Uniden R7 or should I drive the speed limit

[wheelman55]

Help me decide...I’ve been running without radar for decades now. I used to run an ****** back in the day...think double nickel speed limits (55mph for you millennials). The radar detector actually caused me to drive slower, increased my angst as well as my driving times - think 45k to 50k miles a year.

I’m now a recreational driver...no more big miles...but I still like to not add to driving times. I commute from MN to Big Bend twice a year and do enjoy those occasional “closed track” sessions at speed.

So...what would you do...R7 or nada?

My drives are mostly central and western time zones.

 

[Wfo]

I would get a valentine one. That’s what I have, I wouldn’t consider anything else.

 

[Jeff-Ohio]

It is interesting that you drive slower with a radar detector. If you get one that works well and has minimal false alerts, it should only slow you down when needed. I also have a Valentine One and love it because I can tell where the threat is coming from with the directional arrows, but I know other detectors now have that capability. All said and done, I drive the speed that I do and I feel much more comfortable driving at that speed with a radar detector. Using one is far from fool proof, but it has definitely saved me from getting tickets.

 

[wheelman55]

It is interesting that you drive slower with a radar detector. If you get one that works well and has minimal false alerts, it should only slow you down when needed. I also have a Valentine One and love it because I can tell where the threat is coming from with the directional arrows, but I know other detectors now have that capability. All said and done, I drive the speed that I do and I feel much more comfortable driving at that speed with a radar detector. Using one is far from fool proof, but it has definitely prevented me from getting tickets.

I found it interesting as well. My formula has been +4.9 mph in certain states, +9.9 mph in other states. This limited tickets, though I would still get the occasional warnings. The alarms made me more cautious/slower, especially when going +9.9. The false alarms added to the caution. FYI in SD (South Dakota) with the 80 mph limit, troopers are ticketing around 3mph over.

 

[rayofsi]

had the r7.. decided to stick with my ****** 360c. i have a 360c in each of my trucks now.

 

[Jeff-Ohio]

I found it interesting as well. My formula has been +4.9 mph in certain states, +9.9 mph in other states. This limited tickets, though I would still get the occasional warnings. The alarms made me more cautious/slower, especially when going +9.9. The false alarms added to the caution. FYI in SD (South Dakota) with the 80 mph limit, troopers are ticketing around 3mph over.

I have found that the best way to not get a ticket on the highway is to have cars in front of you and watch their brake lights. The radar detector can still help give you advanced warning on the highway, but it is probably most useful to me on side streets where cops sit and leave their radar on.

 

[MadMaxx]

R7 all the way!

 

[Badgertits]

Last few times I’ve been pulled over it was by a cop who was behind me, no radar/laser detector gonna prevent that - cops don’t need em if they’re pacing you.

I travel a lot up & down east coast & Midwest for work rack a lot of miles on my own vehicles + rentals, the raptor isn’t really something I speed in @ hwy speeds cuz it’s a damn brick, the mpgs go down massively over 72-75mph it seems & it flat out ain’t safe IMO to drive a 3 ton pickup truck like its a vette.

But when it comes to speeding in my Z06 & anything else for that matter you know what I’ve found to be better than radar detector (& I had a valentine)? Waze app.

 

[dubya_raptor]

I think a radar detector is essential. I have no experience with the Uniden, but can say I've been pretty impressed with the Valentine V1. Having the confidence to drive a little faster on the interstate helps compensate for all the damn bathroom stops we have to make.

 

[pastorwug]

I would also vote for the Valentine 1 - unmatched I feel.
Has saved my Kosher Bacon many times.