Radar Detectors . . . Anyone using?

[Scorpion]

I've had a radar detector for years now and it appears to keep me safe from having brain farts and getting tickets. Not that I go over the speed limit, but there are times when you get caught up in the traffic and not paying attention to the speed as you should. Besides in keeping the cops honest.

I was just wondering if anyone is using a detector and if they have had good luck on keeping themselves safe. Mine has paid for itself many times over in past years.
Scorpion

[Pixs]

Originally Posted by Scorpion

. . . there are times when you get caught up in the traffic and not paying attention to the speed as you should. . .
Scorpion

Hi Scorpion,

I know what you mean, I got pulled over for going 98 in a 75 last week in AZ. Cop wrote me up for 90 to keep me out of jail

So, where did you get it?

Best to all,

Pixs

[Scorpion]

I take the 5th. However, I do have one bit of advice..... watch for the aircraft! Radar doesn't work on those damn things.
Scorpion

[Flyin Brian]

I've been running them in my car for 20+ years and I wouldn't want to be without it. It's not about speeding around breaking laws, it's like Scorpian says - getting caught up in the flow of traffic or in a situation where you had to speed up for a few minutes. How many times have you followed some A55hole doing 35 in a 55 zone and there's nowhere to pass, suddenly here comes a nice straightaway and the idiot suddenly speeds up to 60? That's right where the cop will be sitting and he'll nail you as you hit 75 trying to pass.... damn I hate that crap.

I have had a few different brands over the years - the one I like best is made by BEL, they have quite a few different models. I would love to put one on the bike but haven't done it yet.

If you do get a detector, make sure you get one with Wideband Ka and Laser. That's really all there is out there anymore. Also, and this is SUPER IMPORTANT, configure the detector so that X Band and K band (narrow K) are turned OFF. Otherwise, whenever you drive by a supermarket or get near a microwave communications tower, the detector will go off. There is nothing worse than false alarms on a radar detector... you will unplug it or ignore it if you get a bunch of false alarms. I have trained my self to SLAM the brakes if mine goes off and THEN find out what is setting it off. That thing has saved me so many times I can't even imagine!!

[Maverick]

I have had one in my car for years and it has and still does save my butt. It's paid for itself many times over.

I have a Bel and really like it so I am getting ready for the new improved one that spots Robo-Radar and has a GPS chip so you can set it any time you come across a stationary Robo-Radar station. Then it warns you when approaching a previously 'marked' set-up.

I have been toying with the idea of one for my bike, not that I ever speed. LOL =) maverick

[katttfishh]

I have used radar detectors in my cars for years. They have saved me thousands. The best unit is made by Valentine. It is the only detector that tells you if the signal is in front, off to the side or behind you. Dont get a cheap detector or like others have said you will get immune to the constant warnings and you will ignore it at the wrong time. On the bike I am a lot more alert and dont fell the need for one. I have also been given many breaks by cops when Im riding. I have had cops point their radar gun straight up when I drove by them a few times.

[Maverick]

Originally Posted by katttfishh

I have used radar detectors in my cars for years. They have saved me thousands. The best unit is made by Valentine. It is the only detector that tells you if the signal is in front, off to the side or behind you. Dont get a cheap detector or like others have said you will get immune to the constant warnings and you will ignore it at the wrong time. On the bike I am a lot more alert and dont fell the need for one. I have also been given many breaks by cops when Im riding. I have had cops point their radar gun straight up when I drove by them a few times.

I thought about a Valentine but the new Bels look like their technology is catching up and possibly surpassing Valentine. Bel now has a front and rear antenna.

Their (Valentine) eBay prices have dropped so much from what they sold for a few years ago. I'll have to check out Valentine one more time but I have had this Bel for years and it still works perfect. =) maverick

[Flyin Brian]

Yeah I've always heard good things about Valentine detectors, but I can't imagine blowing that kind of cash on something when there is another brand which works just as good for less than half. This is why you will never see me wearing a Rolex... My watch cost $250 and it keeps time good enough for my taste.

I am into gadgets, and the four way arrow thing on the Valentine sounds like a neat gimmick, but I don't understand the need for it. When my detector goes off, my foot goes on the brake pedal and my eyes go to the speedo. I don't have time to look at the detector and think about which direction the threat is and decide if I should do something... by that time Smoky Bear is already wearing a $hit eating grin and flipping the red lights on.

[katttfishh]

The cheapest place to buy a Valentine is direct. He sells to everyone at the same price. If you were shopping at a reseller they add $100 to the price Valentine charges.
Also you can send your Valentine back to the factory for an upgrade as the technology improves for cheap. Find a 15 year old used Valentine and have it upgraded to the latest model for $75 if you wanna save a little money.

Originally Posted by Maverick

I thought about a Valentine but the new Bels look like their technology is catching up and possibly surpassing Valentine. Bel now has a front and rear antenna.

Their (Valentine) eBay prices have dropped so much from what they sold for a few years ago. I'll have to check out Valentine one more time but I have had this Bel for years and it still works perfect. =) maverick