My X50 is the best 300 bucks I've ever spent. The thing is amazing. Before the X50 I had a $79 Cobra that was completely useless. If you're going to get a detector be willing to put the money up for a good one.

 

I have a couple friends who are cops and the only thing they say about the detectors is that the radar is your warning. If you get caught with one in the car for speeding, they write you up for whatever you're speeding at. No questions. No Leniency.

 

Id get one of those radar detectors where they pay for your speeding ticket if you get one. They cost around the same price as a valentine 1, but they can pay up to 3 of your tickets

 

I have the V1 with the remote display hardwired. I have an older 8500 as well. I like the V1 more because of the arrows and it's a hell of a lot lighter.

 

Valentine 1--no doubt about it. the arrows are very helpful.

 

The first owner of my M5 had a K40 front/rear system installed in it (very expensive). I was junk compared to my V1 or 8500 detectors. There was a Ka band speed sign on my daily commute and the other detectors picked it up MUCH, MUCH further away than the K40. And yes I tested each one individually with the others turned off. K40 is great for stealth, but I was totally not impressed by the performance so I install a V1 and kept the K40 off.

As to p!ssing off the cops - I have had little luck talking my way out of a ticket in my life. Once they pull me over I pretty much am getting a ticket. Having a detector mounted where the cop can see it would pretty much guarantee a ticket. Since I have had bad luck with no detector or a stealth detector (Bel and Whistler remote mounted units) and cops, I figure having the V1 on the glass does not hurt me.

Dennis

 

I have a couple of V1 detectors and an 8500. Here is a link to a review/comparison of them that I posted:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...dpost&p=5944909

I would say with a visibly mounted detector that you would be very unlikely to get out getting a ticket and it would be more likely to be written for your actual speed.

If you are a good looking girl with large hooters you probably don't need a detector since most male officers will always let you go with a warning.

Dennis

 

I was pulled over once with my detector mounted on the windshield. When the cop asked for my license and registration he noticed the detector. He didn't say a word about it. But, he wrote the word "detector" in the "remarks" section of my ticket. When I tried to fight the ticket in court, the magistrate noticed the word "detector" in the remark's section. He asked why would I have a radar detector if I didn't intend to speed. Needless to say, I lost my appeal and points plus a fine were added to my record.

MORAL OF THE STORY: If you get pulled over, hide the detector!!!

 

I would say no, you are far better off to shut off the car, roll down the window (if up), and put both hands on top of the wheel and wait for the cop to instruct you do anything else (like get out license and registration). Cops are vulnerable when approaching a stopped car - they don't know if you are a killer on the run or just some dude driving too fast. You start reaching, moving, grabbing, and stuff in your car while the cop is approaching and he/she could get real nervous. A nervous cop is not a happy cop - so your goal is to make sure they know they have nothing to fear from you.

Cop: License and registration please
You: My license is in my billfold, let me get that out for you
You: My registration is in the glove box behind my elbow, let me get that out for you

If you have a detector visible, then they figure you are a scofflaw and they finally got you - so the cop is not likely to let you slide. I run with one anyway, and if they get me fair and square then they get me.

Dennis

 

I am totally perplexed as to why anyone would ever let a cop see your detector. When you get hit with radar/laser...you KNOW it. I have always reached up and pulled the thing down and tucked the cord into the headliner. I have never had a cop see my radar in the last 5 pullovers.

So, who cares if it pisses them off....pull it down before you get pulled over.