Need a better radar detector
#1
03-15-2008, 01:11 PM
Need a better radar detector
Hi all,
I got a pretty nice detector a while back for about $300. Battery powered so no wires, which is nice. However, I drove past a cop yesterday that was holding a radar gun and my dam detector didn't go off. I think it might be one of those new fangled LIDAR dealies. Are there any detectors out there that will pick those up in time to save me a ticket? One more and my license is toast!
Thanks in advance.
I got a pretty nice detector a while back for about $300. Battery powered so no wires, which is nice. However, I drove past a cop yesterday that was holding a radar gun and my dam detector didn't go off. I think it might be one of those new fangled LIDAR dealies. Are there any detectors out there that will pick those up in time to save me a ticket? One more and my license is toast!
Thanks in advance.
#2
03-15-2008, 02:15 PM
RE: Need a better radar detector
Well, the best detectors on the market for driving enthusiasts are usually narrowed down to three models (not in any order):
1) Valentine One http://www.valentine1.com/
2) BEL STi Driver http://www.beltronics.com/sti.html
3) Escort Passport 9500i http://www.escortradar.com/9500i-blue.htm
Most of the "real" enthusiasts swear by the Valentine 1.Valentine offers free software upgrades as they update the detection software with newer revisions, so for as long as you have the unit, it'll never be obsolete and you'll never have to buy a newer model, like with the other detectors. It also offers directional arrows, to show you where the "threat" is, which some people can't live without. Those are the main draws of the V1.
The BEL STi Driver is a fantasticdetector, and some of the tests show that it's one of the most sensitive you can buy.
The Escort Passport 9500i offers GPS mapping of popular speed traps and other potential threats. It's also very good.
They all cost $499, and are the top-tier detectors. Unfortunately, some jurisdictions are using Lasers to catch speeders. All of the top tier detectors all detect laser, the problem is that none of them will warn you in time to do anything. A laser radar gun get's it's speed reading MUCH faster than a typical radar gun, so by the time the detector actually warns you of a laser threat, it's already too late and you're caught. Naturally, there are anti-laser counter-measures, but these are seperate units and will add another $400-500 on top of a very good radar detector.
Here's a good test of the various models of radar detectors. Take a look:
http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-20...ctor-test.html
1) Valentine One http://www.valentine1.com/
2) BEL STi Driver http://www.beltronics.com/sti.html
3) Escort Passport 9500i http://www.escortradar.com/9500i-blue.htm
Most of the "real" enthusiasts swear by the Valentine 1.Valentine offers free software upgrades as they update the detection software with newer revisions, so for as long as you have the unit, it'll never be obsolete and you'll never have to buy a newer model, like with the other detectors. It also offers directional arrows, to show you where the "threat" is, which some people can't live without. Those are the main draws of the V1.
The BEL STi Driver is a fantasticdetector, and some of the tests show that it's one of the most sensitive you can buy.
The Escort Passport 9500i offers GPS mapping of popular speed traps and other potential threats. It's also very good.
They all cost $499, and are the top-tier detectors. Unfortunately, some jurisdictions are using Lasers to catch speeders. All of the top tier detectors all detect laser, the problem is that none of them will warn you in time to do anything. A laser radar gun get's it's speed reading MUCH faster than a typical radar gun, so by the time the detector actually warns you of a laser threat, it's already too late and you're caught. Naturally, there are anti-laser counter-measures, but these are seperate units and will add another $400-500 on top of a very good radar detector.
Here's a good test of the various models of radar detectors. Take a look:
http://www.guysoflidar.com/august-20...ctor-test.html
#4
03-17-2008, 02:40 AM
RE: Need a better radar detector
The Bel STi, RX65 & 995, Escort 8500 & 9500 and Valentine 1 are top models by test - check the radar detector online sites.The Valentine is a bit more $ than most of these, has pluses and minuses compared to the others, including much more false alarms and a reportedsensitivity to overheating, requiring you to send it back and they apparently can fix them ok.
You said you had a cordless model - almost all of them pulse on and off to conserve battery power (BEL, Escort but maybe not the new Whistler) so are much slower in response, if any,to instant-on radar and have shorter range. Not good.
LIDAR is laser radar and has such a narrow beamwidth it can only be used from a fixed platform, like a tripod, to minimize shaking causing it to miss target vehicles so it is unlikely your officer was using that. Maybe he had one of those newgangledPOP guns?
I have a couple RX65's and find they work well.
Nice looking car - does the lowered suspension make it ride rough?
You said you had a cordless model - almost all of them pulse on and off to conserve battery power (BEL, Escort but maybe not the new Whistler) so are much slower in response, if any,to instant-on radar and have shorter range. Not good.
LIDAR is laser radar and has such a narrow beamwidth it can only be used from a fixed platform, like a tripod, to minimize shaking causing it to miss target vehicles so it is unlikely your officer was using that. Maybe he had one of those newgangledPOP guns?
I have a couple RX65's and find they work well.
Nice looking car - does the lowered suspension make it ride rough?
#5
03-17-2008, 10:57 PM
RE: Need a better radar detector
ORIGINAL: BlakBart
Nice looking car - does the lowered suspension make it ride rough?
Nice looking car - does the lowered suspension make it ride rough?
ORIGINAL: yesss4
Don't know that this will help a lot, but I recently put Bilstein PSS9s (CO's)on my B7 and I'm very happy with the results. The ride isn't all that different than stock but the handling is 10x better. They are adjustable in terms of dampening. They are not cheap, however. I can't remember the exact cost because I had a lot done at the same time, but definitely over $2K installed. On a side note, if you don't already have a swaybar, get one. Very cheap and it makes a big difference.
Don't know that this will help a lot, but I recently put Bilstein PSS9s (CO's)on my B7 and I'm very happy with the results. The ride isn't all that different than stock but the handling is 10x better. They are adjustable in terms of dampening. They are not cheap, however. I can't remember the exact cost because I had a lot done at the same time, but definitely over $2K installed. On a side note, if you don't already have a swaybar, get one. Very cheap and it makes a big difference.
#6
03-19-2008, 02:09 AM
RE: Need a better radar detector
Thanks for the input, guys (and the quote). Sounds like there is not a good defense against the new radar guns. Maybe I should just slow down. Hmm... Nah. I have an older Escort and I call it my "You're about to get a ticket indicator." By the time the thing goes off it's too late. I think I'll get to work on inventing stealth wax for cars.
#7
03-19-2008, 02:15 AM
RE: Need a better radar detector
More info on the topic here:
http://www.buyradardetectors.com/blo...ice_laser.aspx
Looks like someone beat me to the stealth wax idea...
http://www.buyradardetectors.com/blo...ice_laser.aspx
Looks like someone beat me to the stealth wax idea...
#8
03-19-2008, 10:38 AM
RE: Need a better radar detector
Be smart about where you speed. I am in the same boat as you. As of now, my insurace is 2k every 6 months. 7 tickets in the past 3 years are catching up with me. I drive about 5 over now. Maybe you should give it a try?
#10
03-19-2008, 11:44 AM
RE: Need a better radar detector
V1 or Bel STi with a laser jammer in the front and rear bumper. Just do a good job stealth installing it so the pigs dont find it!
Brandon my insurance is just about the same as yours, maybe a little more and i only have 1 speeding ticket and 1 stopsign violation. I havent been lisenced for 3 years yet though haha
Brandon my insurance is just about the same as yours, maybe a little more and i only have 1 speeding ticket and 1 stopsign violation. I havent been lisenced for 3 years yet though haha