tommyg55

Does anybody have one? I tried searching it but results don't help...

I got a ticket last week and thought I'd save myself for the future and look into investing in a detector and these seem to be the best but i have a few questions some may be dumb but I've never had any detector before so i really don't know...

1) does it have to be mounted in the windshield or can i put it in the little storage area under the radio?
2) if i get the concealed display where does the actual unit go?
3) anything negative about the v1? or anything better out there?
4) is that little saavy adapter thing worth it?

I probably wont be buying brand new because i have to pay off that damn ticket and a lawyer so whats a good price to look for on eBay or craigslist?

Thanks guys

gogydm

I'd suggest reading about them and how they are used before investing into one to see if it's something you'd like to own.

1.It has to be mounted on the windshield. Either where the people usually mount them or behind the rearview mirror. You want an unobstructed view for it.
2.Unit stays as above, you just have another display.
3.It's somewhat old now. I am not going to argue with anyone on this topic as arguments get heated between Valentine and Escort/Beltronics fans. How much are you willing to spend for a detector?
4.It is worth it for me. I've had numerous saves.

As for the price, they cost pretty much the same whether new or old. They are way too overpriced used. If you are serious I can see if there are any deals out there and look into what specific version is worth the money.

tommyg55

And also if you could post pictures of where you put the concealed display for different location options that would be much appreciated

Will1688

you should also check what kind of radars your local PD and highway PD uses, here in LA, most use laser, so i figure the detector is too late when it detects lasers.. otherwise i would invest in one too..

tommyg55

on a page from the valentine website it says the v1 "Finds all lasers"

http://www.valentine1.com/v1info/pdf...llCoverage.pdf

Will1688

Yeah they detect them, but by the time your unit is hit and detects the laser, the cop also has your speed already with lasers

DiamondJoeQuimby

iTrader: (2)

This.

Almost all of the locals here shoot laser and that is why I haven't pulled the trigger on a V1 or 9500ix. And I don't want to invest in a Laser Interceptor on top of it. I'll just keep my foot out of it.

Turbocoop

iTrader: (3)

Escort SRX, laser problem solved... Too bad it's been discontinued for being too awesome

tommyg55

Yeah I've been doing some research and I think I'm leaning towards the 9500xi I talked to the local seller here about the differences between the v1 and the 9500 and he said the 9500 is the bees knees and there's nothing better

DiamondJoeQuimby

iTrader: (2)

Eh, not really. It used the ZR3 laser heads which have been replaced with the ZR4 heads that preform better. Problem is, the ZR4 heads work for like 2 laser frequencies that aren't in use much anymore.

The best diffusers/jammers out there are the Laser Interceptor and the Blinder 905 kits.

tommyg55

How does one go about finding out what types of detectors the local of uses? Is that public knowledge available on the web?

gogydm

I'd check here first: http://www.radardetector.net/forums/local-regional-info/506-list-radar-bands-u-s.html The 9500ix is a good detector yeah. I'd wait for the MAX though.

imakeholesinu

I've run both an 8500 x50 and 9500 xi since I've been driving. Both have saved me from tickets. I've had one ticket with the 9500xi because of laser.

If you get laser alerts chances are it is already too late.

The Valentine 1 is also a great detector. My buddy has had one as long as I have had my passports and he loves it. Only thing he likes about my passports over his V1 is that I have a button to mute alerts whereas he has to reach up and find the volume nob on the unit.

I do like the V1 because it does give a directional of where the radar is coming from. The Passports kind of do if you are aware of your surroundings and read how they work.

I really like the 9500xi's GPS enabled Speed and Red Light camera markers. My city has recently implemented more and more Red Light cameras even though there has been court intervention that they might be unconstitutional because of the lack of due process, they are still planning on implementing new ones throughout the city and county.

I'd recommend a 9500xi nowadays because, as cities and municipalities start leveraging this red light and speed camera technology against tax paying citizens, you will need this to make that decision at a yellow light a little more certain. I've noticed I've stopped more during yellow just because of those cameras. $100 ticket sucks, but if you know it is a possibility you can avoid it. That is why I drive with one and upgrade it.

Anyway, just my two cents.

anx1300c

iTrader: (2)

V1 is $399 new, but if you call them, they'll sell you a re-furbished unit with latest firmware for around $360-375. That's how I bought mine. They do lack an auto mute feature, which is no biggie to me. It's true what they say about the arrows, too. They've saved me countless times, by indicating a second or even a second and third radar source ahead. I did get clipped a couple years ago with laser, but no detector is going to save you from that. However, the better your detector, the better the chance of you picking up a fragmented beam of laser being shot at a car in front of you.

They do have a 30 day money back guarantee, so it can't hurt to try one out.

tommyg55

What is the MAX?

Thanks alot very good information I'm going to start looking for some used 9500xi's... The 9500ic looks awesome tooand my friend has it, I know when it detects something it shuts off his radio and tells him through the cars system which is pretty cool... But it was already installed in his car when he bought it and 1500 is a big chunk of change that I can't afford

pimpin-tl

Owned both, and the V1 is better period. Now the new Escort MAX looks like a nice gem.

pimpin-tl

Hmmm, the V1 has a MUTE on it as well on the knob. you press it in. Also remote display has a mute.

The v1 also has a auto mute if you are at speeds below your specified criteria with the SAVY unit. I currently have that and love it.

pimpin-tl

http://www.radardetector.org/reviews...tector-review/

tommyg55

Wow that MAX looks awesome... too bad its out of my budget guess i better start saving

tommyg55

sooooo if i were to say find an srx for $200 would that be a good investment or no? how would it compare to the v1 or the 9500?

1995hoo

The V1 should be positioned so that it has a clear view out the back as well as the front so that you get the full benefit of the rear-facing antenna. That feature is great for confirming when you passed a radar source and for when a cop is behind you running instant-on.

DiamondJoeQuimby

iTrader: (2)

Depends how important the laser diffuser/shifter is to you in your area. For me where all the locals + stateys shoot laser, it wouldn't do much good. It is still solid on radar though.

imakeholesinu

Ah, I don't think he's got a SAVY unit. I'll see about finding one for him. Thanks!

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

you can buy a mute switch for the v1 and mount it elsewhere. I have my v1 unit mounted on my AS1 line and mute button mounted near my shifter. very easy to reach

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

Here's my mute button... I don't need to reach up to the windshield to hit the mute button on the V1 unit if I want to mute it. I just reach for this button.