This question usually provides lively discussion!! I have tried almost every detector on the market and IMO there is only one TOP DOG. The Valentine 1. I even dropped over $1200.00 on the custom K40 which is the only other detector to utilize 2 antennae, one for picking up threats from the front and 1 for threats from the rear. I sold it on Ebay after running both detectors at the same time. The difference was staggering. Th only detector that comes close to the V1 is the 8500 and its a great detector but the V1 still blows it away in terms of performance. I did the 30 day challenge and bought both units to compare. I kept the V1. The V1 is the ONLY window mounted detector with 2 antennae that provides both front and rear protection. There is no need for 360 degree protection since there is no such thing. First off a radar device can only pick up your speed from either the front or from behind, they can't get your speed from the side of your car. The V1 has an antennae that picks up a cop thats "shooting" you from behind because the second antennae is positioned to pick up signals thru your rear window. Another great feature is the "counter" which tells you the number of sources. Everyone knows a spot they drive by every day that sets off the detector. Well the cops will use this as "cover" to fool you. If you drive by every day and see a 1 on the counter then everythings OK. Then you drive home and the same spot your detector goes off BUT YOU SEE A 2. Guess what? A cops using that radar souce as cover. The V1 also has the arrows to show you from what direction the threat is coming from. Great feature!! If money is an issue the 8500 is definately the BEST BARGAIN detector available. but hey this is MY OPINION. WHATS EVERYONE ELSE THINK AND USE? BTW: www.radartest.com is a scam website maintained by the radar detector companies that come in "first" on this site. There is only one UNBIASED test I am aware of and thats the CAR AND DRIVER RADAR DETECTOR SHOOTOUT that they have every three years.
Radar Detectors: Whos Using What?
- Thread starter ExCon
- Start date
Valentine 1 baby!
Having had multiple detectors over the years (hazard of being an old guy!) I have to agree 100% w/ the con-man...these things are great. I've been doing a >300 mile drive 2x / week for the past 5 months...cover ground as quickly as possible, listen for the radar warnings, slow down, and watch at least 6 other drivers get tickets.
Yesterday I hit the V1 website to check on upgrading my detector...decided to order a 2nd (wife likes to play w/ her WRX!)...
...simply no comparison.
Having had multiple detectors over the years (hazard of being an old guy!) I have to agree 100% w/ the con-man...these things are great. I've been doing a >300 mile drive 2x / week for the past 5 months...cover ground as quickly as possible, listen for the radar warnings, slow down, and watch at least 6 other drivers get tickets.
Yesterday I hit the V1 website to check on upgrading my detector...decided to order a 2nd (wife likes to play w/ her WRX!)...
...simply no comparison.
'01SilverBullet
Founding Member
GOLDENPONY
Founding Member
Hey, Doc, not only does it have the arrows but in terms of performance it beats the 8500 YEAR AFTER YEAR in the Car and Driver shootout. Silver if detectors are illegal there have the k40 unit custom installed. Its performance leaves alot to be desired but it sure is better than no detector at all!! I have no idea how people drive without a good detector. I have been in Florida less than three weeks and my V1 saved me three MAJOR tickets.
Mark05GTVert
New Member
- Mar 30, 2005
- 16
- 0
- 0
Silver - are you sure they're illegal? I was just at Costco (Sacramento) the other day and they were selling them. Not these good Valentine ones, but radar detectors nonetheless.
V1 is the only way to go PERIOD. I use it on my bikes and cars and it saves my rear. Best $400 I ever spent.
TicketMeRed05GT
Member
Do your research...
http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090
http://www.radarbusters.com/support/product-tests/radar-detector-recommendations.asp
http://www.myradardetector.com/compare_all.htm
These seem to be fairly reliable testing sources and they point at the BeL, Escort x50, and the Val 1. If you look at these tests....the x50 seems the better bet.
Not my two cents, but the reports of testers.
http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090
http://www.radarbusters.com/support/product-tests/radar-detector-recommendations.asp
http://www.myradardetector.com/compare_all.htm
These seem to be fairly reliable testing sources and they point at the BeL, Escort x50, and the Val 1. If you look at these tests....the x50 seems the better bet.
Not my two cents, but the reports of testers.
GOLDENPONY
Founding Member
Detectors
Don't confuse the "old" 8500 (which was a good piece) with the 8500 x50. This puppy has balls!
Don't confuse the "old" 8500 (which was a good piece) with the 8500 x50. This puppy has balls!
martimus
New Member
Passport 8500 - X50 and very happy with it. It puts all of my previous detectors to shame. Is the V1 better? Maybe but its also $100 more expensive and the only support for it is through the web site. Is the V1 worth the extra cost? That remains to be seen...
Ticketmered, those sites are paid for by the detector companies. Complete scam info. Don't believe me? Go buy a Bell at a store that you can return it within 14 days. then buy the V1 and use BOTH. The Bell is a LOUSY detector yet gets high ratings on these sites. I wonder why? Go to the Valentine1 Website and read the attached "Car and Driver shootout" thats on the site. It is the ONLY UNBIASED detector test out there. The 8500 comes in with a 73, the Bell a 61 and the V1 A 97!!
Car and river has been doing radar "shootouts" for 25 years and is the only unbiased comparison out there.
WWW.VALENTINE1.COM Also tells you alot of GREAT INFO. Like why cordless detectors suck, how to best utilize your detector, etc. Radar detectors are one of the few items where the most expensive is not the best. The K40 cost me $1200.00 and I sold it and went back to the V1. There is no better unit.
Car and river has been doing radar "shootouts" for 25 years and is the only unbiased comparison out there.
WWW.VALENTINE1.COM Also tells you alot of GREAT INFO. Like why cordless detectors suck, how to best utilize your detector, etc. Radar detectors are one of the few items where the most expensive is not the best. The K40 cost me $1200.00 and I sold it and went back to the V1. There is no better unit.
graphicguy
New Member
Got both a V1 and a Passport 8500 X50.
I prefer the Passport as it doesn't "false" nearly as much as the V1. Both are about the same in alerting me to the presence of radar or Laser.
I prefer the Passport as it doesn't "false" nearly as much as the V1. Both are about the same in alerting me to the presence of radar or Laser.
graphicguy
New Member
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