Opinions - Radar detectors.
 

What do you prefer? I'm looking to replace a very old Escort. Probably with a Passport 8500. The SVX is currently running a 4500. I've read a little stuff on the Valentine, and although their web site drums it up pretty good, a lot of other folks say the 8500 is better. What do you use, and why?

as with all things, there is always a difference of opinion.

Car&Driver magazine likes the Valentine One. Check out their comparison from a couple of months ago:
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caran...ar%20detectors

www.radartest.com likes the Escort 8500. Check out their comparision:
http://www.radartest.com/DS4HEM.html

I personally own a Valentine one and really like it.

Good luck,
Matt

Valentine!
 

I've had the same one since 1996 and it still works great. They have made an upgrade since then so it is probably even better now.

Though through the SVX Titanium tint windshield the range is quite reduced.

I have the deluxe model with the laser detection also. I have only run across the 'man' with a laser a couple of times though, but it picked it up pretty well.

C/D just did their radar test a few months ago. Maybe they have the article archived on the net somewhere?

Re: Valentine!
 

Speaking of which - The last three days my 4500 has been 'tweeting' out Laser warnings together with Ka warnings. It's happened in several areas where (I'm sure) no Laser exists. Looks like I may need to replace both my Escorts. :(

Re: Opinions - Radar detectors.
 

I've been a big fan of the uniden. I have one of the top ones from a few years ago, still works nicely. A big plus is that warning feature for rail roads and construction. I'm looking into their newest one, it has built in GPS, keeps track of speed traps, all the goodies in it. and i've been really happy w/ the acuracy and range of my other one.

I've been pondering a jamer, anyone know anything about those?

Re: Re: Opinions - Radar detectors.
 

Here's a cheaper solution - buy a watch. Then you won't be late, so you won't feel urge to speed. You'll save on gas, maintenance on the car and speeding fines. ;)

I also have a question. The new S-class Benzes have some sort of auto-distancing electronics in them. I can't remember if they're radar or IR based, but are they going to start interfering with folks' radar detectors? :)

use the escort myself....
 

and it has only let me down once. but even then the alarm went off, just a little too late. :rolleyes:

I run the Uniden LRD 6275SWS. It was more than adequate in my Suzuki Sidekick, but, I feel the range is not what it should be in the SVX. Of course, it's never failed to go off, but, just like Leo, it's gone off too late.

Radar, of course, has become more sophisticated. The times I got nailed, it was "head on" with Ultralyte. When Ultralyte is used, the detector simply is a confirmation that you've been nailed.

If I had my druthers, I'd have a remote unit, but, my "druthers" are ruled by my wallet, therefore, not a likely choice for the near future.

http://www.radartest.com/REMRD.html

Re: Re: Re: Opinions - Radar detectors.
 

That's a good question. It would all depend on the frequency used by the unit. seeing as how the cops use a frequency determined by k, ka, x. I know there are units like in stop lights that determine if a car is there or not to switch the light. I believe they are IR based, but they dont set off my radar.

I have a watch, several infact. I think it's the effect the svx has on me :rolleyes:

one solution that's been out a while is that lazer absorbant paint, my svx is getting a paint job this spring/summer, i think i should get some of that :)

i have a beltronics Vector 95. Just one ticket on that so far. You should have seen the smile on that CPD cop. Bel has been great for me since I got it. My extra eyes and ears.

ticket

Lwin

Re: Re: Re: Re: Opinions - Radar detectors.
 

Are you going to paint that big ol' windshield with the metallic guts too? :)

Beav

Valentine one. I hate driving without it. It saved me again on the way home from work again today. I have 2 tickets with it - 1 a laser that I was so surprised to even hear the laser warning go off that by the time I crapped my pants I was looking at the cop. He did ask me if it went off and then told me he specifically shoots low on the road to avoid detection. He was surprised that it picked up. The other was a Ka that I had ample warning for but was the front in line going very fast down a steep hill on I-77 with alot of trucks behind me - I figured a ticket was better than a wreck in that situation.
It is well worth the high price tag. Once you have a locator that tells you "where" the cops are you will not want to drive without it.