Radar detector

[Evox787]

I’m looking to install a radar detector on my FL5. What are people using that’s good but doesn’t break the bank? Those two things probably don’t go in the same sentence, but I’m trying!

Is there one that can be hardwired instead of using the cigarette lighter? I was reading that in Texas it cannot be a signal jammer, but I’m not sure if that’s even something they sell to regular folks.

I just wanted to see what everyone is using and if it’s worth it. I remember running one back in the early 2000s and it was annoying as heck.

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[AZCWTypeR]

Radar jammers are illegal in the USA. Ten states ban laser jammers, TX being one.
BTW, years ago Car & Driver jammed laser speed guns using IR-pass filters on halogen Cibie driving lights. They used a black 1st generation Integra, which had a low signature anyway due to stowed pop-up headlights, dark color, and no front license plate. The driving lights appeared to be off to the naked eye, only emitting in the IR band. I doubt the highway patrol would catch this tactic.

 

[Sketchyatbest]

I don't know what your bread situation is but the Uniden R8w has saved me countless times and paid for itself within the first month of ownership.

 

[Xmetal]

I don't know what your bread situation is but the Uniden R8w has saved me countless times and paid for itself within the first month of ownership.

Agree, but Uniden R8w will break the bank to most people. With that said, I love my R7 which I have for over 4 years now. Good radar detectors cost a fortune nowadays. If OP doesn't need arrows, I think Uniden R3 or R4 are great/excellent "budget" detectors. Valentine1 is also great, but it's also in the price range as the Uniden R7. I'm still rocking an OG Valentine1 in my other car and will only plan on upgrading to either an R7 or R8 when the price is right.

 

[Evox787]

Thanks for all the input! I’ll look into everything. I really don’t want to keep paying for classes or hiring lawyers to fight my tickets. I don’t get them often, but at least once a year I get pulled over for going 80 in a 75 or 40 in a 35. I just want to add a little extra layer to avoid this .

 

[Montrix]

Another vote for Uniden(I have an R8 myself) but you can also check out Vortex Radar if you want some other suggestions. Having used a few RD's, it's definitely a buy once cry once situation. You can hardwire it pretty easily.

Just remember that they're radar detectors, not police detectors. If the cop isn't running radar, it's not going to pick anything up.

As far as laser jammers go, it's a misdemeanor if you get caught in Texas. If you use them correctly(jam, slow down, disarm) you *probably* won't get caught, but only you know your risk tolerance.

 

[BBoarders]

My Uniden R4 has been very helpful in my area near the DFW airport that has a LOT of 30 mph zones with thirsty police. ( I wish they’d give some equal time to red light runners.)

I have many times wished I’d opted for the directional arrows to simplify life. The R4 has great detection range and it takes a while to realize the “threat” is behind me.

Btw, I’m not a habitual speeder but we all know it’s easy to occasionally go a bit too far in this blast of a car.

 

[MooMoo]

I like my uniden R7 so I rec any uniden detector.

Easy to mirror tap, look for my video on YouTube

 

[Cueyo]

I've heard good things about valentine one (mostly hagerty videos), but I think there's a decent tradeoff with a lot of these radar detectors (either range or poor/false detection).

 

[Savannah@TSP]

Another vouch for Unidens keeping me out of a ticket and/or jail. Allegedly.

 

[marcusm86]

I have an old Escort Passport (11 years old) - turned off k and x band alerts since i live in a city.
The other day I was doin a little more than 100 down in "mexico" (it was like 11:30pm on a weeknight with 0 people on the highway) and it def saved me from that one.. its a nice piece of mind imo. Waze is also fantastic for the guys sitting on the side of the road.
Basically what im saying is you dont need to spend that much if you arent looking for all the bells and whistles.. I've tried the uniden which seems like overkill here in the states.

 

[Robo7]

Love my Escort MaxCam 360. Pricey but includes a dash cam so I only have one thing mounted to my windshield.

 

[alSpeed2k]

I also run an OG V1 with the X and K band turned off (best decision ever, falses so much less) along with Waze. This combo works for me. If I had to buy new, I would also consider a Uniden R7 or R8 because I like the arrows.

As for hardwiring, you should be able to do that with any of them. Which reminds me, I've already routed an old telephone patch cord in my car, just need to splice and install, lol.

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