I really need to get a radar detector I have almost soiled myself a couple times on some close calls with the law. That being said I really dont want to spoil my leather seats with any more close callscan anyonegive me arecommendation/ pros cons of different radar detectors? Thanks for your help!

 

Valentine One is awsome but a little pricey. I have a K40 and it's never failed me, works great and isn't too expensive. Stay away from Best Buy's Cobra radar detectors.

 

I would also recommend the Valentine 1. Yes, it is pricey, but as with most things, you get what you pay for. The way I look at it, $400 is far less than what I would pay for a speeding ticket plus the insurance hike. If it saves you from two tickets you are well ahead of the game! One nice thing about Valentine is their detectors are upgradable, so if they add new features after you buy one you can send it in and pay an upgrade fee to get those features. You can even buy one on eBay cheaply and send it in to be upgraded.

I would still suggest that you do some research before dropping that kind of dough. There are a lot of knowledgable people on this forum (link: http://www.radardetector.net/) that know far more than I ever will about the way detectors work and the minute differences between models/brands. Do some reading on there and see what you think.

If you do go for the V1, you may want to look into this Audi integration module (link: http://audi.caughtbluehanded.com/). It will allow you to black out the display on the V1 and show all alerts on the driver info screen between the gauges! Having a radar detector hanging from your windshield tends to make people follow you at night and it sure isn't going to help your odds of getting off with a warning if a cop sees the thing lit up when he's pulling you over.

Just keep in mind that a radar detector is just a tool to aid you and is not a guarantee! I've had a detector for about 4 years now and I have still been pulled over a few times being careless. Laser is instant, so as soon as they tag you it's too late. The V1 can scramble laser, but it's not 100%. Also, I've been nailed with radar coming over and overpass. There was no one in front of me and the cop was using pop mode (where the radar gun doesn't send out a signal until the trigger is pulled) so by the time I got the alert it was too late. Having a radar detector does help you learn areas that are prone and now I've gotten good at avoiding traps unconciously. If I'm coming over a hill or overpass, I instinctively check my speed because they tend to sit on the other side in the median.

Anyway, good luck and let us know what you choose! [sm=smiley20.gif]

 

The escort passport 8500 seems to be one of the top choices as well... and the one I am leaning towards getting for its effectiveness/cost.

 

I use an escort S2 which is wireless and has never let me down once. saved me many times. I consider it one of my best investments.

 

Sweet! I've been delaying my V1 purchase because they don't offer a reasonable remote option. This is awesome!

 

Thanks for everyones help after some more research I decided on the wireless escort S2.

 

radar detector detectors. Anyone know if the cops use them? VA and DC detectors are illegal

 

Yep, they use them. All high-end detectors are immune.

 

I have a k40 with a lazer difuser. Its awesome. I can drive how I like not worrying about a cop pulling me ove for speeding. Almost 10,000 miles without a ticket. Well worth the money!