fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

I've been happy with my V1 for years. But as a technology guy I have to wonder if it's actually still better then the other options out there. I already have the latest version & it's been that for 5 years. In this digital age I can't believe the V1 has not been upgraded or needed something to keep up with radar technology in 5-7 years.
I talked to V1. They only said it's the best & there's no need to do anything. They offered no clue as to what if any new updates or features may be down the road.

Makes me think they are scamming everyone at this point & relying on the "name" to carry them.

Maybe radar/laser guns have come to a limit in their technology? And anything new coming out from other RD competitors are just features & not upgrades to the actual radar/laser detecting abilities?

........................

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

in for answers.

friesm2000

iTrader: (4)

might be true... and with the economic down turn, maybe departments are not willing to spend money on the latest and greatest guns


i also remember seeing some where though i thought, that they where maxed out, as far as the available room goes inside of the case, so like part of the reason of not doing a "gps" enabled one yet (which i think is a good idea, in that with enough data they can basically ignore all the false alarms, but what happens that one time, when it gets "over programed", and it does not go off when a piggy is shooting

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

The only brand that can compete with Valentine is Escort. And they have one or two models that provide decent competition: the RedLine and the 9500ix. The general consensus is that the V1 is still the top radar detector on the market.

If ya wanna get really nerdy, browse the Radar Detector forums. You'll be hard-pressed to find a member without a V1. http://www.radardetector.net/forums/index.php

friesm2000

iTrader: (4)

even though it may fall behind in SOME catogories, considering the age, it's still basically one of the top performers, which is what is really needed (and personally, i have seen some radar detectors, and there displays are really f@cking annoying, with expecting you to read out word and such, vs having a dedicated light per band (it would be nice to have separate colors though for each band)

SpiderX1016

I don't have a V1 but I wished they would update the looks of it at least.

CCColtsicehockey

Its definitely still one of the top performers. I have been looking for a new unit to get to replace my aging Bel RX65 since I have had it for 5 years and lots of new stuff has come out.

The two major features that I see that it doesn't have is GPS which gives the ability to have a database of red light cameras and speed cameras to alert you to. Also using the GPS it can store false X and K warnings that happen in the same place 3 time and then no longer alert you to these as they are most likely store doors. A couple of the new ones also are completely undetectable by radar detector detectors that states like Virginia where radar detectors are illegal use.

So far I am leaning towards Escort 9500ci which is a permantely installed concealed unit but its one of the best. However the laser shifters in it are not that great and Beltronics is releasing in a month an STI-R Plus which is basically the same unit minus the laser shifters.

I am also considering getting some Laser Interceptor laser jammer cause they are continuously year after year rated the best. I need to get something cause the IS-F is just to easy to drive fast and not even realize it.

MSW 6SP

There has been a few instances in the past year where I visually see state troopers on the side of parkways pointing out the radar and my V1 doesn't catch a thing. I started thinking they have new technology to block it but I haven't researched it yet.

CCColtsicehockey

You sure they are not using laser?

turbowhistle86

I've never used or owned a V1, but I can report that I'm very very happy with Escort Solo 2, not a huge item, clean looking, and I like the cordless feature (even though I have it hardwired into 1 car) along with the auto-mute feature. I thought I was crazy for spending $260 on a detector, but I bet I've been through 4 or 5 $80 ones from best buy that crap out after a year or two....so it probably averages out.

MSW 6SP

I understand laser is instant, and by the time my detector went off it would almost already be too late. But wouldn't my V1 at least detect the laser at some point. Ive detected laser in the past and my V1 bugs out everytime.

Edit: You're probably right. I just found out that laser has to be aimed at you directly to be detected. He was probably just aiming at the cars around me.

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

Yep it was probably laser that luckily wasn't aimed at you.

Location of mounting also can affect laser detection. If the detector is high on the windshield, it'll detect radar better but won't detect laser as good. If the detector is low on the windshield, it'll pick up laser better but radar not as good.

I have mine mounted to the left of the mirror. The police around where I live use radar on the Ka band for the most part. I've never seen an officer using laser here. But in other parts of the country, laser will be used more than radar. All depends. If the area you live in uses a lot of laser, investing in laser jammers would be beneficial.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

I'm with you. I had a V1 and loved it. But since I sold it in 2006, nothing appears to be new with it.

I've had my eye on the Passport IQ for a while. Haven't pulled the trigger yet b/c I'm waiting for someone I know to get one so I can get a first hand review. So far, no one has

http://www.escortradar.com/iq/

tsx 2 nv

You can also reprogram your V1. I have reprogrammed mine to only look for "California Laser/Radar Frequencies". It has lowered the amount of false alarms dramatically. I definitely cant live without the arrows, so im sticking with Valentine. If radar guns arent changing, i dont think radar detectors need to be upgraded.

achenator

I own a V1 and a Passport 8500. To me the ultimate would be the 9500 with arrows like the V1.

Sarlacc

Sarlacc

The only laser hits I get seem to be false reads. And randomly.

And when I saw the cops I got no reads what so ever.

Johnsteph10

I switched from a V1 to a 9500ix and I definitely think the V1 is very dated. The 9500ix gives me more warning time, seems to be much more sensitive, and has the GPS for red light cameras/traps and marks false warnings so it doesn't beep all of the time. The only thing I miss about the V1 are the directional arrows.

There is no comparison in my experience.

Sarlacc

How did you manage this?

tsx 2 nv

i saw the directions of how to do it on a radar detector forum. No tools neccessary, just patience and being able to follow directions.

phee

iTrader: (5)

cops dont point out radar. if they are shooting its laser. it only goes off if risidual laser scatter hits your detector. my 9500i picks up laser but im not sure if the v1 does

tsx 2 nv

Here's a link to program your V1 for California:

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...p-v1-cali.html

Dr. Colorado

My Blinder M27 X-Treme Laser Jammers are on each side of the front plate. I installed them the first month after I got the 911. The only 2 times the alarm went off I was going 20 mph on surface streets and I didn't see a cop in sight.

RedRyder

iTrader: (1)

My only complaint about the V1 is the looks, but I love how it points you to which direction the signal is coming from...it really only makes sense that any good detector would do that.

I have an Escort 9500i and love it. The GPS function is great for locking out alarms you don't want, etc.

Sarlacc

Yes the V1 picks up laser

Sarlacc

cool, thanks

Sarlacc

It looks like a radar detector

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

Maybe they're not installed right? I don't have any experience with jammers as I don't have them on my car.

RedRyder

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, from 1995. I mean it's not horrible, but it's all function (which is more important for sure), but they could stand to improve on the form. Put a V1 next to a 9500i or the like, and you'll see what I mean. I am just saying the aesthetic could use an update.

Dr. Colorado

I had them professionally installed by the audio/auto guys recommended by Porsche. I think it was just incidental scatter that the blinders picked up as I was driving in Waikiki with a ton of tall buildings.

The installation guys said I could always do hot laps down by the airport where the popo hides out but I'd rather not do that for obvious reasons. Bottom line is I don't speed so I suppose that's why I haven't had to use them on the highway yet.

Anyhow, it's 3 full seconds to turn off the blinder, downshift and get under the speed limit before the popo has the opportunity to pinpoint and fire laser a 2nd time according to my brochure. Factor in the movement of the target (my car) and the duration it takes for the gun to recharge.

black label

IMO, these are better than V1 or Escort.

http://www.k40.com/

They are quite expensive though. When I worked for Porsche I had quite a few of them installed on customers cars. The ones we were getting featured front and rear sensors (installed in bumpers) and a hard wired display unit. They are quite pricey but they back their product with a "we'll pay your ticket" garauntee.

That said, I'm a V1 guy.

Sarlacc

k40s are very ignored...My friend had the whole hidden set up. They also have/had a portable unit for awhile.

RedRyder

iTrader: (1)

^Probably because they're so expensive...the average guy looking for radar protection can get the job done for cheaper. But really most people don't own an exotic car, which is what the site says these are tailored to.

I'm sure they're worth it though, in one form or another. Maybe the extra cost is added on for the speeding tickets they know they'll have to pay. haha

Sarlacc

I dont think their set up is anymore pricey than say escorts full blown hidden system. Really depends on the dealer i guess.

I remember their older portable unit was only about $250...not sure what this new costs.

Sarlacc

Hell...I really wish they didn't put an end to the 11-99 foundation...I'd just drop my money on that

RedRyder

iTrader: (1)

^Hmm...I am not familiar with that.

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

My only K40 experience was from a dash model in 2000, and it equaled a speeding ticket. I got zero warning, not a light or beep & they refused to cover the ticket because I was doing 30 over. It was radar too. A KA gun. The trooper showed my the readout & indicated it on the ticket.

Sarlacc

It was a CA only thing...it still exists actually but only for donations.

Its a cop donation fund...you make a big donation (like $1200) and you got a license plate frame and wallet card...and cops left you alone.

They no longer give out the plate frames...I think there was a lawsuit, but still use their existing ones.

fsttyms1

My 8500 picks out laser 100% better than my V1. My 8500 has saved me every time (that and seeing the cop in advance) V1 would rarely ever pick up laser. Range wise with radar both pick up so far it doesnt matter neither is better with instant on, BUT the V1 falses probably 10 to 1 to the escort which drove me nuts and is why i never use the V1 any more. That and the Escort detectors look better hanging from the windshield. Arrows are a gimmick and not needed.

k23a1

My v1 does its job, paired with the arrows, you can't go wrong. Ka band is very accurate, though, I should program out the K and X bands. It's traveled with me for over 8,000 driving miles in the past 5-6 years and has performed well. The directional arrows alone sets it apart from other detectors, despite the clunky design and unrevised hardware/software v 1.8.

Of course, other radars on the market might have better sensitivity, but my v1 is here to stay.