Parabolic SAR

Iv been demo trading a system that used as one indicator, the Para. SAR, where by a buy was signaled on the first dot on a new set below prices and a sell on the first dot of a new set above prices. This worked pretty good for a while but noiw im noticing the dots only seem to come after the move has been made.

Basically im after thoughts on the use of this indicator and whether it can be used as a more leading indicator, what i notice is when prices converge towards the dots its signalling a change will come, do traders use it in this way instead of waiting for the new dot.

Thanks in advance. (i dont use this indicator on its own before people tell me not to)