ProtegePete

I need to buy a lazer/radar detector. (have a bit of the "heavy foot" sydrom ) but i don't know which brand to go for and which one is money worth. (Cobra, Uniden, escort, Whisler, Jensen etc. Anyone here have any suggestions.

reefruner5

i own one but mine sux so we wont talk about it, when i get the cash though im definetly getting a valentine 1, it may be expensive, but the tests say its the best

tradr

I've got a Passport 8500 and I've been happy with it.. it's good when I'm going through small towns with stupid active radaring from cops on the side of the road, range of warning for actively on radar is usually about half to 3/4 of a mile ahead.

On the highway the range is also very good, if you see K or Ka band radar on the Passport you have more than enough time to slow yourself down to the speed of traffic as long as you're not going over 90-100mph.. if you react quickly.. if you see LASER you're screwed so downshift if your car isn't too loud or touch the brakes if its daytime

The techniques the state police use up in CT would make having a radar detector pointless on the highway though.. They hide in "invisible" brown cars at offramps facing the road and other sneaky stuff, radar off until the last second and then you hear LASER the laser tone really loud, and NY and NJ and uh.. anywhere I've been actually

But yeah, if you have $300 to blow, get a Passport 8500.. it should last you a very long time and save you from many stupid tickets-to-be when you're not on the lookout, it's also not too big for a "high performance" radar detector.. the Valentine One is just WAY too big and heavy IMHO.

JJB

take a gander through the following threads:

http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...&threadid=1922
and
http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...&threadid=8448

ProtegePete

thanks guys

pr5owner

got a Cobra 9150.. saved my *** alot of times too!!!!!!! EVEN FROM GETTING LOST! (has a digital compass)

mopho

There is nothing better than the Valentine 1, it far exceeds all others in both Performance and price. The Escort is 2nd best, the rest are crap! they fall way behind the these two, that is why they are much cheaper.
I once read that radar detector technology has not increased by much, so if you buy an old Escort (Only the Escort-this is what I have) that is radar only you will be in ok shape except against laser.

mopho's tips for avoiding tickets:

A) Stay out of the left lane except to pass (this is also good driver etiquette) When you pass spend as little time as possible in the passing lane
B) don't speed over a blind crest
C) watch for cars on the side of the road
D) Watch for brake lights of cars way ahead
E) Don't speed if you are the only car on the road
F) Find a rabbit i.e. follow a bit behind a car going faster than you
G) if you get pulled over remove radar detector and hide it-replace cigarrette lighter
H) Don't buy arrest me red or yell at me yellow cars
I) if your detector makes intermittent beeps that usually indicates instant on radar
J) avoid zig zaging in and out of traffic
K) DON'T RICE OUT YOUR CAR!!!

ProtegePete

thanks, thats some good advice mopho, i like that last one ,

pr5owner

damn letter K, oh well too late.. lol i just won't drive at night then.. hehe

celticbass

where can i get a radar/laser jammer? ive never seen these...