Question: Part 1

[Hugh Jardon]

Hi everyone,

I initially came here to see if I could get additional advice about a recent ticket I received with LIDAR. However, now after spending a little bit of time in your corner of the web, I am intrigued by some of the information here. So I have some questions, but need to ask them in separate posts. Thus, this is the first post (and after seeing some responses, then I'll do post #2).

My first question is if you can summarize three different levels of protection (minimum low end, intermediate and first class) and the TOTAL approximate cost for the equipment along with getting the equipment installed by a professional (if necessary). These costs can be approximate, so please don't take the time to look up actual prices to the exact dollar. These "levels" of protection can include any one or any combination of things such as radar detectors, laser jammers, liquid coatings, etc.

Additionally, if you could also present a percentage as to how much each of these different levels of protection offer. For example, if you decide to never drive again, that reduces your chances of getting a speeding ticket by 100%. If you drive in the slow lane versus the fast lane, that might reduce the chance of you getting a ticket by say 40% (arbitrary number). Thus, I'm curious to see where you feel the each of these levels of protection actually provide in that context.

Give a brief line or two about the level's strength and/or weakness.

Finally, if any of these items need to be installed somewhere other than in your front windshield, please point that out (i.e. grill, bumper, etc).

You don't need to go into great detail, just a very brief summary at this point is great.

With all that in mind, a sample might look like this:

Minimum Protection:
-- Product(s): XXX
-- Total Cost: $$
-- Installed: Windshield
-- Protection %: XX%
-- Strengths: Wide radar range.
-- Weaknesses: Not good with LIDAR.
-- Special Notes: (if any)

Intermediate Protection:
-- Product(s):
-- Total Cost:
-- Installed:
-- Protection %:
-- Strengths:
-- Weaknesses:
-- Special Notes:

First Class Protection:
-- Product(s):
-- Total Cost:
-- Installed:
-- Protection %:
-- Strengths:
-- Weaknesses:
-- Special Notes:

Thanks!

Cheers.

[erickonphoenix]

I'm not sure that kind of a breakdown is of much help. What you need depends on what you drive, where you drive it and what kind of speed detection equipment will be used against you.

So you need to fill in these blanks

What's your vehicle make and model?
What's your typical driving environment?
What are the range of speeds over the posted limit you drive and how often?
What city and State do you drive?
Do you encounter speed cameras?
Is Lidar used in your area? If so what kind?
Do you typically listen to loud music in your vehicle?

Budgets are important but not getting the right tool for the job makes any equipment purchase a waste of money.

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[Hugh Jardon]

I'm not sure that kind of a breakdown is of much help. What you need depends on what you drive, where you drive it and what kind of speed detection equipment will be used against you.

Hi Erick,

Thanks. I am trying to ascertain a general understanding revolving around the cost/benefit ratio of these devices and I have a theory about them (which will be post #2 that I can't reveal yet as I'm interested to hear people's responses first).

So you need to fill in these blanks

What's your vehicle make and model? 2001 M Roadster
What's your typical driving environment? Freeway & City equally
What are the range of speeds over the posted limit you drive and how often? I get up to triple digits on average 3-4 times per week on the freeway and pretty much catch up with the car in front of me in the city
What city and State do you drive? Bay Area, California
Do you encounter speed cameras? Just red light cameras
Is Lidar used in your area? If so what kind? Yes, Ultralyte 200 LR
Do you typically listen to loud music in your vehicle? 90% of the time I have my top down and so the radio automatically adjusts based on the speed I am traveling

Budgets are important but not getting the right tool for the job makes any equipment purchase a waste of money.

Fair enough.

Thanks in advance.

[erickonphoenix]

What's your vehicle make and model? 2001 M Roadster
Small car so that helps

What's your typical driving environment? Freeway & City equally
You will probably need a top teir RD if you want good performance in both environments. Escort 8500X50 or Beltronics R65. Expect about $330
If you were doing more interstate driving I would suggest the Valentine 1

What are the range of speeds over the posted limit you drive and how often? I get up to triple digits on average 3-4 times per week on the freeway and pretty much catch up with the car in front of me in the city
That's pretty fast driving so you will definitely need a top tier RD

What city and State do you drive? Bay Area, California
So you have exposure to pretty much everything. Another reason to go with a top teir RD

Do you encounter speed cameras? Just red light cameras
No worries here.

Is Lidar used in your area? If so what kind? Yes, Ultralyte 200 LR
Jammers are illegal in your state so you have to decide if the risks outweighs the reward of having one.

Do you typically listen to loud music in your vehicle? 90% of the time I have my top down and so the radio automatically adjusts based on the speed I am traveling
You need a remote speaker. $30

If I were in your shoes I would budget about $400.
Escort 8500X50 or the Bel RX65 $330
External speaker $30
Hardwire kit $30[/i]

[aust3333]

I'm not sure that kind of a breakdown is of much help. What you need depends on what you drive, where you drive it and what kind of speed detection equipment will be used against you.

Hi Erick,

Thanks. I am trying to ascertain a general understanding revolving around the cost/benefit ratio of these devices and I have a theory about them (which will be post #2 that I can't reveal yet as I'm interested to hear people's responses first).

So you need to fill in these blanks

What's your vehicle make and model? 2001 M Roadster
What's your typical driving environment? Freeway & City equally
What are the range of speeds over the posted limit you drive and how often? I get up to triple digits on average 3-4 times per week on the freeway and pretty much catch up with the car in front of me in the city
What city and State do you drive? Bay Area, California
Do you encounter speed cameras? Just red light cameras
Is Lidar used in your area? If so what kind? Yes, Ultralyte 200 LR
Do you typically listen to loud music in your vehicle? 90% of the time I have my top down and so the radio automatically adjusts based on the speed I am traveling

Budgets are important but not getting the right tool for the job makes any equipment purchase a waste of money.

Fair enough.

Thanks in advance.

I don't know if any countermeasures will be much help to you. Driving in the triple digit range often you are certainly going to get caught at those kind of speeds. I advise you to slow down some because not only will the countermeasures benefit you more, everyone will benefit even more if you keep it safe and slow down.