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BMW M2 Forum > Regional Forums > USA - California > Thinking about getting a radar detector, but it's it worth it in CA?

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      02-18-2018, 04:51 PM   #1
akkando
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Thinking about getting a radar detector, but it's it worth it in CA?

I'm in the Bay Area usually driving on 280 or 101 and thinking about getting a radar detector seeing as how if I avoid one ticket it's worth the price but obviously I have to factor in the mental cost of hearing false alerts and potential eye sore of the detector in the car.

Anyway doing some research it sounds like California is mostly all laser instead of radar so is there really any point to getting a radar detector in this area? Sounds like it's just going to be beeping at blind spot detectors and other random things and nothing else in California?

I don't think I want to deal with radar jammers as they are illegal and more expensive and need to be positioned correctly on the front and the back.


Was thinking of the Uniden R3 radar detector if I get one. Escort Passport seems like a good value too. https://www.lifewire.com/best-radar-detectors-4115040


Any California drivers have any insight to the value of radar detectors these days?

Last edited by akkando; 02-18-2018 at 07:20 PM..
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      02-20-2018, 01:25 AM   #2
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I still get a fair amount of valid hits on Ka band, especially on longer highway trips in California. I've found it useful to be sure you are not making yourself a target.
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      03-30-2018, 08:33 PM   #3
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I am in SoCal and use a detector. Yes there is some laser but the vast majority use Ka band radar. I do receive a lot of junk K detection but have filtered out nearly all X band.

I always recommend the use of a radar/laser detector no matter what you are driving.
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      03-30-2018, 09:23 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chief View Post
I am in SoCal and use a detector. Yes there is some laser but the vast majority use Ka band radar. I do receive a lot of junk K detection but have filtered out nearly all X band.

I always recommend the use of a radar/laser detector no matter what you are driving.
A guy in my office got an Uniden R3 for his new civic type R. That's the one I would get.
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      03-31-2018, 02:27 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akkando View Post
A guy in my office got an Uniden R3 for his new civic type R. That's the one I would get.
I don't have any experience with the Uniden but they look to be a solid pieces of gear. Personally have used Escorts for many years and these days would recommend either the Escort IX or Max 360. Currently I have an older 9500ix and a Max II in my cars, and am considering picking up the IX.

Just saw this thread: Best Radar Detector for a M3?



Anything you pick up will be better than running without one! Good luck!

Last edited by chief; 03-31-2018 at 04:47 PM..
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      04-02-2018, 03:10 PM   #6
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I have a V1 and it has been turned off for a year. It was going off full tilt with false alarms on every drive. Couldn’t take it any more. I imagine the latest and greatest detectors work better.
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      10-27-2018, 06:24 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akkando View Post
I'm in the Bay Area usually driving on 280 or 101 and thinking about getting a radar detector seeing as how if I avoid one ticket it's worth the price but obviously I have to factor in the mental cost of hearing false alerts and potential eye sore of the detector in the car.

Anyway doing some research it sounds like California is mostly all laser instead of radar so is there really any point to getting a radar detector in this area? Sounds like it's just going to be beeping at blind spot detectors and other random things and nothing else in California?

I don't think I want to deal with radar jammers as they are illegal and more expensive and need to be positioned correctly on the front and the back.


Was thinking of the Uniden R3 radar detector if I get one. Escort Passport seems like a good value too. https://www.lifewire.com/best-radar-detectors-4115040


Any California drivers have any insight to the value of radar detectors these days?
I have had better encounters by purchasing a license plate frame from CHP 11-99 Foundation than from any radar detector
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      10-28-2018, 10:36 AM   #8
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Just use Waze and be more aware of your surroundings. I've never used a radar detector in the last 15 years and have never gotten a ticket.

If anything, IMO, if a cop sees your radar detector attached to your windshield it'll make them more likely to hassle you for other things like tint or modifications since they assume you drive and speed like a typical asshole BMW driver.
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