This is why I have K40s in my cars. When A LEO sees a radar detector on your windshield, he knows you intended to speed. The judge will also be convinced that you intended to speed (otherwise, why the detector?). I talked my way out of many speeding fines because of the clean stealthy install of the K40 Calibre.

 

I just recently got the Escort 9500 and it works great...in NJ it has worked to help me out several times....it's expensive but I love it...and take it from car to car as needed.

 

V1 for me all the way. Have tried the Escorts, and had the Blinder system. The V1 seems to be the most sensitive and the easiest to use. Some Escorts do look better, but V1 has a nice remote display.

 

Ok Ok Ok......so I deserve the "I told you so's" lol....so I did originally start this thread, and even though there were a few mixed emotions, the consesus was to go w/V1..I opted for the Escort 8500 x50 blue edition b/c I figured 2nd best...and looks slightly better. However, I've noticed the distance really not that impressive, so I sold mine off and ordered a V1 that arrived this morning!!

Can I now ask, whats the best mouting position for it? Apparently it should be mounted slightly above the rear view mirrow.....however, I always thought you were supposed to mount that high because of the 'tint'? Can anyone clarify this for me? $430 for a detector, so I want to make the most of it!! Thanks.

 

http://guysoflidar.com/detectormounting.html


Mounting Your Radar Detector
First off, it is a good idea to follow manufacturer's recommendations. Here is what the operator's manuals for the popular high-end detectors have to say:

Escort 8500 X50, BEL STi Driver, BEL RX-65:
"Using the Windshield Mount, mount your (detector) level, and high enough on your front windshield to provide a clear view of the road from the front and rear."

Valentine One:
"Valentine One works best when mounted high in the windshield, and toward the center between the windshield pillars. Use your choice of windshield or visor mounts"


Performance Considerations

High mounting

• Good for Radar: higher mounting gives you more "line-of-sight" with the targeting radar. If you do the math, one foot higher mounting gives you an few tenths of a mile extra, maybe even more than 1/2 mile. The average driver isn't likely to notice such a small difference in range, but it might help out in a pinch (detecting brief instant-on at long range)
• Good for detecting laser targeting vehicles ahead, since it can "see" through their windows better etc.
• Bad for detecting laser targeting you, since it is mounted further from the aiming point (front plate/headlight).

Low mounting

• Not as good for radar, but you might not be giving up too much.
• Good for detecting laser targeting you: closer to the aiming points(front plate/lights). More likely to give a laser warning when you are targeted, and you'll have time to slow down if they don't get a reading when you are first targeted, such as if you have a dark vehicle, are using VEIL, they aren't holding the gun steady etc.
• Not as good for detecting laser targeting vehicles ahead, since it can't "see" through their windows as well

Mounting in the middle might give you some combination of the above.


Other Things to Consider:

• If you don't have a laser jammer, but have a dark car, VEIL, etc, then consider mounting low. You'll have a better chance of getting a warning when you're being targeted, and might have a chance to slow down before he gets a speed reading.
• If you don't have a laser jammer or VEIL, and have a light-colored car that can be easily targeted by laser, then consider mounting high. You'll have a better chance of getting lucky with a prior warning when a vehicle ahead is targeted.
• If you have a laser jammer, then you are covered for laser pretty well. You might as well mount the detector high to maximize radar range.
• If you mount TOO low then you could obscure the rear radar or laser sensor on your detector.
• If you plan on leaving the detector in your vehicle, and theft is a concern in your area, then of course it should be mounted in a way that makes it the least visible from outside the vehicle. Many people in choose to hardwire the detector, and mount it high.
• You also might want to mount the detector so that is is easily visible to the driver, and also easy to access for changing modes, muting, etc. The less time your eyes are off the road, the better.

 

i have mine just underneath the tinted strip, to the right of the rear-view mirror.

 

having it to the right of the rear view as opposed to the left (closer to driver)....is that a performance enhancement or personal preference? curious. id like it on the left as it is easier to view i would assume.

 

personal preference. but here is my logic:

1. i have it far enough to the right where i can just see the display if i turn my head. so no issues there for me.
2. i dont want it obstructing my view
3. i dont want to obstruct its view
4. if i was ever in an accident or something, less chance that it will wind up in/on my head/body.
5. it does not obstruct my sun visor operation. i dont care if the passenger complains that they cant use their sun visor cuz it is not a safety issue.

 

very good logic. i constantly think of 4, especially since i run the power cable down the drivers side pillar goign down the windshield....where the airbag is.....so im probably asking for it arent i? should those activate, itll pull the wire and with it...the radar detector which will come flying at me lol....actually i suppose thats not too funny!

this is how i installed it, if anyone has any suggestions to help me improve the performance, please let me know!

 

Did you know about the little flip down sunvisor above the rearview mirror. My V1 is hardwired and I use the sunvisor clip and mount on the little visor. It looks like it was made for the V1. It works great there and it's not very obvious from outside the car.

 

Having installed multiple K40s and seen many more K40s installed, I would never recommend anyone get one. The system is nice and clean once installed, thats about as much good as I can say about it. About 2 in 10 actually work the first time it is installed, others have to have different components replaced to get the system to function, others have to be reset multiple times in hopes of getting the system to come back and be responsive. Many customers who have the K40 installed are not happy with it, for insufficient range and sensitivity, even when in highway mode. This is not the jammer system, front/rear radar and front laser detection. People that come in and ask me about what I think of K40...Save your money and go V1, I'll even hardwire it in.

 

isnt that too high though? wont that little bit of tint interfere w/performance?

 

It may affect performance some but I think it works fine there. No tickets, no complaints, I keep it up all the time, even in VA.

 

Check the reviews here

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=100542

I wonder if having the thermal glass for the Cayenne on order is going to affect my detector.

 

Yes, it will badly reduce its performance. Read page 17 of the V1 owner's manual.