Caught Doing 115 in a 55. Radar ideas?

[kaburke1]

So, this past Friday night in Silver Spring (outside of DC), about 3am, the Trooper clocked me doing 115mph in a 55pmph!! Ouch. Long story short, he LOVED the BEAST, understood the tendency to drive it insanely fast, and knocked me down to 80mph + a $150 fine (deep sigh of relief!!). Things could have been much, much worse, but I admitted my guilt and told him I just wanted to open her up a bit while no cars were around.

This has me thinking about a radar detector. I remember seeing older threads on some expensive equipment that's essentially integrated into the car (Mark Carson has something I think). I may go that route, but what about a good option if I just want to use it occasionally. Any ideas on a quality detector that I can pull out as needed?

The thought of having something suction-cupped to my windshield makes my skin crawl, but it's either that or slow down ...the latter of which is highly unlikely. My daily commute to work (30 miles round trip) has a decent amount of traffic, so I'm never really speeding then. I only open up on the weekends, and even then, it's at select moments. The point of all this being that having a $1k integrated system is pretty cool, but I'm not sure I'd get my money out of it. Of course, it may have saved me this $150 ticket ....

Anyway, just wanted to see if any members have ideas or satisfaction stories with a detector they already own.

[kaburke1]

Did some quick research and I may just have to put the cash out. The 9500Ci seems like a good investment.

[Technik]

V1, tried and tested.

[csvensson]

I'm considering much the same... looking closely at a Valentine or an Escort 9500xi. Any recommendations on which is better from users here?

[InHocSigno]

I have a V1 that is mounted above the Rearview mirror. In my opinion, I think it's the best radar detector out there.

Here's a link that might help you in finding a radar detector to your liking.
sz new 25 june

[shdowflare]

Wow, glad to see he knocked it down for you! The last time a state trooper pulled me over was about three years ago - I was coming back to work from my lunch break, doing 120 in my G35. I saw red and blue lights flashing from an SUV WAAAYYYY back in my rear view. I was coming up on my exit fast, so I dropped to 80, maintained 60mph through the exit ramp, and finally saw his lights coming down the highway ramp... so I slowed down, and pulled over as he got onto the main road behind me.

When he first came up to my window, he thanked me for stopping. He said he was going 100+ in a Ford Expedition, and was losing me. After running my license/registration, he complimented me on my ride, told me to stop driving like a jacka$$, and gave me an official warning.

Reading about your experience reminded me of that moment for me.... I do not want a run-in with the cops again, as I don't think I'll be so lucky next time! Now that I have almost twice as much engine power (compared to my G), I'll be LUCKY if he radars me at only 120mph.

BTW, is there a local M6 club here in the DC area? Always good to find some local enthusiasts to hang with!

[Mark Carson]

Radar and Lidar (Laser) are completely different but do the same thing - cost you money!

Both work on a return signal phase shift (doppler effect) but radar uses X or K band radio frequencies and Lidar is laser light bounded off your car.

In most states it is legal to jam Lidar but is is federally against the law to jam radar as you would then have an unlicensed radio transmittter. Laser is light, not radio frequency, and therefore not regulated by the FCC. I believe that Virginia has laws against both kinds of detectors, so be careful if you drive there on occasion.

Since the cops in Hawaii have moved entirely to Lidar for tickets (but they still have some of the mobile shaming "Your Speed Is" radar signs) there is no need for a radar detector out here. So, I'll let other members advise on the Escort vs Valentine sort of thing.

Top rated laser dector/jammers (and detection alone only tells you when to pull over and talk to the officer as its too late - instant speed detection by the cops) include: Laser Interceptor and Blinder.

I have a Blinder and I just went through a Lidar trap an hour ago. It was in a place I expected them to be so it was no surprise and I was moving with the flow of traffic (maybe 15 over) but when it went off, I spotted the cop on the side of the road (I was in the fast lane, 3 lanes over), slowed down, then turned off the jammer until I was past him. Then turned it back on and got a back scatter detection (it may have been aimed at departing traffic and bounced off the truck in front and to the right of me - I only have front heads), but I was down the speed limit by then, so no worries.

Short story on Laser jammers - they do work.

[badsm6]

I would get you a Valentine1. I have had a Valentine for about 6 to 7 years now and the cool thing is you can keep sending it in when they come up with upgrades. They dont change the display because they are absolutely perfect the way they are and they do the job. Plus the arrows are very convientent. Good luck on your hunt

[kgati]

Having had V1, Escort 9500ix and 9500ci I believe its about personal preference. I found no real difference in detection range between Escort and V1. I miss the direction arrows on the V1. Switched to Escort because of GPS based signal lockouts. Now detector doesn't alarm passing same place of business daily with auto doors. Now have the 9500ci for several reasons. I have a convertible and want a detector that is hidden. Also want a hidden detector in case I do get pulled over as my buddies that are state troopers say they are more likely to give a ticket to someone with a radar detector visible. Last week one trooper was talking to for about five minutes and checked out the car and never noticed the installed detector. Just a couple of other thoughts:
No detector provides 100% protection. With instant on guns sometimes the detector tells you its time to pull over. Have a rabbit in front of you to nailed
V1 and 9500ix have laser detection which is useless because once it detects the laser the LEO has your speed
9500ci has a laser jammer but most test show other laser only jammers are better at jamming gun.
Here is link to my install pics M6 convertible - Escort 9500ci install

Do some research on different sites and pick on your personal preferences.

Just to let you know the trooper I was talking to last week want to take me out on day when he is working to a highway outside of town and let me open the car out and check speed. Will post when done.

[Mark Carson]

Originally Posted by kgati

Just to let you know the trooper I was talking to last week want to take me out on day when he is working to a highway outside of town and let me open the car out and check speed. Will post when done.

Lucky you! Yeah, let us know how that goes.