Are radar/laser detectors worth the money?

[Deja Q]

I just bought an expensive one because I'm going on a road trip soon.

However, I'd rather return it instead of using it, unless it's really worth it.

It's the Escort Passport 8500, supposedly a good model. Ranks high, but is it worth the pricey cost?

Thanks!

[Archae]

1. Nope.

Speed limits are there for a reason.

[Deja Q]

5. I don't wilfully speed

And I have no cruise control.

And I don't like the cops singling me out. I do drive responsibly and it annoys the hell out of me when I see the creeps sitting there while REAL crimes happen elsewhere. Especially when I often see cops turning on their police lights just so they can run a traffic signal and then turn 'em off again.

Sometimes my mind wanders and I will go maybe 10MPH over. Should I get a ticket because I wasn't spending enough time looking at the damn MPH gauge when there's a road and other considerations, especially in RESIDENTIAL AREAS?

Sometimes I am driving the same speed as the rest of the traffic (20MPH over) and Mr. Fuzz pulls people over randomly. That happened to me once. Didn't like it. Didn't contest it. Ain't gonna happen again.

I'm not out to say "Screw you law, I'm gonna go 95MPH in your 55MPH zone." Just as I'm not going to say something mean to you for thinking that's why I want a radar detector. :D

[Frangible]

2. Don't see how they can warn you of laser before the cop does it

They were good when cops had radar guns, but with laser detection I don't see how a laser would A) hit the sensors most the time or B) be reported in a way that allowed you to slow down before the light went back to the laser detector.

[Dudley_DUright]

8. You are correct

Radar yes, since there is a fairly wide beam that can be detected well ahead them getting a read on your own vehicle, but with laser detectors, if you detect the beam, you probably are already caught. Personally, I would not waste my money on either or a combo however, since I tend to not speed anyway.

[Intelsucks]

3. All mine got me was a broken window when it was stolen from the car

I never bought another one.

[GregW]

4. Yes - absolutely

Most police use Ka band which you should see in plenty of time unless they are using an "instant-on" system.

With laser ... well ... if it hits you he has you. Bear in mind that laser is "line of sight" so you have a chance of seeing him first.

I drive fast, but not agressively, and I have only had one speeding ticket in 20 years ... last year a Eugene cop hit me at night with laser.

[Deja Q]

7. Or POP, but higher-level detectors can see that...

As I do drive decently (with traffic or max 10MPH over the speeding limit and well within the limit in residential areas), I'd rather not buy one. But as my mind wanders, having something bleeping to remind me of speed can be helpful...

Sigh. Lawmakers, lawbreakers, I'll thank God when the oil's gone.

[GregW]

6. On brands of detectors ...

I would highly recommend the Valentine One detector. Yes, it's big, it's chunky, but it also monitors four bands and looks forwards and backwards (and counts bogeys etc)