Hey guys,

So I've been looking up a couple of police cars, and just researching different police departments, and i came across a state police department, which i can't name off the top of my head. This department uses slicktops much more than those with lightbars mounted on the roof of the vehicles. Before reading this article i thought slicktops were used just for show, and allowed officers a stealthier approach. While this is a main reason, the department stated that using slicktops allow for better use of the vehicle and put less strain on the car. This statement was just a shocker to me, and I decided to come over here and ask you guys what your opinion is. I've recently been seeing slicktops in much more use. I honestly love slicktops as they look much better, but i also love my original police lightbar setups. 

Leave any opinions or comments i want to know what you guys think of slicktops. Which is better, and why?

 

Take care!

-Matt

Edited July 6, 201411 yr by LtMattJeter

Okay well this may sound stupid, but I feel like it equalizes the weight of the car.

Depends on the purpose. I prefer both, depending on the application of the vehicle.

 

Light bars provide much greater visibility and enhance officer safety. They are also much more visible which makes them a more effective deterrent. People generally don't do stupid things when they know there's a cop near by.

 

Slick tops allow a stealthier surveillance and interdiction because you they aren't as noticeable, and reduce mechanical wear on the engine because they don't have drag from the light bar.

Slicktops eliminate the drag caused by having a box sitting on top of the roof of the car.  No matter how streamlined the lightbar is, it still creates drag.  And for departments that travel long distances (such as state police or highway patrol) this reduced drag adds up to fuel savings.

Not to mention lightbars take up alot of power when used, police vehicles are often equipped with a secondary power supply for all the lights, console, etc. 

 

Edit: And for what john said, lightbars arent always brighter than all the other lights. My local department has Ions just as bright as a TIR.

Edited July 6, 201411 yr by iiKonrad

with fish and wild life and fwc use some slick top when off road trees will tear up a light bar realy bad  and the antenna. A great antenna is the 

Laird Phantom Antennas works better then a wire whip that snags trees and bends  http://www.wpsantennas.com/antenexphantom700mhz-58ghz3db-megmodelsnmomount.aspx

that is what we use to install on school bus they would tear off the 800mhz pigtail whip all the time now i c the police using them and fire

Edited July 6, 201411 yr by rss3781

+ Greater Visibility- Lights on or off, they're more "eye-catchy" to the public. They're easily identifiable and known.

+More options- possibility for TDs, TAs, or other lighting setups without taking up space or needing multiple modules.

+Officer Safety- ties in with TD/TAs, as well as makes them more visible when responding.

-Costs a SH!T ton more compared to slicktops- there is a reason why smaller/poorer departments prefer slicktops. It's also the reason why we use slicktops where I'm at.

-The drag- obvious aerodynamics. It's the reason why a lot of Highway Patrol agencies use slicktops, or are transitioning to Valors. Like CHP has gone almost exclusively to slicktop CVPIs.

Edited July 6, 201411 yr by Pavelow

It really depends. I hate my department's slicktops, they're so horrible. I don't like slicktops in general unless it's an Explorer or another SUV of some sort.

I always liked slicktops of any kind. They look a bit more aggressive in my opinion, especially with a kickass rambar. I'm glad its easier on departments to have slicktops, they look better to me. But, I can understand the need for lightbars, with better visibility and all.

I like both. In addition the use of a lightbar or no lightbar depends on the vehicles applications. There are State Police agencies which use a dome lightpod such as the Michigan State Police.

 

Cheers.

Depends on the setup, if it can match car with a light bar, then sure.

-

 

Edited June 23, 20241 yr by tobeymaguire

I like bubbles. Just cause they look cool.

dat light bubble dooooooeeeeeee

KILL IT! KILL IT WITH FIRE!

KILL IT! KILL IT WITH FIRE!

Yes, please do.