I was thinking about getting a radar detector, but I was wondering how well they work, and if they're really worth it. I'd appreciate any info.
Detectors have saved me and my father many times. My experiences with detectors are that they perform better under certain situations better than others. Personally, I find that they are most useful for detecting speed traps on the interstate/highway and less useful in town. This is primarily because in the city, police dont always have their radar on and the detector also picks up false signals. Also keep in mind that a radar detector is virtually useless if there are no other cars around you(back roads). The best detectors on the market are made by escort and valentine. I think the escort passport 8500 is the best on the market. Its expensive but it pays for itself. Also keep in mind that cordless models have about half the range of corded models.
timing, good call on following someone with a detector. I have been doing this since my detector got stolen a while back.
I have a crappy Cobra I bought 4 years ago, I don't use it anymore. My rule of thumb...go with the flow of traffic in packs, if you get caught, you get caught. The cop can only pull over one person, and he will go after the fastest and/or sports car. Stay in the right hand lane and don't ever lead, and if someone tries to ride your bumper to get you to accelerate, slow down and let them pass.
http://www.valentineone.com/ http://www.beltronics.com/ Widely regarded as the best radar detectors you can buy... (of course there are probably just as many who disagree. ). You'll also pay for 'em. Don't ask me if they really work, though, I just read stuff - I've never owned a radar detector in my life and don't plan on getting one anytime soon.
I've owned several radar detectors over the years... hands down Valentine is the best. they even have a policy that they will pay for a ticket (only 1) if you get one... i've owned BEL detectors for several years now and have been very happy... i recently upgraded to the newest one a few months ago (b/c my old one got stolen)... it has kept me out of many, many, many, MANY tickets!!! i love knowing when those punk cop cars sitting on Mopac are decoys or actually have cops in them! my advice: if you can afford it, go Valentine... if not, BEL is fantastic!
Valentine is in fact the best detector, but they are pricey. My opinion, having owned them in the past, is that they are a waste of money. Many police depts. use trigger laser radar, and if you detect it, it usually means you have been caught anyway. It's difficult to detect this type of radar ahead of time. If you do, consider yourself lucky.
