Nope, there is also 'instant-on' radar that behaves like Laser: one shot, within a second your detector goes off AND you are nailed.

When we moved here, my wife and I were getting paperd with tickets, so I bought 2 Uniden detectors. I have had no more tickets in 3 years since then. I realize that this is partly a result of learning all the local tricks and traps, but the detector does help to figure out what they're using, how they use it and where.

Around here, they use mostly laser for speed traps, and 1/2 the cruisers keep their radar on all the time. The worst was Photo Radar: completely undetectable until too late, but the current government nixed them.

Fortunately, the local cops won't nab you on the first shot of laser. Since I have cheap detectors I usually pick up on the laser shot, then hit the brakes and squeak by the second shot at a reasonable speed. They also like to stake out blind curves and bridges - so I scan these spots more vigilently.

 

Well, my V1 tried to save my butt on my last ticket but I didn't pay enough attention to my speed and got nailed. I definitely pay attention now when it's blaring like it did before I got that last ticket.

 

I think that instant on radar...is the new POP unit. Hard to detect.

I have one of the Sensoro Silver Bullitts....and it actually works pretty darn well for a $100.00 detector.
I saw where it actually came in 3rd in some of the tests just behind the Escort 8500 and the V1.

Hey, at least the detector let's you know that you are about to be pulled over so you can clean out that ashtray......

 

Acording to the Valentine web, that new POP is undetectable yes, but also inacurrate. They conducted tests that show POP is unreliable and that you can set up a court and fight the ticket off.

 

Maz:

I had a few 'so-so' detectors over the years, and would have given the same review you did i.e. "they suck, what's the point"

A couple years ago I got tagged on the 138 (famous for speed trap where it drops from 70 to 55) was tagged for 85 in 55....

I then did a little research, and settled on the Escort Pasport 8500 (at $299).
It has saved my *** over and over again.

The key is placing it correctly, and ABSOLUTELY SLOW DOWN if it even twitters with a Ka band hit.

This all of course assumes the cop is using radar.

Frankly it was the best 300 bucks I ever spent.

 

Everyone has talked about avoiding radar, but some States have radar detector detector's. Yup, if your radar detector is on, they know it. So if your driving at the speed limit, you can still get BUSTED. I was traveling through Virginia to the Easter Shore, and a local pulled me over. I new the area well, and it's a speed trap. I forgot to pull the plug when I cross the State line. It's listed as an "Equipment Violation". Got tagged for $94.00.

 

very true. i've gotten two since i've purchased my escort 8500.
1. not plugged in. stupid g/f at the time was charging her phone.
2. not paying attention to the detector. there's always a stop where it goes off on the way to work because of cameras and for some stupid reason i wasn't paying attention to the fact that the signal was stronger. stupid me.

 

I talked to a V1 tech rep about this last week; the "detector detector" has to be within something like 10 feet to detect it! Of course if you don't have a stealth install, it's not hard to tell you have a detector with the tell-tale cord and/or lights.

 

ok first off... the 'stealth' radar detector his is speaking of above is just that. The cops can't detect that you have a radar detector. that's all it means. their detector detector is defeated. Not a big deal.

Radar/laser jammers are illegal in every state that I'm aware. However, as said before, equipment fails. If their radar/laser doesn't read correctly, they're not going to think that car must have a jammer and pull you over for it.

and I think the biggest misconception is that radar detectors are cop detectors. THEY ARE NOT. They do not detect cops. Just b/c you saw a cop and it didn't go off does NOT mean your radar detector is defective. If they don't have their radar on it shouldn't go off. My first instinct when I read the original post was that his problem was that he didn't understand how these things work. As far as I've read, nobody has said that yet, so there...now I feel better.

 

In my previous post when I refer to "stealth," I mean the detector and remote display cannot be seen from the outside and the wires cannot be seen from the inside. As for radar jammers, I have yet to hear of one that works correctly. Like anything, situational awareness (SA) is your best defense. That said, I think the V1 gives you the best SA since it's the only radar LOCATOR on the market. Still, the V1 is only a tool to acquire SA. You must be aware of how radar works and cop tactics, techniques, and procedures to mitigate risk of being caught speeding. For example, cops are increasingly using pacing method vice detector to pick up speeders. If you see someone come up on you quickly, slow down before they have a chance to tag along and pace you. In addition, to shoot lidar (laser radar), a cop must be stationary. That said, overpasses/on-ramps looking at long straight-aways lend themselves well to lidar. Slow down in these areas and ensure you're not a lone duck. Bottom line, be alert, smart, and have SA (read get a V1) to reduce your risk of being pulled over.

 

I have tried to get a DIY for installing the Escort 8500 or the Valentine V1 but cant find any. Sorry to ask this here, but I really want a radar detector which does not have cables flying all over. I live in Melbourne, Florida which is a small city and I would love to have one installed. Can someone tell me where I can have it installed here or where I can find a DIY on this forum or somewhere else?

 

My passport saved me the first day I used it on the road !

 

check your email

 

Actually I believe the actual total volume of the Escort is greater! It's more stream-lined and slightly narrower than the V-1, and the height is about the same. The V-1 is considerably shorter than the Escort however. Arguably, the Escort looks smaller. It's personal choice as both detectors get great reviews.

 

The face of the V1 (I believe) is taller. So although it is shorter, for mounting by the rear mirror, the V1 will obstruct more of your view. However, for either unit, you can mount it higher and use the remote display.