Radar Detector talk

[stefan]

Re: Radar Detector talk

Valentine1 or go home.

why would you waste cash on a detector that doesn't even tell you where the source is coming from?

if you buy anything else you are wasting your money. I have logged 20,000km's in the last 45 days. My V1 gives me more warning than any escort or Bell detector. We have done our own tests in the truck and every time the V1 goes off first.

yeah, i have heard these are great. Honestly though, when it comes to radar, i typically get plenty of warning with the one I have too. In the mountains, it is good to have the best you can get. In the prairies though, i'm catching RCMP radar over 1000m away. Thats good enough for me. Even in the mountains, i get enough warning. I suppose it really depends on the conditions of your area, but the new Bel RX65 and STi, as well as Escorts 8500 are getting better reviews then the V1. The downside of the V1 is that is doesnt seem to have been updated in a few years. It was ahead of its time, but others have since caught up.

[RONDAL]

Re: Radar Detector talk

the valentine 1 can be updated, even if you bought it 5 years ago you can send it in for hardware and software upgrades.

i have driven with all of the top detectors, we have even done our own testing in the trucks with the bell and escort's seeing which one picks up the cop hiding over the crest first.

direct line of sight the V1 will pick up slightly before, but where the V1 really shines is on crests when the cop is hidden. the others just seem to go off as you crest at the last minute, the V1 still gives you enormous amounts of warning.

[The_Stig]

Re: Radar Detector talk

the valentine 1 can be updated, even if you bought it 5 years ago you can send it in for hardware and software upgrades.

i have driven with all of the top detectors, we have even done our own testing in the trucks with the bell and escort's seeing which one picks up the cop hiding over the crest first.

direct line of sight the V1 will pick up slightly before, but where the V1 really shines is on crests when the cop is hidden. the others just seem to go off as you crest at the last minute, the V1 still gives you enormous amounts of warning.

How have you found it with lazer? Give you any warning at all?(enough time to slow down) or is it just radar which it is really good for?

[Red90]

Re: Radar Detector talk

You need a jammer for laser.

[The_Stig]

Re: Radar Detector talk

Yeah i thought so, but then reading up on the V1 it said it had excellent warner and coverage for laser, so i was curious who has used one if this is true or not.

[stefan]

Re: Radar Detector talk

laser takes so little time to get a reading. if they are aiming at you, its too late. If they are aiming at the car in front, and happen to hit you, then you stand a chance.

[The_Stig]

Re: Radar Detector talk

oh i gotcha, do you boys with radar detectors bother having them on in the city or only highway'?

[RONDAL]

Re: Radar Detector talk

laser is instant on, so basically its like a gun....point-shoot-dead. there is no advanced warning unless they happen to hit a car in front or beside you and you get a nice bounce.

instant on radar manned at the side of the road is the same way. without a jammer you cant do anything. the detector will DETECT it, but there is no time for you to react.

On the highways typically cops use in car radar and drive with it on so you can AMPLE warning as to where they are. i cant stand other detectors not having the arrows. they are completely useless without them

[stefan]

Re: Radar Detector talk

i cant stand other detectors not having the arrows. they are completely useless without them

i wouldnt say useless, i mean, if i get a beep on the highway, its a cop... regardless of where he is sitting, i will slow down. i rarely, if ever, get a false alarm out on the highway. It is a nice feature though i suppose.

[Kordain]

Re: Radar Detector talk

Interesting topic, this may seem a dumb question but is it legal to drive with a detector on in the car over here? im guessing it is cos i see so many of em in the front windows here. Back home its an instant fine and the unit confiscated if they see one in your car or if they see you taking it off the dash when they pull you.

I have one i bought in the states a few years back and im wondering if it would still be any good, its a Uniden LRD2200SE (special edition so it must rock!!! ) says its laser and super wide band? came in usefull in the states though its 6 years ago now.

[stefan]

Re: Radar Detector talk

yes legal in western canada. uniden doesn't have spectacular ratings, so you will likely get a lot of false alerts. don't rely on the laser detector, even the top end ones are not that effective.

[Silverstoned]

Re: Radar Detector talk

My 8500 saved me a license suspension in Banff national park. The had laser on a tripod about 10km inside the park gates. I managed to slow to 110 (what the officer said he had me at) and a little polite chatter got him to lower the speed to 98 on the ticket. Needless to say I was quite happy to pay the ticket and gave my 8500 a little pat of appreciation.

I'd suggest removing the detector from the window if you get busted, as it will improve your chances of getting off with a warning or reduced fine.

[stefan]

Re: Radar Detector talk

I'd suggest removing the detector from the window if you get busted, as it will improve your chances of getting off with a warning or reduced fine.

agreed.. the last ticket i got, i got a nasty comment about my detector... had to go downtown to get that one reduced.

[GoNzO]

Re: Radar Detector talk

I have been doing lots of research on this the last month. I am shopping for a radar detector as well. What I have learnt and with the proper searching on google you can find what I have found. Escort bought out Bel. No secret there.
Next I was a loyal Valentine one fan. Have used them in the past and yes they are update friendly. Now escort 8500 and Bel RX and STi are updatable as well. ALL private tests I have found say the Valentine WAS the leader but is about 10 years old without significant upgrades to the system. They have fallen way behind. The new Escort 8500 and Bel RX and STi have been proven to be a better machine.
Now I am not wanting to piss anyone off or say which I think is better. Do the searches and you will see what I am talking about. I am hoping Valentine is coming out with something new to compete. If so I will switch back. Oh I bought a Bel STi. I travel all over into BC and into western USA. Yes cop cars(RCMP) in BC do carry radar detector detectors. Trust me I lost my old Bel to a RCMP tracking me. Now that sucks. Lost my detector and also got fined.
Take this post as info. I hope people deside to spend a little time and do the research as well.

[Tromping_Maniac]

Re: Radar Detector talk

Why did you lose you RD in BC? RD's are legal in BC.