I just picked up a Valentine 1 recently. I heard great things about the lazer detection. Need to get it hardwired soon

 

I've gone back to my old ways that kept me ticket free for 5+ years. No radar detector or jammers or anything, just good old fashioned common sense. I got more tickets than I can count relying on my V1 because of instant-on. Now I rely on my head and I went from averaging 3 tickets every 6 months to none in the last year and a half.

 

Babag, how many tickets would you say the system has saved you from getting during the time you have owned the car?

 

Very true, common sense saves me more than any radar detector. I try to stay behind other speeders if possible (that way I have time to hit the brakes while they get clocked) and I always slow down cresting hills or large sweeping corners if there is no one in front of me to run 'interference'.

Having said that, I LOVE my passport radar detectors and always notice if for some reason I am in car without them. I do not know about other states, but it seems like in Texas very few city police officers run radar - much more common with state troopers. My radar detector allows me to pass 90% of cops and automatically know I am in the clear because the radar detector never went off. When I don't have it I constantly look in the rearview to see if they are coming...

 

V1!!!!!!!!!!!

 

It's impossible to know how often the Passport has helped, but it will go off regularly. The laser is rare on country roads, but somewhat common in the city (where I drive at the speed limit anyway) and on the highway (where I don't...).

The version I have (w/GPS) remembers repeat alerts so that you don't have an abundance of false warnings.

Brad

 

As to simply slowing down and being prudent, I am in agreement for the most part. I won't purchase a radar/laser unit for my CT (nor will I likely modify it) because I don't want to push the speed/performance envelope of that vehicle (or myself when it comes to high velocity in an SUV...).

The problem is my modified 911 TT which has over 600 hp. As most of you know, the acceleration and handling is addictive. It is simply too much fun having this level of performance and not being able to use it.

I have many country roads nearby, but only push it hard when there is good weather and with excellent long distance visibility. On the highway, nothing too fast unless there is an open road as well. No in and out of traffic stupid stuff.

Raced motor cross for many years so I know how easy it is to be bold and then wreck. That's one thing on a bike in the dirt at 40 mph, quite another on a road at 100 mph+... SO... the detector should be relied ONLY when you and your 911 are both in top shape, and somewhat sparingly, otherwise you face a higher probability of speeding tickets and grave danger.

Have fun but be safe. Thus endith the sermon

 

Detectors / jammers / shifters are simply *tools* ... As such they are as good as the person using them. None of these will save you if you go past a cop at 100mph. Remember that they can still write you up for excessive speed without a number just because they "think so".

The most successful at avoiding issues are those that use their grey matter appropriately and utilize the tools accordingly understanding their limits.

--CC

 

I believe that a laser "jammer", which provides active intrusion to negate civilian laser speed devices, is illegal, whereas passive laser detectors are not.

Please chime in if I am uniformed, but I am pretty sure there are hefty penalties associated with active jamming systems.

 

I use a stealth installed v1 with a lasar jammer, rarely use it during the week. Comes in handy on road trips, esp trips to the track where I usually have to make time.

 

When I first saw this thread I thought it was about driving lessons.... But as far as radar detectors go, I love my K40, it's the king of the stealthy installs.

 

Jammers generally illegal.

Deflectors and detectors legal in most states...

 

I believe some places have outlawed laser jammers, but for the most part they are still legal most places as the FCC has no jurisdiction over laser as they do with radar.

PS: I looked it up and this map may be helpful if it's accurate.
http://www.guysoflidar.com/usa-laser-jammer-laws.html

 

Hi Babag 007,

I was wondering if you could give your thoughts on the install of your escort. It looks like a slick install but I was wondering if you can see the alert or if you rely on hearing it.

I am trying to decide on this unit vs the K40. I have the k40 in another car and the alert is a blue light hidden behind each turn signal light on the dash. It is easy to see. The downside of the k40 is that it goes off a lot and the alert volume seems to always be loud.

thanks

 

I have the Passport 9500ix which has a built-in GPS that automatically locks out false signals (you can also manually lock them out), that makes it go off much less than any detector I have had before. They make an installed version of it which can be wired just like the K40:

http://www.escortradar.com/passport9500ci-details.php