I agree. These things are basically toys.

If you speed using good judgement you are going to be fine.

On the NYS Thruway, I set cruise for 74 mph. Speed limit is 65. I pass cops and do not stop, slow down, slam on brakes, etc. I know he saw me going 74 and have no intention of hiding it so what good does slamming on the brakes do at that point...

 

All,

I dare not even mention this, but I write tickets for a living. Yes, I AM A COP!
(I like donut jokes, bring them on) PM me if you want opines on detectors. BUT...let me tell you this: This has been a banner year for people getting tickets with V1's, so much so that I called the company to tell them (badbatch?) as of yet, no call back or email from them. Same with the Escorts (new). No changes on my end, the same radar unit etc etc...

Andy

 

Alpine some places, not many ban detectors. It's basically a radio reciever so the airways are open. Police radar operates on a frequency designated for police use. Jammers, being a transmitter, violate F.C.C. since you are operateing a transmitter on a reserved frequency. Generally, when an officer comes across one, you jot down the model and serial number of the jammer and forward a report to a federal prosecutor, unless the state has it's own broadcasting law that covers it.

 

Go to www.radarbusters.com and he will explain it all. He is a former cop that tests all of this stuff including so-called jammers. Wish I had seen this site before I bought my Rocky Mountain Jammer . Now I know.

 

Good site, I read that Friday night after the ticket. Lots of good info there.

 

7-9 seems a safe speed to be slightly ahead of the bulk of the traffic so you are passing and don't get hung up in the right hand lane often. Yes, a traffic flow thing. It is also a speed that most patrolman don't worry with as plenty run this speed. They are mostly worried about the ones running 15+ over.

 

Talked to both Escort/Passport and Valentine today. Escort offered a buyback on my old unit, but it was only $30. Yes there are updates for the newer Escort units, but not mine despite the fact it is the same basic chassis.

Valentine units all the way back to 92 can be upgraded so I decided to do the V1. I'm still not going to rely on it or go crazy on speed. I just like the "situational awareness" of the indicator arrows and the upgradability.

Thanks for the reply's and help!

 

With instant on Radar & Laser, Detectors become a tool, not bullit-proof. They provide information.
When driving 100-350 miles in my car for business, I use the detector and generally do no more than +5. Most DPS will not write that, usually. When going through towns, I always run under the limit. County & locals need your money, just play their game, you will always lose, so why try? Besides, the open road is where time may be made.
I believe common sense is the name of the game. If you can get 1 or 2 jail bait cars in front of you, with the detector, you got an almost fool-proof deal.
The other scenario to watch for is DPS coming fast from behind, sometimes with Radar, sometimes just clocking you. I have had 2-3 occasions when DPS went past me & pulled over a vehicle ahead of me that did not check his mirror. I had to dry my seat.
Normally 80 here in the wide open is what I like to run. In West Texas, past Sonora, that IS the legal limit. On occasion 85, running with a pack. Again, with 1-2 cars ahead, detector on, watch the rear view, you are ALMOST bullit proof.
I have a 93 Passport, still works well, considering.
Driving the truck with the fiver or heavy utility trailer, 55-60 normally. When driving 640miles to West Texas with a load, no more than 70, usually 68 or so.
With the cost of diesel over $2.50, I believe we need to get as many miles out of a gallon as possible, considering time & distance.
Driving 55 will not kill you. My truck, even with 4.10's, will get 20MPG at that speed. Driving 70 vs 55 for 100 miles nets you about 35 minutes, your mileage will decrease by 20-30%. To me time is easier to use than money! At 55, you will also have unlimited braking distance; set the cruise and drive. You might pass 1 vehicle in 100 miles.
If you are going to speed, do so intelligently!

 

Well written reply, Thanks for the comments. Agreed, detector is a tool and no more. You have to use your head.

 

I have a Bell RX65 and that is how I use it, but that technique doesnt work well with laser. The only way to defeat it seems to be with the use of stealth coatings and keeping your eyes open. When a laser gun is properly used you can't pickup any reflections off other cars in front of you. On the plus side, it operates in line of sight only and at relatively short distances.

I'm not a big time speeder, but my detector has saved my bacon a few times. It keeps me honest.

radarbusters is definately the best web site on the subject.

 

It works,if you have your eyes open. In order to shoot Laser, the cop has to be line of site, using both hands(None for donuts), in the weather. He can only shoot 1 car at a time. If you are second or third, you should have noticed: 1.) the cop car with window down, gun pointing at you(If its hot, the cop will be sweating. Cold, he will be freezing. Rain, he will be wet. 2.) Standing on the shoulder with a box on a stick pointing at you, or the traffic in front on you. Either way, you have time to make adjustments.
I have noticed that Laser has picked up some. Normally it is too much trouble; they normally bag their limit with plain Radar, K or Ka, so why bother?
I think the only cops that shoot Laser have done somethinh wrong & are being punished.
I have never seen where they shoot Laser & then have a second unit pulling in cars left & right, although it is possible. Again, behind other speeders, you should get some clues(brake lights?)
Your chances are much better than the first guy. Chances are, he gets the ticket, you drive by.

 

Lasers are used an awful lot around here by the motorcycle cops for some reason. They run in teams of 2 or 3, sometimes. Those guys are ruthless.

 

Let us know how you like it! I love mine if for nothing else, just to know what may be around the corner, it's worth it!

 

Agree with Larry. I talked to a Colorado State Patrol last night (just chillin, not pulled over) and he said radar detectors are a waste of everyones money. he said they use LIDAR instead of RADAR. Radar scans radio waves, Lidar is a laser signal that puts a red dot on you when he points it at you. They can point it at you for a tenth of a second and get your speed. Your detector didnt detect it and he got your speed. He said radar detectors are good for City Cops, but their radars are getting better to get you without you knowing. He also said being at the back of the pack full of speeders doesnt make you safe from being pulled. He said it is a crapshoot and he will get whoever he feels like. once he gets one of them, the rest slow down.

And if Lidar doesnt work, he said that even though you may not think its true, a plane is in the sky 24/7 out here on I-25 knockin people left and right.

Also said Colorado State Patrol ordered 50 Dodge Chargers for their fleet. He said they are the new cop car and some will have the 5.7 and some will have the 6.1

 

Will do. I ordered yesterday and it will be here tomorrow. Freight was $6 for 2 day air freight direct from Valentine.