Andys06GT

another thing to watch for is VG-2 Detection. thats a tricky buzzard that turns on when you pass in front of it, then relays, and shuts off. every time a car goes by, it reads em. and some radar detectors dont pick it up. definately something to watch for, as VG-2 can hit you pretty far away.

b_hollier

What he told you is true to some degree. I have a friend who is a State Trooper in Louisiana and know quite a few sheriffs deputies in my area. They use the Radar Guns a lot in our area the only thing is if you are within about 1/2 mile (flat terrain) your radar detector will go off. The radars they use send out a radio frequency to your car and when the signal bounces back is what calculates the speed. Most radar detectors will pick up almost every type of radar the cops use. However when they have their (patrol unit) calibrated they can change the frequency of the radar gun they use. It is important when you get a good radar detector that you make sure it is programmable. This allows you to send the unit back to the manufacture to have "updates" installed. I have the Valintine One in my car, I have never gotten a ticket in the past 3 years of having it. You might want to check out their website. The guy that started the company used to work for US Radar, who manufactures most of the Radar untis used by most police agencies. They also explain on the site the different types of interferences the radar unit could have and how to avoid them.


http://www.valentine1.com/

Sleeper05

mine tells me where the cop is, and it works as well or better than yours

btw, radar detectors are very useful if you regularly go over the speed limit, though they are only 1/4 of full protection from tickets. 1/2 is your use of your senses and knowing your surroundings, and the last 1/4 is luck

Sean3667

Specter,

You're probably VERY lucky you didn't get pulled over. A lot of cops would have observed the multiple incidents of brake lights coming on, followed by driving a substantial amount under the speed limit, and considered that erratic driving. A NJ trooper I went to school with, said hitting the brakes is the WORST thing to do if you're speeding and a patrol car is in close proximity... because the brake lights or sudden drop in speed are a giveaway that you knew you were way over. You're far better to let the speed drift down, and stay AT, or just above, the speed limit.

Driving too far under the limit is a common sign of an intoxicated driver, and may lead to the hassle of a roadside sobriety test.

EJD05GT

I agree.
-E



btw, radar detectors are very useful if you regularly go over the speed limit, though they are only 1/4 of full protection from tickets. 1/2 is your use of your senses and knowing your surroundings, and the last 1/4 is luck

Intrcepter

In my jurisdiction I have to visually verify that the target vehicle is exceeding the speed limit. What that means is that my radar is in standby mode until I see a car that I think is speeding (most cops are suprisingly good at estimating another vehicles speed). When I switch to active it is too late for your detector to do any good. I give a lot of warnings, except when I see the radar detector in the car!

Birdieman4

That's exactly the attitude I want a cop to have about his radar.
He believes that regardless of radar detector brand or techniques used with it, he'll still nab you. Some he will; some he will have a lot more trouble with.
Unfortunatly for him, once it's on every1 knows, and not just the guy who he has it aimed at.
As someone mentioned above, this is a fallacy, especially with todays better units.
Yes, but he may not have YOUR numbers, he may have someone else's numbers.
My bottom line on this is cops have a tendency to take their radar for granted, which makes it easier for us speeders to eveade, elude, and chuckle.

Forster Bittner

btw, radar detectors are very useful if you regularly go over the speed limit, though they are only 1/4 of full protection from tickets. 1/2 is your use of your senses and knowing your surroundings, and the last 1/4 is luck

[/quote]

I think you have it just about right.

Goldenpony

I use the Escort 8500 x50. No, they aren't foolproof- but remember, they only have to work once to pay for themselves. A good detector vastly improves your odds. I wouldn't drive without one.

RED121572

I agree with some of that. Ive had one of those new passports for a few months. It has saved me from doing anything stupid quite a few times.

If the cops radar is on, Ill pick it up WAY before we see each other.

Ive been hit from close range a few times and there is no warning. You just get nailed. (city cops and state cops sitting on the side of the Pennsylvania turnpike)

The passport I have works just as well from the rear.

One thing I did learn not long ago, LASER can not be used while the cop car is in motion. (Passport 8500 X50 manual)

If any of you are thinking about getting a radar detector, dont go cheap, do your research and buy what you think is the best one.