I know that nobody who reads this post exceeds the speed limit (yeah, right!!!) but am going to ask my question anyway. What is currently the best all round radar detector available today? Specially the stealth models. I know what I buy today is obsolete tomorrow but still want an updated unit. I prefer the models that have a self contained battery so that I don't have a cord trailing all over. Also, where is the best place to buy one? How about the detectors advertised in magazines such as Popular Science?<br>The unit I have in my other car reads front and back, has it's own battery but is a few years old now. Still works great.

 

Valentine One ... in my opinion is the best ..... already paid for itself many times in the past two months ....

 

The Valentine 1 and Escort detectors both have a rabid following, much the same as automatic trannies I suspect either unit would suit your needs very well, and each are software upgradeable to help defeat VG2 and read new radar bands.

I personally have a Bel 916 and I heavily recommend that you don't consider one of the low end Bels like this one. Detection range is great, however false alarms, especially in town, are excessive. Bel's top-end model (can't remember the model now) appears to be very good. Almost in the class of the Escort and Valentine units (from the test results I've read in mags anyway), and is also upgradeable.

Rod

 

Purely from a scientific viewpoint, not being a leadfoot, just naturally curious, where would be good places to buy such units as mentioned above. The local stores are very provincial. I would presume that the internet would probably be a good start. Any recommendations?<br><br>~Dave

 

You can only get the Valentine One direct for Valentine as far as I know .... call them at 1-800-331-3030 - they have a website here

 

In my original question I forgot to ask if anyone has had any experience with the devices that supposedly make your vehicle &quot;invisible&quot; to radar. If so, would that be a better route to go as opposed to the detector? A few years ago there were plans available to take parts from a microwave oven and make your own. Never did go that route as I was afraid of leaky microwaves coming back at me.

 

There is a little liscense plate frame I read about in a Mustang magazine that scrambles the radar beam until you are about 10 feet away. It warns you of it a long way off (I think like a mile or two+) and it blocks the radar waves till you are about 10 feet away. Giving you plenty of time to slow down. For radar detectors, I'd say the Valentine One. My friend and I borrowed his dad's and that thing is awesome. It warned us of cops we didn't even see till we were right on them. It's expensive, I think around $300, but it's worth it.

 

I dont use a radar detector, haven't gotten a ticket since 1985. In my opinion they just give you a false sense of security and this causes you to drive even faster.<br><br> You can't beat all of it, including aircraft they use to enforce the limits.<br><br> For me, I drive avg about 5 over the limit and never see a police officer except when he is writing a ticket to a guy who usually has a radar detector on his windsheild.

 

A good CB is a lot more effective than any detector, especially on the highway

 

With more and more departments going to laser it does you no good to get a radar detector. You can't scramble a laser with fancy gizmos and a laser detector does you no good because by the time it goes off he's already got your speed and decided if he's going to pull you over or not. <br><br>I used to have a Bel radar detector. I can honestly say that I never got a ticket while I had it. I got so tired of hearing the stupid thing go off though that I threw it away. Now I just drive like a good little boy.

 

[quote author=TX Ram link=board=10;threadid=13423;start=0#126570 date=1050003373]<br>A good CB is a lot more effective than any detector, especially on the highway <br>[/quote]<br><br>I'll agree with you there.<br><br>I use mine when on the interstate. It also warns you of accidents or traffic jams about a 2 miles or so ahead so you have time to make alternate route or prepare accordingly.<br><br>Other than that, Valentine One gets my vote.

 

[quote author=Mexstan link=board=10;threadid=13423;start=0#126408 date=1049980620]<br>In my original question I forgot to ask if anyone has had any experience with the devices that supposedly make your vehicle &quot;invisible&quot; to radar. If so, would that be a better route to go as opposed to the detector? A few years ago there were plans available to take parts from a microwave oven and make your own. Never did go that route as I was afraid of leaky microwaves coming back at me.<br>[/quote]<br>Radars are radio transmitters licensed to police on a police frequency. Whether the state has a law against them or not (Michigan does not), it's an F.C.C. violation (felony I believe) to operate one without a license. People do get caught with these frequently. Even if you are polite, the officer may forward a report to the Federal prosecutor for review. When an officer is patrolling agressively, there are factors he has to consider even before turning the radar on. He is suppose to have a good idea of your speed before he clocks you, other wise it violates your rights (at least in Michigan). Some still do patrol with it on all the time, but that's because they don't want to make stops. Many people have a false sense of security because they probably weren't going fast enough to get pulled over when they did get clocked. Other vehicles, weather and terrain as well as weather traffic is safe enough to turn on someone are factors that might give false security if you were clocked. Weather only affects the range of laser and radar, not accuracy. Some places (ask Alpineram) use infra-red beams which you will not pick up. You break two beams across the road and it times the distance between. I'll tell you also that some gimmick plate on the front is NOT gonna cloak a full size truck, much less most cars. This topic has come up in the past and I said something similar, not a lecture, just information.<br>Don.

 

Thanks guys for all the info.<br>Redleg, I am aware that almost all radio transmitting devices have to be licenced, and am aware of the consequences of being caught with an illegal transmitter. CB'ers that run more power than the law allows are just one example of taking a chance. The devices that supposedly make a vehicle invisible to radar is another example of an unlicenced transmitter. Your points are valid and appreciated.

 

Isn't there's another FCC reg. about Interfering/Jamming with a broadcast frequency.

 

I think there is one. However that would be a different subject to radar jammers. Hams or CB'ers are not allowed to jam a broadcast frequency. But then neither are the radio emissions from your dishwasher, electric shaver etc.