Opinion about radar detectors?

[JayRob]

I am on the fence about purchasing a radar detector. I don't drive fast all the time but I can't help that I exceed the limit on occassion.

Does anyone own an Escort Passport 9500ix? I would be interested in your opinion.

Thanks

[vinman]

I haven't had one in years, dying technology I think, all they do now is tell you that you are busted...

[ga0358]

I have the 9500ix, I think it's paid for itself-it has red light camera warning, gps laser detectors,etc..the database is updated pretty frequently so you're aware of any speed traps, new red light cameras, etc. I had mine installed at Best Buy, and they did an excellent job mounting it so ther aren't any wires dangling around..

[upflying]

Laser is used by most LEO's now. If your detector pings after being painted with LIDAR, it's warning you to pull over.

[Silver2SSRS6spd]

Don't waste your money if you think it will help you with laser. That's my opinion.

[brantley847]

From a cop in FL...I actually don't discourage it at all. However, take this information for what it is worth, most cops who normally would not issue citations for speeding will in fact issue one if they see a detector. The general thought process is, if a guy is going to speed with the detector going off..what does he do when there is no indication of a cop or red light camera around? (I am building my career to work with K9 units...so I am essentially not required to do any traffic). I would say about 9 out of 10 cops would. I completely feel you with on how this car feels so much smoother than any car I have previously owned and often catch myself doing 5-10 over accidently.

With that said, the cost of a radar detector generally equals the cost of almost 3 speeding tickets in FL. (Unless you get tapped for a 30 over). Keep that in mind if you say you don't speed very much...but again, It is hard not to often look down and see im doing 60 in a 55...

Some troopers run radar and LEAVE it running all day. Those are where the radar detector comes into play and will help you. I do not run mine all day. I only activate my radar or laser until I actually VISUALLY estimate you speeding. At that point...it is too late

[Wolverine1]

Very little Laser in Michigan. The Sheriffs and Troops here use radar and usually leave them on. I don't speed much and use my V1 as a subtle reminder to take it easy!

[first one]

Originally Posted by vinman

I haven't had one in years, dying technology I think, all they do now is tell you that you are busted...

Originally Posted by upflying

Laser is used by most LEO's now. If your detector pings after being painted with LIDAR, it's warning you to pull over.

Originally Posted by Silver2SSRS6spd

Don't waste your money if you think it will help you with laser. That's my opinion.

I wouldn't trade my escort 8500 x50 for for anything. Saved me many times. Don't listen to these naysayers!

[scrming]

Originally Posted by brantley847

From a cop in FL...I actually don't discourage it at all. However, take this information for what it is worth, most cops who normally would not issue citations for speeding will in fact issue one if they see a detector. The general thought process is, if a guy is going to speed with the detector going off..what does he do when there is no indication of a cop or red light camera around? (I am building my career to work with K9 units...so I am essentially not required to do any traffic). I would say about 9 out of 10 cops would. I completely feel you with on how this car feels so much smoother than any car I have previously owned and often catch myself doing 5-10 over accidently.

With that said, the cost of a radar detector generally equals the cost of almost 3 speeding tickets in FL. (Unless you get tapped for a 30 over). Keep that in mind if you say you don't speed very much...but again, It is hard not to often look down and see im doing 60 in a 55...

Some troopers run radar and LEAVE it running all day. Those are where the radar detector comes into play and will help you. I do not run mine all day. I only activate my radar or laser until I actually VISUALLY estimate you speeding. At that point...it is too late

I typically drive the speed limit... wife actually teases me about driving like an old fart.... (i get my speeding out of my system at the track!). That being said I own/use a radar detector, for the rare occasion where I might be traveling above he posted speed limit... my observation is the local LEO leave there radar on all the time... The only time I see any LEOs using laser is on the freeway and that is very rare...

[scrming]

Originally Posted by Wolverine1

Very little Laser in Michigan. The Sheriffs and Troops here use radar and usually leave them on. I don't speed much and use my V1 as a subtle reminder to take it easy!

Exactly!!

[brantley847]

Originally Posted by scrming

I typically drive the speed limit... wife actually teases me about driving like an old fart.... (i get my speeding out of my system at the track!). That being said I own/use a radar detector, for the rare occasion where I might be traveling above he posted speed limit... my observation is the local LEO leave there radar on all the time... The only time I see any LEOs using laser is on the freeway and that is very rare...

Those are just the cops you see, my friend

[brantley847]

...oh, and I give this thread 15 minutes before it goes bad

[DavidCigam]

I have one and it won't always warn you when a cop is around you unless the cop turns it "Speed tracker" on (I think that's what it is) but overall when a cop has one it goes off, I think it's worth it.

[xx_ED_xx]

I posted a similar topic in the off topic section and got no reply, so I will post here and see if i can get some answers....
Now this is something I havent kept up on. But I have previously used a valentine 1 and was impressed. But I hoping for some real world info on my next purchase. I got a decent 1000 mile trip to make and am in the market for what works and works good.