure its good since your saying it.i have a cobra.seems to work good for me but havent used it latley.
HoeBag Posted February 12, 2004 Posted February 12, 2004 valentine one and passport 8500 are the best hands down
webster2001 Posted February 12, 2004 Posted February 12, 2004 Steviej...your are right. Me, I got more tickets with my passport 8500 and end up selling it on ebay to payfor a ticket. Nice thing in Atlanta if you and six other cars are speeding they leave you alone, but if they catch you alone, "Buford T Justice" will have a word with you. Best radar setector though is the donkey behind you that wants to go faster than you. let him have some distance and watch his brake lights. Some other advice that came to a cop was when you see them don't panic and hit the brakes, if they have to turn around on the interstate and you maintain your speed they will normally go after someone else because its easier. Finally, If you get pulled over and you know that you were speeding tell the cop how fast you were going and be honest. so far the last 4 time I have come back with a warning just because I was honest and mase that stop easier...or was that my girlfriend has DD !Removed! and he could not stop staring?
wfmiller Posted February 12, 2004 Posted February 12, 2004 I would suggest that you go here for comparisons of various detectors http://www.radar-detectors.com/ Both my wife and I use a detector and just like other folks here say they are not fail proof. It really helps to know the terrain you are in. I go through multiple speed traps every day going to work. They constantly shift their locations but my detector does for the most part give me ample warning (as do cars in front of me). Just because I have a detector does not mean that I go way over the speed limit because I don't.
SW03ES Posted February 13, 2004 Posted February 13, 2004 Speed limits are set way too low most places anyways, to the point where going the speed limit can be dangerous...
SKperformance Posted February 13, 2004 Posted February 13, 2004 i agree with stevie and webster i speed but in the right lane i usually am doing 140km in a 100km zone all day ( i would say and have never gotten a ticket but then i would get one tommorow) they only seem to peg the left hand bandits as i am always safely behind other cars to not nitce the differece in speed the valentine one is the best radar in every real world test by sports car magazines and enthusists world renound
skippy Posted February 14, 2004 Posted February 14, 2004 Besides Valentine One and Escort, there is a more economical alternative, Bel-tronics aka Bel makes some very decent radar detectors for about 100 USD less than Escort. Hands down, Valentine One is the "best" radar detector out there. I put "best" in quotes because while the Valentine One might be the most sensitive, it also give off alot more false alarms because of its keen sensitivity. In my experience, many people who have bought radar detectors end up getting so fed up with the false alarms that they just turn it off and end up getting caught. I think the "best" radar detector really depends on the user's personality. Another thing to take into consideration is the location where you frequently drive. Alot of the false alarms occur in urban areas where there are alot of stray radio signals flying around. If you live in an area like that, you will definately want to get a detector that has a City mode. Which basically sets the detector to be less sensitive for when u pass though areas with high radar traffic. So, in conclusion, Bel-tronics is a more economical alternative to Escort and Valentine One and there are many factors that one should consider before purchasing what some vender deems the "best" radar detector(many of which are characteristics of the user) Why pay more for something thats not right for you... *skippy*
adam1991 Posted February 14, 2004 Posted February 14, 2004 So, in conclusion, Bel-tronics is a more economical alternative to Escort and Valentine One People confuse "how much does it cost to acquire" with "economical" or "value". Just because something is cheaper to buy, doesn't make it more economical or a better value. The situation is exacerbated by marketing people who advertise their cheapest and least-feature laden product as their "value" product--when in fact it has much LESS value than their next up product. Printers are a great example. In general, the lower the price of acquisition, the higher the cost to operate it. The printer manufacturers aren't stupid; they're not in the charity business. If you want to pay only $100 for the printer, you'll pay out the wazoo for the supplies. But if you spend $20K on the printer, you'll get a heckuva price on supplies and maintenance. It's simply a matter of running the numbers for your use. You may save $100 now on the price of acquiring the unit if you buy a Bel, but what does that do to your chances of getting a $100+ ticket compared to spending $100 more on a Val1 up front? Get the Val1. There is no other. And DON'T CONFUSE PRICE WITH VALUE.
xsohaib Posted February 14, 2004 Posted February 14, 2004 I agree with the previous posts, I have a regular $39.99 walmart radar detector, it works fine for me, just speed in the right most lane and don't cut in fornt of people, swerve in and out of traffic and you should be OK. I travel to Maine from Boston almost twice a week and drive 90-95mph all the way, no problems yet. Accept this one time I cut in front of an old beat up Chevy Lumina with limo tints turns out it was the cop and he gave me a $350 ticket. That car should have been out of the fleet 4 years ago! Sohaib
skippy Posted February 16, 2004 Posted February 16, 2004 Sure, if you have the extra money, go for the Valetine1. I mean, why drive a lexus if you can afford a ferrari. right? there was no doubt all along that valentine1 was the best choice. but by spending less, you DO get the most from your money. And its just plain ignorant to think that by getting a Valentine1, you will be free of traffic cops forever. *skippy*
adam1991 Posted February 17, 2004 Posted February 17, 2004 I think what Skippy meant was "why buy a Lexus when you can buy a Hyundai". For the same reason you buy Lexus, that's why you buy Valentine 1. For the same reason people buy Hyundais, is why they buy lesser radar detectors. "It's just as good."
NeiLtYmE Posted February 17, 2004 Posted February 17, 2004 Yeah, I have a Bel radar, its the vector model... Very nice product
SW03ES Posted February 17, 2004 Posted February 17, 2004 Why pay $60 for Pinnacle Souveran when you can buy Turtle Wax for $4.00...
skippy Posted February 18, 2004 Posted February 18, 2004 I'm not sure who adam1991 is trying to quote by saying "just as good" (I'm assuming me...) but the fact of the matter is that nobody said that... I guess I should say it again. Bel is just a suggested alternative(not a replacement) to the pricier(and needlessly said better) Valentine1. It does have adequate features and radar detection, though it may not be the best. It all depends on the degree of service the purchaser wants to receive from the product. Different people have different needs, values, and budgets. Thus, a wide range of products is available to consumers who don't need and/or can't readily afford the best of the best. (obviously unlike adam1991) Please don't get on my case about suggesting Bel radar detectors. I am just trying to help out the author of this thread by telling him/her what else is out there besides the Valentine1. I think its unfair to deem the Valentine1 as the one and only and everything else as not even worth your time and consideration. In the end it will be up to him/her to decide what's best, so if I can assist in helping this guy/girl to make the correct decision, then I think that I definately should. I thought this forum was a place for collective free thought. <_< *skippy*
amf1932 Posted February 18, 2004 Posted February 18, 2004 Why pay $60 for Pinnacle Souveran when you can buy Turtle Wax for $4.00... What makes this product sooooo expensive? :P
SW03ES Posted February 18, 2004 Posted February 18, 2004 I've never used it, but its supposed to be one of the best looking waxes out there. Thats actually not the most expensive. There are several waxes over $100, and Zymol sells a wax that comes in a waterford crystal container that costs $1500. They refill it for life. Big of them LOL.
SW03ES Posted February 18, 2004 Posted February 18, 2004 Check it out. http://www.zymol.com/vintage2.htm
SW03ES Posted February 18, 2004 Posted February 18, 2004 This one's $750 for 8 ounces and is not refillable for life ;) http://www.zymol.com/alant2.htm
dropspace Posted February 18, 2004 Posted February 18, 2004 if you can afford 750 for car wax you can most likely afford 1500 as well and you could also afford a valentine1 radar detector
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now