A few questions about radar detectors

[OngsHat]

• Do radar detectors even work anymore? I've heard that they haven't been improved since the 70s, but radar has improved a lot, so the detectors don't offer any protection nowadays. Plus, I've

heard that there are even radar detector detectors now, so having a radar detector might just be asking for trouble.

• What's all this I hear about laser detectors - are lasers commonly used nowadays?

• Do laser jammers really work? Aren't there also radar jammers? Are jammers incorporated into detectors?

• Can anybody recommend a good, inexpensive radar / laser detector / jammer (if such a thing exists)?

[Veil Guy]

• Do radar detectors even work anymore? I've heard that they haven't been improved since the 70s, but radar has improved a lot, so the detectors don't offer any protection nowadays. Plus, I've

heard that there are even radar detector detectors now, so having a radar detector might just be asking for trouble.

• What's all this I hear about laser detectors - are lasers commonly used nowadays?

• Do laser jammers really work? Aren't there also radar jammers? Are jammers incorporated into detectors?

• Can anybody recommend a good, inexpensive radar / laser detector / jammer (if such a thing exists)?

Oh my goodness. Lot's of questions.

I'll give it short with the following answers:

They certainly do and their performance is generally better than ever. Laser is quite popular, so owning a great laser detector (incorporated into a radar detector) is essential.

Radar jammers are illegal and essentially non-existent. Stay away from any "radar jammer" or "scrambler" that is purported to be built into a radar detector (think RMR).

Yes most laser jammers today (Blinder, Escort, LI, ALP, etc.) are effective. The ALP is proven to be the most effective against a few module versions of a lidar called the DragonEye. But, others like the Blinder, may actually do better against more conventional lidar guns. So it's a trade off. Overall performance versus cost, etc.

There is also Veil and a laser shield which are "passive countermeasures" which we always recommend to be used either alone our for in conjunction with any jammer as they are complementary.

Uniden LRD-950/850 which are being discontinued have been well-regarded. My favorite budget line of detectors are the Whistler CR-90/CR-85 series. Beltronics also provide some "budget" detectors, like the Pro 300 - 500 series.

Although you didn't mention it, I consider the very most important countermeasure available today, a free smartphone app called WAZE. Available by Google, it is a crowdsourcing app which 9/10 alerts to the presence of police before a detector (or jammer) ever goes off. The use of it by any serious driver is essential.

Good luck.

[TRN]

Sometimes you'll win....sometimes you'll lose. Just roll with it.

[Veil Guy]

Sometimes you'll win....sometimes you'll lose. Just roll with it.

Exactly. Drivers need to understand that no countermeasures will give 100% protection and ultimately there is no substitute for being aware of your surroundings. It's just a question of maximizing the odds as much as you can in your favor.

I think some of us spend way too much on hardware. It's not uncommon for me, for example, to only drive with WAZE and just use my awareness. That's it. And I'll drive far enough distances and at speeds that could get me in some real trouble.

I think part of the reason that I am so in tune with the driving climate is because in PA, we have VASCAR and other ENRADD technologies that do not utilize radar or laser. You have to really be on guard all of the time. The good thing though after a while, it becomes second nature and doesn't really take a whole lot of effort.

VG

[North Alabama]

Dear Op, knowledge base to understand what is going on around you every micro-second is the key. You must think like a LEO. Have eyes like a hawk. Be on high alert every second. Have an instant RD connected to your brain for instant information. Skilled in reacting correctly. Know how to speed. Experienced. Luck. That is just for radar for starts. There is no easy quick way. A RD is just one tool.....

[OkeefenokeeJoe]

Oh ... and let's not forget .... whatever radar detector you decide to purchase, make sure it's mounted properly in your vehicle (straight and level) and NOT pointing into outer space.

Know, too, that being an alert driver means staying OFF the cell phone, watching you mirrors regularly, and keeping your music down to the point you will be able to hear audible alerts from your radar detector.

OkeefenokeeJoe