How far can they see?

[SuperDave]

This detector seems to be looking like a better idea each time I think about it. So what are the recommended brands/models or should I go about researching them and reading up on them over the net? I really don' want to fork out $600 only to have my detector rendered useless within a few months because the cops 'upgrade'? their devices.

[iwilde]

What do they paint the stelth bomber with? A matt black bike thats invisable to radar would be the go!

[DEATH_INC.]

What do they paint the stelth bomber with? A matt black bike thats invisable to radar would be the go!

It's not the paint, it's the shape. Some of the boys on ZX12r.com (rocket scientists, real one's) did some tests on the 12 and found it's only the headlight that lets you down....

[Swoop]

This detector seems to be looking like a better idea each time I think about it. So what are the recommended brands/models or should I go about researching them and reading up on them over the net? I really don' want to fork out $600 only to have my detector rendered useless within a few months because the cops 'upgrade'? their devices.

See the nice "search" button...
Heaps of info!

[slopster]

So you want a matt black impulse with the pop up headlight. Still only save you from laser though - the radar would still get ya.

[loosebruce]

Fuck detectors just ride smart, if you're going like a twat on m/ways n shit what ya expect is gonna happen, if you speed certain areas like the straights into Kopu and places known where cops camp out you're pretty much just asking for it, any other place that your're unlucky enough to get pinged 6th gear works wonders..........

On a side note, what i've heard is that on a tripod the laser can hit upto 3km line of sight but hand held they are down to 1 - 1.5km, but yes accuracy is better at closer distance, and if a cop claimed he clocked you at "134kph" at 1100m (handheld) if contested in court you could prolly argue enough to be let off with a lawyer, which i think is why a lot of cops try to get you as close as possible.

[Da Bird]

Stalker radars will get you at about 2km away, the laser has a max range of 1400 metres but it has to be held really steady to pick anything at over 700 metres - generally you will find yourself pinged at between 300 - 600 metres, depending on the site.

A tracking history needs to be established so the cop has to be able to see you too and confirm your vehicle is travelling at the speed showing on the radar or laser, so although the radar will pick up a vehicle from a good distance, you need to be in sight as well.

The radar is accurate regardless of leaving it on transmit or using instant-on. Don't know where that myth came from.

BC.

[Skytwr]

Then again there is always the pursuit check. This is where they follow you for a distance and issue the ticket based on the certified speedo reading.

[Lou Girardin]

Stalker radars effective range is much less in instant on mode, less in adverse weather too. Good detectors will always 'see' the radar before it gets a reading because the effect is like that of a torch. You can see a torch from far further than the torch will illuminate an object.
Laser range is dependant on how still the operator can hold it. Just like firing a weapon, they're always more accurate from a rest than held by hand.

[scumdog]

I'm curious as to what the range of the cop's revenue devices are?

Like, how far away do you need to be for them to zap you with their radar/laser gun?

As posted on another thread, my longest distance for a radar 'hit' was 1.7km, that's exceptional, mostly 300 to 500metres on average on the open road.

Laser? about 250-400metres.

[SuperDave]

Fuck detectors just ride smart, if you're going like a twat on m/ways n shit what ya expect is gonna happen, if you speed certain areas like the straights into Kopu and places known where cops camp out you're pretty much just asking for it, any other place that your're unlucky enough to get pinged 6th gear works wonders..........

Of course, I have never been caught despite doing speeds that would warrent attention from cops. But as you said, 'ride smart' - this is exactly what I do and its continued to work for me, I never speed on motorways or main highways or in residential zones etc. I save my hard riding for twisty backroads but my concern is that I might just be unlucky sometime and unfortunately I only need to be unlucky once to lose my licence. This is where a radar detector would come into it.

The radar detector is not intended to allow me to speed whenever and wherever, I do not want it to change my 'smart riding' technique but merely to suppliment it and save my arse from those rare unlucky moments.

As for the 6th gear, unfortunately for me my 6th gear will achieve speeds fast enough to lose my license yet slow enough to be caught. I don't think doing a runner on a 4 stroke 250 is very wise.

[bigbadwolf]

just like to mention that, theoretically, the valentine 1 detector is the only detector that outranges police radar. i read somewhere (dont quote me on this) that 400 metres is approx the max distance police should take a reading to be accurate. but its probably one of those urban legends about cops that are utter bullshit, like how they "cant use instant on radar" or "they cant hide in bushes" etc etc

[Lou Girardin]

just like to mention that, theoretically, the valentine 1 detector is the only detector that outranges police radar.

All the name brands will detect radar further than the radar can get a lock.