Your thoughts on a setup for the NE

[Ronin]

Hi all,

I'm new to this site, to RD's and laser jammers and, like all newbies, I'm soliciting your help in determining the best setup for my situation; after having been endowed with a summons by NJ finest SS Trooper, er, State "Nazi" Trooper, er State Trooper. Sorry, I don't mean to offend anyone, only the over zealous wannabee hypocrite/dictator with a quota to meet. I guess I'm still bitter. I should note that I personally know and train/with many fine PO's so my bitterness is very focused. Anyway....

My current ride is a leased Infinity G35x, thinking of getting a Rav4 or CRV once the lease is up. That said, I'm leading away form hard wire installations, though I'm open to them. My daily commute is some local towns, rt 10, rt 287 (by Morristown, rt 80, rt 46 and rt3). My weekend commute's can be in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, NY and Massachusetts (campaigning a show dog : ( for the bipolar other half).

I've noticed from this site that X, K, Ka and laser are prominent in these areas though I'm not sure about RDD/VG2/Spectre, With regards to RDD's what's the difference between VG2 and spectre, are they the same, I noticed some RD's are promoting VG2 capable. With regards to RD's, I notice everyone touts the x50, V1 and STI, I'm looking for something that's not very chatty, I get enough of that ; ). With regards to laser, I see the everyone is anticipating the LI unit, since the availably date is not yet known nor it's production capabilities, is it worth waiting for or do you recommend a another solution. From what I've read, and hopefully interpreted correctly, it's worth waiting for, more so since I have limited $$$ resources to work with. Oh, I also noticed references to laser license plate shield and license plate replica's (I think) What your thoughts on these items. Please excuse my ignorance, I'm working through the terminology, etc.

So, I'd like to know based on my daily & weekend commutes, what RD & laser jammer should I consider or should I hold off since newer models will soon be introduced (not sure just guessing). Your input is greatly appreciated.

[spankyaf]

Well unless you plan on driving in Canada, Virginia or DC you really dont have to consider the Spectre issue.

My 2 cents if you are looking to maximize your investment I would go with the RX65 or X50 and a Blinder set up. LI pricing is yet to be determined but it would appear to be in the $600 range.

[Ronin]

Spankyaf,

Thanks for your time and your input, I really appreciate it.

With regards to the Blinder, from what I read on this site, it's old technology, basically it's easily penetrated with the exception or one of two laser guns and it's construction needs updating. Based on that, it doesn't sound like something I would want to spend time and money on. With regards to VG2/Spectre, I do travel to Toronto, North Carolina and Georgia once a year so I pass WV and enter Canada (for 3/4 days each). Also, since I don't know if my travels will lead me elsewhere in the state, I would like to find a RD/Laser setup that can cover most threats while covering a low profile car (current ride) to a medium profile ride (future mini SUV).

[spankyaf]

Well the RD decision is easy for you then.... Bel STI. Driving in Eastern Canada you risk confiscation of the RD so its either Sti or wait for the rumoured V1 to be released. (dont hold your breath) No other option unless you want to gamble

Toronto police have started using Spectre again so you'd be taking a risk up here.

On the jammer side yeah I hear you about Blinder.... so you'll be salivating like the rest of us for the LI

[Ronin]

I stopped by a local installer to see what they sell, etc, they were a Escort house (SR7, x50, 9500i, etc), I asked about the STI and they said go with the x50, that it was a better system, was VG2 capable, hence not detectable and reference some #1 advertising label on the x50 box as proof. I'm not sure he did that to sell the x50 or because he wasn't aware of the STI. Any thoughts on this, is the x50 better then the STI? Also, read something on some post that the STI has some ramp-up and Ka range issue (not sure what this means and I don't recall reading this about the x50), have these issues been fixed, should I be concerned, does it matter?

With regards to laser, thanks for the feedback and heads-up. I invested in a big boys bib in anticipation for all the drool.

[spankyaf]

Yeah thats retailer bull**** regarding the VG-2. Its old technology and any new rd can beat it. Cdn police forces use the much better Spectre Mk 3 which detects every RD except the Sti.... cant state it any clearer than that

Ramp up is really a trivial issue even though the geeks whine about it online. 33.8 the Sti didnt shine in the GOL test although there are lots of us out there that are quite happy with it in the "realworld". Toronto police force is pretty much all 33.8 and laser.

[Ronin]

Thanks for your input, it's really been very helpful. Based on this information, I'll get an STI and laser license plate cover. With regards to the laser solution, I'll wait to see how the LI fairs and then make a decision on the laser solution at that time. Also, say the LI doesn't fair well, what laser solution provides the best protection? From the GOL tests it seems to the AL solution but I noted on some posts that many prefer the LD solution.

Btw, I'm glad I found this site, it's a treasure trove of knowledge and some good laughs, many of you guys/gals are very funny.

[nascar]

I say V1 and X50. Try them both. See what works for you. Laser is becoming more of a threat especially on 287 and the Parkway.

Since I am not on the highway all that much I have not invested in laser protection. But, just one oops and I may have too.

The Veil Guy did a great report on laser.
http://www.laserveil.com/laser/jammers/buyers-guide/2006/

[Ronin]

Thanks for the options.

With regards to the V1 and x50, not sure I'll have time to test drive all the devices, one reason why I'm hoping to narrow my selection with everyone's helps. Then again, why not a 9500i in native mode (no lock, gps, etc), how would that rank. Reviewing the GOL tests, it seems they all jockeyed with each other and as you noted, in the end it might just turn out to be personal preference coupled with service/support from the vendor. Regarding this support/service point, from what I've read, this seems to be an issue with all the vendors, unless I read it wrong or the complaints are from a minority or beta/early production users. This sure isn't easy.

I'm a firm believer that you get what you pay for so I don't mind going over budget to get a quality product (one that wont be obsolete as soon as I guy it that is) and my incentive to get best (I'm sure it's everyone's incentive) setup is to avoid another lottery win (2 points on my record and $450 for the ticket, going 0-9 miles over in a 65mph zone where fines are doubled). That said, time is a premium and I don't have time to play/test nor $$$ to put on hold for 30 days for each device. The GOL tests are a great resource/reference but to me, a beginner in this field, I don't know what the results/impact of each result means. I guess I can base my decision by taking the lowest/highest number for face value and say that's better/worse and this device is the winner, however does 50' "pouch through" delta really matter or 20ns, etc in alert/reaction time. For those that have been in the game for some time it might, for beginner I'm not sure. I think consistence, support and upgrades should also be factored into the decision and that information can only be attained though the hard work form the people from sites like this. So, any input, suggestions, insight, personal thoughts and experience in helping me better understand my options so I can make a informed decision/purchase is greatly approached.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond and for your patience with my ignorance.

[nascar]

I loved the 9500i when I tried it. But the more I tried it the more it didn't seem right.

If you search my posts you will see my love turned to a return for my money back.

The X50 has some nifty features I like a lot but the V1 has pure detection and Arrows.

I love them both.