New from SoCal

[punksmurph]

New member here from SoCal. I have a new (used) 2010 Mitsubishi Ralliart and new cops doing Revenue Enforcement around my area. I am starting to look at detectors that are effective in my area, Irvine and Mission Viejo area. I got pulled over for doing 52 in a 45 and it was just short of $400, now that I have a faster car I rather not chance it again.

Anyone have advice for what is legal in CA?

[Vette6893]

Radar detectors are legal in CA so you can pick what you want. Read up before you decide what to buy and don't rely any any one source for information. Do you know if they have traffic drones in your area? Do you drive more in the city or highway? Would you rather have a quieter ride or would you like to see where the radar is so that you can decide if it is a real threat? What type of radar do they use in the area that you drive? (you cB use the section of this forum on regional information to see what they use), what is your price range? Lots of questions to answer if you want a detailed / specific answer.

Generally V1 and Redline are the best highway detectors. 9500ix is nice if your drive in the city and don't like falses. However these are big generalizations and the more information you provide the more we can help. Good luck.

[ExoticRadar]

Im in the OC as well... Newport Beach

Get the Beltronics STIR Plus for the freeway from Irvine down to San Clemente 5 freeway, 405, and all the toll roads. Having Jammers like the Li Jammers are illegal in Calif but very affective becuz there is alot of Lidar in OC used by the local police in car and bike leos.

[OpenRoad]

Welcome to the club. You definitely need a detector. The others are giving you good info.
Redline, V1, Beltronics STIR Plus, Refurb 8500 for low end, but still good.
Next in line are laser transponders.

[HueManatee]

Hey to tell you the truth, in California, for a radar detector, all you need is the Escort 8500 refurb from EscortRadar's ebay. In California, most CHP use C/O 34.7 and it's pretty damn easy to detect them. What you really need to worry about, is laser. I would recommend getting a LI Quad for your car. Even though rear shots are uncommon, it doesn't mean they don't happen.

If you want total protection though, I would recommend an Escort Redline (if you ever drive on the 101). If you don't drive on the 101, get the Valentine One.

Escort Redline = $500
Valentine One = $400
Refurb 8500 = $150
LI Quad = ~$1000
or
LI Dual = ~$500

[Akosikojak]

Welcome to our most excellent site.

[ExoticRadar]

I suggested the STIR Plus because its the best RD period bar none. Something is better than nothing but if u have 1k get the STIR plus and the Li jammers and youll never have to worry.

[speeddemon]

.

[djrams80]

Welcome V1 is the best in my opinion

Most from SoCal would disagree. Ventura County is flooded with K band drones, so an Escort with TSR is the best choice there. Also, since at least 99 percent of radar encounters here in SoCal are Ka band, the odds of a K Band lockout are almost zero. Based on that, most would feel that a Belscort detector with TrueLock is the best choice for SoCal.

[Sector_15504]

Welcome V1 is the best in my opinion

Most from SoCal would disagree. Ventura County is flooded with K band drones, so an Escort with TSR is the best choice there. Also, since at least 99 percent of radar encounters here in SoCal are Ka band, the odds of a K Band lockout are almost zero. Based on that, most would feel that a Belscort detector with TrueLock is the best choice for SoCal.

+1. Read where I am located punksmurf.

Personally, I run two RDs, one for city and every day driving, and one for travel/rural driving. I run the Bel RX65 and it usually pretty quiet and not annoying, but you pay for sensitivity and reactivity. However, for most driving around SoCal, your biggest threat is laser.

For highway driving, I run a Redline, soon to get a V1.