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03-03-2008, 09:01 AM | #1 |
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Best radar detector
Hi all
Just picking up on an earlier thread on radar detectors..... I'm in WA where radar detectors are legal. Our biggest problem are those damn multanova speed cameras which seem to pop up everywhere (behind bushes at the bottom of long straight downhills and on the freeways). I think they are Ka band. The cops also use hand-held laser and guns mounted on their cars. My wife's been pinged a few times (in her X5!) and I have come really close a few times in the 130i. I tend not to lead foot it but would be seriously cheesed if I got done for a piffling 5km over the limit. As I am taking delivery of my 135i in early July I was hoping to get a detector......any recommendations? Thanks |
03-03-2008, 09:24 AM | #2 |
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I have a Beltronics STi Driver which can pick up lasers. Problem about lasers is that the cops can target you from a long way off, which doesn't allow your detector to give you any early warning. My detector is the only one on the marker which is undetecable by detector detectors, something which is needed in the rest of the country where they are illegal. Still need to be careful of visual sighting of the unit though...
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03-03-2008, 09:45 AM | #3 |
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I've used the V1, then a Passport 8500. As far as actual detection performance, it's a toss up. Both have features that stand out. The arrows on the V1 are nice, and the 8500 has a lot of user adjustability.
I'm running the Passport 9500 right now, and I like it better than either of the other two. When it comes to RADAR detectors, you get what you pay for. The less expensive ones may have good detection range, but usually at the cost of more false alarms. The V1 and 8500 still get some, but not as bad as cheap detectors, and give you enough info to tell the difference. The 9500 eliminates them completely in areas where you drive a lot. Edit: I just realized this was in the regional forums. My opinion is probably not really a lot of good to you guys. I'm not even sure if you get the same models with the same features as we do. |
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03-04-2008, 06:40 AM | #5 |
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I read a review on the V1 and although good the reviewer feels it needs updating. The angled display also seems to favour left hand drive. The Passport 9500 sounds good - I'll have to check it out. Thanks.
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03-04-2008, 07:14 AM | #6 |
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I have been a big fan of the V1 for many years, but I think they are faint behind in innovation. I like the new 9500i a d think I will give that a try inky 135i which I get in 2 weeks!!!! Yeah!!!
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03-04-2008, 09:34 AM | #7 |
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The 9500 add some very cool features that make it a lot less intrusive. It can tell how fast you're going because of the GPS, so when you're in a parking lot going 10MPH it reduces the sensitivity to Zero. That means automatic doors don't mess with it nearly as much. If you've got a couple of spots where you get false alarms all the time, you can just tap the mute button a couple of times and it will store the location and ignore them, as long as the GPS is active.
I also have to say that it seems to me that the forward laser detection works better than the 8500. I've had a couple of instances where it gave me enough warning to avoid a ticket. With the 8500 it seemed like the only time it went off was when I was actually being clocked, and a hell of a lot of good that did other than give me a couple of extra seconds to get my paperwork sorted out for the officer! |
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03-04-2008, 10:21 AM | #8 |
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V1 nearly always wins the shoot outs but the Bel STI and Passport 8500 are also great detectors
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03-05-2008, 02:58 PM | #9 |
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ok I bit the bullet and ordered the 9500i in blue. I don't think I will be disappointed.
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03-05-2008, 07:37 PM | #10 |
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I have a RX75plus in the MINI and it is awesome it even has a laser blocker....and it works WELLi can let you know where to get it fitted, they do a fantastic job i will be going back when my ONE arives....
see http://www.beltronics.com/rx75plus.html it is remote mount so nothing stuck to the window.. |
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03-06-2008, 01:15 AM | #11 |
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Thanks jcw...
Most radar detector dealers here in Perth carry the Beltronics STi XR...but not in stock! Do they know something we don't...like is there a ban in the air? I'm quite interested on the Escort Passport 9500i because of the GPS feature and the ability to lock out false alarms. |
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03-08-2008, 08:52 AM | #13 |
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GatoGrande - I had pretty much decided on the 9500i as well. (my whole thought process is posted here) One of the big plusses is the ability to link to the Escort ZR3 or ZR4 laser blockers when I can save the $$$ for that. I think the laser jammer will be a big necessity in the next few years. Did you ever find much out about the K40?
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03-08-2008, 09:12 AM | #14 |
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Lots of info on the K40 web site here http://www.k40.com/home_main.html
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03-08-2008, 09:22 AM | #16 | |
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C_Topher I did research the K40 but decided on the Passport 9500i instead to save a few bucks. I do like the idea that it can be integrated with the Laser Diffuser so I may eventually spring for that later but for now I really like all the other features. I will say, that it is a bit bulkier than the new V1, but the features make it easy to accept. There is no Visor mount so its windscreen all the way.... So now I am waiting to get my new 1er and will use the 9500i then.
Quote:
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03-08-2008, 09:24 AM | #17 |
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If money is no issue I see the 9500i with the integrated laser diffuser (laser blocker) would be my choice - pretty much superior features to the K40 too!
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03-08-2008, 10:17 AM | #18 |
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03-09-2008, 01:11 AM | #20 | |
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I am thinking that laser speed detection is going to become more and more common. I understand that Geico is giving the units away to police departments. It is all about money! (not your safety) |
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03-13-2008, 11:49 PM | #21 |
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Well...I've borrowed a V1 and tested it for a few days. It didn't pick up the cop chick with the laser hiding behind the bus shelter but I was only doing 40kmh. Maybe she didn't have it on. The V1 picked up a Multanova 100m away on the freeway so that was good. Not many false alarms at the shopping centres.
So I bought it. |
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