Teach me about Radar Detectors

blue 07

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So I am tooling around yesterday in my 800 hp Shelby and of course everyone wants to race or "see how fast it goes", so at the "loose your license forever speed" I got to thinkin, I should really get a radar detector. The last one I had was the size of a toaster with a big bright light on it by Escort, yes it was forever ago, that sat on my dash. Tell me what I should look at when it comes to radar detectors. Do you guys have one, use them, good and bad brands, is technology moving to fast to keep up to date ?? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.
 

Never_Enough

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I am using the Escort 9500ix with no complaints. None of them are a get out of jail free card. I can't justify the $ for the Escort 360 or V1.
 

offroadkarter

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I'm running a V1 right now. It's not the very best on the market but it's still a very strong all rounder. It's saved my ass plenty of times on the jersey turnpike.

I'm looking into an ALP laser jammer setup for the m5 at some point, that currently has a very outdated K40 built into the car.
 

DSG2003Mach1

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if youre the only 2 flying down the road all its gonna tell you is that you just got a ticket.

I have a V1 still, I use it along with Waze on road trips but I always find a rabbit or two to be my radar sponge
 

Ohio Snake

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I have both the V1 and a Solo 3 in two different cars. Here is my take on this:

The V1 seems to be a better “all ‘round” detector over the competition. However some brands may excel in a certain band or by distance, but that difference is negligible.

The corded V1 has full power all the time. Batteries wear down correlating possibly reduced performance.

V1 seems to be made better ( magnesium case) which is lighter and more durable than plastic. If the V1 needs updated to the latest technology, you send the detector to the manufacturer for updates. You dont buy a new detector:)

I’ve had a V1 for 12 years and upgraded twice.


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Pribilof

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I've had various iterations (upgrades) of the V1 since 1999. It's the best. Paid for itself many times over on saved tickets. In fact, only 1 ticket in 19 years. You can get an add on module an a smartphone app to add GPS features to it. For instance, it'll stop going off when you drive by the supermarket with automatic doors.
 

Gr8fulmtnbiker

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there is no such thing as a foolproof radar/laser detector. i have tried all the 'greatest' rated ones and find the escort 9500ix to be the best overall. they all have pluses and minuses but based on my personal experiences this one and valentine are the tops. i use my detector PLUS waze to hedge bets, but let's face it- the cops are gonna catch you if they see/hear you. i try not to push the limits too often nowadays, it's just not worth the cost of getting nailed doubling or more the speed limit except in the rarest of circumstances anymore. they can get you from the air, from the side of the road, from an overpass, with or without lasers and radar, etc...
 

Revvv

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Lol, can't outrun the radio.
You can't always outrun the radio.

While my daughter was having photos taken before prom, a Porsche 911 in downtown Augusta ran, ducked, and his from two Richmond County officers.

If he had been outside of downtown the radio would have been his worst enemy. Downtown he was able to use the short streets and buildings as cover.

I'm not advising anyone to run. If you do run, get a video. Watching that 911 evade two officers was entertaining.

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CobraBob

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Can't go wrong with the V1. There are couple of others that are right up there at the top. All of the top brands/models offer comparable detection (although the V1 has a superior range) and unique features that set them apart from each other. Often boils down to the features a specific model comes with. Some, for example, give you a 720P built-in video camera. Compare the top detectors for both detection AND features. And then decide which one means your needs the best.
 

greenscobie86

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Used a V1 multiple times but never owned one. Last time I had the pleasure of borrowing my buddies V1 was a round trip from NYC to MN and back, sustained some "high" speeds while in Mexico and never an issue with the authorities. The radar detector is simply amazing... Combined with a bit of common sense I would argue it is nearly impossible to get a ticket with one of these things unless your ride is a space shuttle lol.

One day I'll pick one up...
 

JJackson515

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Ive had very good luck with my V1, like others have said it has paid for iteself time and time again.
 

StrayBullitt

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I am rocking an old school Escort 8500, it picks up on a lot of interference, but I got from a co-worker for dirt and I like having it. Obviously it will not totally save you in all instances, but it does definitely help save you from the occasional 10-15 over where you are just cruising head down and maybe not looking out for leo.
 

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