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Are radar detectors worth the money?

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Old 08-03-2010, 08:44 PM
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I've been thinking about purchasing a radar detector since buying a 530i and I was wondering do they really work? I've read the comments from customers that have purchased these devices and the comments have been somewhat mixed. Any comment or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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Old 08-03-2010, 08:56 PM
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V1 or bust. Just saved me from a ticket the other day. Well worth the price tag
Old 08-03-2010, 08:59 PM
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That's good to know. I've read quite a few positive comments regarding that detector.

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Old 08-03-2010, 09:00 PM
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Mixed feeling here also...my first assumption was that if it works once, it has paid for itself already. The problem is that the concept of the radar detector itself does not make sense to me. If the radar detector detects the signal, then I'm caught already. Whether or not I get pull over is up to the cop. Had one awhile back but felt it was a bit annoying with the chirping and beeping which at first I thought it was cool but it got on my nerve so I gave it to my brother. I prefer to use my senses to detect cops when I'm driving. It gives you that "victory" feeling when you detect a cop from far away or seeing them coming out from an entrance while you're speeding. It's always nice to know that you just save yourself some money. Well this and I like to be aware of my surrounding when I'm driving, fast or slow.
Old 08-03-2010, 09:04 PM
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that's actually not the case if they are using conventional radar (Ka band what CHP uses). the detector is detecting the radar that bounces off other cars or objects.

for example, i was going up the PCH and my v1 went off about 2 miles ahead it was a cop who just had the radar on getting ready to nab folks. you might've been using a cheaper radar detector, those are as good as useless.

the v1 is arguably the best detector out there.

Originally Posted by rctmthouse
Mixed feeling here also...my first assumption was that if it works once, it has paid for itself already. The problem is that the concept of the radar detector itself does not make sense to me. If the radar detector detects the signal, then I'm caught already. Whether or not I get pull over is up to the cop.
Old 08-03-2010, 09:04 PM
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I've had a cordless detector for the last 29 years (Solo S2 currently) and have been saved from a ticket MANY MANY times....is it worth it??
HELL YES!!
Old 08-03-2010, 09:06 PM
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always wondered about these. how often do you have to replace the batteries?

Originally Posted by flyingpuck
I've had a cordless detector for the last 29 years (Solo S2 currently) and have been saved from a ticket MANY MANY times....is it worth it??
HELL YES!!
Old 08-03-2010, 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by acuteperformance
always wondered about these. how often do you have to replace the batteries?
The batteries usually last a couple of months, depending upon how much you use the detector of course!
Old 08-04-2010, 06:28 AM
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Thanks for the great replies. I'm taking a look at the V1.

Old 08-04-2010, 06:31 AM
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I have K40 and they work great!!!..

saved me bunch of times...

and once i was going 140mph on highway with passport and saved me once again...

so GET IT!!!


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