First post, so a little background. I'm not the typical demographic for driving a WRX, but I'm not in mid-life crisis.
A friend of mine upgraded his Whistler XTR 330 (gave it to me) for another Whistler xxxxSE? $200? He says it's much better than the 330. I have nothing to compare the 330 too, but it seems there is not very much alert time before I get a visual sighting...as in NOT ENOUGH alert time.
So let me say this; I'm a bit older and because of the chronic exposures to neurotoxic chemicals at work, my "processing speed" is slower than it should be. I know that and keep that into account at all times.
I used to drive 2,000/mo (24,000/yr.) but not anymore. Not since being forced into an early disability retirement (see above.)
Driving around town, I'm usually pretty close to the speed limit; 5 over, but not much more. So using the RD in the city would mostly give me false X and K for door openers. I guess the cops on bikes are using Ka and laser. In my town, we only sheriff, and that is Ka. So being able to lock those out would be helpful.
I've never been one to try to "beat the light", so the red light cameras are not a real issue. Even with a database that shows where they are, it doesn't show if they are working....and I've seen some that don't. Again, not a real concern for me.
On the freeways (or highways, or whatever they are called in your part of the Country) I'm usually in the 10+ crowd. It's when I NOT in the crowd that I get into trouble. Wide open spaces. I was doing some "cat and mouse" with another guy, going upwards of 125mph (I know, I know...don't hit me.) I think that is an automatic arrest and impound. Luckily we didn't get caught.
But on the way back, going around a pack of slower cars, (posted 75, doing 75) I got nailed slowing down at 92mph. Anything 20 or over, you can't go to traffic school, so I lucked out there. CHP motorcycle parked under the shade of a tree in late afternoon.
The other ticket more than 2 years later was what I call chicken sh1t! Posted 65, flow of traffic was 75, I was entering the freeway and wanted to get in front of a cell phone using driver in the right lane, busted for 80 getting on the freeway! That damn turbo thing.
GPS for speed traps? You have to find and set those yourself as you drive along? No database?
RD would mostly be used for highway use. Possibility of wanting to mount on my motorcycle and use a "screamer."
What is the difference between front and rear radar and 360 degree radar protection? Only the V One has rear lazer according to their site.
Choices for my needs, even though I don't drive much (but when I do!) ;
Firstly, RELIABILITY and from reviews I've read, both the Escort and Bel have about a 10% "NEEDS SERVICE" failure within a year. True or not?
I need the longer range because of slower reaction time. I know laser is "busted" anyway.
Can X and K be turned off on the units below without losing sensitivity on Ka? That's what happens on the 330 in City Mode.
Escort 8500
Escort 9500 (i or ix?)
Bel RX 65
Bel GX 65
Valentine V One
I think that's it for my post! Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks.
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