[330ichic]

Anybody with some first-hand experiences on a decent radar detector? I don't like the suction cups and prefer something that I can mount directly to my dash or close to my rear view mirror.

Although from what I've read laser detection is pretty much useless (because it only alerts once the laser is actually being pointed at you - correct me if I'm wrong?), I figure I should probably have something with laser detection anyway? Not really sure I need those "new features" like GPS tracking or real time alerts either, they seem a bit gimmicky. What do you think?

[F30_SixSpeed]

Escort Max 360 or Valentine 1 are probably the top/best choices. I run the Escort Max 360.

You can get a blend mount and hardwire kit and attach it to your rear view mirror without any wires.

[Billfitz]

I have an older unit, don't remember what it is, I've always put it on the dash with velcro. Having it 16 or so inches higher won't affect its performance.
With both laser and radar when you detect it you're being scanned. Laser has a much narrower beam, so it's much more likely with it that you're the only target, but on occasion it can be the guy in front of you. I always set my cruise about 7% above the limit, because they ignore you unless you're at least 10% above the limit, where the fine is enough to make it worth their while stopping you. Also consider your speedometer calibration. Unless you code it chances are it reads 2 to 3 MPH high anyway.

[330ichic]

Yeah I figured laser detection might just be nice to have (maybe I'll get lucky). I have a rather long commute over alligator alley 3 days a week (its about an hour and a half of straight highway driving with hiding places for cops all over) and I would like to be able to set it to cruise around 80-85 without worrying about being pulled over - FHP is notorious for pulling you over even for 5mph over the limit (even if the ticket is ultimately dismissed).

I've been considering the Escort Max 2 and the Valentine One (see https://www.pricenfees.com/radar-detectors-consider.html), but was leaning toward the Max 2 simply because they are roughly the same price and the Max 2 would look nicer in my car (the Valentine looks like it was made 30 years ago). Still, the Valentine One seems to be the only one out that indicates the direction of where the radar is coming from and the Max 2 has a number of "features" I probably won't end up using. I'm torn.

The Escort 360 is a little bit more expensive than I was prepared to spend. However, considering the two above are ~$500 already (not cheap) I'd rather shell out the extra $200 for the 360 than blow cash on an inferior product. A quick scan of reviews and I can't spot many differences between the Max 2 and the 360, or am I missing something?

[BEM-S4]

Get the 360. That's what Roy is running now and says it's the best.

[siegester]

Radar Roy passed away a while back..


Valentine 1
Uniden R3
Max 360


Out of those the Uniden will likely give the least amount of false alerts. Check out rdforum.org if you want to do more research before buying.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by cjof2003

Radar Roy passed away a while back..


Valentine 1
Uniden R3
Max 360


Out of those the Uniden will likely give the least amount of false alerts. Check out rdforum.org if you want to do more research before buying.

Not Radar Roy, Alex Roy sorry for the confusion. He just did a big article on the topic on the drive.

Aside from meeting him a few times and considering him to be a legitimately intelligent individual, you'd be hard pressed to find a better expert on the topic of speeding.

[BEM-S4]

http://www.thedrive.com/opinion/1033...radar-detector

[330ichic]

Ok looks like I'm going for the Max 360.

Is there really such a thing as radar detector detection? How exactly does the Max 360 protect against that?

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by 330ichic

Is there really such a thing as radar detector detection?

There is. It's why your detector will go off when you're in close proximity to another car that has his on, driving you nuts if you're stuck right in front of or behind him in traffic. That's a simple short range version. There are long range detectors made for the purpose, but cops seldom have them unless you're in a place where radar detectors are illegal. Some detectors have shielding as a counter-measure, but unless you live or drive through an area where detectors are illegal it's no concern.