[tang]

I was thinking about what help a radar detector would actually provide. I don't know squat about them, and I know there are rules varying by state about ownership, placement, etc. Anyone got any basic, noob-satisfying info, suggesetions, and placement locations? Ideally... for me, above the rear view mirror, unless someone has a better idea.

Just trying to get some information... and a little too lazy to dig it up myself. Danke in advance.

 

[NormH3]

Radar detectors are unnecessary if you drive at the appropriate speed. Save your money.

 

[JIMMYJOHN]

I have a Cool Cobra that has been in the house for over 15 years. I learned it is just as easy to Slow Down and not worry!! :shades:

 

[Ajax]

The problem I had with radar detectors was that most police went to Instant On radar or Laser, which means that by the time you detect it, he's already clocked you. In the "old days" they just left it on, so you'd see it (hopefully) before they see you and slow down on time. I had to give up on my detector because it became basically worthless. My solution: move to a state with no speed enforcement, Florida! Or so it seems :lol: Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

 

[jonas1022]

Do not, I repeat, Do Not exceed the posted limit by more than 9 mph. I have found that my Garmin GPS has a more accurate speed read out than my speedometer! I travel long distances with the Garmin attached to the windshield down low in front of me so that I can see the actual ground speed. No speeding, no tickets. And like the others on here, I have a couple of the detectors. The newest was given to me :shrug: . I have never used it.

 

[RobtRoma]

I have an inexpensive radar detector in my windshield and I've had it there for over 10 years. I don't use it as a way to break the speed limit. It's there more as precaution and a reminder to check my speed. It's probably saved from getting a ticket me a few times. It's most effective around town. Most of the state police seem to use laser speed guns. As others have mentioned, if the detector detects the laser, chances are you've been caught (if you were speeding).

As for brands, Valentine One has the best reputation. It's made by the guy who designed the original Escort detectors. I know a few people that have them and the think they are great. the big problem is, the thieves also know about this detector and love to take them out of cars if they see them.

Escort also has a really good reputation. The latest models incorporate GPS. I haven't really kept up with the details but there is a database of false & positive alarms. Before alerting you of a detection, it will check the database. This is supposed to cut down on false alarms.

That's about all I know...

 

[oskerb]

Radar detectors are a great device to have, yes there is new technology that supercedes it, but not all cities (towns) have the technology. Anyhow, you want to look for LIDAR detectors as well with a regular radio wave technology.But most detectors only have the radio technology, lidar cost more. You have to check with your state for those regs. Cobra detectors are the norm and one of the tops is PASSPORT and there are many in between. The best place to have them placed is below the rear view mirror as I do. This will set the detector up and able to "see" 360 degrees (minus the pillars and head rests), than where I usually see detecors on the dash of other cars, this leaves the detector only viewing 180 degrees.

I was thinking about what help a radar detector would actually provide. I don't know squat about them, and I know there are rules varying by state about ownership, placement, etc. Anyone got any basic, noob-satisfying info, suggesetions, and placement locations? Ideally... for me, above the rear view mirror, unless someone has a better idea.

Just trying to get some information... and a little too lazy to dig it up myself. Danke in advance.

 

[tang]

Funny how someone mentions the Garmin speedometer... that's been pretty useful too :lol:

Thanks for everyone's feedback. All pretty good points (especially the just slow down part ). Good to see the general consensus.

 

[KCCO_773]

My "Radar Detector" is knowing where the State Patrol hangs out... I've got 'em pegged from Olympia to Seattle.

 

[Nolescape]

I work as a police officer and conduct speed enforcement as part of my job. I agree that slowing down is the best suggestion but since you are asking for input, here's mine!! I have a fairly "standard" radar unit which has a standby mode, this means I can keep it in standby until I hit the transmit button. After that I get an instant target speed readout, about 2 seconds later I can usually tell if the targeted vehicle has a radar detector because I see the speed drop rapidly. Of course for the target vehicle, it is too late as I have already received the readout of the speed.

Now, in my opinion, if the vehicle I have stopped has a radar detector mounted on the windshield (or even the ones that are incoporated into the rearview mirror), it tells me that the driver knows he/she is a violator of the speed limit laws (not suggestions!!) and is trying to get away with it on a daily basis. I am not very inclined to reduce the citation or give a warning to someone like that.

 

[tang]

Wise words. Totally didn't think about how we had law enforcement on this forum... would have just contacted them directly for their opinions (seriously). I figured people with detectors who get caught probably don't get treated well, especially if they start to talk smart with officers.

 

[SprinterX]

I have a Beltronics 995 mounted off the windshield, just below the rearview mirror. Works great.
Nice to see all the forum "speeder police" out in full force. Reminds me of the truck camper forum I'm on with the "weight police".
:horse:

Too funny. Don't expect much simpathy though.

A/w, I'm not here to promote speeding by using a RD, but they are nice to have once in a while. Saved my bacon on more than one occasion when my speed accidentally crept up.