Cheap radar detectors... whats the big deal?

SpikeMike · 09-24-2005, 02:51 AM

I dont know much about radar detectors and i did do a search but all i read about was how great the valentine 1 and passport were, so dont go there.

but i do wanted to know why cheap radar detectors are bad?

is it because it doesnt pick up on police cars or what? Is it because the V1 is able to detect cops better, further away or what?

also another question... do radar detectors pick up cops driving around or are radar detectors only good for cops posted out and waiting...

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

IllNastyImpreza · 09-24-2005, 05:08 AM

cheap radar detectors suck because they go off ALL THE TIME !

boxerboy · 09-24-2005, 06:57 AM

I have had a bunch of radar detectors over my driving life starting with the fuzz buster. You get what you pay for. A cheap detector works fine if you drive the same route all the time. When you are on unfamiliar roads it won't work as good. You can pay for a valentine for the price of 1 or 2 tickets. The best thing is don't speed.

Mulder · 09-24-2005, 07:47 AM

Cheap detectors have less range and will get more false alerts. They are also poorly made and not well shielded so they will set off other detectors. Ergonomics/ease of operation is usually poor.
As said you get what you pay for.
Note that any detector, even the V1, is just a highly specialized radio receiver (and light detector if equipped w/laser). It is NOT capable of detecting the mere presence of cops, only of indicating when certain signals are present that may be speed-enforcement radar or laser. You still need to employ common sense and awareness when driving.

O Stylee · 09-24-2005, 09:26 AM

agreed radar detectors only detect cops that are taking radar, so you still have to watch out for cops sitting around. The valentine is also kind of expensive because i think it has detatchable sensors that you can mount on the front and back of your car so you dont have a big bulky detector up front, especially if your in a state where it is illegal

DrD · 09-24-2005, 09:29 AM

Like Mulder said - lower range and more false alarms. Also - if you live where detectors are illegal, the cheaper ones are readily detected by things like the old vg2 interceptor.

Mulder · 09-24-2005, 09:36 AM

The V1 does not have detachable sensors. It does have two antennas for true front and rear radar detection, which most others do not have even though they may advertise "360 degree protection". You can purchase remote display and audio units as optional accessories to make the V1 less visible and more convenient to use.
In the US, radar detectors are only illegal for use in passenger cars in the state of VA and in DC. They are illegal in other areas for use in large trucks.

Hunt3r · 09-24-2005, 01:34 PM

The Valentine 1 sucks compared to the Escort Passport, and the Escort is slightly cheaper too. I've used both of those as well as a few other brands and the only radar detector I would ever buy again is the Escort. But like some people above have said, your eyes are still the best radar detector there is. You still have to watch for the cops b/c they can easily sit there and wait for you to get right on top of them before they turn on their radar.

SpikeMike · 09-24-2005, 04:56 PM

yea i bought one and returned it. it was one of those 40 dollar cobras. i figured if there is a difference of almost 10 times the cost in better detectors this one must be junk and ive been pulled over mostly by cops just driving around so radar detectors are pretty much pointless for me at least.

AK*WRX*2004 · 09-24-2005, 07:16 PM

I have a cheapo Cobra detector and it's saved me 15+ times. Granted I've recieved a couple tickets where I didn't hear the detector go off... It's not bad. I'm def. looking into getting a better one though. I can't get ANY more speeding tickets. -Gene

GravelRash · 09-26-2005, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunt3r

The Valentine 1 sucks compared to the Escort Passport...

To each his own

; I happen to have essentially the opposite opinion.

Drav · 09-26-2005, 12:02 PM

I used to have a radar detector, and while I never got a ticket while I had it, I ended up giving it to a friend. I didn't like that when I had the detector I got lazy in paying attention with my eyes. It wasn't just relying on the the detector for cops, but in scanning for cops I'm also very keen with what's going on in traffic, and when I didn't watch for cops I didn't watch traffic either. After a couple close calls (with other cars, not cops) I got rid of it.

subieworx · 09-26-2005, 12:27 PM

I have an Escort 8500 that I paid 150 for used and it has saved me a few times. Lately it has been more of an annoyance than anything as the suction cups suck and do not stick to my window anymore. I do like it though.

WRXnEFFECT · 09-28-2005, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunt3r

The Valentine 1 sucks compared to the Escort Passport, and the Escort is slightly cheaper too. I've used both of those as well as a few other brands and the only radar detector I would ever buy again is the Escort. But like some people above have said, your eyes are still the best radar detector there is. You still have to watch for the cops b/c they can easily sit there and wait for you to get right on top of them before they turn on their radar.

HaHaHa, the Valentine One owns the Escort Passport Bel products every time.

http://www.kc8unj.com/radar/guysofli...artesting.html

http://www.kc8unj.com/radar/guysoflidar/pop.html

http://www.kc8unj.com/radar/guysoflidar/spectre.html

Diode663 · 09-28-2005, 05:13 PM

Thats one site man.. you do realize you can find just as many sites that say the oposite. Its all in how you test em.

DChan · 09-29-2005, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diode663

Thats one site man.. you do realize you can find just as many sites that say the oposite. Its all in how you test em.

Yeah my only problem w/ teh passport is that it just beeps. Where the V1 beeps and tells you where to look.

2phless · 09-30-2005, 12:16 AM

I run an 8500. I've installed a ton of V1s for the BMW types... They both win over each other in various categories, by various testers. I'd say they balance out so a purchase would be based solely on the rear thing the valentine has (I don't care where the pig is, I slow down until I find him... my eyes are quick enough), the looks (Valentines are friggin' HUGE!), the price (I got the 8500s at cost), and whether or not you mind being associated the the media brainwashed lemmings who drive BMWs. (I'm just sayin'...)

The range on the 8500 is so good it can actually get annoying... "ok... where is that damn cop." I can travel almost a half mile sometimes before I see him coming towards me. Never less than 1/4 mile range, even over hills, cop moving towards me at highway speeds. Granted we have a lot of dolts in uniforms here that just leave their radar on all the time... if they pulse you, they got you with the best detector and reaction time anyway.

My 8500 is the gen before the current one. I got my wife the new version X whatever 8500. It's supposed to have even better range, but her car is slow (Celica GT), so I've never really been able to judge it properly. I'll have to swap with her for a week and see sometime. (radars, not cars... I'd shoot myself if I drove that 'yota daily.)

txl146 · 09-30-2005, 12:42 AM

I find detectors useless since most cops estimate your speed without actually measuring it.

WRXnEFFECT · 09-30-2005, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2phless

(Valentines are friggin' HUGE!)

It is a common myth that the Valentine One is big and bulky when it is actually the smallest of the top three. As hard as it might be to believe, the Valentine One, 16.2 cu. in., is smaller than the Escort X50, 18.95 cu. in., and the Bel RX65, 16.32 cu. in.
The Valentine One is wider, but it is thinner and not as high which gives you more mounting options. The Valentine One weighs 6.4 ounces, the X50 weighs 9 ounces, and the RX65 weighs 8.3 ounces. As you can see, the Escort is the biggest of the three in size and weight.

2phless · 09-30-2005, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WRXnEFFECT

It is a common myth that the Valentine One is big and bulky when it is actually the smallest of the top three. As hard as it might be to believe, the Valentine One, 16.2 cu. in., is smaller than the Escort X50, 18.95 cu. in., and the Bel RX65, 16.32 cu. in.
The Valentine One is wider, but it is thinner and not as high which gives you more mounting options. The Valentine One weighs 6.4 ounces, the X50 weighs 9 ounces, and the RX65 weighs 8.3 ounces. As you can see, the Escort is the biggest of the three in size and weight.

Ok. No offense, but as I read this I imagine:

Common myth? I heard if you say "valentine 1" 3 times in a row while looking into a mirror, you still won't get laid. And however many cubits or hectars it is, it just looks like a shoebox stuck to your windshield.

Nice stats though.

MBasile · 09-30-2005, 01:19 AM

cheap ones have a LOT of false alarms. More expensive ones will have less false alarms, and a greater detection range. However, remember that no radar detector will pick up EVERY cop since not all cop cars have radars, and not all cop cars with radars use the radars (they can pull you over and ticket you by looking at you, and dont need the radar readout)

Quote:

Originally Posted by txl146

I find detectors useless since most cops estimate your speed without actually measuring it.

this is true, but detectors can give you advanced warning. If a cop is sitting behind a bush or something, he wont see you until you pass him, but if you have a detector, you'll know hes there before you pass him

09-24-2005, 02:51 AM	#1
SpikeMike Scooby Newbie Member#: 40515 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Los Angeles County, CA Vehicle: 2003 2003 WRBP	Cheap radar detectors... whats the big deal? I dont know much about radar detectors and i did do a search but all i read about was how great the valentine 1 and passport were, so dont go there. but i do wanted to know why cheap radar detectors are bad? is it because it doesnt pick up on police cars or what? Is it because the V1 is able to detect cops better, further away or what? also another question... do radar detectors pick up cops driving around or are radar detectors only good for cops posted out and waiting... * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Whats the big deal about a turbo timer?	Jpizzzle	Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain	13	02-22-2006 05:00 PM
Summer Tires and cold weather whats the big deal anyway?	Dtdunk	Tire & Wheel	10	10-11-2003 05:15 PM
UTEC Open to closed loop, whats the big deal?	Davenow	Engine Management & Tuning	22	02-26-2003 03:52 PM
So N Korea and its ballistic missles...whats the big deal?	[27]	Off-Topic	23	02-13-2003 08:30 AM
Whats the big deal about CF?	Hazdaz	Interior & Exterior Modification	41	04-08-2002 08:53 PM

09-24-2005, 05:08 AM	#2
IllNastyImpreza Scooby Guru Member#: 36333 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: East Kingston NH Vehicle: DIY project: life I need more TIME!	cheap radar detectors suck because they go off ALL THE TIME !

09-24-2005, 06:57 AM	#3
boxerboy Scooby Newbie Member#: 80976 Join Date: Feb 2005	I have had a bunch of radar detectors over my driving life starting with the fuzz buster. You get what you pay for. A cheap detector works fine if you drive the same route all the time. When you are on unfamiliar roads it won't work as good. You can pay for a valentine for the price of 1 or 2 tickets. The best thing is don't speed.

09-24-2005, 07:47 AM	#4
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 02 WRX 05 GTO/11 Sonata(!)	Cheap detectors have less range and will get more false alerts. They are also poorly made and not well shielded so they will set off other detectors. Ergonomics/ease of operation is usually poor. As said you get what you pay for. Note that any detector, even the V1, is just a highly specialized radio receiver (and light detector if equipped w/laser). It is NOT capable of detecting the mere presence of cops, only of indicating when certain signals are present that may be speed-enforcement radar or laser. You still need to employ common sense and awareness when driving.

09-24-2005, 09:26 AM	#5
O Stylee Scooby Newbie Member#: 49746 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Herndon, Virginia Vehicle: 2007 Cadillac CTS-V Black	agreed radar detectors only detect cops that are taking radar, so you still have to watch out for cops sitting around. The valentine is also kind of expensive because i think it has detatchable sensors that you can mount on the front and back of your car so you dont have a big bulky detector up front, especially if your in a state where it is illegal

09-24-2005, 09:29 AM	#6
DrD Scooby Guru Member#: 22412 Join Date: Aug 2002 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Albuquerque, NM Vehicle: 2012 Legacy 2.5GT Ice Silver Metallic	Like Mulder said - lower range and more false alarms. Also - if you live where detectors are illegal, the cheaper ones are readily detected by things like the old vg2 interceptor.

09-24-2005, 09:36 AM	#7
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 02 WRX 05 GTO/11 Sonata(!)	The V1 does not have detachable sensors. It does have two antennas for true front and rear radar detection, which most others do not have even though they may advertise "360 degree protection". You can purchase remote display and audio units as optional accessories to make the V1 less visible and more convenient to use. In the US, radar detectors are only illegal for use in passenger cars in the state of VA and in DC. They are illegal in other areas for use in large trucks.

09-24-2005, 01:34 PM	#8
Hunt3r Scooby Newbie Member#: 95484 Join Date: Sep 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Winter Park, FL Vehicle: 1985 911/993 Cab silver	The Valentine 1 sucks compared to the Escort Passport, and the Escort is slightly cheaper too. I've used both of those as well as a few other brands and the only radar detector I would ever buy again is the Escort. But like some people above have said, your eyes are still the best radar detector there is. You still have to watch for the cops b/c they can easily sit there and wait for you to get right on top of them before they turn on their radar.

09-24-2005, 04:56 PM	#9
SpikeMike Scooby Newbie Member#: 40515 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Los Angeles County, CA Vehicle: 2003 2003 WRBP	yea i bought one and returned it. it was one of those 40 dollar cobras. i figured if there is a difference of almost 10 times the cost in better detectors this one must be junk and ive been pulled over mostly by cops just driving around so radar detectors are pretty much pointless for me at least.

09-24-2005, 07:16 PM	#10
AKWRX2004 Scooby Specialist Member#: 56485 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Juneau, Alaska Vehicle: 2009 Ram 1500 CC SPT R.I.P. Bro	I have a cheapo Cobra detector and it's saved me 15+ times. Granted I've recieved a couple tickets where I didn't hear the detector go off... It's not bad. I'm def. looking into getting a better one though. I can't get ANY more speeding tickets. -Gene

09-26-2005, 12:02 PM	#12
Drav Scooby Newbie Member#: 52713 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Madison, AL Vehicle: 2004 WRX (black) 2000 RS (red)	I used to have a radar detector, and while I never got a ticket while I had it, I ended up giving it to a friend. I didn't like that when I had the detector I got lazy in paying attention with my eyes. It wasn't just relying on the the detector for cops, but in scanning for cops I'm also very keen with what's going on in traffic, and when I didn't watch for cops I didn't watch traffic either. After a couple close calls (with other cars, not cops) I got rid of it.

09-26-2005, 12:27 PM	#13
subieworx Scooby Guru Member#: 47769 Join Date: Nov 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC	I have an Escort 8500 that I paid 150 for used and it has saved me a few times. Lately it has been more of an annoyance than anything as the suction cups suck and do not stick to my window anymore. I do like it though.

09-28-2005, 05:13 PM	#15
Diode663 Scooby Newbie Member#: 70325 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Morris County, NJ Vehicle: 03 Wrx Sedan WTB Rear Lateral Links	Thats one site man.. you do realize you can find just as many sites that say the oposite. Its all in how you test em.

09-30-2005, 12:16 AM	#17
2phless Scooby Specialist Member#: 69343 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: 'tween Lewisville&Clemmons NC Vehicle: 2000 nothing good slow	I run an 8500. I've installed a ton of V1s for the BMW types... They both win over each other in various categories, by various testers. I'd say they balance out so a purchase would be based solely on the rear thing the valentine has (I don't care where the pig is, I slow down until I find him... my eyes are quick enough), the looks (Valentines are friggin' HUGE!), the price (I got the 8500s at cost), and whether or not you mind being associated the the media brainwashed lemmings who drive BMWs. (I'm just sayin'...) The range on the 8500 is so good it can actually get annoying... "ok... where is that damn cop." I can travel almost a half mile sometimes before I see him coming towards me. Never less than 1/4 mile range, even over hills, cop moving towards me at highway speeds. Granted we have a lot of dolts in uniforms here that just leave their radar on all the time... if they pulse you, they got you with the best detector and reaction time anyway. My 8500 is the gen before the current one. I got my wife the new version X whatever 8500. It's supposed to have even better range, but her car is slow (Celica GT), so I've never really been able to judge it properly. I'll have to swap with her for a week and see sometime. (radars, not cars... I'd shoot myself if I drove that 'yota daily.)

09-30-2005, 12:42 AM	#18
txl146 Scooby Guru Member#: 32459 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY Vehicle: 02 WRX VF34 Junior Tuned 301whp	I find detectors useless since most cops estimate your speed without actually measuring it.