Radar Detectors

[mritalian1210]

After receiving my 3rd speeding ticket and being placed on probation for a year. I'm thinking of picking up a radar detector just in case. I really don't know to much about them, dealing with laser, Ka-Band, K-Band and such. But from what I hear Cobra, Beltronics, and Escort are the best.

Thanks.

[Kryptonite]

You could slow down, save gas mileage (which in turn would help keep prices low for everyone), and decrease your chance of accidents, but that would make too much sense.


Seriously, if they bring the planes out on the day you're doing 80 in a 65 zone, will the radar detect that? -- I don't know.

[mritalian1210]

You could slow down, save gas mileage (which in turn would help keep prices low for everyone), and decrease your chance of accidents, but that would make too much sense.


Seriously, if they bring the planes out on the day you're doing 80 in a 65 zone, will the radar detect that? -- I don't know.

For the record I'm not the asshole that does 80 in a 65 but the one who gets caught doing 40 in a 25 that should be a 35.

[Foosinho]

Seriously, if they bring the planes out on the day you're doing 80 in a 65 zone, will the radar detect that? -- I don't know.
Nope. They can calculate your speed by timing how long it takes you to cover a known distance. That's what those white marks are on the side of the road are for.

[bostonsoccermdl]

After receiving my 3rd speeding ticket and being placed on probation for a year. I'm thinking of picking up a radar detector just in case. I really don't know to much about them, dealing with laser, Ka-Band, K-Band and such. But from what I hear Cobra, Beltronics, and Escort are the best.

Thanks.

I am far from an expert on this stuff, but all the radar in the world wont do you any good if the cop is monitoring each car manually (especially if traffic is light.)

By the time the radar goes off, he already has you clocked.

It seems like a losing battle. Do what I do. Always let some other idiot "lead the pack." Someone always seems willing to do so.. It increases the odds, they will get nailed b/4 you do.

In other words, dont be out front leading the pack.

I rarely get tickets, but keep speeding to highways..

[Magpie Maniac]

After receiving my 3rd speeding ticket and being placed on probation for a year. I'm thinking of picking up a radar detector just in case. I really don't know to much about them, dealing with laser, Ka-Band, K-Band and such. But from what I hear Cobra, Beltronics, and Escort are the best.

First, you will get a ticket eventually even with the best radio detector. Prepare yourself for the day. A detector just delays the inevitable.

Don't bother with a Cobra. They're junk. After personal use, my rankings are:

(1) Escort Passport 8500 X50 or 9500i (Basically the same, but the 9500i has GPS ability so you can block out reoccuring alarms.)

(2) Valentine One (The direction indicator is a plus, but I prefer the Passport.)

(3) Beltronics RX65 (Owned by Escort. Somewhat of a budget model, but works well.)

I keep an Escort Passport 8500 X50 in my Audi.

[mritalian1210]

Thanks, I'll probably go with the Escort Passport 8500 X50, i found one in blue for less than $300.

[Magpie Maniac]

Thanks, I'll probably go with the Escort Passport 8500 X50, i found one in blue for less than $300.

That's a good price especially for a blue LED. That's what I have. You'll be pleased.

Bostonsoccermd gave great advice. Find someone else to be the rabbit for you. Hang back and let them trigger the gun. Troopers will keep the radar off until the next car approaches. If you're the first one in the pack, you'll get nailed.

As for the settings...

Laser is rare in my area, but it depends on where you live. I keep it on anyway. Turning Pop on is not often necessary. Too sensitive. Ka is the most popular type of radar. Definitely slow up when you see Ka on your screen. Some departments still use K and a very few even use the old X band.

While X is often a convenience store door sliding open, you still have to be careful. The NC Highway Patrol pulled out some of their old radar guns a while back to throw speeders off. But if you drive the same route often, you'll quickly pick up where the false positives are.

Stay safe. :)

[Foosinho]

I used to have a radar detector, and it's important to remember that it is not foolproof, and it is not a license to speed. It just gives you a chance some of the time to possibly avoid a ticket (by slowing down if it goes off and you are speeding!)

[Magpie Maniac]

I used to have a radar detector, and it's important to remember that it is not foolproof, and it is not a license to speed. It just gives you a chance some of the time to possibly avoid a ticket (by slowing down if it goes off and you are speeding!)

You're right. See my first paragraph in post #6 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=13918616&postcount=6).

[Brook]

What most people dont understand is that the first thing that makes the Police activate the radar/laser unit is personal observation. And, if that particular Patrolman or Trooper is using a laser, he can hit only your vehicle at that particular second. But, with a radar, that unit emits a "cigar like cone" which targets the vehicle with the biggest engine, not necessarily the fastest one.
As to the speed zones which are posted 25 or 35, that's a matter for the state legislature, the cities have to abide by state code for speed limits in particular areas.
And, most coppers are quite lenient with the amount over in which they'll pull you over. Where I'm at, it's 13 + before they even think about stopping you.

[Foosinho]

What most people dont understand is that the first thing that makes the Police activate the radar/laser unit is personal observation. And, if that particular Patrolman or Trooper is using a laser, he can hit only your vehicle at that particular second.
If your laser detector goes off, you're boned, because you've already been made. Radar, it can act as an early warning system. I find I can avoid tickets usually by keeping my eyes open and scanning way ahead for signs of police presence. Of course, I don't speed nearly as much as I used to (or at least, not as fast).

[Samarkand]

What???? You've stopped using the Force?

[Foosinho]

What???? You've stopped using the Force?
Too easy. I wanted more challenge.

[Kryptonite]

I work next to a two-lane divided highway. It comes out of a curve, and then hits a wide open straight away in a huge field. In other words, it's a perfect place for speeding.

In other words, i've watched a State Trooper just stand by the side of his car and point at various cars.

By that point, it's too late. They've either got someone hiding elsewhere doing the actual laser work, or they've got the plane out. There is no way that one Trooper can pull 5-6 or more people over in a span of 15 minutes all by himself. Sometimes, it seems like he's not even trying, like it's almost too easy. There've been times when it looks like a red light with all the cars lined up on the side of the road.

I know the cops are out there. I pass the Highway Patrol building on my commute.

If they want to speed, they can make the monetary donation to the State of Ohio. I don't mind being passed.

Brook's right though. If the speed limit "should" be whatever, then speeding isn't the right way to get it solved. See why the speed limit is what it is. Maybe a lot of other people think your way. Maybe you can get it changed. Whether it's speeding, or something more serious, breaking the law is really never a good idea.

[Ringo]

urban legend? but I hear cops hate these things and you are more likely to get a ticket if you have one. i.e., you could've got a warning but got a ticket for trying to cheat the system, so to speak.

[Brook]

True, Ringo, but there's a lot of intangibles as well: attitude, type of car, amount over, etc

[CutePuppy]

You can easily avoid a ticket if you drive with international licenses as police don't really know much about it and don't want to waste time with it.

[Brook]

not true, CutePuppy, not true!

[CutePuppy]

not true, CutePuppy, not true!

true, it's true!