[peterk]

Hi All,

I am in the market for a radar detector. I have not owned one for 10 years - don't usually go more the 10MPH over the speed limit. Local cops have been cracking down on everything.

Anyone know what is the best radar detector out there? Best value? People are saying Valentine-1 is good.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks, Peter

 

[nemogira]

I don't own a radar detector but have heard the best (but most expensive) is the ValentineOne. It supposed to protect both the front, rear and I think even sides of your vehicle from most radar guns. Have also heard some good things about the Passport Escort 8500. Not as much protection but good enough and is also less expensive. You might want to check out some of these radar discussions at Acura-Tl.com:

http://www.acura-tl.com/ubb/Forum14/HTML/001154.html

http://www.acura-tl.com/ubb/Forum14/HTML/001882.html

http://www.acura-tl.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/002528.html

-nemogira

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2000 CCS EX-NAVI

 

[erickam]

In my work life I'm a speeding ticket attorney. I use and recommend the Valentine 1.

Unless there is another detector which has a feature you can't live without I think you will find, and hate finding out, that the price difference between the V1 and any less expensive detector is more than wiped out the first time you get a ticket.

The V1 is not a license to speed but it provides a lot of useful information in an easy to digest format.

In addition, to date, the V1 chassis has not been changed. That means you can send your unit back to Valentine Research for upgrades whenever Mike Valentine comes up with one.

It's worth a trip to www.valentineone.com to read all of the information Mike has up there.

I don't criticize folks who choose another detector. There are some lower cost units that do a pretty good job. But most of the time when auto magazines compare detectors the V1 comes out at or near the top of the ratings.

Good luck and safe speeding.

Sincerely,
Eric

Shameless Plug - www.traffic-ticket.com

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2001 TW EX - Trans Cooler, Bug Shield, Leather Steering Wheel Cover, Wheel Well Liners

 

[groupset]

By way of information, be advised that radar detectors only work when they pick up the emitted radar stream. (E.G.; when it's already hit your car and is on its way back to the originating gun...by which time it's too late!) And if you think that your detector will pick up stray radar from miles up the road, that's why cops don't stay stationary in one spot too long; don't leave the radar on continuously; keep moving (making u-turns; etc.); and use laser units (which can be focused on one vehicle with no emitted "spray" that can be picked up by nearby detectors). Most cops also shoot radar in short bursts, with several seconds to a few minutes apart, thus preventing nearby detectors in the traffic stream from triggering. How about a show of hands of those who had radar detectors on in the vehicle when they got a ticket?

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David
'01 GG EX-NAVI
Classic Soft Trim leather kit; Audiovox entertainment system; Gentex auto dimming compass/temp rear view mirror; Pioneer speakers front & rear; splash guards; cargo tray; cargo liner; power door mods; Helm manual; Honda litter bag.

 

[erickam]

David, you are correct in your statement but I disagree with your description of how law enforcement uses radar.

Sometimes radar is used to spray a highway in order to slow down folks who are using radar detectors.

Sometimes radar is left on and set to signal the operator when a preset limit of mph over the speed limit is reached.

A sensitive radar detector will tell you when there is a radar signal in the area even if it is bouncing off of something else. That is most useful if you are traveling on a familiar route.

I think the most effective use of radar detectors is in making a mental map of where the detector will go off because of security systems and automatic doors on grocery stores. Once you know where the standing radar signals are you are prepared to recognize a new signal or a signal in a new location.

I've never received a radar run speeding ticket while using a radar detector. I have had law enforcement come up with other reasons to ticket me after they have stopped me while using a radar detector.

When radar is used in the way you describe it is a very effective enforcement tool.

Sincerely,
Eric



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2001 TW EX - Trans Cooler, Bug Shield, Leather Steering Wheel Cover, Wheel Well Liners

 

[Bigrob]

Eric --

Need some help... was traveling in what I think is your state (NC) when I was pulled for speeding... The patrolman first reported that he had clocked me at 73, then wrote the ticket for 70. I know that my speedo said 64 and I had the cruise set...

So my question is twofold, I guess... 1) is there nothing an ordinary citizen can do when given a bogus speed on a ticket? It is impractical as an out-of-stater to drive 500 miles to contest the ticket in court. I absolutely was not going the speed indicated on the ticket and do not want to "admit" my guilt by simply sending in payment and watching hopefully to see if NC and VA have reciprocal reporting of violations. 2) is any weight given to the sworn testimony of multiple people in the target car? My wife and kids were with me and also reported they saw my speed at 64.

I asked what sort of radar was used and the patrolman declined to answer, saying only that they "check their equipment three times a day" and that if I didn't want to sign the ticket, he could take me to the magistrate and we could wait till the morning for me to post bond. Twice he implied that he might arrest me and I'd have a mandatory court apprearance. (Patrolman's name was Blizzard, don't know if that means anything to you or not, I can get you the precinct/area info if it helps).

The posted limit was 55. I usually set my cruise for 8-9 miles over the limit... always thought that was pretty safe... but I guess you can never be completely safe. What I wonder is if I hadn't been over the limit at all, isn't it possible he could still have written a bogus ticket like the one he wrote and I'd still be in the same boat?

I've just been laid off and paying a ticket is bad enough... I really can't afford attorney's fees and increases in my insurance... any help you can provide would be appreciated...

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Eric
'01 SS EX/NAVI
Next up: Replace factory speakers