Radar Detectors - what works?

[Canuck]

Hi All,

I haven't owned a radar detector for over ten years now. I have no idea wht the latest technology is or wht to look for in a unit. But, now that I own an SVX, it is apparent that I'm going to need one. It is just too darn hard to drive the speed limit in these things!

Can anyone throw some ideas at me as to what is a good radar detector these days? I'm not as concerned about the city driving as much as highway driving.

Thanks in advance.

[Dza]

I've heard good things about the Valentine 1. http://www.valentine1.com/ It''s a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. Do a search for "valentine" to find others' opinions.

There's a Titanium Oxide coating on LSi and LS-L model windshields that will affect your detector's reception, so keep that in mind.

I love my Escort Passport 8500...saved my arse many times. But I have an advantage over a lot of SVX owners: I don't have a Titanium Oxide windshield. That really makes a difference.




Dave

[Rotorflyr]

It was mentioned on the Yahoo site that there are companies still making remote mount units, however there was a question raised about if the sensors used could be painted so as to match body color when bumper mounted. I had an ancient version mounted in an old S-10 Blazer I owned in my younger days, it worked ok, til it broke (got it second hand, so it was kinda beat-up anyway) after about 6 months, it didn't have seperate sensors, just one unit that got mounted under the hood of the truck.

[thundering02]

I have the $40 walmart one I call it my STUPID Detector basically theyre lokking at me when it lights up

Does anyone know if the titanium oxide glass in our cars obstructs the detection of lazer detection or just radar?

I have a Whistler DE3400 remote type that has a highly sensitive radar eye that mounts under the hood and 360* lazer eye that mounts to the windshield.

Just curious, i've put off the install for months but if someone could tell me if the titanium would mess w/ lazer I'd appreciate it. The police in WA only use lazer it seems so it would be mostly pointless to install if if it won't even work effectively.

Thanks!

BTW I have blue glass all around if that makes a difference (not bronze)

if you've had your windshield replaced at a glass shop. Would the replacement windshield have the titanium oxide coating? Or could you replace a LS-L windshield with one from an L model without titanium oxide coating? And why do only the LS-L touring models have this coating? What purpose does the coating provide?

i just ordered a cobra 9780 pro on ebay for $130. originally 190ish but i will update on it in a week. its cobras top of line i sure hope it works.

Originally Posted by KCROGUEDOG

i just ordered a cobra 9780 pro on ebay for $130. originally 190ish but i will update on it in a week. its cobras top of line i sure hope it works.

I've never owned a Cobra that wasn't anything more than junk. Some worked better than others, but if you really want good protection ya gotta go with one of the big boys. After my experiences with my Passport 8500, I'll never go back to cheap detectors again.


Dave

[Royal Tiger]

I'd go with the obvious cheapest solution. Use the cruise control and stay no more then 10 over. Works for me.

i just can see spending more than 200 on a detector. when i see my self spending money like that there are so many other thing i want to buy.

Originally Posted by PA_SVX

I'd go with the obvious cheapest solution. Use the cruise control and stay no more then 10 over. Works for me.

And that's usually what I do. However, like most people I like to ride with a heavy right foot now and again. I do it safely, and with a good detector I do it smartly.



Dave

Originally Posted by KCROGUEDOG

i just can see spending more than 200 on a detector. when i see my self spending money like that there are so many other thing i want to buy.

If you've ever received a speeding ticket (which I have not, for the record), you know that the ticket isn't your biggest concern. It's the insurance hike that gets you. A good detector is cheaper than a speeding ticket when you factor in the insurance penalty. You're willing to spend $200? Save up an extra $100 and buy a Passport. You won't regret it.




Dave

[Bobb]

Hey Dan, Doesn't that FOP sticker help a little bit. Take care, BOBB

[Royal Tiger]

Bobb, that and the badge that just happens to be next to the ol driver's license. I have only been stopped once for speeding since on the job, and yes I got off. But I didn't ask for a break. I usually only cite about 55-60% of the people I stop. Attitude and what they do prior to the stop are my biggest factors. I usually decide in the first 45 seconds of contact weather or not they are getting a ticket. Except for one well told speeding story, I am almost always at no more then 10 over. Just about 99.999% of cops let 10 over go. I look for reckless behavior and pet peeves more then speed.