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Radar Detector

1018 Views 41 Replies 19 Participants Last post by  jk88
Since I received my first speeding ticket 2 days ago and after my mom berated me--my dad took me aside and informed me no more go fast parts for the Saab unless I get a radar detector...

I've been pulled over 13 times the last two years and just now got my first ticket. 17 over in a 25... Right before the signage states 35 mph limit. Someone slammed on the brakes and parked their car right in front of me. I passed them on the left and as the left lane cleared cop right there with the cherries and berries on. fml. It was defensive driving as I dodged getting rear ended. Whatever. I'll be in court on Aug 5th.

200.50 and 4 points...

I figure I should just bite the bullet and get a decent detector.

Escort 9500ix, Redline, Valentine 1, or something else?

Anyone know the difference between the Escort vs the Redline? The listed specs don't have anything separating them.
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If I had to do it all over again I'd probably get a V1 for the directional indicators.

With that said I have an Escort 8500 x50 and it hasn't failed me yet. *knocks on wood*
V1

ETA: I've never owned one. My grandpa had the first gen passport and V1 and my cousin swears by his V1. Of course both companies are out of Cincinnati, so I could be prejudiced.
I've been pulled over 20 times the last year
Wait what?!?

Seriously change your driving style. Radar Detector will only help you so much and now that you have something on your record you will not be so lucky here on out.
I don't know if a radar detector would help you sleepy. You just seem to get pulled over. A lot.


I always heard and agreed, remember, a radar detector is not permission to speed but it will help you remember to slow down.
I am in the process of buying a second/newer unit than I have.
I am currently running a Whistler 1665 unit - saved my ass many times, not as crappy as a Cobra - less false signals and decent warning times - but it's getting old and beat up/out of date.

Looking at Beltronics and Escort units - not current (cost too much)

Beltronics 995 can be had refurb for $150 - used for less - new for $200

Escort/Passport 8500 (not the X50) sells used for about $120-$160
X50 sells for about $150-$200 (used)

Beltronic GX65 is a $200+ unit used

Beltronics RX65 Pro is the same

ALL GOOD UNITS - Stay clear of Cobra for certain - they are not worth more than $10 IMHO

Valentine V1 - supposed to be "the best" but you are going to spend at least $250 on a used one which is probably missing parts.... so unless you speed ALL THE TIME - I'd reccomend a Beltronics or an Escort unit - they have been rated right up there with the V1 often - but 1/2 the price.

The current Escort 9500IX is supposed to be even with the V1 I believe.


You may also want to invest in a compact Dual Trunking Digital Scanner - this way you can hear the police and know they are near by as well.
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Radar detectors illegal in Va. In my *imagination* I've got a Bel 995 and a 985. Never have let me down. Ever.
my v1 purchased at retail price has saved me probably over $1000 by now in tickets.
I used to live in WI...get a V1. it's pretty easy to get up to speed on the long stretches of I43, or on the various country roads.

When I go back to visit friends and family I bring my V1
couple things. 1, radar detectors are illegal in wisconsin. 2, if you've been pulled over 20 times in the last year, you've gone full retard and seriously need to examine your driving habits, because a detector cant save you if you're speeding in stupid places.
Move to a state with better speed limits.

Also what CT said. Don't be a DMF.
What does one get pulled over for 20 times and not get a ticket for? This peaked my interests. If this is your first ticket - and it's not even a big one (at least in the state of PA it's not) and you've been stopped 20 times prior at not cost - I think 1, you need to slow down or speed up. 2, you do need a radar detector. 3, Stop being stupid and speeding in the same spots....

I also like the move to a state with real speed limits.... or at least a town where cops don't care so much.
Personally I'd just stop driving like a pissed off teenager. ;)
Yeah, you can't go full retard.
couple things. 1, radar detectors are illegal in wisconsin. 2, if you've been pulled over 20 times in the last year, you've gone full retard and seriously need to examine your driving habits, because a detector cant save you if you're speeding in stupid places.
Move to a state with better speed limits.

Also what CT said. Don't be a DMF.
What does one get pulled over for 20 times and not get a ticket for? This peaked my interests. If this is your first ticket - and it's not even a big one (at least in the state of PA it's not) and you've been stopped 20 times prior at not cost - I think 1, you need to slow down or speed up. 2, you do need a radar detector. 3, Stop being stupid and speeding in the same spots....

I also like the move to a state with real speed limits.... or at least a town where cops don't care so much.
Personally I'd just stop driving like a pissed off teenager. ;)
Yeah, you can't go full retard.
I don't know if a radar detector would help you sleepy. You just seem to get pulled over. A lot.

I always heard and agreed, remember, a radar detector is not permission to speed but it will help you remember to slow down.
Wait what?!?

Seriously change your driving style. Radar Detector will only help you so much and now that you have something on your record you will not be so lucky here on out.
I tend to be driving late at night. 14 of times I've been pulled over have been due to running with an open DP (last year) all summer long. When your state is known for drunk driving they will use that failure to maintain a full exhaust to check your sobriety when your driving at 3 am.

I've never been pulled over in the same spot and its been in 4 different counties. The local cops know me personally and don't seem to care as long as I don't speed in town or do other stupid shit. (I make their sandwiches at Subway)
The local cops know me personally and don't seem to care as long as I don't speed in town or do other stupid shit. (I make their sandwiches at Subway)
My advice: Get a second job at Dunkin Donuts
This topic has been brought up recently, by Christian I think. Do a search. Big supporter of the Bel RX65, that is what he bought as well.
My advice: Get a second job at Dunkin Donuts
We don't have Dunkin here in WI. Much to my inner fatty's displeasure....

Correction: We DO!!!! I'm taking a trip...
This topic has been brought up recently, by Christian I think. Do a search. Big supporter of the Bel RX65, that is what he bought as well.
I already did a search. But trying to find reviews to back up stuff stated in those threads is a pia.
Radar detectors are legal, for sure, in wisconsin.
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