550isport

For my fellow U.S. Boardmembers:

I Just got my 3rd speeding ticket in 6 months. Ironically, I only get the tickets when I'm tired or ill and driving slower and less defensively. I guess a simple explanation is that my guard is down on these infrequent occasions. My approach to avoiding tickets at the typical speeds I drive is to slow down for hill tops, corners and bridge overpasses. I also travel in the right most lane as often as possible and I randomly survey my side view mirrors for any vehicles used by police. This system works for me. I haven't gotten a ticket at the true speeds I travel in over 8 years. But these last three for 78mph, 87mph and 82mph are very bothersome.

Politics aside, I think all of us on this board can agree that modern speed limits in the U.S. are unnecessarily low. The prosecutor on the 87mph ticket reminded me that I could have been charged with reckless driving. Reckless driving is leaving summer tires on a car you're going to drive in the snow, or not repairing something that is loose on your car and could come off on the road, or knowingly driving with no insurance. And driving with a cell phone up to your ear is very often reckless depending on that person's ability to multitask. But going about 8 mph faster than the 18 wheeler on your right on an otherwise empty stretch of highway four lanes wide in a 65 mph zone during the day with no inclement weather in a modern sport package BMW is exceedingly far from reckless.

So, I now have to clutter my interior with a radar detector to avoid these pesky tickets. It's either that, or I avoid slowing down to 85

Escort or Valentine One? And are the custom $1500 jobs really worth it (especially on a lease?) I love technology but I can't see much benefit to the GPS in the new escort. However, I do think some form of laser shifting would be a great benefit. I used escorts back in the 90s. But I've never had any experience with the V1.

Thanks for any recommendations.

Regards,
DRP

unknown

dude, get the valentine 1... its the best! and for laser jammer get laser interceptor.

remember, a radar detector is not a cop detector...

ADD

Valentine 1.

I've had it for 7 or 8 years now, and have only gotten one ticket. (knock on wood)

It was an 80 in a 65 on a multi lane, divided highway at night. Returning home, chatting with the wife in the passenger seat and not being diligent in scanning the median where the troopers usually sit. over the crest of the hill, cop sitting in the median, lasered me. V1 lit up, but it was too late. Had I been diligent, I would have seen his reflective graphics long before he could have gotten me.

It has saved me countless times before. The best range that I have gotten is on a long straight road with slight rises and dips, close to my house. The V1 chirpped 1.65 miles ahead of where the guy was sitting. Known hideout, but I love the range on this V1. The reduction in speed in this area is rediculous. A lot of times I'll be driving along, knowing that the guy is sitting a mile or so ahead, and I'll have some jacka55 on my tail. I've been known to pull over and let the tailgater by, knowing that he'll rubberband up to speed, just in time for the cop ahead. Nasty, but entertaining.

craigm1841

i just got number 4 in the past few years. one time the cobra slowed me from 75 in a 50 just in time to get a tickef for 65. one time i didnt hear it go off at all. and on Jan 2, my birthday (see birthday rant post), i didnt have it hooked up in the new car yet. this time i hired a lawyer to appear for me. 75 in a 45. i paid about $150 for my detector, it has saved me a handful of times, 1 handful... sometimes just a handful of times out of all the time just isnt enough

Senza007

Definetly V1.

Gene

+1 for V1

flyingpuck

I personally have used Escort Solo Radar Detectors for many years, they work well, and are portable, so if you have a loaner car, you take it with you and can thrash the loaner without concern of getting a ticket!!

JStraw

I personally have a V1. But....

...before you buy a detector, remember, it is not a panacea for tickets. There are instant-on radars, and lasers that are near impossible to evade in time to avoid a ticket. Unless, of course, you get a jamming device, which in a lot of states is illegal. So, pick your poison!!

5_Is_Alive

Escort 8500i is my recommendation. I have owned a couple Cobras in the past and have gotten too many "false" alarms. I have used the 8500 for several months and have not had any problems. It performs superbly. It picks up everything it needs to and has a very unique chirp for the different types of radar encountered. The 8500 was highly recommended to me by my Z06 buddy who has used it for years and was also highly recommeded by my Lotus buddy who both still use it daily.

GL with your decision.

5_Is_Alive

+1 on the portable Escort!