amm1232710

theses cops keep pulling me over! i need a good radar. which one would u recommand? i need a really good 1!!!

bklynpanman

valentine

blktl1

Yup, Saved me many of times

EternaLlx

Valentine! i got it a month or 2 ago and it saved me 3 times so far.

amm1232710

u guys r talking about the Valentine One right?

special-ed

yup, valentine 1 only way to go.

Ka0tik

idk, i have gotten out of 4 tickets so far in my 15 months of driving. i have not recieved one ticket yet. i dont see how a radar detector will help me that much

lifetimeofwar

Does anyone have a link to get the Valentine 1? thx.

dmarcus48

www.valentineone.com

BIG_KOUT

valentine one really is the shit, BUT at night it's really hard to tell what band of radar your getting hit with, thats my only fault I see with my valentine. But u get used to the different beeps it makes for each type of radar. Read up and get some knowledge here
http://www.radardetector.net/

EternaLlx

I judge by where the circle light is next to the arrows to tell which band it is at night.

But then again i have cops that use X K and KA band so if it beeps its might be a cop for me.
I only use it when i go to places that i know where all the false detections are.

Kracker

My only problem is that it cost an ass load... BUT if you are going to dump the money into something like this, you should get the V1.

Keep in mind that most insurance companies will not cover a radar detector. And a punks that would break into your car know how much they cost too...

Dont leave it in the middle of you windshield at the movies...

Atrain

The only radar/laser detector that actually works well.

Car & Driver did three different test articles on radar detectors (including February of 2002). Each time, the V1 slaughters the competition on everything except price.

Sometimes you pay for what you get.

I have had my V1 for 8 years now and I have had ZERO problems with the unit, ZERO moving violations or being stopped at all and the cost as paid for itself.

The only problems I had were with the cig lighter adapter, but they have a newer version out now that eliminates the fuse from falling out. I even hard wired the V1 into the T-Bird. The other problem was the winshield mount broke where it locks into the ribs on the V1. I bought a few new mounts (RSX & TL) and they have held up fine.

My experiences with the V1 are to recommend it. I've had a Uniden and a Bell in the past and they both broke (the Uniden twice) and had to be sent in for repairs.

The V1 can detect the following according to C&D's tests.

X-BAND DETECTION (warning distances in miles):

Bel 980: 1.3 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Bel 980: 0.8 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Bel 980: 0.18 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Bel 980: 0.17 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Cobra XR-1050: 0.87 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Cobra XR-1050: 0.84 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Cobra XR-1050: 0.86 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Cobra XR-1050: 0.15 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Escort Passport 8500: 0.87 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Escort Passport 8500: 0.81 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Escort Passport 8500: 0.19 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Escort Passport 8500: 0.16 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Uniden LRD 987: 0.42 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Uniden LRD 987: 0.38 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Uniden LRD 987: 0.17 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Uniden LRD 987: 0.17 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

VALENTINE ONE: 1.8 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
VALENTINE ONE: 1.9 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
VALENTINE ONE: 0.8 miles STEADY ON-CITY
VALENTINE ONE: 0.9 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Whistler 1780: 0.5 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Whistler 1780: 0.48 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Whistler 1780: 0.19 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Whistler 1780: 0.15 miles INSTANT ON-CITY


K-BAND DETECTION (warning distances in miles):

Bel 980: 0.7 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Bel 980: 0.8 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Bel 980: 0.85 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Bel 980: 0.84 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Cobra XR-1050: 0.42 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Cobra XR-1050: 0.38 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Cobra XR-1050: 0.17 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Cobra XR-1050: 0.18 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Escort Passport 8500: 1.21 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Escort Passport 8500: 0.9 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Escort Passport 8500: 0.91 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Escort Passport 8500: 0.93 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Uniden LRD 987: 0.30 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Uniden LRD 987: 0.25 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Uniden LRD 987: 0.17 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Uniden LRD 987: 0.05 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

VALENTINE ONE: 1.7 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
VALENTINE ONE: 1.39 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
VALENTINE ONE: 1.5 miles STEADY ON-CITY
VALENTINE ONE: 1.1 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Whistler 1780: 0.29 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Whistler 1780: 0.27 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Whistler 1780: 0.28 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Whistler 1780: 0.19 miles INSTANT ON-CITY


Ka-BAND DETECTION (warning distances in miles):

Bel 980: 0.9 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Bel 980: 1.1 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Bel 980: 0.71 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Bel 980: 0.89 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Cobra XR-1050: 0.68 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Cobra XR-1050: 0.6 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Cobra XR-1050: 0.15 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Cobra XR-1050: 0.14 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Escort Passport 8500: 1.18 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Escort Passport 8500: 1.4 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Escort Passport 8500: 0.70 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Escort Passport 8500: 0.72 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Uniden LRD 987: 0.30 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Uniden LRD 987: 0.27 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Uniden LRD 987: 0.15 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Uniden LRD 987: 0.10 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

VALENTINE ONE: 1.41 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
VALENTINE ONE: 1.58 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
VALENTINE ONE: 1.3 miles STEADY ON-CITY
VALENTINE ONE: 0.15 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

Whistler 1780: 0.29 miles STEADY ON-HIGHWAY
Whistler 1780: 0.30 miles INSTANT ON-HIGHWAY
Whistler 1780: 0.28 miles STEADY ON-CITY
Whistler 1780: 0.32 miles INSTANT ON-CITY

LASER DETECTION: If you laser detector goes off, chances are you are the only one being clocked. Therefore you have VERY little reaction time. Laser detection should be called ticket detectors.

This is detectable beam width @ 1,000 feet, measured in feet.

Bel 980: 8.1 feet FRONT
Bel 980: 4 feet REAR

Cobra XR-1050: 8.4 feet FRONT
Cobra XR-1050: 8 feet REAR

Escort Passport 8500: 10 feet FRONT
Escort Passport 8500: 10 feet REAR

Uniden LRD 987: 8.1 feet FRONT
Uniden LRD 987: 4 feet REAR

VALENTINE ONE: 10 feet FRONT
VALENTINE ONE: 8.5 feet REAR
Whistler 1780: 6.1 feet FRONT
Whistler 1780: 4.1 feet REAR

Plus the V1 is VG-2 undetectable so it can be used in Washington DC and Virginia without being sniffed out by the police.

IN 2005 VALENTINE ONE HAS UPDATED THE V1's LASER DETECTION ABILITIES.

I hope this helps,

A-Train

sav

I had the same issue shortly after I got my 05 TL. Did a LOT Of research on radar detectors and was about to buy the Escort 8500. Then after to reading more and knowing that most cops in CA use laser now, none of the passive detectors will work (check out http://www.radarbusters.com/default.asp and other sites).

So, if Laser is a problem in your area, get an active jamming system. (I end up getting the Escort SR7 system with NO regrets). Actually I'm glad i did; it runs more but it works and I think it already paid for iteself after a couple of recent detections

If laser is not an issue, then escort 8500 or Bel rx65, or valentine will do.

amm1232710

thanks guys

realfresh

definitely more labor intensive but has anyone ever messed with the Lidatek Echo?

http://www.lidatek.com/

http://www.goapr.com/Audi/products/lidatek.html

1995hoo

As with any detector, learning its sounds is the key. Someone else mentioned a dot showing the band. My V1 doesn't have that as it's a newer feature (I bought mine in 1996).....which brings me to my next point, and that is that Valentine Research offers upgrades to existing customers at a reduced price over buying new. Info is on their web page. Main reason I haven't done it yet is that I live in Virginia, where it's illegal to use a radar detector, and I haven't been driving out-of-state as often as I used to, so I'm not sure the upgrade makes financial sense. (I believe they would just send me a whole new detector.)

ubnpast

Ive had the V1, and it is good, but I also have the escort 8500 x50 and can say it is better

pimpin-tl

Nothing beats the V1. Had a Passport 8500 and now the V1. Way earlier warnings from the V1 and it tells me where they are instead of just beeping. Plus it has two radars front and rear not just one.

pimpin-tl

Not per tests and not per my experience with them. V1 is still on top. Maybe you didn't have the latest V1.

ubnpast

You had the old 8500. The newer 8500 X50 is better than the v1. My v1 is the 2nd newest one out

HiTEC

I own three V1's (varying version, but one is latest with POP), and I have an 8500 (non X50). All I can say is the 8500 is sitting in a drawer, and the V1's are hardwired in each of my cars.

One of my V1's I've sent back and had upgraded twice to the latest POP version. I'd say I've probably owned a V1 since 1995, and I've grown used to the direction arrows. As far as knowing what band... yes the lights are sometimes hard to read, but once you've had it for 6 months you will memorize which sound belongs to which band.

The V1 and 8500 are both top notch detectors, and you won't go wrong either way. If you don't want to spend the $400 for the V1 then get the 8500. You won't regret either one. I've had several top end BEL's over the past 15 years and they are pretty good as well.

pimpin-tl

Sorry it was the blue x50 8500.

ubnpast

I think you are full of bs

sequoia

has anyone seen or used the new Bel STi Driver?

supposedly the first rader to be completely invisible to all radar detector detectors (what?)

STi Driver main webpage


pdf of the advertisement for the STi Driver

opinions?

HiTEC

The STI looks nice, but I still prefer a FULL fuction remote display that the V1 has. I always hardwire my detectors and I leave them mounted up by my mirror 100% of the time with a remote display. That remote display looks similar to the 8500, which is not 100% imo.

I've always been happy with the top of the line BEL's I'm sure it is a nice detector.

pimpin-tl

Yes I owned one. So quit argueing.

ubnpast

anyone could have taken that

ubnpast

So did you cause this accident?

bTwix

don't forget to put one of these on your front plate
http://www.radarbusters.com/products...ser-shield.asp

if you read the highway patrol handbook for targeting, they target front plate 1st, then headlights if they can't get a reading. So this will help with the 1st hit, assuming you mount low.

here's a review of the x50, V1, and rx65 pro
http://www.laserveil.com/en/ultimate...5/conclusions/

pimpin-tl

Blue car is my mothers which was rear ended by a lifted suburban.

My old 2003 Pathfinder 2 weeks old, a guy crossed 4 lanes on the highway and everyone slammed on the brakes. I wasn't use to the car yet and couldn't stop on time. Totalled the Cavalier I hit.

So anyways, this is off-topic and not related to the subject.

ubnpast

yes it is and you replied to it w/o answering my post about someone else taking those pic's.

S3-Captain

I have the Escort 8500 (not the X50) and I have a friend who has the new 8500 X50 and the V1. He likes the new Escort better (he drives a new Audi S4, so has reason to be picky).

In the end it doesn't really matter which you pick. Saving you a second here or there doesn't matter when each will give you many seconds to slow down.

They will both give you plenty of warning when you are coming up on a radar and they are both equally useless when you come up on a laser.

Take it from someone who used to have 31 points on his license for speeding infractions and hasn't had a ticket in 10 years now (even with the older 8500): Shop on price.

Laxplaya11385

ubnpast,. who gives a crap who took that pic. He likes the V1 and you like the Escort, just drop it already. Seriously, some of the people on this forum really need to grow up.

IMO, they both serve the same function. They are both really good radar detectors. The reason i chose the V1 over the Escort was b/c of the directional arrows. It just makes it easier for me to know where the cop could potentially be.

As S3-Captain said, the 1/2 second - 1 sec. delay in detection won't make THAT much of a difference if you're speeding.

Kennedy

iTrader: (2)

As another note here...

Most of the quoted "credible sources" of radar testing are sponsored by Bel. www.radarbusters.com, and www.radardetectortest.com are Bel commercials intended to provide the reader the sense of unbiased review...

Can't remember where I saw the proof, someone traced the page ownership to Bel. I think it's interesting becsuue I see these pages quoted as gospel all the time, when the data is skewed towards Bel to sell, yet every really independent test shows V1 as the better unit.

I'm to the point I don't know what to believe, because V1 could easily be paying off Car and Driver for all I know.

"I read it on the internet, it must be true"

Again, your money, but it's important to do your homework and take things at face value. The internet was started for porn, and grew to sell things.

The big three are all fine detectors, so go with the feature you like.

realfresh

anybody?

tekageek

Valentine 1 all the way. Had mine since 1997 and drove up and down CT to Jersey every other weekend. Only once did i get pulled over because i had the music blaring and couldn't hear the detector nor paid attention to the display, was falling asleep. Detector is still going strong and wouldn't use any other one. Thought about the upgrade but haven't really encountered laser or pop too much. May just upgrade for the hell of it.

HiTEC

Audiworld.com people were big on the Lidatek. It was on my buy list at one time, but I rarely see laser I'll save my money for now. The Audiworld editors did a good write up a year or so back, I just can't seem to find it or I would post the link. I know Lidatek also does group buys because when I was going to get mine there was a BIG group buy going on with the Audi and BMW forums teamed up. It was a pretty nice discount.

pimpin-tl

Someone else taking those pics? They were from my car dipshit.

AcurasGhost

V1. It's been saving me for years ... I regret not making it my first purchase once I got out on the roads! haha

Install link for the Valentine 1 and then on page 3 is what it'll look like if you hard wire it in the 3g TL