NEW Radar Detector Advice Please :)

[StoneChucker]

(I know there are other threads, so just a quick vote and advice IF you're bored)
Since as time moves on, radar detectors get upgrades and new devellopments. Valentine One seems to be second now, to Bell XR950. I e-mailed RadarDirect (Are these guys selling parallel imports?) and got the following reply.

The V1 (Valentine One Ver 1.8 with POP2) is a great detector and our model VLT1-NZ is $1195.00inc
However we no longer rate V1 number 1. The Bel technology overtook V1 this year
With the release of the blindingly fast XR950 PROFESSIONAL Series unit. 40% faster
Than a V1 with higher sensitivity. A fantastic array of user programmable features
And the best warranty in the business. 2 years full replacement should any problem develop.
At $895.00inc it represents better performance at a better price

Price is not my deciding factor, and since I have never used one, I have no idea! I was under the impression that Valentine are toips. Their unit does look a little out dated/retro though. I'm also in the market for a great GPS/Navigation unit. I assume the new Navman models are the way to go?

[geoffm]

I have a Valentine. A great detector, esp in the car, but on a bike, IMO, the choice has to be the Escort as it has a built in earphone jack. I use the HARD remote display system with the V1, but it is expensive, eats batteries and is fragile. An earphone is cheap and trouble free and easily tested and replaced.
The escort is also smaller, which makes it easier to mount.
Geoff

[Jantar]

I use an Escort with a red display. I feel the red is brighter, and more likely to attract your attention if you somehow miss the noise.

Instead of an earplug I use a screamer described in this thread. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=16601&highlight=screamer

[FEINT]

I bought a BEL Vector 985 from the US about 4 years ago, I paid $600NZD at that time. It works just fine. Buying it from the US saved me lots of money.

[Biff]

My 2c:

In terms of performance

I own a Bel XR960 Pro. It's the best radar detector I've ever owned (I've owned 5 or 6). Loads of warning and unlikely to give you many problems with false alarms etc, providing you switch off K band detection. Also has a 2.5mm jack socket.

Valentine – Quite possibly the best performing unit on the market. But bang for buck, I'm not convinced it's worth the extra over the Bel

Escort - In general, not as good as a Bel in my personal experience. The ones I've owned gave less warnings of radar traps than a Bel, (proven during group rides) and were more prone to more false alarms. But I know nothing of the particular model to which you refer.

But to really find out which unit is the best value for money you'd need to run a side by side test, in exactly the same operational environments. Because everyone here has different set ups (through screens/tinted/iridium/curved or angular screens etc) and may be prone to travelling at significantly differing average speeds (faster riders = less time to react to the warning the unit gives = different opinions on units perceived performance).

Me - I'll always buy Bel. They lead - others follow.

[scumdog]

Me? I'll stick with the Laser and the Eagle, I think the Hawk is too old, wait it is DETECTORS you guys are talking about, whoops my mistake!!

Detectors are those funny things people have in their cars that they try to hide when I pull them up, right? is that them? and the drivers mutter some ancient incantation to the speed protection gods as they try to hide them, it goes :

"f'nn piece of f'nn shit, cost me 600 f'nn dollars and you don't f'nn work, wait 'til I see Bill and tell him about THIS, I'm gonna shove the f'kkr up his f'nn arse. said it would save me heaps, well f' him and his f'nn detectors":lol: :killingme

And then out loud "yeah, it's not mine mate , never even knew how to switch it on eh!" (insert long false laugh and red face here)

[Lou Girardin]

"f'nn piece of f'nn shit, cost me 600 f'nn dollars and you don't f'nn work, wait 'til I see Bill and tell him about THIS, I'm gonna shove the f'kkr up his f'nn arse. said it would save me heaps, well f' him and his f'nn detectors":lol: :killingme

And then out loud "yeah, it's not mine mate , never even knew how to switch it on eh!" (insert long false laugh and red face here)

What's up with the retards down there?
I don't make excuses for using tax avoidance technology. :innocent:
It's legal, so tough shit.

PS I vote for V1. A few milliseconds response time or 30 metres more range doesn't count for anything except bragging rights on a forum. The two antennas on the V1 are worth far more. And you can get detectors for far less dosh than you're quoting.

[Biff]

The two antennas on the V1 are worth far more.

Space diversity.
Very useful.
Didn't know that Lou.

[bugjuice]

what's the prices of these, and how much would it save your arse? I've toyed with the idea, but it's never hugely appealed. No idea why..

SC - nice to see ya posting a bit again ;)

[HDTboy]

Make sure you buy a Blinder as well SC, radar direct have them too. I assume it's for your new toy

[2much]

what's the prices of these, and how much would it save your arse? I've toyed with the idea, but it's never hugely appealed. No idea why..

SC - nice to see ya posting a bit again ;)

Check out Tardme, it's the cheapest place to get them...

[scumdog]

What's up with the retards down there?
I don't make excuses for using tax avoidance technology. :innocent:
It's legal, so tough shit.

PS I vote for V1. A few milliseconds response time or 30 metres more range doesn't count for anything except bragging rights on a forum. The two antennas on the V1 are worth far more. And you can get detectors for far less dosh than you're quoting.

Dunno about the retards 'down here' - one of the last ones to use the "it's not mine, I don't even know how to switch it on" line was from Auckland, so I guess you guys export your 'tards eh?

Oh yeah, he also tried that line "how about a bit of descretion for a visitor to your area? (must believe in the tooth fairy too!)

Yeah right, like THATS going to happen!!

Tax avoidance technology?? I don't give a shit, your money - your choice!

Personally? Never needed one, one less worry about failure/theft/false readings/obsolescence etc.

[Lou Girardin]

[QUOTE=scumdog

Oh yeah, he also tried that line "how about a bit of descretion for a visitor to your area? (must believe in the tooth fairy too!)

Yeah right, like THATS going to happen!!
.[/QUOTE]

Sounds like the US deep south, hit the out-of-towners so that the locals don't get too feral.
Besides he was using discretion avoidance technology.

[scumdog]

Sounds like the US deep south, hit the out-of-towners so that the locals don't get too feral.
Besides he was using discretion avoidance technology.

That's the story - make them rich city slickers pay but good!!:bleh:

And his discretion avoidance technology worked a treat 'cos he didn't get none, boy I bet he was pleased with THAT!!:lol:

[Pixie]

What's up with the retards down there?
I don't make excuses for using tax avoidance technology. :innocent:
It's legal, so tough shit.

PS I vote for V1. A few milliseconds response time or 30 metres more range doesn't count for anything except bragging rights on a forum. The two antennas on the V1 are worth far more. And you can get detectors for far less dosh than you're quoting.
Exactly.
Response times for detectors=milliseconds
Response times for Yuman Beans = seconds

[RantyDave]

Regarding radars, how long does it take for our fine law enforcing individuals to establish a speed using their equipment? And over what duration, distance or otherwise is it necessary for this measured speed to remain being, ahhh, measured for it to be the legal basis for a speeding ticket? Do I have a right to examine the evidence? Calibration certificates for the gear in question?

Just asking, as a normal law abiding citizen might....

Dave

[scumdog]

Regarding radars, how long does it take for our fine law enforcing individuals to establish a speed using their equipment? And over what duration, distance or otherwise is it necessary for this measured speed to remain being, ahhh, measured for it to be the legal basis for a speeding ticket? Do I have a right to examine the evidence? Calibration certificates for the gear in question?

Just asking, as a normal law abiding citizen might....

Dave

About 1 second, over a distance that can at times be well over 1km away.

Yes, you can request 'disclosure' if you are defending the charge in which case you will be posted all the pertinent information (of which a certain amount is likely to be meaningless to you as a 'normal law abiding citizen').

[spudchucka]

Regarding radars, how long does it take for our fine law enforcing individuals to establish a speed using their equipment? And over what duration, distance or otherwise is it necessary for this measured speed to remain being, ahhh, measured for it to be the legal basis for a speeding ticket? Do I have a right to examine the evidence? Calibration certificates for the gear in question?

Just asking, as a normal law abiding citizen might....

Dave
A speed reading can be established as quickly as an individual can press a button on a remote control. In good conditions a speed reading is displayed almost instantly. The reading can then be locked on the display by pressing another button, which can be shown to the driver. It isn't a legal requirement to show the driver the readout because it isn't always practical to lock it, however it is considered to be best practice to lock the reading and allow the driver to view it.

Calibration certificates etc aren't carried in the vehicle so if you want to view them you will have to request full disclosure. There is usually a sticker on the radar unit displaying the next calibration date. The units get sent to ESR for checking and re-calibration.

There is a log book in the vehicle that is filled out daily by the radar operator, it includes basic calibration tests done with tuning forks and an internal function test to ensure the unit is working correctly.

[StoneChucker]

Cheers for the replies.

About the Blinder from radar direct. Is THIS legal? I doubt it, from reading past discussions...

What would the fine be for having an illegal laser blocking device? (not that it matters, I'm a good driver, and can out run any cop car. If you catch me, it's because I'm feeling generous hahaha no...):blip:

[StoneChucker]

The response from radar direct was: (for those asking price)
The V1 is a great detector and our model VLT1-NZ is $1195.00inc
However we no longer rate V1 number 1. The Bel technology overtook V1 this year
With the release of the blindingly fast XR950 PROFESSIONAL Series unit. 40% faster
Than a V1 with higher sensitivity. A fantastic array of user programmable features
And the best warranty in the business. 2 years full replacement should any problem develop.
At $895.00inc it represents better performance at a better price

I don't mind having the V1 if it's a little slower, the detector which offers more/accurate detection is what I'm after. Sheesh, I might have to just buy all 3 and line them up on my dashboard! Why can't they have un-biased reviews, which outline the market leader!

[HDTboy]

As far as I'm aware the blinder is legal, and they're very discreet too

[Lou Girardin]

For the umptenth time, laser jammers are legal. They transmit light not RF.
If they were illegal, so would your TV remote be.

[dangerous]

For the umptenth time, laser jammers are legal. They transmit light not RF.
If they were illegal, so would your TV remote be.
correct..... BUT, it is ilegal to use them as it if interfeairing with police work, a big nono, thats why the say quite clearly to turn them off once you hav 'adjusted ya speed'

[Lou Girardin]

correct..... BUT, it is ilegal to use them as it if interfeairing with police work, a big nono, thats why the say quite clearly to turn them off once you hav 'adjusted ya speed'

Sorry, but no. There's no such offence.
The only legislation like this refers to interfering with traffic surveillance systems (speed cameras).

[dangerous]

Sorry, but no. There's no such offence.
The only legislation like this refers to interfering with traffic surveillance systems (speed cameras).
then I stand corrected...... was only going by what the guy in the 'radar direct' shop told me

[StoneChucker]

Thanks. Sorry, but I missed the last discussion, being offline so much lately.

I've heard though, that the Blinder doesn't work that well.
We'll see when ACC finish holding up my life and I actually get mobile.

Cheers.

[Lou Girardin]

Thanks. Sorry, but I missed the last discussion, being offline so much lately.

I've heard though, that the Blinder doesn't work that well.
We'll see when ACC finish holding up my life and I actually get mobile.

Cheers.

I have an older laser jammer, supposedly not as good as the M10 Blinder, and, also supposedly, Stalkers can blast through at short range.
Well, we tested it with a Stalker laser and at 50 metres it was still jamming the laser.
Good enough for me, if you can't see the IRD at that range you deserve the ticket.