Valentine V1-I know, again!

[tom_48]

I realize that this question has been asked a billion times on this forum before, but I am going to ask it again: is Valentine V1 really the best radar detector out there, for the price obviously?
My b-day is coming up pretty soon and I would like to treat myself, but is it really worth 400 bucks? Maybe Passport 9500i is better???

I just want your guys' honest opinions...

[MMMazing07]

i had a V1. it is the best radar detector. but radar detectors are useless in my area since all cops use laser. im done with detectors. IMO i would save your money and buy a laser jammer. which is whats next on my list.

[double0jimb0]

From the way you have asked, I'd guess you probably already know the answer.

Pony up for the V1.

[ianbiz]

For about 2 years I used a Escort X50 just because i was too stingy to get a V1. I finally bought a V1 when I got my Z4 and it has been the best spent $400 i've ever spent. So good that my little bro bought one and I ended up buying my dad one, but he doesnt need since he doesnt speed and doesnt like that he cant charge his blackberry and use the V1 at the same time. So if you want, I can sell you his for $375 and it comes with EVERY thing that came in the box including an unused wire and power adapter.

[mojowkng]

I have one on my BMW 1150 GS motorcycle and one in the Zed. They save me routinely. The older unit on the moto has been sent back for updates and it keeps on going...its over 10 years old! V1 works for me.

[nmulax]

The general answer seems to be that the Valentine gives you the earliest warning, but also picks up false bogies. The Escort sacrifices some sensitivity, but doesn't go off from malls/grocery stores/etc.

I went with the V1, figuring I'd rather be overly cautious, then potentially miss a cop. Plus the arrows seemed kinda cool (if a bit gimmicky). Honestly, after having it a year I love it. I haven't gotten a ticket since getting it; and the arrows are real nice, tell you exactly where to be looking once it starts buzzing.

My only complaint - and don't see how the Escort (or any detector) is any better at this... the V1 doesn't pick up speed cameras, since they use a sensor in the road, and don't emit any radar/laser signal.
So in Phoenix where cameras are all over, you're still on the constant look out.

[Black///Mamba]

i have a V1 and it has saved me NUMEROUS times. the thing has already paid for itself. not even from highway driving, in my town, all the roads are speed traps with 25 mph that is impossible to keep with. like you are going down a hill and are holding ur brake to go below 25 mph and they snag you if you go 35 because the town needs money (i guess). V1 warns me and i slow down below 25 and im good

it does sometimes pick up random signals, but its better to be safe then sorry.

[darkphantom]

detector+jammer best investment

I need to get the jammer, I have the detector

there is a problem though, I don't know if it is just mine. I have the V1.8 without the pop, and I often see cops on the side of the highway, and my radar does not even make a squeak!

[pbdm4k]

I've tried the Escort X50 and it's done wonders.

However I've sometimes seen cops pulled over on the side of the road and no radar signal goes off. I presume its because they turned off their radar and are busy writing the guy a ticket.

But I have picked off cops waaay before getting visual confirmation on them.

Nifty and nice to have.

[quickfast]

Knowledge here; http://www.radardetector.net/forums/

[Rustycat]

I've enjoyed all of the great info on these forums, and have just registered and thought I'd share my experience in purchasing a Valentine One. I checked out EBay and Amazon and found the lowest price on EBary to be in the $425 range and on Amazon the lowest price was around $500. I visited the Valentine One website and saw their pricing was $399. I talked to them and asked why they were so much less than other online merchants.
Their very unusual and surprising response was they had one sale price, whether to a single retail customer or whether to a large commercial account: $399!
In my experience, this is a unique marketing strategy, and I like it.
RC

[M_Six]

I've used Escort products since the days when they were huge and hung from the visor. They've never let me down. But a radar detector is only a tool which needs to used correctly. You also need to be aware of your surroundings and have a fair bit of luck. My eyesight, common sense, and Lady Luck save me just as often as the Escort.

The arrows are nice if you have a cop traveling behind you or in front of you to let you know which way to keep an eye out. Are they $400 nice? That depends on how hard $400 hits your wallet. I'd like to have the Escort ZR4 Laser Shifter, but I can't justify the expense, especially out here where you can see the LEO for a good distance before you're in laser range.

[jragan]

Originally Posted by M_Six

I've used Escort products since the days when they were huge and hung from the visor. They've never let me down. But a radar detector is only a tool which needs to used correctly. You also need to be aware of your surroundings and have a fair bit of luck. My eyesight, common sense, and Lady Luck save me just as often as the Escort.

The arrows are nice if you have a cop traveling behind you or in front of you to let you know which way to keep an eye out. Are they $400 nice? That depends on how hard $400 hits your wallet. I'd like to have the Escort ZR4 Laser Shifter, but I can't justify the expense, especially out here where you can see the LEO for a good distance before you're in laser range.

+1 Radar Detectors are only as good as the person using them and should never be absolutely relied upon.

[pbdm4k]

I've since retired from radar detectors. It's not worth the fine for having them, and the police are generally more strict when they see that you have one.

Not to mention... irregardless of whichever radar detector you have, the police have spectres that will determine that you're using them and getting caught is a matter of time and luck.

http://www.spectre-rdd.com/products.html

[M_Six]

Yeah, Canada is a b*tch when it comes to RDs. I always hide mine in the trunk, including the suctions cups, and clean the suction cup marks off the windshield when I'm in Canada. I'd be PO'd if a Canuck cop took my RD away. But damn, that 100KPH speed limit is boring as hell on some of those roads.

[pbdm4k]

I believe they're legal in Alberta. Definately not in Ontario though.
I concur with you on the roads, but as it stands with law enforcement. Arguing with a police officer or looking for mercy will never be easy if you get caught with an RD.
And good luck fighting the ticket in court.

To me, its just not worth the crap I'd get and the anger from a police officer should I get caught.

[lo-tek]

I livein Texas and use an SR7 plus shifters. The best of both worlds and stealthy.

[chris719]

I have a V1 and I like it a lot, especially since the cops that frequent the roads I drive on use almost exclusively Ka band radar. The only thing I dislike is the fact that many SUVs with LED taillights cause laser falses... the laser alarm scares the shit out of me.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Does anyone know what devices (radar or laser) cops use in LA county and SoCal in general?

[jragan]

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

Does anyone know what devices (radar or laser) cops use in LA county and SoCal in general?

If it's like anywhere else in the US, a mix of K, KA, and Laser. Here in Fort Worth they put K on buses now...very annoying.

[Shipkiller]

Since I live in VA, where they are illegal, I run a Beltronics STi.

It is absolutely... undetectable by the radar detector, detectors eg. Spectre....

In a performance review between the two (STi and Val) they are very close in performance. It seems that the winner is determined by WHO is doing the test.

My STi has saved me a number of times. Some from radar, some from laser hits.. either way, I was able to slow down in time....

Either way, a unit from Bel or Val would be a good choice.

[apexstrafer]

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

Does anyone know what devices (radar or laser) cops use in LA county and SoCal in general?

Longtime avid Socal speeder here.

Around here, they use Ka, laser and pacing. Supposedly aircraft VASCAR as well, but I've never once experienced it.

I've never seen laser used on Socal freeways, only on surface streets and, very rarely, canyons. Outside of Socal, I have seen it used up north on the 5, about halfway to SF, but it's easy to spot the parked cruiser (can't be used on the move) from a mile away or so. Best defense for laser is a jammer, and knowing HOW to use it to avoid getting caught.

Ka is by far the most commonly used method on all Socal roads.

Pacing is almost as common as Ka on the freeways. CHP loves to cruise a ways behind you, watching you pass people ahead, then get on your ass, match your speed and pull you over. Easily defeated by vigilant watching ahead and behind.

Go ahead and turn off X and K on your V1 when you're in Socal. Or be prepared to hit mute every 2 minutes.

Happy ass-hauling.