Someone told me that Radar/Laser Detectors were only

[JJ88]

good on the highway, and that anywhere else by the time your detector alerts you the cop already has your speed. Is this true? If not, how good is their protection off the highway on normal roads? I am interested in buying one, and have been looking at the Escort Passport 8500. Is this a good model? Thanks, I'm kind of new at this.

[JeepinJeff]

good on the highway, and that anywhere else by the time your detector alerts you the cop already has your speed. Is this true? If not, how good is their protection off the highway on normal roads? I am interested in buying one, and have been looking at the Escort Passport 8500. Is this a good model? Thanks, I'm kind of new at this.

Not true at all UNLESS said officer is running instant on AND has not yet targeted anyone lately when you come along. The same could be said though for the highway as well. In town officers usually leave the gun on with all the traffic around and it gives you more than enough opportunity to see it and slow down before you get to him.

I have the 8500 X50 and it's a great detector. You'll be happy with it.

[CJR238]

I feel the complete opposite. With C/O a LEO can’t get your speed around a bend in the road (reflections are key), but certainly can get your speed straight on a highway.

[polakatl]

its definitely much easier to use a detector on the highway. In the city you have much more false alerts from door openers and such. It takes time to be confident with a rd in any situation.

What you heard is not really true. The main thing to worry about is instant on radar (I/O abv. on this forum). this is when an officer quickly pulls the trigger on the gun. A good rd will detect this but often if its directed at you its too late.

[Paperlantern]

What they are trying to say is that a RD will be useful in all facets of driving, not just the highway.

[methos]

good on the highway, and that anywhere else by the time your detector alerts you the cop already has your speed. Is this true? If not, how good is their protection off the highway on normal roads? I am interested in buying one, and have been looking at the Escort Passport 8500. Is this a good model? Thanks, I'm kind of new at this.

Maybe true if the highway cops use only radar, and the city cops run only laser where you live. This would be an unusual state of affairs, as most police use a mix of radar and laser, or maybe just radar for poorer jurisdictions.

[Orbital75]

JJ88,
Take a look at this post. This will tell you all you need to know
about police Radar. Also, The 8500 X50 is a Great Detector, I highly
recommend it.

http://www.radardetector.net/NEW-USE...ing-15422t.php

[Nighthawk243]

Depends. In most states, they're useful in both. In PA, they're useful against the State Police, who usually stay on the highways/interstate. PA bans Local LEOs from operating radar.