A few quick notes:
1) Radar "deflectors" or "jammers" are either illegal, or they don't work. There isn't a single legal radar jammer out there that works - PERIOD. The illegal ones - well, you don't want to get caught with those, and it's worse than speeding if the FCC is on your butt.
2) V1 is an excellent detector, no doubt. The arrows are an excellent feature, but in the end, the thing that makes a good radar detector is sensitivity and anti-falsing - these are opposing features, unfortunately, but are what make a good one cost more than a cheapie. Why? Because it's easy to be super sensitive, for best range and detection of instant-on from around a bend or over a hill. However, if the damn thing falses all the time, the you will tend to ignore it, making it useless to you.
In any case, take a look at
Speed Zones - The Impartial Field Testing Authority for some great, detailed, independent testing of detectors.
Radar Roy is a great resource for information as well. In the former site, you will see that the best detectors have great range, but in the over-the-hill test, certain models stand out over others. Feel free to draw your own conclusions from the raw data.
3) Laser detectors don't warn you with enough accuracy - so don't bother believing this feature. However, in many states, laser jammers ARE legal, since it's not an FCC controlled frequency. If you can, get a laser jammer (I had a BB on the Blinder here some time ago).
4) In the end, regardless of the equipment you have, it comes down to driving SMART. Even with a detector and a laser jammer, you cannot depend on them 100%. You HAVE TO keep an eye out at ALL TIMES if you plan to speed. There is no substitute for visual scanning.
5) Flashy looking cars draw more attention, as do younger drivers. It's not fair, but it's the way it is. I had a bright red Dodge Daytona with fins, louvers, ground effects, etc. I got pulled over more than 8 times in the 3-4 years I owned it, often even when I wasn't speeding. With the maroon-colored MX6, I left it stock looking, and I rarely got pulled over at all pver the 12 years I owned it. Trust me, I drove MUCH faster in the MX6 than I ever did with the Daytona.
Bottom line - the equipment helps, but it's not perfect. Visual scanning (and speeding "reasonably" - ie, where it's safe, when it's safe, and where you can search for hiding cops) is better. Put the two together, and you can make the best of your chances.
I do not condone speeding, however. I recommend driving to the level of your skill... this means, if you can drive in a straight line at 80mph, then get scared or panic when you have to turn (or get around someone who isn't paying attention) then you are going too fast for yourself, and your conditions. Unforutnately, younger drivers are typically overconfident (we all were) but it's important to learn the car, how it behaves, how it evades, and all that... THEN drive BELOW this speed, to ensure you are safe for yourself, and everyone else on the road. If you don't know where all the cars are around you, then you are not paying enough attention... I always know what cars are around me in all directions, and more in front, of course. Be a better driver, and then you will be safer. Don't be another statistic.
