Radar Detectors - Audio vs LED

[RIDEMYST]

I have been looking at radar detectors for a while. However I have resisted purching one as the audio just adds more noise in my helmet. I see that several maufactures are now offering LED warning lights in addition to (or instead of) the audio warning. My riding buddies tell me that I'm wasting my money if I don't go with the audio as the LED does not tell what signal you are recieving. My question is anyone using a visual (LED) system only and how is it working out for you? -JEP-

 

[Blue STreak]

I use a Valentine 1 with a Marc Parnes visual display and the Valentine remote display). It works for me.

The Marc Parnes display is extremely bright, and hard to miss. The V1 display shows me what type of radar (if I care), how many signals, and from what direction they're coming. That's all the information I need to know.

I don't always ride with ear phones, so I don't want audio that comes in that way. And, living where I do, I can't use something like the radar screamer, which everyone within 100 feet can hear.

Frankly, I don't much care what kind of radar signal I've just hit. If it's in front of me, I'm going to slow down unil it's behind me. (The big advantage of the V1's directional arrows.)

 

[WarBootie]

I use a HARD led with my 9500i. Concur. disable X band, depending on what part of the country your in, and the once you see that light, you dont care. You can look down after you slow down.

However, I got Instant ONed on the I10 this last weekend. 91 in a 70.

 

[Highrider]

I use an Escort 8500X with a Marc Parnes visual display, I did have a HARD system a few years back, but the battery maintenance on a long trip forced me to the Marc Parnes unit. I think both those visual systems offer the same level of alerting me to the presence of radar or laser. Based on the audio signal modes I use in my other vehicles, I don't see where an audio signal would be a real benefit on a bike to differenciate signals unless you do all your riding in town.

By the way - - I have a clear rain cover for a Valentine unit from Legal Speeding that was sent to me by mistake from Rider Warehouse. If anyone is interested, they can have it for $3 plus shipping.

 

[WarBootie]

another thing about the HARD system. When i first bought it, used, it was sucking down batteries every day. I sent it out to get fixed, warrantied from PO, and the batteries did last a good long time. I liked the functionality of it. Changed batteries every 10k or so.
But the dang thing is sucking them up again, so I gonna give the Marc Parnes gadget a try.

 

[Snoweyowl]

I have a Marc Parnes LED as well and it is OK but you need to look at unit to see if it is X band or not. Use of LED limits the usefulness. I would prefer an audio alert.

 

[Blue STreak]

Again, I don't much care what band it is. With the V1, at least, false alarms are pretty rare, so if the lights go off, and it's in front of me (or strong behind me), I just slow down.

 

[WarBootie]

most high end units can disable the x band. nice feature as to not worry about BS. however the smaller rural areas still unitilize in some parts of the country.... as i found out.

 

[Klackey]

I went through all this when I was trying to use my V1. This link might be helpful. I love my Visalert. https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57863

 

[RIDEMYST]

It works OK but i would like a cleaner look,,
Mike

You might want to look into a shelf that's made for the ST. That would clean up the look. -JEP-

 

[Firstpeke]

Do these things work if the LEO sneaks up from behind with his Stalker active?

 

[Blue STreak]

If a LEO nails you with instant-on, you're pretty much toast. But if you pay attention, you can get warnings even for instant on. If you keep getting a short, repetitive signal, gradually getting stronger, it could well be a LEO with instant on up ahead, tagging traffic as it goes by.

 

[Tidrick]

By the way - - I have a clear rain cover for a Valentine unit from Legal Speeding that was sent to me by mistake from Rider Warehouse. If anyone is interested, they can have it for $3 plus shipping.

Highrider - do you still have this available? I would like to buy this if so.

Thanks!