It seems that quite a few people here are V1 fans. I'm finding a hard time justifying a $399 price tag for it. I'm not all that aggressive of a driver, but at times I find myself going 90 mph in a 55mph, just because that darn CL-S is just soooo smooth.

Anyone have any input on what models other than the V1 are worthy of buying? I've heard good things about Escort??? Is this the case?

I definitely want to hardwire it into the fusebox.

Thanks for the opinions in advance.

 

If you can't afford the V1 or unwilling to spend the money, you might as well buy anything else you can find for less than $50. IMO, there are two types of [current] radar detectors. You're probably looking for something in the lower class = less $$$.

 

If money is the issue, then go with a good Cobra or Escort brand radar detector. Hell, try a scrambler if you want, but the best protection money can buy is the Valentine One radar detector.

Spend the loot, get the V1 and feel safe.

Is it worth $400? I would think so and so would countless others who have them and and had their butts saved by it.

 

I'm not one to tell another member to "do a search" but if you did, you would find a ton of info on this on-going argument.

You won't even remember you spent $400 after a month of using the V1. If after a month it still bothers you, send it back.... :P

 

What about a K40 or a passport installed into the car....That way you don't have to have anything hanging off your windsheild

 

I can’t speak for the quality or features of those 2 products. The one big no-no with radar detectors is mounting it low (or behind something, like the grill). Think about it, the lower the detector, the poorer its "view" down the road will be. The best place to mount one is on the sun visor or top of the windshield (but not behind the tint band).

 

You can pick up a BEL 980. Sweet Unit. Amazing imuity to false alarms (even better than the V1). I had both the V1 and this thing, and the only thing that was better about the V1 ws the arrows and the bogie counter, but for the V1 to work properely you need to have it in the middle of your windshield, I cannot do that in Ontario cuz RD's are illegal, so the BEL works great. BUT DO NOT get the cheap Bel's they have different antenae's and different circuitry and are relatively crappy compared to the high models. You can find them for about $240 on ebay.

Ciao

 

My escort 8500 saves my ass daily. Still spendy though.

 

Not true. The rear antenna only needs a clear view out the back. Where do you mount your Bel? Remember, a detector (antenna) needs to be straight and level with the road for best results.

 

Thanks for all the replys everyone. It seems that the V1 is the way to go, although some poeple seem to endorse others, with a slightly cheaper price tag. Damn it, some one just needs to make up my mind for me!

Hey Shawn S... Can you take a digital pic. of how you have your V1 mounted from the back seat of your CL? The ones posted on the 'how-to-do' page don't quite clearly show where it's mounted with respect to the rearview mirror, etc.

Thanks!

 

I've had very good experiences with the Escort Passport 8500. Still expensive at $300, but cheaper than the Valentine. I was leary of even spending this much at first, but I've found that this detector is dead on accurate, with not that much falsing considering its high sensitivity. Ka band performance is on an entirely different level than the Whistler's I've had in years past. I've heard that the V1, while extremely accurate, can drive you crazy with false alarms. No personal experience with V1 though. I think the Passport 8500 is your best bet for all-around peformance, if it's in the range you want to spend. Plus as a small bonus, the silver color kind of matches the Type S gauges, so it looks good.

 

I 2nd that. 8500 is a good alternative if you don't like the bulky look of the v1. or if you want to conceal it.

 

Ok, I'll bite. What do you mean by 'conceal it'?

 

The lastest V1 is smaller ! I believe it looks similar to the Escort 8500 in size.......I drive the same roads to work, therefore, I know false from the pigs on the road ! IT HAS SAVED MY ASS MANY TIMES !

V1 DUDE ALL THE WAY !

 

Escort 8500. I have no experience with the V1, so I'll not make comments about it. I've used Cincinatti Microwave (Escort's) products for many years, and have not been dissapointed. Here's some interesting reading: http://www.radartest.com/DS4HEM.html

Jim

 

We’ve pointed out to YOU and others how that RADAR-TEST site was bought and paid for by ESCORT.
Why do you keep linking to it in the V1 vs ESCORT discussions ???

Don't believe ANYTHING that is posted there.

Shawn S

 

Sorry Fuckface, I never heard that one, nor did I ever post a link to the site in question.

PS - Go Fuck yourself, and have a great day!

 

This is actually good. Get it all out of our systems now, and start of the new year fresh..

 

Is this PWing? I don't usually PW.

 

ShawnS -

Sorry for the last post..... just a bit hastey on the keyboard.

Still have no idea why YOU had to post that I was told about that site in the past. That's not the case.

My mistake for trying to make a valid post for information.

 

WOW….Just tried it.
It was quite PAINFUL, but satisfying nonetheless.

ANYWAY…… Some interesting reading here in this thread for those that are able to maintain their temper.

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...highlight=8500

Shawn S

 

BTW....It was JasonT who kept posting about that site, not you.

By bad as well.

Shawn S

 

Now that I've had time to come to my senses, I'm really sorry for jumping down your throat. My mistake....

Thanks for enlightening me on the website as well. I had no idea.

Jim

 

I know this could seem very biased coming from Valentine's web site but I thought some of you potential buyers might want some more reading.

http://www.valentine1.com/lab/testresults2.asp

Surf the whole site. This guy really goes all out. $300 vs. $400 seem minimal when you consider the backing you have with Mike Valentine. Just check out the site.

 

I love my V1. The direction arrows alone are worth the extra $100 over the Passport.

 

K-4o is the way to go, they pay for tickets if you get one and they have a portable one just like the Valintine at 245.00

 

My personal unit? V1 Best "cheap" unit worth the money? Passport8500

$0.02

 

vols...wtf's up...long time ....cool...happy new year..to you and every member..

 

It's been a lot of years since Car and Driver did a detector test. We should all right them asking for another one with all the latest units. Settle this once and for all!

$400 is nothing compared to the money in fines and the time it has NOT wasted with me making me guess what real and what's not. Those simple features like the counter and arrow, bless those arrows, save me from so much guess work.

I just don't understand why you guys balk at these features because they're $100 more but at the same time, you're getting a proven detector?!

 

:sqntfawk: Don't be a fag. vols suck. :P

 

Speak of the devil. I just got my February Car and Driver today, and guess what, a radar detector test. V1 ranked first, Passport 8500 second. Oh well, second's pretty good. I'll keep the Passport. Good article. Check it out.

 

Cool and COOL!