I was reading the thread started by Detroit Shooter titled "Installed detector" which led my question. Whether one should install a Laser detector or not?

I've had detectors in 2 of my previous 911's and none in the other 3. I'm debating whether to install one in my 991S. My dilemma is that I was far more lax in my observance of speed limits in the cars with a detector than in those without. Whilst one needs to respect speed limits I do know that there have been times that in cars without a detector I have been hyper sensitive whilst watching out for traps etc. all very stressful even when not driving at speed.

So should one get a detector or not? Logically it should be all about whatever makes one a better and safer driver. Is that what really happens to you? Or is it that you end up driving a whole lot faster? Your experiences welcome.

 

Better safe then sorry,,,, it has saved me more than once

 

It hasn't saved me at all recently. I have a V1 and laser's have all but eliminated its usability. In fact, I just use WAZE to get an idea where cops are at and even then it's not exactly perfect. I rarely go more than 10mph over the limit these days and I have a built in excuse half the time I'm driving - I'm a cardiac surgeon.

 

I have a detector hard-wired into my car... I don't even notice the noise when it starts anymore... (passengers do)... and I don't notice the false alerts on my way to work either (it is an Escort 8500... little "old school" by today's standards)...

anyway, I like having it, because any abnormal alerts do get my attention... (not that I'm flying down the road)

I use Waze too..

Nice to have more information than less.. IMO..

 

Laser interceptor system integrates with the V1 in some way. Worth a look.

 

Yesterday it was 60 in Michigan, I was out for a ride on back roads and I passed 2 sheriffs. I do not yet have my system installed but I would really have like to know they were there before I saw them.

 

I used to drive with an escort, but stopped a few years ago. I've never gotten a speeding ticket in 40+ years of driving Porsches and when laser came out, I figured I would have to get a jammer to continue to not get tickets. But instead, I now just normally keep it < 10 MPH below the speed limit and I do keep an eye out for patrols. I've taken that approach for the last five years and still no tickets.

BTW I'm not familiar with Waze. How does it help? It seems like there are too many times that you could come upon an unidentified Laser that hasn't been reported yet.

ChuckJ

 

Thanks for the comments.

I'm in your camp Chuck. Like most I'm just being observant of limits etc. the problem I'm encountering is the stress factor I mentioned. Just being super vigilant of speed traps and the law does at times also dull the driving experience. I do wonder how much advance warning is really provided by the V1 or similar systems.

I too am not familiar with Waze and would be interested in more information. Off to do an online search... Ok got it... This from the Waze site: "Waze is the world's fastest-growing community-based traffic and navigation app. Join other drivers in your area who share real-time traffic and road info...".

This may be an interesting middle of the road solution and worth a try.

 

To answer your guys' question on WAZE... been using it now for about 2 months. Here in the bay area, it works pretty well since there are so many users on the road. Chuck is right - if you are the first one encountering a Laser, that sucks. But the one thing I have started doing is seeing how many other Waze users are in front of me - it displays that. If there are a lot, I usually feel comfortable knowing that a cop would have been reported. If the road is sparsely populated with Wazers (stupid I know) I don't drive more than 10mph over the limit.

 

installed waze on iphone, but there is no option to pick a custom screeching sound bit which alerts you to police radar report in 5 mile radius.


enabled the bluetooth function (versus phone speaker)

............if phone is connected to PCM via USB port, does the waze alert function play through the car speakers?

(only function i enabled was the police reports, guidance turned off!!)

any help appreciated!!!

 

I just had the RL360i with G5 Defusers installed in my 991 CS2. I had the older K40 model with various defusers installed in my last 911 as well. They have saved me many a time. It's not that I am constantly blazing down the road at 100 MPH, it's more because of the fact that the State of California is desperate for $ and speeding tickets and parking violations (another subject all together) are easy ways to bring in revenue, and when the police see the Porsche logo it screams quota.

Anyway, the RL360i allows for a clean install that doesn't require any holes in your dash and there are no controls mounted - it's just a remote. The defusers are noticeable if you're looking for them, but don't stick out too badly.

 

V1 and the Trapster/iPhone app via bluetooth for me. Laser "jammers" are a bit of a wag with no proven, non-industry effectiveness measures publicly available anywhere, which is very odd (or not if a-priori it's snake oil). (Shoot the messenger.) However, nothing matches the capability of a sharp mind and eye continuously scanning up to the horizon.

 

Thanks, great answer.

ChuckJ

 

Yeah I may revert back to my V1 plus Waze combo. Better than just WAZE alone... especially at night, where I think cops are less likely to use Laser.

 

Had not heard of waze. Better than Trapster? Thanks. Will definately look in to it.