Decisions, Decisions, looking for advice

[GoHawks63]

I'm currently pondering upgrading from my 9500ix.

The ix still works fine and I would end up giving it to my wife who is running with an X50 (in a BMW X5). The X50 would then be a spare detector for the other cars in the house.

I originally was going to go with the Max/Max2, but then started pondering getting LASER counter measures.

Not on sure if I want to make a $2,500+ investment (purchase and installation) for the 9500ci. It's not a matter of affordability as I would have the means to pay for it, but more from a practicality standpoint. The Laser Shifter pro is an option.

I get that With the Max/laser shifter pro setup I give up some level of concealment (with the RD), but I have that today with my 9500ix as it's mounted high next to the RVM with the remote display mounted in my coin holder in the center console.

The vehicle in which this would be installed is a 2012 Cadillac CTS-V coupe that I've have for about a year and a half, and I plan on keeping it for a long time. It only has 19K miles and gets stored in the winters.

As for my driving habits, I am really not a chronic speeder, maybe 10-20 mph on the highways, usually 5-10 on surface streets, if that. Although I have on occasion, really opened her up when the situation seemed "safe" and could have gotten in serious trouble if caught. For me at least it's more about situational awareness.

Not to jinx myself, but it's been about 8-9 years since I was last pulled over.

I know that it's ultimately up to me, but just looking for some perspective if it's worth making the jump to the laser shifters.

Like I said, at the very least I want to upgrade the radar detector and I want GPS filtering to minimize falsing.

So choices are:
Max upgrade alone
Max upgrade + Laser shifter pro
9500 ci

Lastly, I live in Michigan where it's presently not illegal to have laser counter measures. I do travel to Illinois quite a bit since that's where I'm from and where my extended family is, but I don't usually take the V there, but I might. I know laser CMs are illegal there as they are in Canada where I might travel to on occasion.

So that's it. Sorry for the long post. Appreciate thoughts any of you might have.

[Veil Guy]

You'll probably get lots of different opinions on this one.

The way I look at it is if you are thinking about installing a laser jammer system anyway, then installing the 9500ci is not a stretch at all especially if you expect to keep the V for an extended amount of time.

If the timing isn't essential, you could always put the Max2 to use and then install a jammer system at a later time as a separate install. If that were the case though, you'd do well to consider an ALP system (which is currently proving to be the most effective at the moment of the current threats out and about). If you wanted to stick with Escort (which in the case of the Pro is really an LI in disguise) then you call install that instead.

I guess part of the decision would be based upon how frequently do you see (or expect to see) laser. If not a great frequency maybe the second option would be the natural choice.

Depending upon your vehicle, too, you may consider incorporating Veil into your arsenal, in which case, the Pro could be a more viable option (either stand-alone) or in the package of the 9500ci.

I know...so many choices.

VG

[GoHawks63]

You'll probably get lots of different opinions on this one.

The way I look at it is if you are thinking about installing a laser jammer system anyway, then installing the 9500ci is not a stretch at all especially if you expect to keep the V for an extended amount of time.

If the timing isn't essential, you could always put the Max2 to use and then install a jammer system at a later time as a separate install. If that were the case though, you'd do well to consider an ALP system (which is currently proving to be the most effective at the moment of the current threats out and about). If you wanted to stick with Escort (which in the case of the Pro is really an LI in disguise) then you call install that instead.

I guess part of the decision would be based upon how frequently do you see (or expect to see) laser. If not a great frequency maybe the second option would be the natural choice.

Depending upon your vehicle, too, you may consider incorporating Veil into your arsenal, in which case, the Pro could be a more viable option (either stand-alone) or in the package of the 9500ci.

I know...so many choices.

VG

I'm considering holding off on the shifters and maybe incorporating Veil to buy some time since I don't see much LASER activity on a daily basis. I'm also good about being alert and leveraging rabbits when possible. When I'm alone on the road, I tend to be more cautious.

My main concern with Veil is appearance and brush marks.

[Veil Guy]

You'll probably get lots of different opinions on this one.

The way I look at it is if you are thinking about installing a laser jammer system anyway, then installing the 9500ci is not a stretch at all especially if you expect to keep the V for an extended amount of time.

If the timing isn't essential, you could always put the Max2 to use and then install a jammer system at a later time as a separate install. If that were the case though, you'd do well to consider an ALP system (which is currently proving to be the most effective at the moment of the current threats out and about). If you wanted to stick with Escort (which in the case of the Pro is really an LI in disguise) then you call install that instead.

I guess part of the decision would be based upon how frequently do you see (or expect to see) laser. If not a great frequency maybe the second option would be the natural choice.

Depending upon your vehicle, too, you may consider incorporating Veil into your arsenal, in which case, the Pro could be a more viable option (either stand-alone) or in the package of the 9500ci.

I know...so many choices.

VG

I'm considering holding off on the shifters and maybe incorporating Veil to buy some time since I don't see much LASER activity on a daily basis. I'm also good about being alert and leveraging rabbits when possible. When I'm alone on the road, I tend to be more cautious.

My main concern with Veil is appearance and brush marks.

As you may already be aware, we just start shipping G5, which should help on both of those accounts. Since you are not seeing much laser at this point, then it sounds like the Max/Max2 may be the way to go initially. You can always try it for 30 days to see if it is to your liking.


VG