So in June I'll be getting back to my small, sporty car roots. It's been waaayyy to long. I can't wait for the day that I can say "I'll never drive another SUV again!" (especially not a POS Ford Explorer :o ). The only good things about the Explorer is it's gotten me out of some bad habits (namely speeding and agressive driving). Not that I'll necessarily get back into that after getting an 8, but I figured, why not be prepared. So that leads me to the question of this rediculously bloated post:

Anybody know any good radar dedectors??? :D

If you buy one, buy the best.

Valentine1.com is where you'll get it. It's pricey, but it's also the best.

The Escort Passport is good and $100 cheaper that the valentine. If you have the money i would go with the Valentine 1.

I have been using the Escort Solo. Just as good as the Passport and nearly as good as the V1, but WAY more convienent than either. I am looking into getting the new Solo, same convienence and better performance. Does anyone have the new Solo?

There's a reason to get the V1 and spend the extra $100.

For one, it's upgradable for lifetime. No other radar can offer that. If police change scan codes you normally need a new radar detector. Or if there is some type of energy boost for the radar, you normally need to get the next model.

For $30 you send your V1 back and they send you a new upgraded model. It works that way for the lifetime of ownership. My cousin bought V1 when they first came out and upgraded 3 times. Cheaper than buying a new detector and keeps his in tip top condition.

Next, it's the most powerful and has directional arrows to show you where people come from. So if the cop is behond you the radar will beep AND show you a pointer behind you. You slow down and he can pass you from behind. No other radar detector gives you directional arrows as to where the cop is coming from. They just beep like mad. Not to mention, the V1 is the only one with a rear mounted radar, so it actually detects what's behind you.

And to top it off, Car and Driver did a radar review and rated it #1. It's these things that personally I don't want to skimp on, because that extra $100 might be the difference between a ticket and not having one.

True Herc. I'd rather spend the money now. An extra hundred bucks makes up the ticket alone (and them some if you're going fast enough) let alone the inevitable insurance rate jack. I don't necessarily have money to throw around, and I suppose just driving the speed limit would be obeying the "better safe than sorry" cliche, but, come on now, what's the point in getting this car if it ain't gonna be fun....

Speaking of all of this, I vaguely remember a friend of mine telling me about stashing his radar detector after getting pulled over. Are they legal in CA? Any nuances I should know about?

Perfectly legal, just don't expect a warning when discovered.

Originally posted by Toadman
Perfectly legal, just don't expect a warning when discovered. Toad hit the nail on the head... cops don't give you warnings if they see radar detectors in your winshield...

Keep in mind radar's aren't infallible, specially if you're being paced and there is no active radar. Drive smart, use common sense and the radar is that added safety net you get.

While it may NEVER save me (though it already has) on getting a ticket, the fact I have it there may just alleviate my worries about going a tad over the speed limit... I usually just do the flow of traffic (I'm not a speed demon, but very aggressive on corners as my friends would tell you :p), so the peace of mind I get is good enough for me.

I agree with Herc. No radar detector is foolproof. Using your head and most radar detectors will keep you safe most of the time. Further, a radar detector has zero chance of protecting you if its in your glove box, because you forgot to get it out before you drove off. I have had my Solo for 4 years and have been saved many times. I gladly trade off the minor detection differences for the ability to stow it in a hurry.

Just pull out your badge. Poof ticket gone!

V1 is the way to go. worth every penny

Talk about reviving an old thread.:)