Radar Detectors - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Riptide · 06-11-2002, 12:47 PM

I'm in the process of buying a radar detector for the old truck and was just curious what the general consensus was on which one people prefer and why. I have been leaning towards Cobra but the freaking things range from $40 - $340. I have not bought one of these things in probably 15 years so I really have no idea who makes the best one for the price.

crew70 · 06-11-2002, 01:15 PM

cheapest thing I ve found is to drive the speed limit.lol

Longhorn Man · 06-11-2002, 01:21 PM

I have tried a few of them, and for some reason, they all seem to give the lazer alert as soon as my engine hits about 3000 or so. I have tried grounds, 3 sets of plug wires...all kinda od sh!t.
I find that I am more aware of my surroundings without one. Plus, these days, the detector only tells you when to pull over.

big.l.a · 06-11-2002, 01:27 PM

Go to www.radar.com. It compare the top to bottom end radars
and what the best buy for the money

lux hauler · 06-11-2002, 01:50 PM

I would suggest comparing different models. There's all different types out there. I'm running an old Uniden with laser right now (one of the first laser detectors that they made). I've had it for about ten years or so and have been very happy with it(it's also saved me a ton of money). I need to get a newer one though. The newer ones are alot better with more features.
You have to decide what you want it to do for you. There are some that are just detectors, some are linked with GPS and others with weather warnings. Lots to choose from.
Just remember, a radar detector usually isn't any good if you are driving on a road with nobody else around. The cop doesn't turn his radar on 'til he sees you......then it's usually too late

By the way, I believe Uniden and Cobra use the same internal boards (at least they used to). Check the prices and models between the two......one might be cheaper than the other for the same thing.
Good Luck!!

Riptide · 06-11-2002, 02:13 PM

Longhornmail, Which brand was yours? I definitely don't want one that goes of on it's own. What do you guys think is a reasonable price to spend these days? I don't want anything to great but I also want something that works. I realize that you need someone else on the road for them work. However I don't plan on speeding too much but since the Speedo is off about 10mph I some time space it, and it could save me a little grief.

*Shane* · 06-11-2002, 02:46 PM

traveling as much as i do with my job, I have tried every detector out there at some point in time.....longhornmail is correct. The radar detector is going to be the first one in the car to realize that you just got a ticket.

Truck drivers are your best friend when it comes to notifying other drivers to where "the fuzz" is located......just my .02 cents worth.

lux hauler · 06-11-2002, 03:01 PM

I like the V1 from Valentine One ( www.valentine1.com ) but it's kinda pricey.....actually it's really pricey........I think it's $399. I doubt that I'll spend that much on one but it looks like a pretty good detector.

tom hand · 06-11-2002, 03:08 PM

I travel all the time and I agree a radar detector is mainly a ticket alarm.[to tell you you just got one] Radar detectors used to work pretty good but now every police force in the country has the "instant on" radar that makes the detectors pretty worthless. If you are traveling CB's work much better,truckdrivers never miss a cop.

**GMCPaul** · 06-11-2002, 03:20 PM

http://www.radar-laser-jammers.com/
Go there and get a viper or Phantom 2. I wish I had bought mine 2 weeks sooner, then I wouldn't be paying the extra $250 to get a speeding ticket deferral to keep a 76 in a 55 off my driving license record.
Since receiving a viper it does alert and I know I have passed troopers with there systems on and they failed to get a reading where they could pull me over. I know as we tested it with a fellow truck lover State Trooper customer with me running 70 and 80 mph 2 passes at both speeds and with me following him and us both running at 80mph it still would not get a reading on his radar.
GMCPaul

**MikeB** · 06-11-2002, 05:16 PM

Year-in and year-out one of the best detectors has always been Escort. Some others may have a little more sensitivity under certain conditions, but you can't beat Escort for false signal rejection, fit and finish, and customer support. I don't know if any of you are familiar with scientific calculators or PDAs, but Escort is "the Hewlett Packard of radar detectors."

Longhorn Man · 06-11-2002, 06:28 PM

I think mine is a Uniden...not sure, its been in my storage unit for over a year now, and in the shed at my last place for a year before that.

Riptide · 06-11-2002, 06:30 PM

I would have to agree about you can still get a ticket for speeding. I know I should not say this but I will anyway. I have been known on occasion to drink a few too many beers working on the truck at the shop and then driving home. I might not be speeding but on dark nights on long roads, I like to know if that is a cop behind me or in front just for peace of mind.

I have also heard that escorts are good radar detectors along with the passports. Has anyone used one of these in our trucks before? They seem to be in the right price range I guess. I cannot see spending more than $150.00. As I said, I am not trying to get away with anything just trying to thin out the odds.

Maximum Overdrive · 06-11-2002, 07:45 PM

The unit I have is a scanner and while it is not a radar detector it does have a thing where it will go off if you come within a 3 mile range of a police officer. It picks up the signals off of their car police radio. While this is not the best to have do to such a large area he can be in it does give an early warning that there is an officer somewhere within 3 miles of you.

haulna · 06-11-2002, 09:14 PM

I use the Escort. Its not fail safe but if you use it right, it can save you from a ticket.

**MikeB** · 06-11-2002, 11:07 PM

The Passport is one of Escort's models.

Woody · 06-12-2002, 01:39 PM

I have both a Passport (Made by Cinn. Microwave) I've had it since '85 and it has saved me many times over. Still use it today, had the 2 orginal power cords break, called them they sent 2 improved cords out , NO Charge and it has worked fine for years.
About 5 years ago I lost my passport and since it didn't have laser on it I bought a Valentine 1, made by Michael Valentine who left Cinn. Microwave a few years earlier. It had been flawless. I like it because you know HOW many raders are being recieved and weather they are from in front, behind , or to the side. You can tell when you pass the rader source. 3 modes of sensitivity and Laser also. Cost: My 2 cents on cost is not how much they cost but the savings from the speeding tickets!!! I have spent a fortune on tickets before I got a detector. I still drive fast BUT CAREFULL!!! and average a ticket every 1.5-3 yrs. And the tickets are usally slower than I was going. Go buy a $50-100 detector and get a ticket. Now would a better detector have kept you from a ticket, Maybe/Maybe not.......Works for me But I drive by the rule "DONT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT AND USE IT EVERYTIME YOU GO SOMEWHERE!!!"

oldyeller · 06-13-2002, 06:25 AM

i had a old wistler, was about 6 years old and while traveling through a construction zone it failed to go off while passing one of those "you're going XX mph" trailers. I commeniced to throw it in the back seat.. it was good for its time, only got 1 ticket in 6 years with it and there was no way out of that one. I got a escort passport 8500 now, as far as I am concerned, the best damn detector on the market. just be sure to keep it high on the windshield. cost about $299. check ebay, there are a few good dealers on there.

misfits · 06-13-2002, 08:43 AM

I had a radio shack one, it was pretty good but it was stolen from me.

cheyenne10 · 06-13-2002, 10:15 AM

I have never been pulled over for speeding in 23 yrs (never owned a detector). I also pride myself in fast and accurately estimated times to get somewhere. Cruise control works great as well as smart and defensive driving. Everyone please drive safe out there my family and I are on the road a lot. It seems with our growing population it is getting tougher to speed safely. Nothing irritates me more that a young person (or old) in a newer Honda type car weaving in and out of traffic at more than 20 mph more than the crowd on the freeway. Its hard to be a good defensive driver with these guys out there. Are their lives so short that they can jsutify being in that big of a hurry? Leaving from home 5 minutes earlier can make a huge difference.

06-11-2002, 12:47 PM	#1
Riptide Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: McPherson, KS US Posts: 102	Radar Detectors I'm in the process of buying a radar detector for the old truck and was just curious what the general consensus was on which one people prefer and why. I have been leaning towards Cobra but the freaking things range from $40 - $340. I have not bought one of these things in probably 15 years so I really have no idea who makes the best one for the price. __________________ 67 Chevy C10 McPherson, Ks "Remember Don't Sweat the Petty Things, Pet the Sweaty Things"

06-11-2002, 01:27 PM	#4
big.l.a Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Allen, TX. USA Posts: 210	Dectors Go to www.radar.com. It compare the top to bottom end radars and what the best buy for the money __________________ 71 C10 LWB With Edelbrock 7101& 1406 Carb Accel HEI Blue Print Accel 8.8 Wires Soon to have possi & 186 Camel hump heads Dropped 2-1/2F&4R Dynomax Headers Duals Flowtech Aftburners Tonneau Cover Frm 89 F150 79 Monte C

06-11-2002, 01:50 PM	#5
lux hauler Psycho-billy Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: about 40 miles west of Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,591	I would suggest comparing different models. There's all different types out there. I'm running an old Uniden with laser right now (one of the first laser detectors that they made). I've had it for about ten years or so and have been very happy with it(it's also saved me a ton of money). I need to get a newer one though. The newer ones are alot better with more features. You have to decide what you want it to do for you. There are some that are just detectors, some are linked with GPS and others with weather warnings. Lots to choose from. Just remember, a radar detector usually isn't any good if you are driving on a road with nobody else around. The cop doesn't turn his radar on 'til he sees you......then it's usually too late By the way, I believe Uniden and Cobra use the same internal boards (at least they used to). Check the prices and models between the two......one might be cheaper than the other for the same thing. Good Luck!! __________________ '72 C-10 350 w/Lunati Voodoo cam (207/213, .437/.454), Performer intake, 625 Road Demon Jr. and Hooker headers. Support your community, support yourself. Buy local, buy American (or Canadian).

06-11-2002, 02:13 PM	#6
Riptide Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: McPherson, KS US Posts: 102	Longhornmail, Which brand was yours? I definitely don't want one that goes of on it's own. What do you guys think is a reasonable price to spend these days? I don't want anything to great but I also want something that works. I realize that you need someone else on the road for them work. However I don't plan on speeding too much but since the Speedo is off about 10mph I some time space it, and it could save me a little grief. __________________ 67 Chevy C10 McPherson, Ks "Remember Don't Sweat the Petty Things, Pet the Sweaty Things"

06-11-2002, 03:01 PM	#8
lux hauler Psycho-billy Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: about 40 miles west of Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,591	I like the V1 from Valentine One ( www.valentine1.com ) but it's kinda pricey.....actually it's really pricey........I think it's $399. I doubt that I'll spend that much on one but it looks like a pretty good detector. __________________ '72 C-10 350 w/Lunati Voodoo cam (207/213, .437/.454), Performer intake, 625 Road Demon Jr. and Hooker headers. Support your community, support yourself. Buy local, buy American (or Canadian).

06-11-2002, 01:15 PM	#2
crew70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: shafer,mn,usa Posts: 316	cheapest thing I ve found is to drive the speed limit.lol

06-11-2002, 01:21 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I have tried a few of them, and for some reason, they all seem to give the lazer alert as soon as my engine hits about 3000 or so. I have tried grounds, 3 sets of plug wires...all kinda od sh!t. I find that I am more aware of my surroundings without one. Plus, these days, the detector only tells you when to pull over.

06-11-2002, 02:46 PM	#7
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	traveling as much as i do with my job, I have tried every detector out there at some point in time.....longhornmail is correct. The radar detector is going to be the first one in the car to realize that you just got a ticket. Truck drivers are your best friend when it comes to notifying other drivers to where "the fuzz" is located......just my .02 cents worth.

06-11-2002, 03:08 PM	#9
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	I travel all the time and I agree a radar detector is mainly a ticket alarm.[to tell you you just got one] Radar detectors used to work pretty good but now every police force in the country has the "instant on" radar that makes the detectors pretty worthless. If you are traveling CB's work much better,truckdrivers never miss a cop. __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

06-11-2002, 03:20 PM	#10
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,721	http://www.radar-laser-jammers.com/ Go there and get a viper or Phantom 2. I wish I had bought mine 2 weeks sooner, then I wouldn't be paying the extra $250 to get a speeding ticket deferral to keep a 76 in a 55 off my driving license record. Since receiving a viper it does alert and I know I have passed troopers with there systems on and they failed to get a reading where they could pull me over. I know as we tested it with a fellow truck lover State Trooper customer with me running 70 and 80 mph 2 passes at both speeds and with me following him and us both running at 80mph it still would not get a reading on his radar. GMCPaul __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

06-11-2002, 05:16 PM	#11
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,599	Year-in and year-out one of the best detectors has always been Escort. Some others may have a little more sensitivity under certain conditions, but you can't beat Escort for false signal rejection, fit and finish, and customer support. I don't know if any of you are familiar with scientific calculators or PDAs, but Escort is "the Hewlett Packard of radar detectors." __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

06-11-2002, 06:28 PM	#12
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I think mine is a Uniden...not sure, its been in my storage unit for over a year now, and in the shed at my last place for a year before that.

06-11-2002, 06:30 PM	#13
Riptide Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: McPherson, KS US Posts: 102	I would have to agree about you can still get a ticket for speeding. I know I should not say this but I will anyway. I have been known on occasion to drink a few too many beers working on the truck at the shop and then driving home. I might not be speeding but on dark nights on long roads, I like to know if that is a cop behind me or in front just for peace of mind. I have also heard that escorts are good radar detectors along with the passports. Has anyone used one of these in our trucks before? They seem to be in the right price range I guess. I cannot see spending more than $150.00. As I said, I am not trying to get away with anything just trying to thin out the odds. __________________ 67 Chevy C10 McPherson, Ks "Remember Don't Sweat the Petty Things, Pet the Sweaty Things"

06-11-2002, 07:45 PM	#14
Maximum Overdrive December 21, 2012 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Black Eagle, Montana Posts: 1,633	The unit I have is a scanner and while it is not a radar detector it does have a thing where it will go off if you come within a 3 mile range of a police officer. It picks up the signals off of their car police radio. While this is not the best to have do to such a large area he can be in it does give an early warning that there is an officer somewhere within 3 miles of you. __________________ *"!Ama Sua, Ama Kjella, Ama Lllulla!"*

06-11-2002, 09:14 PM	#15
haulna Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 267	I use the Escort. Its not fail safe but if you use it right, it can save you from a ticket. __________________ 72 Chevy SWB



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06-11-2002, 11:07 PM	#16
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,599	The Passport is one of Escort's models. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

06-12-2002, 01:39 PM	#17
Woody Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Georgetown, KY, USA Posts: 631	I have both a Passport (Made by Cinn. Microwave) I've had it since '85 and it has saved me many times over. Still use it today, had the 2 orginal power cords break, called them they sent 2 improved cords out , NO Charge and it has worked fine for years. About 5 years ago I lost my passport and since it didn't have laser on it I bought a Valentine 1, made by Michael Valentine who left Cinn. Microwave a few years earlier. It had been flawless. I like it because you know HOW many raders are being recieved and weather they are from in front, behind , or to the side. You can tell when you pass the rader source. 3 modes of sensitivity and Laser also. Cost: My 2 cents on cost is not how much they cost but the savings from the speeding tickets!!! I have spent a fortune on tickets before I got a detector. I still drive fast BUT CAREFULL!!! and average a ticket every 1.5-3 yrs. And the tickets are usally slower than I was going. Go buy a $50-100 detector and get a ticket. Now would a better detector have kept you from a ticket, Maybe/Maybe not.......Works for me But I drive by the rule "DONT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT AND USE IT EVERYTIME YOU GO SOMEWHERE!!!"

06-13-2002, 06:25 AM	#18
oldyeller Captain CAAAVVVMMMAAANNN! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Anna Texas Posts: 726	i had a old wistler, was about 6 years old and while traveling through a construction zone it failed to go off while passing one of those "you're going XX mph" trailers. I commeniced to throw it in the back seat.. it was good for its time, only got 1 ticket in 6 years with it and there was no way out of that one. I got a escort passport 8500 now, as far as I am concerned, the best damn detector on the market. just be sure to keep it high on the windshield. cost about $299. check ebay, there are a few good dealers on there. __________________ 72 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 350/350 97 GMC Yukon 4X4 SLT Anna, Texas check out the project old yeller

06-13-2002, 08:43 AM	#19
misfits Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Sturgeon Bay , WI USA Posts: 375	I had a radio shack one, it was pretty good but it was stolen from me.

06-13-2002, 10:15 AM	#20
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,512	I have never been pulled over for speeding in 23 yrs (never owned a detector). I also pride myself in fast and accurately estimated times to get somewhere. Cruise control works great as well as smart and defensive driving. Everyone please drive safe out there my family and I are on the road a lot. It seems with our growing population it is getting tougher to speed safely. Nothing irritates me more that a young person (or old) in a newer Honda type car weaving in and out of traffic at more than 20 mph more than the crowd on the freeway. Its hard to be a good defensive driver with these guys out there. Are their lives so short that they can jsutify being in that big of a hurry? Leaving from home 5 minutes earlier can make a huge difference. __________________ Bob

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