My S2 and STI evaluations

Well its obvious I have both of these detectors or I wouldn't be able to say anything. So here it is...

S2 good really easy to use out of the box. No pop and apparently no Ku upgradeable either according to escort/Beltronics same company..etc..
Range: ok.. not bad for a cordless I must say. However obviously compared to a corded the range is not as good. Now in respect to the desert test which I find a bit unrealistic because most of us don't use these detectors on the desert the range in reality isn't that hot. Why do I use it? It's quick easy and if I see a pig I can easily rip it down off my velcro strap and turn it off right away. I have rechargable batteries so that's not an issue. Not bad though for a cordless.

STI; you know this thing falses considerably more than the x50 which I used to have. However it is more sensitive to ka band and I don't mind the extra falsing. I think other than the V1 its the best for laser detection, and of course its undetectable; which can't be beat.

I use the S2 for short trips and STI for longer trips. Cord bugs me at times... Well that's it... If you can only afford one get the STI.

laters...

Why don't you hard wire the STI?

Well hardwiring it is not good where I live. I want the ability to rip it down fast and hide it.

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Originally Posted by hehaw77

Well hardwiring it is not good where I live. I want the ability to rip it down fast and hide it.

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Oh, when I had my mustang I was able to hid the complte wire in the headliner if need be.

With the Sti your biggest threat is it gets eyeballed by a cop you dont spot in time. Having it in a position where you can take it down quickly isnt going to help you in that situation.

"Keep it hidden.. keep it safe"

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Originally Posted by spankyaf

With the Sti your biggest threat is it gets eyeballed by a cop you dont spot in time. Having it in a position where you can take it down quickly isnt going to help you in that situation.

"Keep it hidden.. keep it safe"

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X2........ :wink:

Horn, how is a guy suppose to have any fun if you have to keep it hidden away? It's like being married.... :lol:

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Originally Posted by hehaw77

Well hardwiring it is not good where I live. I want the ability to rip it down fast and hide it.

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That is exactly when you need to hardwire it!!!!!!!!!! I live in VA, so I have to be stealthy. I can't have a wire hang down from my windshield. Now that is a dead giveaway!

I have it so that it can't be seen from any angle with a kill switch to cut it off so I don't have to be obvious and reach up.

So, in other words, I don't have to "rip it down and hide it"

So like he said, "Keep it hidden...Keep it safe"

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Originally Posted by spankyaf

With the Sti your biggest threat is it gets eyeballed by a cop you dont spot in time. Having it in a position where you can take it down quickly isnt going to help you in that situation.

"Keep it hidden.. keep it safe"

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2-3 months ago I was driving with my S2 hidden in my usual "something" on the dasbhoard, I came to a 4-way stop sign, residencial area, in order to turn right and keep on driving, in a split of a sec I saw a cop in his cruiser (no radar unit on board, probably community patrol), he was on my left side, I was at the 4-way stop maybe 1-2 secs before him so I was the one to go first, he crossed the 30-foot intersection after me, there were no other vehicles around, right after I made the turn, like a madman, like one on drugs, I just grabbed my "something" with my left hand and still kept on driving with no brake lights on... nothing happened but shortly I had to pull TWO Tylenol pills out of my glovebox... and that's why I will NEVER ever trade my cordless one for any other corded one...

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Originally Posted by davekr

Horn, how is a guy suppose to have any fun if you have to keep it hidden away? It's like being married.... :lol:

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Because the Cops up here will take it if they see it........ :shock: :shock: :shock:

:lol:

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Originally Posted by Road Warrior

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Originally Posted by spankyaf

With the Sti your biggest threat is it gets eyeballed by a cop you dont spot in time. Having it in a position where you can take it down quickly isnt going to help you in that situation.

"Keep it hidden.. keep it safe"

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2-3 months ago I was driving with my S2 hidden in my usual "something" on the dasboard, I came to a 4-way stop sign, residencial area, in order to turn right and keep on driving, in a split of a sec I saw a cop in his cruiser (no radar unit on board, probably community patrol), he was on my left side, I was at the 4-way stop maybe 1-2 secs before him so I was the one to go first, he crossed the 30-foot intersection after me, there were no other vehicles around, right after I made the turn, like a madman, like one on drugs, I just grabbed my "something" with my left hand and still kept on driving with no brake lights on... nothing happened but shortly I had to pull TWO Tylenol pills out of my glovebox... and that's why I will NEVER ever trade my cordless one for any other corded one...

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You keep missing the point on this. Thats exactly the beauty of the Sti and a hardwire mount.

Above the visor I dont care if I drive along side Sgt Cam Wooley or Sgt Spectre they can't pick it up. I dont need to turn it off. I dont need to make fancy moves pulling it down or away (which may attract the officers attention even more). I dont need to keep an eagle eye for all possible cruisers.

Frankly only a full search of the car with the officer sitting in my drivers seat is he going to be able to see the the 2 inches of cord that come out of the roof panel and even that could be further hidden if I choose. In my estimation a pretty small risk of that.

Sti totally changes the rules of the RD game in Ontario.

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Originally Posted by spankyaf

You keep missing the point on this. Thats exactly the beauty of the Sti and a hardwire mount.

Above the visor I dont care if I drive along side Sgt Cam Wooley or Sgt Spectre they can't pick it up. I dont need to turn it off. I dont need to make fancy moves pulling it down or away (which may attract the officers attention even more). I dont need to keep an eagle eye for all possible cruisers.

Frankly only a full search of the car with the officer sitting in my drivers seat is he going to be able to see the the 2 inches of cord that come out of the roof panel and even that could be further hidden if I choose. In my estimation a pretty small risk of that.

Sti totally changes the rules of the RD game in Ontario.

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But having it anywhere ABOVE the dashboard (or lower windshield) gives you ZERO laser protection (since they hit the front plate and/or headlights only and the laser beam is too narrow to cover the upper side of the windshield, visor area included)... in my case, I combine the very best laser protection AND the easiest and fastest way to take it down any time I want to... and as for police cruisers with Specter units in the windshield, where are they :?: :?: :?:

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Originally Posted by spankyaf

You keep missing the point on this. Thats exactly the beauty of the Sti and a hardwire mount.

Above the visor I dont care if I drive along side Sgt Cam Wooley or Sgt Spectre they can't pick it up. I dont need to turn it off. I dont need to make fancy moves pulling it down or away (which may attract the officers attention even more). I dont need to keep an eagle eye for all possible cruisers.

Frankly only a full search of the car with the officer sitting in my drivers seat is he going to be able to see the the 2 inches of cord that come out of the roof panel and even that could be further hidden if I choose. In my estimation a pretty small risk of that.

Sti totally changes the rules of the RD game in Ontario.

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I agree with you. I didn't understand the point of his statements.

Well if you read more and type less you'll find that a high mount is preferred by owners of the better RDs since it has a better chance of picking up scatter shots from down the road.

The RD does not have to be "struck" by the laser to alert it can "see" the beam.

If you're so secure there are no Spectres why go through the gymnastics you just described?

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Originally Posted by spankyaf

Well if you read more and type less you'll find that a high mount is preferred by owners of the better RDs since it has a better chance of picking up scatter shots from down the road.

The RD does not have to be "struck" by the laser to alert it can "see" the beam.

If you're so secure there are no Spectres why go through the gymnastics you just described?

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1) the closer to the front plate and/or headlights you mount it, the better LASER protection you get (and from where I keep it, it alerted me 3-4 times against laser guns)...
2) I have no idea what "gymnastics" you're talking about... cause I have NO "gymnastics" at all, no wires at all, my way is pretty simple, just take it down and turn it off all with just one hand and still be able to drive safely without slowing down at all (for braking lights)... look, I know how much YOU paid for the STI and it's understanding that YOU want only GOOD reviews to your recent purchase... me, I just tell the facts, the truth (from my only city and open road experience) and nothing else... and nobody is forced to read my words nor follow them... fair enough, right?
3) Specter is NOT and issue for me as there are no such devices in city/highway police cruisers in the area I always drive... for sure Niagara Falls, or Windsor, or any other Ontario/US border zone might be different, but I don't do those areas at all, or only when I go down south, 3-4 times a year...
Happy Easter!

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Originally Posted by the horn13

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Originally Posted by davekr

Horn, how is a guy suppose to have any fun if you have to keep it hidden away? It's like being married.... :lol:

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Because the Cops up here will take it if they see it........ :shock: :shock: :shock:

:lol:

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I wasn't talking about a RD Horn.... :wink:

I'm not getting this hardwire thing?

Even if I hardwire it where would I put it that it couldn't be seen? Under the visor? I don't think that's a safe place at all? In fact cops know to look there. So to me hard wiring it seems more restrictive to me..

or is there something I'm missing here? Where could I put it that it won't be seen are there some things you can buy to make it look like its part of your dashboard?

I like the S2 but I'd prefer the STI because it can't be detected however to me if there's a local cop driving near you they are the same because they can both be seen. I use velcro so I can rip them both down fast but I must admit it is a bit of a pain having to be on the watch for pigs when I'm driving

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Originally Posted by Road Warrior

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Originally Posted by spankyaf

With the Sti your biggest threat is it gets eyeballed by a cop you dont spot in time. Having it in a position where you can take it down quickly isnt going to help you in that situation.

"Keep it hidden.. keep it safe"

---

2-3 months ago I was driving with my S2 hidden in my usual "something" on the dasbhoard, I came to a 4-way stop sign, residencial area, in order to turn right and keep on driving, in a split of a sec I saw a cop in his cruiser (no radar unit on board, probably community patrol), he was on my left side, I was at the 4-way stop maybe 1-2 secs before him so I was the one to go first, he crossed the 30-foot intersection after me, there were no other vehicles around, right after I made the turn, like a madman, like one on drugs, I just grabbed my "something" with my left hand and still kept on driving with no brake lights on... nothing happened but shortly I had to pull TWO Tylenol pills out of my glovebox... and that's why I will NEVER ever trade my cordless one for any other corded one...

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What makes you think the cop will pull you over since the STI is undetectable?

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Originally Posted by hehaw77

Where could I put it that it won't be seen are there some things you can buy to make it look like its part of your dashboard?

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If you really don't have a practical idea of your own, just go to any Spy Store and educate yourself a little before it's too late...
I've had mine stashed in "something" very ordinary on the dashboard, I myself cannot see it during the day, just hear the alerts pretty loudly, only after sunset I can see the display when it goes off... a tip for you, take a look at what contractor vans and some truckers have on their dashboard, also some cops have same "something" stuff I use, that's how you will find the best way to totally hide it (from the public eye) and still use it fully... the only difference is mine has no wires at all when yours has one... cause you really wanted an STI :roll: maybe where YOU live cops have Specter units in their cruisers, where I live no such thing plus with all the traffic jams in the Toronto area it's next to impossible to pinpoint exactly the vehicle with an RD inside, on empty roads it's a different ball game :wink:

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Originally Posted by davekr

What makes you think the cop will pull you over since the STI is undetectable?

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It might be undetectable by a Specter unit (if that's really true :roll: ), but it's always detectable by public eye if not conceiled correctly and fully, even 1/2 inch of not-hidden wire might well become a source of suspicion for a very experienced cop, and he/she has the right to stop you and search your car for the smallest suspicion he/she might have... this ain't VA where the worst case scenario is a $50 fine and that's it, up here you lose the RD on the spot and you get a $170 fine, so in his case a very expensive device plus $170... clear now :?: :wink:

Why are you talking in hyroglephics? Why not just say what you are using.. sorry but I don't make it a habit of visiting spy stores I've never been in one.

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Originally Posted by hehaw77

Why are you talking in hyroglephics? Why not just say what you are using.. sorry but I don't make it a habit of visiting spy stores I've never been in one.

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You're a funny guy, I like you man :lol: and next you're gonna ask me for my vehicle's license plate :roll:

And you know, Spy Stores are a legal business in Canada, nobody is gonna send you to jail if you visit any of them... most of the business owners buy stuff from this places in order to protect their investments, including to spy on their employees during business hours...

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Originally Posted by Road Warrior

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Originally Posted by davekr

What makes you think the cop will pull you over since the STI is undetectable?

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It might be undetectable by a Specter unit (if that's really true :roll: ), but it's always detectable by public eye if not conceiled correctly and fully, even 1/2 inch of not-hidden wire might well become a source of suspicion for a very experienced cop, and he/she has the right to stop you and search your car for the smallest suspicion he/she might have... this ain't VA where the worst case scenario is a $50 fine and that's it, up here you lose the RD on the spot and you get a $170 fine, so in his case a very expensive device plus $170... clear now :?: :wink:

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I think you worry a little to much.

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Originally Posted by davekr

I think you worry a little to much.

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Call me a vigillante, a little "minuteman" if you want :wink:

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Originally Posted by Road Warrior

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Originally Posted by davekr

I think you worry a little to much.

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Call me a vigillante, a little "minuteman" if you want :wink:

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I just mean I don't think the police drive around peeking into cars, that's why they buy the VG2s and Spectras.

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Originally Posted by davekr

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Originally Posted by Road Warrior

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Originally Posted by davekr

I think you worry a little to much.

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Call me a vigillante, a little "minuteman" if you want :wink:

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I just mean I don't think the police drive around peeking into cars, that's why they buy the VG2s and Spectras.

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True story, 3-4 years ago I was driving somewhere in Mississauga (same city where all Bel/Escort units are built), no speeding, change lane with signal, all perfectly by the law, all over sudden, just out of the blue, a local cop pulls right behind me with the cherries on and he came right to me, that was summer so I had my window down, as soon as he is 1/2 ft from my window he says " Oh, a tape recorder!!!" and right away he turns back to his cruiser, I smiled to him, at that time I knew about RDs but never used one, I bet the cop was pretty upset with his failed attempt to collect a new prize for himself... so, he thought, from the distance, that I had an RD on the dash, but instead I had a tape recorder, nothing illegal to drive with a tape recorder on the dash :lol: So you see now why being alert all the time and conceil your stuff very well (but still make it fully functional) is the best way to go in Ontario :wink:

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Originally Posted by davekr

I just mean I don't think the police drive around peeking into cars

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Why do you think all of them wear sunglasses even when is no more Sun outside :?: :roll:

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Originally Posted by Road Warrior

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Originally Posted by davekr

I just mean I don't think the police drive around peeking into cars

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Why do you think all of them wear sunglasses even when is no more Sun outside :?: :roll:

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Well the primary reason is that they are taught to wear them on traffic stops so the driver doesn't know where their eyes are looking. SO maybe I just agreed with you.... :?

They can still see it visually

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Originally Posted by davekr

What makes you think the cop will pull you over since the STI is undetectable?

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You know Road your S2 is totally detectable though a cop may not visually see it he will definatly pict it up with a spectre.

[quote="Road Warrior"][quote="davekr"]

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Originally Posted by Road Warrior

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Originally Posted by davekr

I think you worry a little to much.

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True story, 3-4 years ago I was driving somewhere in Mississauga (same city where all Bel/Escort units are built), no speeding, change lane with signal, all perfectly by the law, all over sudden, just out of the blue, a local cop pulls right behind me with the cherries on and he came right to me, that was summer so I had my window down, as soon as he is 1/2 ft from my window he says " Oh, a tape recorder!!!" and right away he turns back to his cruiser, I smiled to him, at that time I knew about RDs but never used one, I bet the cop was pretty upset with his failed attempt to collect a new prize for himself... so, he thought, from the distance, that I had an RD on the dash, but instead I had a tape recorder, nothing illegal to drive with a tape recorder on the dash :lol: So you see now why being alert all the time and conceil your stuff very well (but still make it fully functional) is the best way to go in Ontario :wink:

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Originally Posted by hehaw77

You know Road your S2 is totally detectable though a cop may not visually see it he will definatly pict it up with a spectre

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Thank you very much for your professional advice, but I've known that since last summer (Roy's tests are all shown on his website), and since then I think I've passed dozens and dozens of cops, OPP, Toronto and the other city cops... if you're smart and know how to do it, you can run your RD anytime you want :wink:

Well then since your such an expert why don't you educate us all on how your doing it. This forum is for you to share your ideas to help other rders otherwise why be here.

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Originally Posted by Road Warrior

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Originally Posted by hehaw77

You know Road your S2 is totally detectable though a cop may not visually see it he will definatly pict it up with a spectre

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Thank you very much for your professional advice, but I've known that since last summer (Roy's tests are all shown on his website), and since then I think I've passed dozens and dozens of cops, OPP, Toronto and the other city cops... if you're smart and know how to do it, you can run your RD anytime you want :wink:

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Originally Posted by hehaw77

Well then since your such an expert why don't you educate us all on how your doing it. This forum is for you to share your ideas to help other rders otherwise why be here.

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Who the hell says that I'm an expert in RDs :roll: :roll: :roll:
If I know any technicality of some issue I'm always glad to share it with everybody... but in YOUR case all YOU want is to find out MY OWN STRATEGY/LOGISTIC of operating my RD in a total illegal environment... you're a funny guy... but at least you took an honest shot... unsuccessfull... as I said before, if you don't have your OWN ideas, your OWN strategy, try to look on the road, hard-working trucks or contractor vans, or some police cruisers, and if no ideas at all go to any Spy Store and buy something that will help you solve the problem for good... I wish you best of luck :wink:

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Originally Posted by hehaw77

Well then since your such an expert why don't you educate us all on how your doing it. This forum is for you to share your ideas to help other rders otherwise why be here.

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So far you've sent me THREE (3) private messages asking me the very same thing, how am I doing operating my RD in our area, not even a "please" and "thank you" words, but this is not an issue, you gotta understand, as much as desperate you might be, that some things (strategy/logistic) cannot be expose (especially in a public forum) if you really want to use that RD in our totally illegal environment... hopefully now you will understand and stop asking the same question over and over again... thank you :)

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Originally Posted by hehaw77

I'm not getting this hardwire thing?

Even if I hardwire it where would I put it that it couldn't be seen? Under the visor? I don't think that's a safe place at all? In fact cops know to look there. So to me hard wiring it seems more restrictive to me..

or is there something I'm missing here? Where could I put it that it won't be seen are there some things you can buy to make it look like its part of your dashboard?

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Not below the visor although I know some are using it that way. But "above" the visor between the visor and the roof panel. There's different ways to secure it depending on your car. Check out Valentines website there's a great analysis of laser detection and as it turns out mounting behind the tint strip has alot of benefits.

As far the "big" dash secret people have been hiding RDs in kleenex boxes, under map books, GPS mounts, address holders for years. The cops arent stupid and know if the dash has "stuff" on it there is potential for an RD to be hidden.

Again maybe you pass 100 cops cars with no Spectre but its 101 that gets you.

There are a whole bunch of factors to consider. Have it in a place that is the least visible to outside. Have it close to you so you can hide it on yourself easily and quickly. Place it somewhere where it can see and work properly. Hardwire (non-smartplug) is not really an issue.

When pulled over, be calm and don't give that "um I don't don't have a radar detector..." look and talk :lol: Say no, then get somewhat indignant.

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Originally Posted by SmaartAasSaabr

When pulled over, be calm and don't give that "um I don't don't have a radar detector..." look and talk :lol: Say no, then get somewhat indignant.

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I could always try speaking French to the Cop.......... :wink:

hhahaha somebody tried that one already. wasnt it 411 who hid it in his wifes purse and the cop sweated them for an hour and half by the road.

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Originally Posted by the horn13

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Originally Posted by SmaartAasSaabr

When pulled over, be calm and don't give that "um I don't don't have a radar detector..." look and talk :lol: Say no, then get somewhat indignant.

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I could always try speaking French to the Cop.......... :wink:

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Remember THIS

See that's what's great about being bilingual, if you are in rest of Canada or US just speak French and here just speak English. Unfortunately though if you spoke English here (at least around Montreal) they'd probably say "ok fine sir, now I clocked you at 210..." :lol: