Radar Detectors
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 644
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Here we go again. This topic has been beat to death. Both are good machines.
According to most tests, the X50 is a better all around machine. The Valentine 1 does feature a directional signal finder. Escort has done a better job in my opinion in staying current with the newer technologies.
You might want to take a look at radartest.com. If you are in the market, it's a good start.
The best advice I can give about a radar detector is that none are foolproof and if you use them with a little common sense they can lower the chance of getting ticket. That's about the best you can hope for.
According to most tests, the X50 is a better all around machine. The Valentine 1 does feature a directional signal finder. Escort has done a better job in my opinion in staying current with the newer technologies.
You might want to take a look at radartest.com. If you are in the market, it's a good start.
The best advice I can give about a radar detector is that none are foolproof and if you use them with a little common sense they can lower the chance of getting ticket. That's about the best you can hope for.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 25
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Radar detectors are good if there is traffic ahead and you receive a signal from them being clocked however the instant on feature on the radar will beat the detectors just about everytime if there isn't much traffic around.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 563
Likes: 3
If you speed, you are gonna get caught, period. Having a good radar detector will cut down the chances of gettin a ticket, but you will still get caught eventually. Both of the models mentioned are really the only two worth getting if you are serious about getting a radar detector. Both feature the ability to be upgraded when newer technology comes out, and both are very similar in performance. I personally have a V1 and will never go to anything else. The directional arrows may seem "hokey" to those who havent used a V1 before, but once you drive with one, you will wonder how you lived without it. At only 50 bucks more, the V1 is the clear winner in my opinion.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 144
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I have never been able to figure out why people feel they need a radar detector. Just stick to the speed limit and save your money. A lot of my friends have them and they still get tickets. I have never owned one and have never had a ticket.
Tom.
Tom.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 644
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Ah, the old debate V1 Vs Escort. I'm not saying that either machine is the best. I have read several sources and my choice was the X50. In multiple tests, it had a longer range and a better pickup ratio on Ka and laser. With that said, I'm glad V1 owners like them and I won't criticize the machine because I've never used one. All I would ask is they extend the same courtesy if they have not used an X50.
What Buzzcut said is pretty accurate which is why in my opening statement I said that with some common sense, you could reduce the chances of a ticket.
Now, as to why do we speed. There are lot's of reasons. For me personally, I often find myself 350 miles from home on a Friday Evening. If I can average 7mph over the speed limit, it gets me home about an hour quicker and that means more time with the family. Not because I'm a macho speed junky
What Buzzcut said is pretty accurate which is why in my opening statement I said that with some common sense, you could reduce the chances of a ticket.
Now, as to why do we speed. There are lot's of reasons. For me personally, I often find myself 350 miles from home on a Friday Evening. If I can average 7mph over the speed limit, it gets me home about an hour quicker and that means more time with the family. Not because I'm a macho speed junky
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 12
From: Forest Hill MD
Had many Different Radar Detector when I was younger got a lot of tickets too. Now no radar and no tickets yet I still speed. With out the "safety" of the radar detector I watch the traffic ahead for brake lights and other signs of what is ahead. (now that I have said this I will probably get a ticket this week) 
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
With the new trigger operated Laser detectors, radar detectors would seem to be useless. I've seen cops, out of their cars, hiding behind bridge abutments, and aiming their laser guns at cars. Believe me, you don't have a chance.
That said, if the speed limit is 70, most cops don't stop you unless they clock you at about 81 or 82 or better. Then they write you for 5 over, and tell you they are giving you a break. That also gives them some leeway. If they write you for exactly 82, you could challenge the accuracy of the radar gun. If they clock you at 83, and write you for 75, or 5 over, you can't very well argue. At least that's what they do in Michigan.
That said, if the speed limit is 70, most cops don't stop you unless they clock you at about 81 or 82 or better. Then they write you for 5 over, and tell you they are giving you a break. That also gives them some leeway. If they write you for exactly 82, you could challenge the accuracy of the radar gun. If they clock you at 83, and write you for 75, or 5 over, you can't very well argue. At least that's what they do in Michigan.