Best Radar Detector?
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 89
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From: Kentucky--GO CATS!!!
The best overall is a Valentine--I just don't like how bigh they are--another I've used and liked a lot was a Escort Passport 8500--very comparable to the Valentine, doesn't have the direction arrows though--but it's about 100 bucks less expensive..I would also suggest a CB like mentioned above.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 223
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I have the new V1, been using it in my Corvette for 2 years. It's worth every penny. I've also used the passport 8500 for a few months for comparisons sake, because all these magazine reviews are kissing someone's butt IMO.
The passport is LARGER and I think heavier than the new V1. It just has the appearance of being smaller since it has a smaller display.
Here's a scenario for you. Cruising 85mph in moderate traffic. Detector goes off, blaring on Ka band.
Do you hit your brakes softly? ease out of it? Brake hard? If the cop is behind you, the LAST thing you want to do is stab the brakes. He'll surely pull you over then. If you're coming up on the cop, then you definitely want to get on the brakes hard, which wont draw any attention to you if he hasn't seen you yet.
My point is, with the V1 arrows, you know where the cop is, so you know how to react to the alerts.
The passport is LARGER and I think heavier than the new V1. It just has the appearance of being smaller since it has a smaller display.
Here's a scenario for you. Cruising 85mph in moderate traffic. Detector goes off, blaring on Ka band.
Do you hit your brakes softly? ease out of it? Brake hard? If the cop is behind you, the LAST thing you want to do is stab the brakes. He'll surely pull you over then. If you're coming up on the cop, then you definitely want to get on the brakes hard, which wont draw any attention to you if he hasn't seen you yet.
My point is, with the V1 arrows, you know where the cop is, so you know how to react to the alerts.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; Feb 6, 2005 at 12:58 AM.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Here's a scenario:
You get pulled over going 5mph over the speed limit. The cop sees a radar detector in you truck. You are going to get a ticket, no questions asked. No radar detector and you are respectable, you stand a decent chance of getting off with a warning.
You will NEVER get a warning if the cop sees a radar detector.
There isn't a radar detector made that will save you 100% of the time.
I used to drive with a BEL, but with the "instant on" capability of the radar units, I choose to just pay attention well ahead of me and, like what was said earlier, have a rabbit ahead of you as well.
You get pulled over going 5mph over the speed limit. The cop sees a radar detector in you truck. You are going to get a ticket, no questions asked. No radar detector and you are respectable, you stand a decent chance of getting off with a warning.
You will NEVER get a warning if the cop sees a radar detector.
There isn't a radar detector made that will save you 100% of the time.
I used to drive with a BEL, but with the "instant on" capability of the radar units, I choose to just pay attention well ahead of me and, like what was said earlier, have a rabbit ahead of you as well.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,610
Likes: 2
From: Northwest, Arkansas
I use the passport 8500 and have had great luck with it. They make the best in my book but if you want real information and see how they rate head to head check out this link. http://www.radartest.com/
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by vette69
The cop sees a radar detector in you truck. You are going to get a ticket, no questions asked.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Mesa, AZ.
I travel appx 45k miles per year. Have owned a passport 8500 for 5 years only had one ticket. Instant on over a hill with no other traffic.MY lead foot keeps me at 85 to 100 most of the time. Can't say enough good things about this particular detector.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
radar detectors work great on flat land on k band (highway patrol) but most local police departments now have guns that dont emit any radar until they press a button at which time your busted. actually tried it out with a local cop, who gave me a ticket
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,610
Likes: 2
From: Northwest, Arkansas
Besides a radar detector you should always drive right also. Those instant on guns are real quick so the thing I always do is to catch up to other vehicles. That way I have a chance of detecting them when they shoot at a car in front of me. Trucks are the best to play catch up with because they will almost always shoot a truck. On a lonely wide open road with no traffic you are asking for trouble because they can wait till you are there and then hit the trigger. So use a detector and drive smart.
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