What's the best radar detector to get? I've never had one so I don't know if they are even effective at all. Also are they illegal to have in california??? It so easy to go over 100 mph in TL. I getting scared I'll be thrown in jail for driving that fast. My friend told me you can get in to serious trouble for speeding above 100 mph. Is this true?

 

Everyone will tell you the Passport 8500 or the Valentine One is best. I have the Passport 8500 and have been happy with it. I chose it over the Valentine based on size, price, and performance -- it's smaller, cheaper, and according to some sources it performs better. I live in VA where they are illegal so size was a big concern.

 

It is legal in the state of California.
Go here for more on legal issues: http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/

The best kind is Valentine One. It gives you total 360 degrees of protection from three types of radar (X band, K band and Ka band) and one type of laser. But don't even believe a radar detector is going to save your azz all the time. It's just a *help* in case the cops are hiding in the bushes and using the radar gun. There are so many instances where you can be pulled over for speeding even if the detector didn't give you a warning... The detector will only "detect" where the source of radar/laser it detected is coming from and how stron the signal is. If the cop was pacing with you, you're busted. Or if you are speeding so fast that when your detector goes off, you have little or no time to react... then you're busted.

As for speeding over +100mph... anytime you are driving at speed in excess of 20mph over the posted speed limit, you're in violation of "reckless driving" and endangering the other ppl's lives. Reckless driving is one point (right?) more on your DMV record than regular speeding. Cops are usually nice 'nuff to reduce your speed down to within 20mph above the speed limit tho. Just remember to behave nice when you get pulled over.

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Y2K SiLVeR TL, non-navi
SLVR TL Homepage Last updated 6/9/01

 

Popular opinion says Valentine 1, but the Bel 950(I think that is what it is) is pretty good too.

 

I've always used Escort but you still need to use common sense. Example, if you're doing 100 mph, you don't want to be leader of the pack, then or at anytime. Laser or "instant on" radar will nail you everytime.
Play safe out there.

 

Very true....so don't waste your money in a fancy radar. Get a jammer.



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The Passport 8500 also offers 360 degree detection it just doesn't tell you from which direction you're being hit. Bottom line, if I get a blip, brap, or whatever I slow down until it goes away.

 

I believe jammers are illegal in most states?

 

If you are already driving illegally, why would you care about illegal equipments on board?

 

the one thing that puts the V1 over the top for me, is the direction arrows. they are eXTREMELY helpful. its a lot better to know that the cop is in front of u behind an overpass giving you time to slow down since he cant see you yet, then to know he's behind you clocking you and looking at your brake lights. that alone is worht the extra price. I cant speak for the escore 8500.. i saw the reports, and its probably true that it has better performance.... but then it doesnt have the directions and that performance is sacrificed for extra paranoia
oh .. and detecors are legal everywhere but DC and VA but they can still get you for "obstruction of view"

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-Fiddler
ControlGenie Automation Systems
1998 Accord EX V6 Coupe (HomePage)

 

Because you're NOT ALWAYS speeding whereas your jammer will ALWAYS be there in the car (otherwise your jammer won't be of any use).

Jammer is illegal in CA.


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Y2K SiLVeR TL, non-navi
SLVR TL Homepage Last updated 6/9/01

 

I think jammers are illegal in most places.

 

My understanding was that only the V1 had rearward-facing radar detection - the other detectors advertising 360 degrees had laser to the rear but that's it.

Come to think of it, an ad for the 8500 shows an inside view and there was no radar antenna pointed to the rear. My crappy Whistler works pretty well, and has rear laser but no rear radar. It, too, advertised 360 protection. Gotta get a V1 for true 360...

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'01 White Diamond Pearl 3.2TL
-Wing, tint, wood and Whistler

 

ok i'm convinced that i need a radar detector. tickets are way too expensive. however, the valentine one is way to pricey. i'm looking for something in the 100-150 range. nothing fancy (i don't need directional, just need to know if i'm being scanned) but i would like 360 laser/radar protection. anything out there that meets my criteria?

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2002 TL Type-S
Satin Silver, Ebony Interior w/out nav

 

Why not carry illegal guns and drugs in the car, too?

The goal is to try to minimize the amount of illegal activity, plus you try to only break the laws that you are willing to pay the consequences for. It's all about risk. Jammer on board is more risky than speeding. Most are not willing to risk a jammer on board because if it is not illegal to own, it certainly is illegal to use.

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* 2001 Acura CL Type S * Blk/Blk * Navigator * Spoiler * Moonroof Visor *
* Since 3/31/2000 *
Road Warrior