I know lots of guys have Valentines/Passports on this board but my question is specific for So. Cal guys. Knowing the tactics of LA cops and CHP, has a radar detector ever saved your bacon? I am thinking about getting one but most everytime I see a cop on the side of the road he is using that instant on radar gun and I don't think a detector would have saved my ass if I was speeding. Am I wrong?

 

Trojan Horse wrote:

". Knowing the tactics of LA cops and CHP, has a radar detector ever saved your bacon?"

Answer: Yes!

Valentine I is reportedly the best, but it is so clunky looking, unless I could hide it altogether, I wouldn't want it. Passport 8500 works fine. My Bel 860 (I think that's the model no.) works fine in my other car.

I'd avoid the Whistler. I had one and although it was unerring at detecting all fast food restaurants and garage door openers it was relatively insensitive to police radar.

2x6spds

 

Trojan Horse; You can be forewarned when encountering instant on if you are able to pick up stray signals from cars ahead of you getting zapped. The V1 performs well in this situation. If you are running alone, you are more at risk. Just don't think of your detector as a replacement for sharp eyes and common sense, it merely REDUCES the chances of getting a ticket.

 

Valentine 1 is the best but it's so damn expensive. My opinion is that every radar detector will basically work well. Obviously the better ones have more range. But I think when it comes down to it, it's the ability of a radar to sense things around the corners that sets it apart from the others. I have a Uniden and it works pretty well. Not that good on curves but good enough for straigtaways.