Electrical For discussions regarding wiring up electrical modifications such as radar detectors, brake light mods, power sockets, and driving lights in Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Electrical Radar Detector recommendations

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 02:04 PM
  #1  
ScottinBend's Avatar
ScottinBend
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 2
From: Oregon, USA
Radar Detector recommendations

What detector would you recommend?
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 02:15 PM
  #2  
Motor On's Avatar
Motor On
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,848
Likes: 15
There are many many threads reccomending the V1 and the upper level Escorts
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 02:42 PM
  #3  
MINIclo's Avatar
MINIclo
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Moved from Off Topic to Electrical Modifications.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 02:50 PM
  #4  
kenchan's Avatar
kenchan
6th Gear
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 31,439
Likes: 4
v1 and passport are what i use
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:01 PM
  #5  
mcdbrendan's Avatar
mcdbrendan
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 0
From: the driver's seat
v1 for its all around protection. plus the arrows are awesome.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:09 PM
  #6  
BlimeyCabrio's Avatar
BlimeyCabrio
6th Gear
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,773
Likes: 9
From: Holly Springs, NC
+1 for V1
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:21 PM
  #7  
Eric_Rowland's Avatar
Eric_Rowland
OVERDRIVE
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (3)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,382
Likes: 47
From: Santa Cruz, CA
V1. "Once you use the arrows, you'll never go back"
Also see this thread.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:21 PM
  #8  
Yucca Patrol's Avatar
Yucca Patrol
Coordinator :: Alabama Motoring Society & South East
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,170
Likes: 2
From: Burning-Ham Alabama
I wouldn't use anything but a V1
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:25 PM
  #9  
Febmoon1's Avatar
Febmoon1
3rd Gear
iTrader: (-1)
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
I think I'll buy a V1!
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:33 PM
  #10  
ScottinBend's Avatar
ScottinBend
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 2
From: Oregon, USA
Thanks all.

I tried a search, but as usual wasn't able to get a decent result.........lol
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:39 PM
  #11  
Pendergast's Avatar
Pendergast
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,300
Likes: 0
From: Madison, Wisconsin
I've been using the Escort Solo II for some time now. Battery powered, no wires to fool with. After sticking some small rubber feet on it a small piece of velcro holds it nicely to the dash.

I realize its not as sensitive as others, but it's worked well for me so far and I firmly believe it has saved me a ticket or two.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:39 PM
  #12  
Tmitty's Avatar
Tmitty
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Fort Collns, CO
New Escort?

I grew up in Montana the 4th largest state, when there were only 86 Highway patrol and (speed limits)? So, to say the least, travel was usually "done quickly." My mom once made about 45 miles in 23 minutes..Do the math... At anyrate, Escorts for 20 years...no tickets and I like to go FAST!

PS: I've attended 3 major driving schools, have some track time in my 99 M3. My 03 MCS is more fun ! I teach "high performance driving/survival to beginning students for a national company. Who shall remain unnamed. So I'm very careful about where and how "motor" or I loose my job.
So to make a long story shorter... I think there was a new Escort shown at the lastest Consumer Electronics Show, but I haven't done any further research. Anyone know more about it?
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:42 PM
  #13  
Febmoon1's Avatar
Febmoon1
3rd Gear
iTrader: (-1)
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
How about a passport 8500?
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:49 PM
  #14  
mcdbrendan's Avatar
mcdbrendan
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 0
From: the driver's seat
the passports are in second place compared to the V1, but are still an awesome detector. What sets the V1 apart from the rest is the rear detection and the arrows. Of course, you pay for these luxeries, but the differance between price points is minimal when compared to the price of a ticket or hikes in insurance premiums.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 03:56 PM
  #15  
bzn by's Avatar
bzn by
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
Originally Posted by Pendergast
I've been using the Escort Solo II for some time now. Battery powered, no wires to fool with. After sticking some small rubber feet on it a small piece of velcro holds it nicely to the dash.

I realize its not as sensitive as others, but it's worked well for me so far and I firmly believe it has saved me a ticket or two.
We also have been using this one for years, and as a matter of fact, it saved my butt in the mini today , we also love the fact that it has no wires and can be used on the sport bike also.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 06:23 PM
  #16  
chows4us's Avatar
chows4us
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
Passport SR7

Stealth, the only way to go.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 08:28 PM
  #17  
sorty's Avatar
sorty
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Escort Passport 9500

Just came back from the Portland Auto Show. Tne new Mini was there along with lots of aftermarket vendors. I spoke with the Escort rep and he showed me the new 9500 which goes on sale in April here. Their web site says they are taking orders now for a Late Feb delivery date. At $449 its not cheap but looks pretty impressive.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 08:56 PM
  #18  
ScottinBend's Avatar
ScottinBend
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 2
From: Oregon, USA
Looks like I'll have to save up a bit for one....!
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 09:50 PM
  #19  
K4KAS's Avatar
K4KAS
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Ft Walton Beach,Fl
+1 for the V1.
Has saved my rear in the MINI as well as in previous cars I had it in. I have it mounted(hardwired) above my windshield tint strip with the hideaway remote face.
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 03:38 AM
  #20  
jody's Avatar
jody
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: SC
V1 for me
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 06:56 AM
  #21  
xbook's Avatar
xbook
Banned
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
I use the Pass8500 X50. Love that little beast. It was one of the first things i purchased for my MCS. A lot of folkds like the valentine, but after reading some magazine reviews, I opted for the Passport. The customization I could do to the Passport makes it very attractive.

I am not sure, just cuz I don't know, is the V1 customizable? Such as with the Passport I have turned off X-band (not in use here in CA), and made some otehr adjustments, so that it falls in line with what I want it to do.
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 08:52 AM
  #22  
GBMiniGirl's Avatar
GBMiniGirl
Coordinator :: Houston MINI Motoring Society
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
From: Katy, TX
I have a V1 and hubby has an X50. He loves his and hates mine. I love mine and hate his. They both work effectively. I just prefer my arrows. I wanna know where Smokey is!

And yes, the V1 is customizable and you can send it off for upgrades.
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 09:55 AM
  #23  
mcdbrendan's Avatar
mcdbrendan
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 0
From: the driver's seat
does anyone have any information on this fabled passport 9500???
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 10:04 AM
  #24  
Methman's Avatar
Methman
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Here are some points that may be helpful:

1. Most law enforcement agencies, at least in Southern California, now use ladar (laser) instead of radar.

2. Most law enforcement officers do not have the radar running all of the time, so your detector wouldn't pick up the signal until they already had your speed locked. The cops have to visually estimate your speed and then confirm the speed with the radar or laser detector.

Personally, I do not believe in the detectors. Just some advice from someone that has some extra knowledge in that area...
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 10:13 AM
  #25  
mcdbrendan's Avatar
mcdbrendan
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 0
From: the driver's seat
Originally Posted by Methman
Here are some points that may be helpful:

1. Most law enforcement agencies, at least in Southern California, now use ladar (laser) instead of radar.

2. Most law enforcement officers do not have the radar running all of the time, so your detector wouldn't pick up the signal until they already had your speed locked. The cops have to visually estimate your speed and then confirm the speed with the radar or laser detector.

Personally, I do not believe in the detectors. Just some advice from someone that has some extra knowledge in that area...
although officers dont have it running all the time (turning it on quickly called "POP radar," a good detector will detect these pop's far before they are able to target your speed. most detectors are also able to pick up laser/lidar from reflections on other cars. also, it is important to note, that most states dont use laser yet, because it requires special training, frequent calibrations, and ideal operating conditions to use.

i personally could put alot of trust in a radar/laser detector.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:24 AM.