Some things to think about (some have been mentioned, some haven`t). I`ve used a bunch of detectors over the last 15 years, including the K40 and the 9500ci, (also test the V1 for 4 months and used an 8500 X-50 for a while).
Although the longest detector I owned as a regular 8500, I think with regards to the question of pure detecting ability, V1 is the champ. The 9500 is close, although frankly I think the Bel STI Driver is a better choice, but that is really not germaine to this discussion.
Problem one is laser. NO DETECTOR is going to save you from a laser gun and laser jammers are only partly successful, so if you drive REALLY fast and you run up on a cop who has a laser gun, your toast. Your detector will be there to give you advance notice about the ticket you just got. That`s it. The color of your car will also have an impact on the "detectibility" for a laser gun. A small black car and a laser jammer is more effective than a white Escalade and a laser jammer.
I did a side by side by side comparison (years ago) between a V1, 8500 X-50 and a K40. The K40 was consistently outclassed by the other two. V1 was dominant for X band radar (which is only used in a handfull of States - like NJ where I lived) so be cognizant of what is being used in your area. V1 was slightly better on K band and on KA band it was a virtual tie with the 8500 X-50, with maybe a slight (insignificant) edge to the X-50. The K40 was last in all bands and last by a significant margin in each.
The big problem with the V1 is falsing. Great detector but if you live in an urban area, the V1 is a real PITA. The 9500ci eliminates this problem which is a great feature, but certainly doesn`t solve the laser problem.
So here are some things to think about...
1. Don`t get caught up in the K40 "we`ll pay your ticket" nonsense because the big problem with tickets is the effect on your insurance premiums and not necessarily the tickets themselves.
2. Know the law in your State. I was a practicing attorney in NY State and the law in NY is pretty clear with regards to speedig tickets. Do you know a cop doesn`t need to "clock" you on a gun or even pace you in his car? By law, he can "estimate" your speed and write you a ticket based upon his estimation. So, let me give you the scenario. Guy driving North on I-87, doing 95 on a 65. He`s got a 9500 + the Escort laser shifter. Cop with a laser gun is hiding in some cover and suddenly his shifter goes off, cop gets jammed but visually estimates the car to be going 90mph (yes I know he`s just guessing). That is enough for the ticket to stand. So, guess what, he just made your detector and jammer 100% useless.
Arbitrary? Yes. Capricious? Probably, but legal nevertheless.
3. A detector can be a good tool and save you from tickets IF you use it smartly and don`t drive too fast. In my 15 years using a detector I`ve been stopped twice and each time I talked my way out of a speeding ticket (once he gave me "no seatbelt). I find detectors are actually the best for non-interstate travel. More often than not, piggies on tertiary roads usually don`t have laser guns and are much easier to detect. I`ve NEVER been even been stopped by a cop on a side road and I`ve done some fast driving.
So, my advice would be 9500ci over the K40, but understand that unless you use your detector smartly, it won`t work the way you think it will.
Bookmarks