Share your defense system

[4everRS]

Looking to see/hear about different setups out there. I would like to get a good detector and probably laser defense too. I have been wanting to buy a detector, but can't make up my mind.

[JSRS6]

Passport Escort 9500ci. Amazing.

[TozoM8]

Passport Escort SRX.

[hahnmgh63]

I have a Escort 9500ix which is an improved 9500CI and a Valentine 1 and I like the new Escort better. It is past time for the Valentine to be updated. The Valentine has very good range but too many false alerts compared to the Escort. The Escort also has an updateable database of Speed & stop light cameras and will learn the positions of other false alerts due to the built-in GPS. I do have a built-in top of the line K40 radar/laser detector w/laser Jammer in the Cayenne and it isn't as good at detecting as either the Escort or the Valentine and has more falser alerts, but has a very OEM looking installation.
The next thing I need to get is a laser jammer as they've improved a lot over the last 5 years.

[NSU RS6]

What a funny question.

My near fully RS2'd 94S4 always provided a bit of lag between my go pedal foot and my brain, which was a help in a way - like "are you sure you wanna go fast?". Still, I was able to manage a couple of speeding tix when I was not paying attention.

My best Radar Detection has always been my eyes - pretty easy to see a trooper from 1/3 to 1/2 mile in the zones they typically operate where I live. As long as you are paying attention. This also includes having rabbit running the corner in front and seeing unusual braking = cop.

But this car is pissing me off in some ways - I have no quick way to get to work (14mi) - and the trans has learned to go into grandma mode it seems. So on occasion I open it up (because that was what this car was designed to do) but I am worried I may do this at an inopportune time (smokey in the weeds).

This car begs to be driven at speeds not normal, so I am considering a detection system.

If I am toodling around town at 15mpg - I want to have some fun.

New Radar/Laser recommendations will be appreciated.

[kday]

I had a Lidatek laser jammer in my 94 S4. When it was working, it worked very well. It saved me from a handful of tickets where I was hit directly with laser at high speed. However, it wasn't reliable -- I went through two or three transponders. I gave up on it once I got my first ticket in a decade when I was assuming it was working but it wasn't. I also have a Valentine One but it's been in a drawer somewhere for years. Too annoying, plus it seems to be 100% lidar in Mass. now. I have my common routes mapped out well enough that I don't need the electronics. The only time I really miss them is on road trips when I'm not familiar with the territory.

[NSU RS6]

I had a Lidatek laser jammer in my 94 S4. When it was working, it worked very well. It saved me from a handful of tickets where I was hit directly with laser at high speed. However, it wasn't reliable -- I went through two or three transponders. I gave up on it once I got my first ticket in a decade when I was assuming it was working but it wasn't. I also have a Valentine One but it's been in a drawer somewhere for years. Too annoying, plus it seems to be 100% lidar in Mass. now. I have my common routes mapped out well enough that I don't need the electronics. The only time I really miss them is on road trips when I'm not familiar with the territory.

Exactly. Your eyes paying attention, and watching other people's brake lights work best most of the time....problem being MOST.

[lswing]

My best Radar Detection has always been my eyes - pretty easy to see a trooper from 1/3 to 1/2 mile in the zones they typically operate where I live. As long as you are paying attention. This also includes having rabbit running the corner in front and seeing unusual braking = cop.

But this car is pissing me off in some ways - I have no quick way to get to work (14mi) - and the trans has learned to go into grandma mode it seems. So on occasion I open it up (because that was what this car was designed to do) but I am worried I may do this at an inopportune time (smokey in the weeds).

This car begs to be driven at speeds not normal, so I am considering a detection system.

If I am toodling around town at 15mpg - I want to have some fun.

New Radar/Laser recommendations will be appreciated.

Been using eyes for years, works pretty darn good, might as well be on high alert when speeding...but am tempted to get something for the day I miss the man...

Now, as for the car pissing you off, you need to stop pissing off your car and get on the gas:) As long as a 0-60 is clean it shouldn't be a ticket. I drive around like grandma all day at it seems, but every day or two find a spot to throw a good 0-60 at least. The beast always cooperates, big time power, more often in tip. I average 13mpg btw, actually 12.8 the last month:)

I've been driving on the damn snow tires this mild winter anyhow so if I really hit it they spin anyway...

[aussie rs6]

I have a Passport 9500ix- great for detecting memorised speed camera installations and false radar alarms with its gps memory as per hahnmgh63 post. Also provides secondary vehicle speed readout when detects radar.

Laser Speed scanners are another matter. I have looked at latest radar jammers, but here in Western Australia, the new 'Poliscan laser'- a multiple forward and backward scanning laser with photographic capture is very hard to jam.:vgrumpy:

The 9500ix has no problem detecting the Poliscan laser but unfortunately only when you pass through its beam. The focused Poliscan laser beam also provides very little back scatter from vehicles in front of you before you hit the beam.

Sharp eyes and remembering where the favourite 'fishing spots' (for revenue raising) are and using the cruise control around the city is the best defense against the Poliscan.

john

[papadoc]

Escort Redline. There is no need for redlight camera notifications unless you are a fool, and when X band is turned off false alerts are way down. The GPS feature makes little sense except for cameras, and it is the local gendarme that is the issue, and he doesn't sit in the same spot each time. Still get lots of K band around the city, but there is a quick mute button on the plug. However, the range of detection is incredible. It picks up Ka band on the highway well before you ever see Smokey. Since there is little need for the detector on city streets and highway "defense" is most important, even Escort recommends Redline for that. We have a lot of laser use in the daytime in CA, and fortunately with the need for line of sight, and Mr. CHP leaning on his open door looking like a sniper aiming down the road, if you are awake you can usually see them in time. As noted above, your eyes still are your best defense.

[Antagonist]

Special operations sticker next to my license plate. Works better than any radar detector.

[kevin]

Glock and Smith & Wesson

Oh you meant radar! Nothing yet but this thread will help me decide!

[4everRS]

Glock and Smith & Wesson

Oh you meant radar! Nothing yet but this thread will help me decide!
LOL Kevin. Nice.

I am surprised to hear a couple of you don't like the v1. I assume that it is likely due to being in more densely populated areas? I see how great the 9500 would be in a more populated area though where the authorities could be using the same spots.

[speedtrapped]

Escort 9500ix, I live in a populated area, and between the GSP and turnpike, there way to many blind curves for troopers to hide. As for eyes and ears, always...but considering I get up pretty darn early in am, the escort has saved my butt on several occasions as roads were dark and near empty.

[ben916]

Special operations sticker next to my license plate. Works better than any radar detector.

Can you confirm or deny the existence of such an institution?!?!?

In Cali, there is a license plate holder that you pay a HUGE sum for - 11-99 foundation - from what I understand it is a get out of jail free card...

[melsas]

I can recommend Laser Interceptor for your laser jamming needs.

[as350]

I have a K40-2000P system that has saved my license more than once. It's downside is the multiple false alerts. It is also professionally integrated into the instrument panel for a completely OEM look.

[hahnmgh63]

The K40 unit in my Cayenne is the K40-2000P system and I can tell you that not only are there many more false alerts (only a few more than the Valentine but many more than the Escort) but the range doesn't come close to the Escort or Valentine. I have even tried to relocated the antennas thinking that might improve the range but the K40 is comparatively junk but it is a great integrated looking install, just wish I could hook the Escort or Valentine up to the K40 LED displays.

[kismetcapitan]

I also have a K40. I like how it's integrated, but it does give a lot of false alarms. That being said, it has saved my butt several times, and I have yet to get a speeding ticket (knock on wood), despite habitually driving where the car is most comfortable - autobahn speeds.

I think I'll look at what the latest technology has to offer though. Can't hurt!

[Elevens]

Strictly Valentine One for me. Knowing their location relative to me is important. Tells me where to look either ahead of me or to my rear. Believe you me I have caught him many a time coming up behind me. Saved my Butt a countless number of times. Many false Alarms, but who knows Maybe I just didn't see him. Keeps me honest any way. Whenever its Silent I know I'm good to go. I tried an Active Radar Jammer at one time, all that got me was a ticket. Never did work and was highly Illegal. Stay away from those if there still around. Staying out of trouble boils down to driving with common sense and good judgement. Darting in and out of traffic will eventually land you a ticket. A Radar Locator will help, but if you drive like a fool you will get nailed.............................

[papadoc]

Can you confirm or deny the existence of such an institution?!?!?

In Cali, there is a license plate holder that you pay a HUGE sum for - 11-99 foundation - from what I understand it is a get out of jail free card...

Most Porsches, Maseratis and Ferraris in Silicon Valley have the 11-99 Foundation plate holder. The donation to get one has gone up substantially in the last 5 years. They also give you a nice case to keep your registration in, so that when you hand it to Mr. CHP he sees the logo as he walks back to his cruiser. From family experience- have these on several cars in the family- if one is not a jerk about the stop and your offense was not egregious, you get a pass. Don't think you'd get out of a 2 point ticket with this, but for lesser infractions it could help. For those in other states, 11-99 is the call code for officer down, needs help. It is a foundation that provides assistance to the families of CHP officers who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. A very worthwhile organization and let's face it, while we want to elude these guys on occasion, we're grateful they are around to help and protect our loved ones.
And Antagonist, if you were in special ops serving our country, you damn well better be cut some slack for enjoying a run with the RS6!

[NSU RS6]

Been using eyes for years, works pretty darn good, might as well be on high alert when speeding...but am tempted to get something for the day I miss the man...

Now, as for the car pissing you off, you need to stop pissing off your car and get on the gas:) As long as a 0-60 is clean it shouldn't be a ticket. I drive around like grandma all day at it seems, but every day or two find a spot to throw a good 0-60 at least. The beast always cooperates, big time power, more often in tip. I average 13mpg btw, actually 12.8 the last month:)

I've been driving on the damn snow tires this mild winter anyhow so if I really hit it they spin anyway...

HA! 15 was my best average - but there was some more freeway in there than usual, so I am probably 13ish like you. I have never considered mpg in any of my car purchases, but this is a new low for me (or would that be a high....?)

As for sprints - when I do this with the gum rubber 255/40-18 Michelin Pilot Alpins which were $300 each installed, I have visions of rubber molecules on asphalt, and another $1200 bill that I would like to be a few years down the road. Looking forward to the new 19"s and some rubber that is not so soft!

[ben916]

As for sprints - when I do this with the gum rubber 255/40-18 Michelin Pilot Alpins which were $300 each installed, I have visions of rubber molecules on asphalt, and another $1200 bill that I would like to be a few years down the road. Looking forward to the new 19"s and some rubber that is not so soft!

TJ kinda - I know for a FACT that someone on here got a quote this week for Super Sports for just a lick over $1000 to his door ($233/tire, $10/tire shipped, $74 tax)
Michelin Super Sports = 30k mile tire and more grip than the Michelin PS2 (10k tire, if you are lucky)

[NSU RS6]

TJ kinda - I know for a FACT that someone on here got a quote this week for Super Sports for just a lick over $1000 to his door ($233/tire, $10/tire shipped, $74 tax)
Michelin Super Sports = 30k mile tire and more grip than the Michelin PS2 (10k tire, if you are lucky)

Are Super Sports XL rated snow tires?? Up here in slugland, during the winter, we have quite variable conditions. Ice fairly often, snow on occasion and definitely when heading up the 1.5 hr drive to the slopes, AND RAIN 75% of most days Nov - Apr. Mich Pilot Alpins perform well in all of this, but when the temp averages consistently above 60F, they will melt like buttah.

Up here in the North - I will be putting Mich Pilot A/S (All Season) sometime in early March. I have had great luck with those tires with our constantly wet roads.

[hahnmgh63]

I don't daily drive my RS6 but I do drive it weekly for the most part and keep summer performance tires on it year round. Not often do we even have winter temps below 30'F except at night so the Summer tires do fine during a winter day, dry or wet.

[ben916]

Are Super Sports XL rated snow tires?? Up here in slugland, during the winter, we have quite variable conditions. Ice fairly often, snow on occasion and definitely when heading up the 1.5 hr drive to the slopes, AND RAIN 75% of most days Nov - Apr. Mich Pilot Alpins perform well in all of this, but when the temp averages consistently above 60F, they will melt like buttah.

Up here in the North - I will be putting Mich Pilot A/S (All Season) sometime in early March. I have had great luck with those tires with our constantly wet roads.

Super Sports are XL rated but not a snow tire, more of the ultra high performance tire for dry and wet.
I know Seattle well, I grew up there then transplanted courtesy of the US Navy Minesweep fleet and then back to Seattle and then chased a girl to San Diego, here since 1993...
Ready to move back...

[arS6]

I have new blinder xtreme m45 lasser jammer for sale. Bought it and was too lazy to install it.

[NSU RS6]

I don't daily drive my RS6 but I do drive it weekly for the most part and keep summer performance tires on it year round. Not often do we even have winter temps below 30'F except at night so the Summer tires do fine during a winter day, dry or wet.

Reeaally? In Roy? Summer rated tires? This is pretty funny. Just the other day I was thinking "I hope to retire somewhere where I can run summer rated tires... " When I think summer rated tires, I am thinking compounds that perform well on pavement where an egg can be done in a minute. Day after day after day. Like San Diego. But if the car is only run once a week, or so, tires don't matter as much.

I like the Pilot Sport A/S, just kind of good all around.

[Jimmy Joe]

Not that I recommend it, Heaven Forbid ! But I 've seen here in Mexico a $200 peso (about 7 dollars ) defense that works on speeding tickets on the open road, as for the city, forget it, too much traffic,
the only problem is that it might be sligthly illegal, but then again, people that does it say it's better to devote your full attention to your high speed driving, even if it entails a small financial contribution
every now and then. My advise? That´s what Track Days are for.

[Aronis]

I never speed.

LOL...

V1...

Eyes...

ESP....

Smile and be pleasant if pulled over.

Mike

[Antagonist]

And Antagonist, if you were in special ops serving our country, you damn well better be cut some slack for enjoying a run with the RS6!

I'm actually still active (PJ), and let's hope the cops in Louisville, agree with you! So far they've been really cool. I had one give me a "warning honk" last month after I made an aggressive pass on some clueless chick. I certainly appreciated it.

[Erik]

Special operations sticker next to my license plate. Works better than any radar detector.

LOL, I bet.

[Cochese]

Can you confirm or deny the existence of such an institution?!?!?

In Cali, there is a license plate holder that you pay a HUGE sum for - 11-99 foundation - from what I understand it is a get out of jail free card...

I seriously doubt it. Be like an FOP frame around here. Bad guys lime to get a hold of them and run them on their POS.

[Cochese]

I'm actually still active (PJ), and let's hope the cops in Louisville, agree with you! So far they've been really cool. I had one give me a "warning honk" last month after I made an aggressive pass on some clueless chick. I certainly appreciated it.

Most of the time, if someone is pretty decent and admits to whatever they were doing, I cut them loose with a warning. A SF member/other military/off duty cop that is a complete a-hole on a stop may end up with a surprise.

Its all in the attitude with me. That said, I don't have a front plate, have dark tint, and regularly speed a bit here and there. Therefore, I never write tickets for front plate or tint and I haven't written a speeding ticket since 2004 or so.

I haven't been stopped in my RS6 yet.

[4everRS]

Well, I guess I'm a little cheap. I ended up buying a passport 8500 x50. From some of the reviews I've read, the 9500 wasn't reported to have a huge increase in range. I am in a sparsely populated area, and the premium for the gps just didn't do it for me. (I'm just trying to justify this decision)

Anyway, I got it from an acquaintance for 150 bucks.

[hahnmgh63]

I had the regular 8500 (it was a good detector) prior to getting my 9500ix and I've heard the X50 is a definite improvement so it must still be considered one of the top of the line detectors.

[Antagonist]

Most of the time, if someone is pretty decent and admits to whatever they were doing, I cut them loose with a warning. A SF member/other military/off duty cop that is a complete a-hole on a stop may end up with a surprise.

Its all in the attitude with me. That said, I don't have a front plate, have dark tint, and regularly speed a bit here and there. Therefore, I never write tickets for front plate or tint and I haven't written a speeding ticket since 2004 or so.

I haven't been stopped in my RS6 yet.

Yeah man, there's no reason to act like a douche bag when you get caught playing. Some people just don't get it. I could probably win a grammy for the amount of tactful ass kissing I do whenever I get pulled over. You're a good man for keep things fair and not being a high horse hypocrite. Thanks for your service...you guys don't hear that enough.

[Tom Sawyer]

Escort Redline. There is no need for redlight camera notifications unless you are a fool, and when X band is turned off false alerts are way down. The GPS feature makes little sense except for cameras, and it is the local gendarme that is the issue, and he doesn't sit in the same spot each time. Still get lots of K band around the city, but there is a quick mute button on the plug. However, the range of detection is incredible. It picks up Ka band on the highway well before you ever see Smokey. Since there is little need for the detector on city streets and highway "defense" is most important, even Escort recommends Redline for that. We have a lot of laser use in the daytime in CA, and fortunately with the need for line of sight, and Mr. CHP leaning on his open door looking like a sniper aiming down the road, if you are awake you can usually see them in time. As noted above, your eyes still are your best defense.

I should have my Redline tomorrow, looking forward to it. I had a V1 in my '04 S4 and it saved my butt many times but sold it when I moved to my in-between car for a year or so. I'll follow up with a quick review/impressions post.

[witwer4444]

If anyone has a V1 they'd be willing to sell, let me know!!! PM me

[Tom Sawyer]

Hardwired in the Redline this evening... very impressed so far. I have to say I loved my V1 so time will tell if the performance of the Redline is what many claim, but the form factor, fit and finish and overall function is great. Bit slimmer/sleeker and more modern design which is nice. The A pillar trim was so tight against the windshield (and loosening it was a huge pain even after removing the visor, oh s(@* handle and the screw behind the airbag tag) that I ended up wiring it in to the mirror power and grounded it inside the light/sunroof control. Very clean install, I'm pleased.

[ThrillHouse]

Hardwired in the Redline this evening... very impressed so far. I have to say I loved my V1 so time will tell if the performance of the Redline is what many claim, but the form factor, fit and finish and overall function is great. Bit slimmer/sleeker and more modern design which is nice. The A pillar trim was so tight against the windshield (and loosening it was a huge pain even after removing the visor, oh s(@* handle and the screw behind the airbag tag) that I ended up wiring it in to the mirror power and grounded it inside the light/sunroof control. Very clean install, I'm pleased.

I just have an old Escort or something - it works well enough. I am going to be wiring mine to the home link in the visor sometime soon. No need to run something down the A pillar with all the power up there between the home link, mirror and sunroof controls

[USADriver]

I own and use a Passport 9500 on my wife's Range Rover and use a V1 on my bike and RS6. I, at one time used a K40 on a Porsche. Gentlemen, nothing I have ever used has provided me with better protection than the V1. I have avoided tickets in several situations due to it's ability to warn me way ahead of time of speed traps and radar in the area. I have followed my son in his S4 from Barrington, Illinois to Manitowoc, Wisconsin (about 200 miles) while he used a Passport 9500, (we were in phone communication), and I got a signal well in advance of his P9500 every time. I was surprised at the results. There were times when he didn't get the warning until we were on top of the speed trap and he slowed down because of my warning and got by safely.

During these economic times, I would never drive without my V1. Really can't afford it. And for those of you that have these "why would you need a radar system"? Driving a 450+ beast sometimes gets away from me and I forget how easy it is to go fast. I'm not trying to rule the world, just having a good time while I can afford it.

[USADriver]

I bought my RS6 with the V1 system installed that just has the small (1/2" by 1") box visible on the dash in front of the steering wheel. I mount the unit on top of my mirror and on the passenger side covered by that lid that comes down to block the sun. really can't see it from the outside due to the tinting on the OEM windshield and not visible inside. Love it.

[arS6]

I got one of these bad boys!http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2dd34b3127cceffcb46f4b4b900000030O08IYsXDdm5ag9 vPgA/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[4everRS]

Holy Antique Road Show!


I got one of these bad boys!http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2dd34b3127cceffcb46f4b4b900000030O08IYsXDdm5ag9 vPgA/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[MaxRS6]

^LOL- Good one Kyle...That boat anchor works by weighing down the car so it can't do more than 65.. Of course, mine still rockets my fat arse around at good speed sooooooo.maybe I exaggerate..;0

And..who am I to talk that filled up his A pillar with boost gauges..LOL Now I have to get the A pillar alcantra redone or replaced when I get around to removing my poo..

ARS6: Just joking around in good fun...

[4everRS]

Now that this thread came back up, I have to say I am very impressed with my new (used) 8500 x50.

I have had at least a half-a-dozen "saves" so far and am very confident with this unit. Not dumb confident though. Had to put on a few hundred miles yesterday and it gave me a mile or more warning 3 times. I've been getting used to checking the mileage when it starts to beep to check how good it is.

For those that say your eyes are best, well that's just not true for me. I'm not saying you can stop paying attention, but this thing gives me a warning waaaay before I would ever be able to see the officer.

I've been mounting it above my rear view mirror, on the drivers side. Still need to get the hard wire kit. Overall, very happy with it.

[arS6]

maxrs6 - all good. I actually took that radar off my shelf and hooked it up just for you guys. Now that it's in my car, I'm actually going to test it out against my V1 and Bell Sti.

[Justin9212]

Bumping an older thread.
My car came with the Escort SRX built into it. The previous owner had it installed and fully integrated. Most people who get in my car think it was a factory option, lol. I love my V1 though. I hard wired my V1 in and run both radar detectors simultaneously, the V1 picks things up far ahead of the Escort. The V1 has X-band disabled so I get very few false alarms. I do want to find myself a laser jammer next though.

[formula1man]

I have a SRX with the lazer "sweep" and has saved me more times than I know. My one and only issue was when I forgot to take it off hwy mode and after a few miles coming out of a turn at 87mph, there was Smokey. Well 1 ticket in 7 years, can't bitch, and the judge knocked it to 74 so no points. It also fits in the ashtray, so nice and consealed

[4everRS]

I have a SRX with the lazer "sweep" and has saved me more times than I know. My one and only issue was when I forgot to take it off hwy mode and after a few miles coming out of a turn at 87mph, there was Smokey. Well 1 ticket in 7 years, can't bitch, and the judge knocked it to 74 so no points. It also fits in the ashtray, so nice and consealedI'd love to see a couple if pics of this. I don't have laser defense..... yet.

[vr430]

V1. Have 2 of them. Very reliable.