Why do RD makers act like laser detection is a worth while feature.

It seems like false advertising, they market 360 degree laser protection, and none of them give you any hope of reliable early warning. You think especially Escort and Bel would say hey it detects laser but it won't do you much good, but we do have a jammer for that and then sell you a jammer too. If feel like they should be more honest about this, most people who own even high end detectors probably never visit this site, and probably think I just spent $500 on a detector I am good to go. Then they get smoked by Laser. I bet all the RD companies get alot of calls from people who get laser tickets wondering why the RD gave them no warning. They need to have like a Surgeons General Warning on the Box "this product will not protect you from laser you will get owned, please visit RD.net for info on how to save your a$$".

To sell radar detectors basically and to make it sound like it is up on the latest technology.

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Originally Posted by Clay_in_Nashville

To sell radar detectors basically and to make it sound like it is up on the latest technology.

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They are at a dead stop in terms of performance so they are blowing out of proportion features, like laser detection. It is all about the $$$$$$$$

My detector has paid for itself in laser scatter saves, not necessarily enough to get to PSL, but enough to get out of a roadside discussion window.

Is it a feature you can rely on to save you? No. If it worth while to have? You bet.

If you're trying to sell a product it only makes sense to advertise every feature you've got. So it's the same reason US made and sold RD's are pitching having Ku band capabilities "just in case you need it" which is the selling point for some foreign country owners. If it sells enough RDs to pay for it's space on the page plus one then it's worth it.

The more features a RD "supposedly" has the more attractive it is to buy. The Cobra Radar Detector company does a good job with this.

An RD that "detects" all the known threats is more likely to sell well than one that omits a known threat, even if detection of that threat isn't known to be reliable.

Plus, with laser detection, there is some chance of it saving your butt, either by picking up scatter, or giving you a chance to drop your speed in the event that it takes the LEO a few seconds to get a lock on your speed. If RD companies left off laser detection because "it doesn't work" then you would have a ticket in that instance.

Plus, it is a radar detector, designed to detect the presence of speed enforcement technology. It's not a ticket avoider, it's not a cop detector, it does the best it can at detecting the technology that can be detected.

Should RD manufacturers stop detecting instant-on and POP radar since they can't be counted on to save you when you're the target in those cases too?

As for Ku, there was a period of time where it seemed like it could have started being used in the USA, plus it's used in a few other countries, so it's easy enough to add that band. But then, how many of the top-end detectors today do have a Ku option? I know the V1 does, and the RX65. How about any of the Escorts, or the STi, or Whistler? Has it been dropped from newer models sold in the USA since it's not being used?

I would like to see some tests of whether the combination of RD plus Laser Veil can result in any reliable protection.

Tested and failed.

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It seems like false advertising, they market 360 degree laser protection, and none of them give you any hope of reliable early warning. You think especially Escort and Bel would say hey it detects laser but it won't do you much good, but we do have a jammer for that and then sell you a jammer too. If feel like they should be more honest about this, most people who own even high end detectors probably never visit this site, and probably think I just spent $500 on a detector I am good to go. Then they get smoked by Laser. I bet all the RD companies get alot of calls from people who get laser tickets wondering why the RD gave them no warning. They need to have like a Surgeons General Warning on the Box "this product will not protect you from laser you will get owned, please visit RD.net for info on how to save your a$$".





Please also read "Hit by Laser,, no alert" thread.

Personally, My feelings about Laser detection on the iX is non existent. Today, was the last straw for me. Like a mad man, and despite huge protests from my family held captive in the car by my obsession, I drove three times past a SPD, stealth Charger,who was handing tickets,like crazy, without a beep from my $500 unit. I am now resigned to red light warnings. looks like my ix is obsolete in my area due to Laser upgrades. I called escort to possibly return the unit, they said 30 days max.. call monday. I am sure that there are explanations that make perfect sense, but for me, It does not provide the peace of mind I thought it did.

While K and Ka detection is impressive, Laser is the killer and I finally realised that "no jammer, no protection " .

Just the incoherent rantings of a dissappointed user, in real time.

The good part is that i realised this before I got another ticket (LOL)

It would be a dream come true if Mr. Valentine would offer a non laser-detecting Valentine 1 for $299.

I think it would be a smart move on his part. Sales would rise significantly if the price dropped by a c-note. He could shake up the industry by going public with the reality of the uselessness of laser detection. He'd certainly have my respect.

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Originally Posted by Stealth Stalker

I think it would be a smart move on his part. Sales would rise significantly if the price dropped by a c-note. He could shake up the industry by going public with the reality of the uselessness of laser detection. He'd certainly have my respect.

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X2 Only one problem though. How many people buying RDs would believe him? Most people don't even know who Mike is...

Yeah, but V1 buyers are a niche market of people who do their research. To just make it clear, right on the first page of the site, "Why we don't do laser detection" in plain, honest language, would be a plus to those people. But right now, too many people never get past the price.

I'm glade the V1 has laser detection it has saved me many many times due it's amazing ability to pick up laser scatter. One on one at close range pretty/very dangerous thou. However I will completely disagree with those who think it's a complete wast of time and money you are so wrong. At long distance it's a different story you have a very good chance if the cop hasn't got a mount for the gun. So a sporting chance comes to mind. Really I had a big save a couple of months ago like it would of been all over rover if you know what I mean.

Kpatz you mentioned about Ku. I remember at the time RX65 (Junk detector detector and cell phone detector) was released and advertised as having Ku detection. This was a marketing ploy without doubt by internet radar sales site's based in the US, I really do think it was put in by bell just for Euro travellers . Even Radar Roy was pimping it around. Just marketing that's it all you have to do is put the idea out and they will follow how easy that, especially with radar nerds we always get excited when a new threat is proceived to be on us. I'm not putting radar busters down guys hell they pay for the forum god bless. I'm just pointing it out how I saw it at the time. Actually I was laughing my nuts off thinking about how much money they all made by letting the little white cat out of the bag.:D

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Originally Posted by pinoyem1

It would be a dream come true if Mr. Valentine would offer a non laser-detecting Valentine 1 for $299.

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He used to. The V1 when it first came out didn't offer laser initially, then he offered it as an option for an additional $100 (bringing the price to $399). Actually, come to think of it, they first came out with front-only laser, then front and rear afterward. When the 1.8 came out, he made laser a standard feature and kept the price at $399.

I'm betting the sales of non-laser V1s dropped like crazy when laser started becoming more common in the late 90s.

Besides, why would VR, a maker of a top-end RD, offer a non-laser model at $300 when laser comes standard on every RD nowadays including $30 Crapras?

And like I, and others have mentioned before, laser detection *can* save you from a ticket. It's not as reliable as radar detection, never has been and never will be, but I think laser detection is better than no laser detection. No laser detection = zero protection against laser. Laser detection = some amount greater than zero protection. Which would you rather have?

One last note: Although I don't have a jammer (yet), I have had instances where the V1 has alerted more than once to a laser hit. Which means it does pick up scatter pretty well. What I don't know is which shot is directed at me, but someday once I add a jammer to my arsenal I'll know.

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Originally Posted by BigD

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It seems like false advertising, they market 360 degree laser protection, and none of them give you any hope of reliable early warning. You think especially Escort and Bel would say hey it detects laser but it won't do you much good, but we do have a jammer for that and then sell you a jammer too. If feel like they should be more honest about this, most people who own even high end detectors probably never visit this site, and probably think I just spent $500 on a detector I am good to go. Then they get smoked by Laser. I bet all the RD companies get alot of calls from people who get laser tickets wondering why the RD gave them no warning. They need to have like a Surgeons General Warning on the Box "this product will not protect you from laser you will get owned, please visit RD.net for info on how to save your a$$".





Please also read "Hit by Laser,, no alert" thread.

Personally, My feelings about Laser detection on the iX is non existent. Today, was the last straw for me. Like a mad man, and despite huge protests from my family held captive in the car by my obsession, I drove three times past a SPD, stealth Charger,who was handing tickets,like crazy, without a beep from my $500 unit. I am now resigned to red light warnings. looks like my ix is obsolete in my area due to Laser upgrades. I called escort to possibly return the unit, they said 30 days max.. call monday. I am sure that there are explanations that make perfect sense, but for me, It does not provide the peace of mind I thought it did.

While K and Ka detection is impressive, Laser is the killer and I finally realised that "no jammer, no protection " .

Just the incoherent rantings of a dissappointed user, in real time.

The good part is that i realised this before I got another ticket (LOL)

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A question. Are you sure that the LEO was actually using Laser targeted at you? If not, then the ix (and any other RD) will not alert.

Laser detection by RD is probably not enough but at least it is something. RD won't pickup radar or laser unless radar and laser it being used.

My ix has picked up laser one time, but was under the PSL at the time.

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Originally Posted by rocky2

Why do RD makers act like laser detection is a worth while feature.

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Same reason any company lists one of it's product's lesser features as a selling point.

Laser detection is useful, how else would we know we were about to be pulled over and have the option of running before he catches up.

If my 9500ix didn’t have laser detection i would have 4 tickets already. A feature doesn’t need to be perfect to be useful.

A feature doesn’t need to be perfect to be useful.

You got that right :D

Meh... I'm still going to maintain that a laser save with an RD is about as likely as winning the lottery. If you think you had a laser save, the cop simply didn't want you.

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Originally Posted by Stealth Stalker

Meh... I'm still going to maintain that a laser save with an RD is about as likely as winning the lottery. If you think you had a laser save, the cop simply didn't want you.

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I was 30 k's over the limit and only me. Trust me he wanted me he just didn't have a steady hand. His mistake was to target me at to long distance which in turn gave him a very small target to lock onto. Sure he locked on but by that time I had slowed down. So a sporting chance with a lot of luck.:) So it can save you really, I'm very sure the extra buck's are worth the bang when it comes to the V1. Bell well that's another story/thread

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Originally Posted by Stealth Stalker

Meh... I'm still going to maintain that a laser save with an RD is about as likely as winning the lottery. If you think you had a laser save, the cop simply didn't want you.

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X2

There has only been one instance in the roughly 10 years I've been using detectors that where I could say with any degree of certainty that I *may* have picked up laser scatter through the windshield of a vehicle in front of me. What I understand of the physics of lasers, the chances of this happening on a regular basis is just about nil.

When the neon 3rd brake lamps were in their heyday, I turned the laser detection off on my V1 and later RX-65. Since they're not as prevalent today (or the design of them has changed) it doesn't seem to be the daily problem it once was and I still run with laser detection on, although I still don't consider it to be anything but a ticket notification system if I'm running significantly above the PSL.

I have been hit by laser alot on my way to Dayton, OH and I had the V1 most of the time. I have only had two instances where I got laser scatter. The good part about the OSP on 70 is at least is they are really obvious. I think CJR238 brought up a good point and kind of answered my question, I guess if the detector gives you a alert even if it to late, it does give you a chance to get off on the next exit or try to evade the cop.

While generally you are correct in that laser detection cannot be relied on (which is why I have a jammer), there have been several instances with my V1 where it picked up scatter for a good 3-4 seconds before I was targeted. In other words, it was a legitimate laser save.

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Originally Posted by computerpro3

While generally you are correct in that laser detection cannot be relied on (which is why I have a jammer), there have been several instances with my V1 where it picked up scatter for a good 3-4 seconds before I was targeted. In other words, it was a legitimate laser save.

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If you got 3-4 seconds of laser scatter that is pretty good. I believe V1 is the best at detecting laser but you need a laser jammer. I don't have one because where i live , they don't use laser at this present time.

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Originally Posted by Stealth Stalker

Meh... I'm still going to maintain that a laser save with an RD is about as likely as winning the lottery. If you think you had a laser save, the cop simply didn't want you.

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Yes, i would agree too, but only if there is the understanding it can happen. I have been hit with laser over 3/4mi away i slowed and at ~800ft he shot me again. If i didn't get the alert i could of been going much faster and gotten a ticket. Sure the first hit he may not of wanted me for only going 20 over. But when he shot me again and i was 25 over he may have wanted me.

You may not believe me but similar scenarios as above have given me a few laser saves, and it was my 9500's.

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Originally Posted by CJR238

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Originally Posted by Stealth Stalker

Meh... I'm still going to maintain that a laser save with an RD is about as likely as winning the lottery. If you think you had a laser save, the cop simply didn't want you.

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Yes, i would agree too, but only if there is the understanding it can happen. I have been hit with laser over 3/4mi away i slowed and at ~800ft he shot me again. If i didn't get the alert i could of been going much faster and gotten a ticket. Sure the first hit he may not of wanted me for only going 20 over. But when he shot me again and i was 25 over he may have wanted me.

You may not believe me but similar scenarios as above have given me a few laser saves, and it was my 9500's.

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I didn't think that they could laser you at 3/4mi away. I thought it was more like 1/4 away. I am talking about a car.

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Originally Posted by milkman

I didn't think that they could laser you at 3/4mi away. I thought it was more like 1/4 away. I am talking about a car.

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They can do anything they want, weather it works or not is the question. Nowadays your absolutely right they have learned its better to do it at ~1000ft or even less, but not all do it that way from my experience.

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Originally Posted by Stealth Stalker

Meh... I'm still going to maintain that a laser save with an RD is about as likely as winning the lottery. If you think you had a laser save, the cop simply didn't want you.

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I have to disagree as well, I have several saves from scatter with my x50. This is mainly on a stretch of interstate PSL=55, avg left lane=73-78mph. HP bikes like to target here in am with laser. I've picked up alert many times when LEO could not have had a clear shot of me due to other traffic and I was able to quickly slow and lane change.

This would make the laser detection very valuable to me, even though I am installing counter-measures as better insurance (if I can find the time:()

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Originally Posted by kpatz

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Originally Posted by pinoyem1

It would be a dream come true if Mr. Valentine would offer a non laser-detecting Valentine 1 for $299.

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He used to. The V1 when it first came out didn't offer laser initially, then he offered it as an option for an additional $100 (bringing the price to $399). Actually, come to think of it, they first came out with front-only laser, then front and rear afterward. When the 1.8 came out, he made laser a standard feature and kept the price at $399.

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I think laser detection was standard during the last couple of years of the v1.7. I was going to order one back around mid-1999, and all that was available was the front/rear laser detection model. It was definitely a 1.7, as I recall their ads showing the older style case with the laser detection LED below the rear antenna.

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Originally Posted by BigD

Personally, My feelings about Laser detection on the iX is non existent. Today, was the last straw for me. Like a mad man, and despite huge protests from my family held captive in the car by my obsession, I drove three times past a SPD, stealth Charger,who was handing tickets,like crazy, without a beep from my $500 unit. I am now resigned to red light warnings. looks like my ix is obsolete in my area due to Laser upgrades. I called escort to possibly return the unit, they said 30 days max.. call monday. I am sure that there are explanations that make perfect sense, but for me, It does not provide the peace of mind I thought it did.

While K and Ka detection is impressive, Laser is the killer and I finally realised that "no jammer, no protection " .

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im actually quite surprised. the other day as i was driving to drop off some things at the tailor, i picked up a ka 34.7 a good mile away, (was drivin the psl anyway), once i came up on it, there was a leo on the left emergency lane standing outside his car with a ultralyte i believe shooting cars, i was in the far right lane when this random noise started going, then i heard "laser" and was like....wth is that!?

pretty sure i must've picked up some scatter as my rd is mounted up high above the rear view mirror. however, im glad this thing picks up ka as well as it does, the leo's here must be fools to leave their radar c/o while using laser.