Need help choosing RD!

[sam2428]

Hey everyone, I’ve been lurking around this forum reading threads for a few days and figured it’s about time I join!

I just bought myself a new sports coupe and wanted to get a RD because with a twin turbo engine sometimes I don’t even realize I’m hitting 90-100 mph…. So I figured I should definitely invest in one of these before I end up with too many tickets. I don’t speed too much, but with this car you have to have a little fun right? Plus it’ll be a good warning for me when I don’t realize how fast I’m going.

From what I’ve researched, everyone seems to love the V1 and I almost purchased one. Paying $399 doesn’t really bother me, but I also don’t want to spend more than I need to.

So I started looking into the refurb escort 8500’s and 8500 x50’s

I need a RD that

1. Works well for both city and highway driving, although most of my speeding will be on highway.
2. Doesn’t false too much that will desensitize me (one of my main concerns with the V1 from what I’ve read)
3. is durable (I wont have to send it in for repair constantly as with the 8500’s)
4. I was willing to spend 400 for the V1, but I don’t really want to go over that since this is mainly for precautionary purposes. I realize laser is out there, and don’t really feel the need to buy a jammer. I feel like if I have a jammer and a RD I will just have an excuse to speed all the time lol

What do you guys recommend? I live in Houston, TX btw

Thanks!

[aa2033]

Hey everyone, I’ve been lurking around this forum reading threads for a few days and figured it’s about time I join!

I just bought myself a new sports coupe and wanted to get a RD because with a twin turbo engine sometimes I don’t even realize I’m hitting 90-100 mph…. So I figured I should definitely invest in one of these before I end up with too many tickets. I don’t speed too much, but with this car you have to have a little fun right? Plus it’ll be a good warning for me when I don’t realize how fast I’m going.

From what I’ve researched, everyone seems to love the V1 and I almost purchased one. Paying $399 doesn’t really bother me, but I also don’t want to spend more than I need to.

So I started looking into the refurb escort 8500’s and 8500 x50’s

I need a RD that

1. Works well for both city and highway driving, although most of my speeding will be on highway.
2. Doesn’t false too much that will desensitize me (one of my main concerns with the V1 from what I’ve read)
3. is durable (I wont have to send it in for repair constantly as with the 8500’s)
4. I was willing to spend 400 for the V1, but I don’t really want to go over that since this is mainly for precautionary purposes. I realize laser is out there, and don’t really feel the need to buy a jammer. I feel like if I have a jammer and a RD I will just have an excuse to speed all the time lol

What do you guys recommend? I live in Houston, TX btw

Thanks!

i felt that way too. thought my V1 would protect, me, then i got my 90/55 by laser T_T

[Stealth Stalker]

You're in a tough location. Laser is a bigger concern in Houston than radar, so a radar detector is likely to only give you a false sense of security. However, out on the open highway, outside of the city where DPS runs the show, Instant On radar is a major concern. That means you need a laser jammer as well as a detector that does well on I/O.

V1 is indeed the way to go on a detector for you. It falses more than a GPS muted detector like the Escort 9500, but compared to most other detectors, it's about the same or less. And falses are generally only a factor in city driving anyhow. If you want to get serious, you can pair your V1 up with a Cheetah GPS unit that will give you some quieting features, as well as alerts to red light cameras and speed traps. That's an extra $400 dollars, but money well spent.

Laser jammers are another matter. You definitely need one, or you're just setting yourself up for pwn4g3. Check the Laser Jammer FAQ for more info on them.

We'll be having a laser jammer and radar detector test meet in Houston on the 24th of this month. There is a thread in the Laser Jammer section with more info. We'd like to have you there!

[thx1138]

Welcome aboard. You will find lots of forum members in your area. They are have a laser jammer test meet later this month should you want to see the hardware, set-ups and actual lidar in action.

I think you will find laser more substantial threat, so you may want to consider a good jammer.

As far as a RD, I really like the V1. I used the 8500X50 prior to that, but I have a lot more confidence in the V1, given its sensitivity, responsiveness and situational awareness features (arrows). If the $399 is in your budget, I'd strongly advise it. You can mitigate the sensitivity in the city with automute settings or by coupling to some of the cheetah products. However you will have the similar issues (somewhat less though) with the 8500 series.

[sam2428]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll definitely look into laser jammers as well

but jammers aside...

do you guys think that getting the V1 is worth it for my purposes or should i refurb 8500x50 be fine?

the passport being $200 vs the $400 V1

Cuz if i look into jammers, then maybe i should opt for an "ok" RD if the V1 isnt going to have too much of an advantage

[Stealth Stalker]

I would not use an 8500 on Texas highways. Instant On performance simply isn't good enough for battling Texas DPS.

[thx1138]

If you plan on speeding on the highways, Instant On will own you and you need the best protection possible. The V1 is excellent at sniffing it out. You might also want a CB and to run with a rabbit to make sure you are not the one who gets hit with instant on.

[rocky2]

CB and to run with a rabbit to make sure you are not the one who gets hit with instant on.

That was a very good recommendation CB's are awesome against I/O on the highway.

[Eloi]

With the money you spent on your car ...
Spend the right proportion to protect you.

V-1 + Li dual should keep your licence clean .

Always use your brain to speed ....
no system will do the thinking for you ,
it is not a slap on the wrist ....just
we want to keep you here for a long time

As they say in NY ....easy does it

[stealthfz1]

Doesn’t false too much that will desensitize me (one of my main concerns with the V1 from what I’ve read)

I have found after using my V1 for over a year that I have learned to read what it is telling me via the bogey counter and Arrow's. I don't understand how people say it desensitize's them unless they don't want to think and learn.

HOWEVER, I do see how it could be annoying in the city if you aren't a dedicated enthusiast.