V1, but don't turn it on much, as I don't speed that much. And otherwise the V1 is a bit … overly effective! I also need to have it updated.

I've slowed down, especially on roads with traffic lights. All around me when I'm cruising around town, it's like a drag race from one traffic light to the next traffic light. I let them all go, and settle into a cruise, coast up to red traffic lights and more than frequently roll right through them with all the same drag racers that came roaring past me leaving the previous lights. People don't get that traffic lights are like baffles, and for the most part traffic lights equal everything out. If it someone scoots through a light and I don't make it … invariably I catch up with them the next light or two later. So … what's the rush? I watch how traffic is flowing far ahead and make lane changes in advance. And I keep right up with traffic, even if someone flies by my, I stay up with them … in traffic. In longer stretches between traffic lights, I wind up riding solo all by myself, but a tenth of a mile ahead is a huge pack of cars tailgating each other and darting and weaving lane to lane, only for me to be right there with them at the next traffic light. I'm betting they feel like, "man, traffic was horrible today." And I generally feel like it wasn't so bad, because I was cruising all alone and watching the rest of them compete over nothing.

Out on the interstate, I get it. Do 100 mph if you care to, and can do it safely. And I seriously don't mind if I'm doing 75 mph in a 70 mph zone, and someone flies by me at warp speed. I'm fine with that. As long as they're not swerving all over the road in order to dodge traffic for warp speed. However, I choose to spend less money on gas, and more on hookers and blackjack (joking), so I usually do about 5 to 9 over the speed limit (still get my doors blown off). At those speeds, it's not even worth turning on the V1. If I need to do warp speed (rare), on goes the V1 and Waze. I did warp speed one time last year in my old 2003 Camry (4 cylinder), and it performed like a CHAMP.

Sorry, got a bit off subject there.


Jason Oliver

 

 

 

Agreed not much can be done there.

 

Still running my old V1. As others stated, I probably need to upgrade the unit. Still pretty amazing, I run these NW Wisconsin county highways and if there is a county car or trooper running with their radar on, it will find them from a long ways away.

 

Was going to grab one but, I've been using Waze for about 3 years on the way to work, Knock on wood, not a single ticket and I'm always between 75-85 when I can. I just need to keep an eye out in front and behind. If they jump on the highway, it's a chance that could get you.

 

I've used an Escort Redline since 2011 and Waze ever since it came out. I picked up an R3 to try it out but either I have a dull R3 or an extremely hot Redline. The Redline consistently beats my R3. I'm retired LE as well and as a radar/LIDAR instructor, I kinda know the scoop with these things. The combo of a good R/D and Waze gives you a pretty good chance but if there's no traffic and LIDAR, you're got unless you've ponied up the cash for an ALP system. Typically, if you stay under 10 over, you don't really need countermeasures. Those guys are hunting bigger game than you.

 

DBD - I always thought that rolling Instant-On Ka was the biggest danger. Because, let's say I'm haulin' (which is generally rare) and I have the ole V1 and Waze fired up. First off, unless there's a rabbit ahead of me getting painted, there may be nothing for the V1 to report. Secondly, a smokie in amongst other traffic on the other side of the interstate is not very noticeable to me, until they're fairly close. Thirdly - If people report a smokie, but he's moving along, the waze reported location is going to be off … and (how to explain this), if the smokie is moving in my direction (on coming traffic) he would be on top of me before I got to his marked location on waze. Very dangerous if he's equipped with Instant-On.

With a smokie running laser, those guys have to be stationary. Their waze location is much more accurate. And I can see them much further off, because they are generally more conspicuous.

I state this because you having been a form LEO, I wanted to see if you agree with my assessment.

As for my speeds, I generally run 5 over. It's quick enough to keep my attention, slower than some, faster than some (so traffic pressure is reduced), I don't have to worry about a thing in the world (except bad drivers) so I can enjoy the cruise, and it is fairly fuel efficient. I don't feel in jeopardy of a ticket until I exceed 8 over. When in a casual hurry (meaning in a hurry but not an emergency), I'll do about 16 to 18 over … but I've got my eyes peeled wide open, listening to the V1, and watching waze. It is not relaxing. It is VERY RARE.

 

Instant-on anything is always a danger. In Ohio, they still use X-band and it's instant on as well. The high-end detectors (V1, Redline, R3 etc) give you the advantage of real range to detect those threats. As long as there is traffic, you *probably* will get a sniff of an I/O shot at someone ahead of you. Of course, the proliferation of BSM K-band is just awful and it makes most detectors in urban areas go nuts. You need to treat every alert like it is a threat, as that one brief chirp may be all you get.

The topic of reporting moving police cars has been debated for a long time. In the city, I don't think you should do it. On rural interstates though, I think you should. These guys are typically working an area and even if the location isn't accurate, it at least warns everyone else that someone is out there somewhere. Shaving speed from say 15 over down to 8 in those areas might be a prudent decision, especially if traffic is light. I keep my Waze zoom turned off so that I can see a large swath of the road ahead.

Lastly, the odds are never in your favor if you speed all the time. Sooner or later, you'll get zapped. If that happens, I suggest you always to go court rather than paying it through the mail. As long as you were polite and your ticket isn't outrageous, the prosecutor will cut you a deal to make you go away. That's how the whole system is set up...they don't want to deal with you in person.

 

Can anyone point me to documentation to install a mirror tap cable on a 2012 LS460? On my previous cars, I was able to use a mirror tap cable on the multi-pin connectors going to the mirror. On my Lexus, it appears that power is only available in the roof console behind the sunglasses storage.

NM: VIPanda460 to the rescue!

 

I run Passport 360 Max with Waze as well. Several Long Trips (Tampa>Memphis, Memphis>Louisville>Memphis, etc)... generally running pretty fast (usually 90-100mph cruise speed / occasionally higher when traffic/conditions permit) and haven't had an issue yet.

I LOVE the limited number of false alerts/chirping with the Passport over the V1. Made a very fast run Memphis > NOLA (Averaged over 90mph with one fuel stop, peaked at 130) a couple years ago in my old Genesis... running both the Passport and a Buddy's V1. The V1 was VERY chirpy with false alerts. The passport was as quick or quicker than the V1 on picking up actual signals. I was considering a switch to V1 but that trip convinced me to keep the Passport.

I HAVE made trips (Memphis > Dallas) running Just WAZE and it had every speed trap marked.. which was nice. But I prefer to have the security of an added detector.

DISCLAIMER before the eParents chime in: While I drive fast, It's only when road conditions / traffic / weather permit. I'm NOT that guy closing hard on traffic flashing his lights, or whipping between cars.

The LS is a dream cruising at 90-100 (even on non-ideal surfaces) and will pull hard to 120-130 effortlessly when needed. I do notice the passenger mirror wind noise picks up dramatically after 90 or 100mph. I'll likely order those replacement panels to help cut back on that.

 

Damn LOL, here I was thinking I sped too much. The most I've even done is around 110, but I believe the LS is electronically limited to 130. Even in the high 90's and low 100's, the LS cruises effortlessly. Never really felt the need to go that fast before but I get what you're saying; nothing wrong with driving fast as long as you are careful and attentive. Sometimes I see people on the highway weaving in and out of lanes going 90+ MPH smh. Complete idiots, they dont just risk their own lives but other peoples lives as well.

Shifting back to the topic of the detectors, I never really tried the V1. I've heard good things but aesthetically speaking, it doesn't really appeal to me. When I first got into the radar detectors, I considered the V1 because of the arrows but then Escort released their 360 which did the whole arrow thing a lot better so I went with that one. You are right about the Passport though: the filtering on it is amazing. Waze does work well as many people said, but having the radar detector in there gives me 100% confidence.

Currently, I have switched from my 360C to the Uniden R3, since I heard very good things about it. I have to say, with the K-Band turned off, its amazing. Picks up all the radars from a huge distance away and definitely has the best range out of any detector I've ever owned. However, with the K-Band turned on, it gave me false alarms all the time. Like to the point where its really irritating. I live in Jersey and go to PA and upstate NY a lot. On those trips with the K-Band on, the damn thing wont shut up at all. All things aside, as soon as I turned the K off, it was fine. Almost every cop is on a KA or Laser now anyway. I just worry about the speed traps sometimes since they all use K. Maybe its not such a bad idea to have Waze on at the same time. But seriously I highly recommend the R3. On top of the long range, it's more affordable than practically every new radar detector for a retail price of only $400. For anyone else who is in the market for a radar detector, check out the Uniden R3. You wont be disappointed at all. And for those who say Waze is better, I'm not disagreeing with you, but having the radar detector in there along with Waze gives me complete confidence.

 

 

I use Waze. It has saved my butt more times than I can count.