Any thoughts on this radar?

[CareerFiremanGuy]

Being a former cop, I can tell you that today's speed radars have what's called instant on. Which means that the radar is always on just not sending radar, when they suspect speeding car, they hit a button and instantly get your speed. You would not have the time to slow. The only way radar detectors work is if the cop is sitting there with the radar always on which in my experience, is extremely rare. So my 5 cents worth is they are really not worth the expense. Not to mention, if I see you had a radar detector, I would always right the ticket.

Instant on radar is (as you know) nothing new.

And the number of LEO's I've seen using instant on radar (or its other "instant on" counterpart, laser) is radically close to zero.

Additionally, modern radar detectors have an extremely low profile so the chances of LEO's spotting one is also radically close to zero.

Bottom Line: Top tier radar detectors are worth their automotive weight in gold, and don't let anyone tell you anything different.

 

[CareerFiremanGuy]

Agreed. I run Max 360's in both my vehicles and pick up the "instant on" all the time at distances far enough that I can adjust. I use it in combination with the Escort Live app that lets people mark speed traps and your radar will let you know similar to Waze.

@STupidExplorer Spend your money or not, your choice. But my Escort 360's has more than paid for themselves on my frequent trips between Houston and Lafayette on I-10. I am also never the fastest (my wife would argue this...lol) on the road and let the speed demons flush out the speed traps.

While I am not a constant speeder (most of the time I'm getting passed by other cars) my detectors have also saved me more times than I can count.

And yes, people running them still need to keep their wits about them. But the fact remains, they're indispensable.

Their effectivness has been proven, otherwise, nobody would still be buying them and they would've disappeared decades ago.

 

[BigAnt75]

My Uniden R3 saved me a million times! Best radar for the money hands down!! Picks up police radar from a long distance!!

 

[CareerFiremanGuy]

My Uniden R3 saved me a million times! Best radar for the money hands down!! Picks up police radar from a long distance!!

Yup, same here.

Sometimes the R3 picks them up from so far away I think it's a false signal, and then I see it's not. And now Uniden's R4 is even more sensitive.

Detectors won't prevent someone from getting pulled over if they're acting like a hooligan, but otherwise, they do a fantastic job.

 

[Shumax]

If you are going to get into the game of radar detectors, spend money to get a good one, or the false alerts will drive you nuts.

V1 Gen2, Uniden R3,4,7 and 8 are all excellent choices. That's one layer. From there, use Waze for a second layer. Another layer are laser jammers.

Instant on (as was described above) is a big threat; second to laser. Radar spreads a wide beam of waves that are easier to pick up. You CAN pick up instant-on. It will alert and then stop. Alert and then stop. The intensity will increase as you get closer to the source. But! If YOU are the target? You are toast. Generally speaking, you should be able to SEE (your own eyes, or on Waze) the patrol person with ample time to slow UNLESS they are hidden behind a bridge, on an on-ramp, etc. - ambush style.

If you are buying a RD to drive 100mph and hope you won't get caught, forget it. They are good layers of protection; but, you have to be smart about it, too. If you are out in front of a pack of cars, you will be hammered first. Always follow someone 50-100 yards back and let them lead. Add the radar detector in, Waze and a jammer? You are in about as good of a spot as you can be...

 

[Greywolf]

I’ve been running an escort passport, 9500Ix for a better part of eight years and the 9500 IR for about six or seven years before that. I think they are one of the best out on the market. It has save me thousands of dollars in fines. I think it’s very accurate and I don’t receive any false alerts.
As with any radar detector, you really have to use your head. Meaning, if you were the only one on the road and you’re speeding, you’ll stick out like a turkey on thanksgiving platter.