Got 1st speeding ticket in my WRX..need a radar detector!

**NorCalBa11er** · 12-04-2008 11:32 AM

been driving my 03 WRX for less than 2 months and just got a speeding ticket yesterday (i guess going 85 while everyone else was doing 50 wasn't a very smart idea..)

thinking about getting a radar detector (to make me a safer driver of course), any suggestions on which model to get?

**Vez** · 12-04-2008 11:42 AM

There's a few good ones, but I think the best one out there at the moment is the Valentine One. It's always been at the top of the food chain (top 3 detectors) but I believe the most recent upgrade made it the clear #1.

**Rogan** · 12-04-2008 05:44 PM

get lighter shoes

**Richarde** · 12-04-2008 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by Rogan

get lighter shoes

I agree for two reasons. One being if you get pulled again and the officer sees that...... Bye Bye leanyancy (spelled wrong, oh well). They will probably look for more stuff to shaft you on. Secondly, i may be mistaken but radar isn't used anymore.

My first ticket was a reckless driving 6pt $500 ticket. Not to brag or anything. I definitely don't condone reckless drivin. I got lucky and had the ticket dismissed.

**wrx0131** · 12-04-2008 07:18 PM

radar detectors will only help you on the highway from state troopers....if you are speeding, the cop doesnt need a radar to give you a ticket.....just remember when your in court....who is the judge going to believe? you or the cop?

i got arrested for speed contest, reckless driving and speeding 70 in a 40

reckless driving and speed contests are each misdemeanors

my lawyer was able to drop them both and the speeding reduced to 49 in a 40 along with a disobeying a traffic device, and i had to take the 6hr defensive driving class which would reduce 4 of the 5 points i received. I was very lucky

My first ticket i got for speeding was a 51 in a 30 (potential 6 points) and when i went to court the judge said if i took the 6hr driving class that he would drop the charge and i would receive no points on my license and so i did.

**brfatal** · 12-04-2008 07:57 PM

I'm behind on this stuff, but the Valentine 1 and Passport 8500 have always come highly recommended. Getting caught with a radar is usually an automatic tickets, so if you ever get pulled over after getting one, hide it the second you see that car speeding up to you.

**PhantomApollyon** · 12-05-2008 03:11 AM

The Passport 9500i has a GPS marking system and after you take a week or so to mark all the stores and false alarms, you'll never hear them again. I've had my 9500i for about 6 months now and for the last 5.5 months I haven't had a single false alarm. I cant say the same for the V1 I had prior to it.

Radar dectectors are a very touchy issue with cops as previously mentioned, but I have never had it impact a situation poorly to date. To me, the primary use for a radar detector is to be more aware when cops are around- especially with budget cuts as bad as they are. I've had 1 ticket for 54/45 which got dropped but beyond that I dont really speed much around town, but I do enjoy traveling at 75-80 on the highway(hwy limits here at 55-65 tops) and not taking 30 years to get anywhere at 55-65mph.

If I had to pick out 3 to choose between it would be in descending order the Escort 9500i(GPS equipped), V1, or Escort 8500 x50. And also realize its not going to save you from every possible ticket, but it sure can save you from quite a few

**VenomInside** · 12-05-2008 03:20 AM

IMO radars are not worth it. I used to use them but then after a few tickets (had the V1) i stopped using them. I figured if I am going to get caught speeding, f-it. Most cops around my area use laser anyway so by the time I know it i'm already toast.

Just my .02.

**Drews** · 12-05-2008 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by Richarde

I agree for two reasons. One being if you get pulled again and the officer sees that...... Bye Bye leanyancy (spelled wrong, oh well). They will probably look for more stuff to shaft you on. Secondly, i may be mistaken but radar isn't used anymore.

My first ticket was a reckless driving 6pt $500 ticket. Not to brag or anything. I definitely don't condone reckless drivin. I got lucky and had the ticket dismissed.

Really? I've never had a problem when I've been pulled over even with my radar detector. If you're speeding you're eventually going to get caught with or without a radar detector. I even got pulled over doing 100 in a 35 and the cop just let me go. It might be because it was a military friendly town and I never got ticketed there but still, 100 in a 35 is just plain stupid and I should have gone to jail.

Personally I think the V1 is a little over priced. The best bang for your buck is the Passport Escot 8500 x50 (what I currently use). You can find them on ebay for about 200 bucks. I don't know about the 9500i but I hear they are incredible and also out of my price range.

**NorCalBa11er** · 12-05-2008 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Rogan

get lighter shoes

Yeah like i said i've only been driving this car for two months, and still am not used to it taking off once it reaches bout 70mph on the highway..next thing you know i was going 85+ in traffic. I love speed, but I guess that's what a track is for.

**DstrbdTech** · 12-05-2008 12:34 PM

I have a Cobra Radar 12 band detector Radar/Laser detector...

I got it for christmas and havent had a ticket since theres a lot of open roads here so even city benefit of it is good least a 1 1/2 mile range if the shot is clear enough

The one i got even goes off for RR and Emergency Vehicles (detects the signal they send to turn lights green) I think its great especially since automakers are working to make interiors quieter

**wrx0131** · 12-05-2008 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by DstrbdTech

I have a Cobra Radar 12 band detector Radar/Laser detector...

I got it for christmas and havent had a ticket since theres a lot of open roads here so even city benefit of it is good least a 1 1/2 mile range if the shot is clear enough

The one i got even goes off for RR and Emergency Vehicles (detects the signal they send to turn lights green) I think its great especially since automakers are working to make interiors quieter

i have the same 1....it has even picked up laser radars as well

**etshulda** · 12-05-2008 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by DstrbdTech

I have a Cobra Radar 12 band detector Radar/Laser detector...

It's Junk. I have it as well. I was driving with another STi in front of me and suddenly he slammed the brakes. About 10 seconds later we passed the speed trap. When we stopped, I asked what he had, "Passport" he said. My Cobra never made a sound. If I were in front, it would have been license revocation for awhile.