A radar detector is only as good as the operator. If you don't understand how to use it properly, it's going to be useless.
1) A detector does not make you invincible from tickets. The increased use of Lidar / POP make radar detectors more and more obsolete.
2) A detector is a tool in the arsenal, but you still need to be aware of your surroundings. Be looking for potential speed trap locations, etc.
I've had a Valentine 1 for many years, and have not been stopped for a speed-related incident outside of visual estimation. I typically follow the rule of thirds/fourths/fifths (depending on traffic); for every 2-4 cars that I pass, one car passes me. This ensures that there are plenty of better fish in the sea for LEO to pull over. Those passing vehicles also become my "rabbits"; I can see them hit their brake lights unexpectedly (e.g., not approaching traffic), they may have gotten something on their detector I haven't picked up yet or noticed a LEO running a speed trap.
There is no "best" detector on the market. They key is to buy a quality detector, understand it's signals, and use the device properly (as a tool, not a blanket ability to speed). If you go with a high-end detector, it should suit you well. They will all have their pros/cons. If you want a good detector, expect to spend $400+.
The big key is to know the type of enforcement that is used in an area. Here in NY, I can ignore anything that isn't Ka-Band, and they are running it constantly. I'm to the point where I tone out the alerts that aren't Ka. That's caused me trouble in other states (e.g., PA) where they utilize other bands, but I've been lucky enough to avoid roadside chats with LEO. If you live/travel in areas that are heavily Lidar enforcement areas, a detector isn't going to do you all that much good. In those instances, you may want to consider a laser jammer. For areas that are POP radar enforced, you really need to be even more concerned with having "rabbits".
1) A detector does not make you invincible from tickets. The increased use of Lidar / POP make radar detectors more and more obsolete.
2) A detector is a tool in the arsenal, but you still need to be aware of your surroundings. Be looking for potential speed trap locations, etc.
I've had a Valentine 1 for many years, and have not been stopped for a speed-related incident outside of visual estimation. I typically follow the rule of thirds/fourths/fifths (depending on traffic); for every 2-4 cars that I pass, one car passes me. This ensures that there are plenty of better fish in the sea for LEO to pull over. Those passing vehicles also become my "rabbits"; I can see them hit their brake lights unexpectedly (e.g., not approaching traffic), they may have gotten something on their detector I haven't picked up yet or noticed a LEO running a speed trap.
There is no "best" detector on the market. They key is to buy a quality detector, understand it's signals, and use the device properly (as a tool, not a blanket ability to speed). If you go with a high-end detector, it should suit you well. They will all have their pros/cons. If you want a good detector, expect to spend $400+.
The big key is to know the type of enforcement that is used in an area. Here in NY, I can ignore anything that isn't Ka-Band, and they are running it constantly. I'm to the point where I tone out the alerts that aren't Ka. That's caused me trouble in other states (e.g., PA) where they utilize other bands, but I've been lucky enough to avoid roadside chats with LEO. If you live/travel in areas that are heavily Lidar enforcement areas, a detector isn't going to do you all that much good. In those instances, you may want to consider a laser jammer. For areas that are POP radar enforced, you really need to be even more concerned with having "rabbits".
