Best Radar Detector?

bimmerFUD · 08-17-2007, 09:05 AM

I've got the V1 and love it. Kruz, nice comparison!

dbtran · 08-17-2007, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLazyL

Arrows. 1 word. Arrows.
I haven't had the other but I' ve had arrows.
V-1.

JLazyL

Who cares about arrows? If you hear your radar beep first reaction is to slow down. Who cares what direction its coming from. To avoid the ticket just slow down. I've had a V1, X50, and now the Escort 9500i. The 9500i is by far the best one i've had. My cop buddy helped me test them and the 9500i alerted first when it was shot from a pretty far distance.

phantom330 · 08-17-2007, 10:32 AM

I had the 8500 and recently sold it and got the V1. My thoughts are the arrows really are nice, they really do help you out. I thought that it really wouldn't matter anyways, but until you have them you really don't understand. The V1 tends to false a little more than the 8500 did, however. All in all I'd take the V1 over the 8500. I've never tried to 9500 so I can't really comment on that, but if I was in the market for one now I'd go with the V1 hands down.

Hunter399 · 08-17-2007, 10:42 AM

Valentine 1 or K40 if you want something hidden

tjnptel1 · 08-17-2007, 03:53 PM

be careful with the 9500, it has that feature that allows you block out unwanted alarms (false alarms) however, it blocks out that whole frequency. So if there is a real threat with that same frequency at the same location, it won't be detected because it was blocked out.

RaptorKTM · 08-17-2007, 04:10 PM

just get the valentine and if your in cali shut off K Band and X band.

TurboFan · 08-17-2007, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLazyL

Arrows. 1 word. Arrows.
I haven't had the other but I' ve had arrows.
V-1.

JLazyL

Sensetivity aside, the V1 has arrows and a bogey counter.

I think the V1 is better, but the arrows really make the V1 far better.

gonzo · 08-17-2007, 04:55 PM

V1. I never leave home with out it.

wesley_willis · 08-17-2007, 05:03 PM

i've had both an x50 and v1. imo, the arrows and dual antennas of the v1 are worth the extra cash. also heres a tip.. if you call valentine and ask for a refurbished unit, you can get it for $350. im pretty sure it comes with the same warranty and everything. personally i went for a brand new one but its just another option for you.

Spazdoc · 08-19-2007, 08:57 AM

People diss the arrows, but don't forget the uncommon practice of having two police cars checking for radar. This happened in Illinois pretty often. Also, in MA, you can see police on the side of the turnpike with out radar, and then an unmakred car on the road checking speed.

As for the cheap units, my brother did that for a year with a few units. Only gave him a false sense of security, along with relatively poor detection range and excessive false alarms. He got 5 tickets in a year. With the V1, none.

Carnage · 08-19-2007, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

V1. I never leave home with out it.

+1000....best "mod" money I spent this year was buying a V1.

"07"BobbyBimmer · 08-19-2007, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbtran

Who cares about arrows? If you hear your radar beep first reaction is to slow down. Who cares what direction its coming from. To avoid the ticket just slow down. I've had a V1, X50, and now the Escort 9500i. The 9500i is by far the best one i've had. My cop buddy helped me test them and the 9500i alerted first when it was shot from a pretty far distance.

Who cares about the arrows, anyone with half a brain!! Last year I was running a road in Oregon along with a guy in a porsche we both had detectors, mine was a V1 and I dont know what his was except I know it wasnt a V1. We were doing about 120mph and I was leading at the time. All of a sudden my V1 goes off and the arrows are pointing forward and the indicator was telling me 2 bogeys. I backed down to 60 and after a bit a highway patrol comes at us and goes by. My V1 tells me with the arrows that their are still 2 bogeys, 1 front & 1 back but the arrow for the front one is flashing warning me that this is the greater threat. The porsche cant understand why I'm not getting on it again because whatever unit he's using is just making noise and he fiqures its the one that went by us in the other direction. So he comes around me hauling ass and I waved at him to try to warn him to slow down, but he just blew by me. A half mile down the road hiding off the shoulder was the other one who was pulling out to go nail the porsche. You can get what you want and escorts are very good, but for my money and I'm a traveling sales manager & rep who does 2500-3000miles per month, I will always go with the V1, the arrows that you knock have saved my ass numerous times

Joe Bimmer · 08-19-2007, 06:51 PM

Once you have the arrows, you'll never know how you lived without them. It's like high-speed internet versus dial-up; both work, but one works THAT much better.

I disabled the X band on my V1, and use the "L" mode. My unit rarely falses, and is almost 10 years old and going strong with no software updates or issues.

Kruz · 08-19-2007, 08:26 PM

Great example Bobby.

From the comparisons to date on the X50 vs the V1 I cannot tell a sensitivity or range difference.

Ive got a few weeks left before the 30 day trial window expires on the V1 but most likely I will keep it and install the X50 in the Tahoe.

theDude · 08-19-2007, 10:20 PM

I know that the V1 is a popular detector (based on this forum alone), but I'm surprised no one mentioned using the Bel STi Driver

I've been researching detectors and the STi does better than the V1 in everything but laser detection. My friend has one and swears by it...if I ever get a detector, it'll probably be my choice since I live in VA and it is undetectable.

"07"BobbyBimmer · 08-19-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDude

I know that the V1 is a popular detector (based on this forum alone), but I'm surprised no one mentioned using the Bel STi Driver

I've been researching detectors and the STi does better than the V1 in everything but laser detection. My friend has one and swears by it...if I ever get a detector, it'll probably be my choice since I live in VA and it is undetectable.

The V1 is undetectable also

Das M · 08-20-2007, 08:06 AM

V1

this is one of the big reasons why too: http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades/

TheDuke83 · 08-20-2007, 07:44 PM

V1 :rocks:

RaDaRkInG · 08-21-2007, 01:22 PM

Valentine One for the win!!

http://guysoflidar.com/march-2007/ra...ctor-test.html

http://guysoflidar.com/july-2007/off...ctor-test.html

There are big problems with the new Escort 9500i and the majority of people are returning them because of less range than the Valentine One and the 8500X50.

They are locking out signals from door openers and the 9500i is not alerting to cops that shoot radar in that area. Owners of the 9500i are also complaining that signals that they lock out are not staying locked out from the day before. They also say that their Sirius/XM radio is cutting out because of the 9500i and its GPS function.

http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23027
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23178
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23183
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23036
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22800
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtop...torder=asc&sta rt=0
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22824
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22762

http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22803

Are you satisfied with your 9500i or returning it?Satisfied with 38% [ 21 ]Returning 61% [ 34 ]Total Votes : 55

captainaudio · 08-29-2007, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335Transformer

I know nothing about radar detectors. Can anyone tell me the best? Also is it legal in North Carolina?

I had an Escort SR7 (Radar detectore + Laser Jammer) installed Saturday and I am driving with both the Escort and a V1 for the time being. So far they both seem to go off at about the same time. I will compare them for a few weeks and then post my comments.

dpeterson · 08-29-2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDude

I know that the V1 is a popular detector (based on this forum alone), but I'm surprised no one mentioned using the Bel STi Driver

I've been researching detectors and the STi does better than the V1 in everything but laser detection. My friend has one and swears by it...if I ever get a detector, it'll probably be my choice since I live in VA and it is undetectable.

escort owns bel now fyi.. so i'd be they are all similar in function etc...

dave

theDude · 08-30-2007, 10:19 PM

Shows the V1 being detected by Spectre III (RDD):
http://www.radarbusters.com/2007allb...ionarticle.cfm

I don't know how many cruisers have this system in VA, but I'd rather not find out. Most of the other tests I've found have the STI performing better in Radar tests and worse in Laser. And if you get a Laser alert you have a ticket, since there is no advanced warning, like with radar.

Shown here:
http://www.speedzones.com/laser-detection.html

I do like the arrows/upgrade of the V1 however...

Here are some other reviews/tests for those interested.

http://www.007radardetectors.com/tests.htm

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=100542

08-17-2007, 09:05 AM	#23
bimmerFUD Free Your Heel 12 Rep 309 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 335xi Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Jemez Mountains iTrader: (0)	I've got the V1 and love it. Kruz, nice comparison! __________________ 2007 E90 335xi \|\| Sparkling Graphite \|\| Terra \|\| Burl \|\| 6MT \|\| Premium \|\| Sport \|\| Cold Weather \|\| Sirius \|\| Comfort Access ED May 2007 Report
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08-17-2007, 10:32 AM	#25
phantom330 Captain 20 Rep 892 Posts Drives: e93 335i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OH iTrader: (0)	I had the 8500 and recently sold it and got the V1. My thoughts are the arrows really are nice, they really do help you out. I thought that it really wouldn't matter anyways, but until you have them you really don't understand. The V1 tends to false a little more than the 8500 did, however. All in all I'd take the V1 over the 8500. I've never tried to 9500 so I can't really comment on that, but if I was in the market for one now I'd go with the V1 hands down.
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08-17-2007, 10:42 AM	#26
Hunter399 Major General 340 Rep 8,088 Posts Drives: F90M5 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (33)	Valentine 1 or K40 if you want something hidden
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08-17-2007, 03:53 PM	#27
tjnptel1 Cunning Linguist 159 Rep 2,219 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Norfolk, VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	be careful with the 9500, it has that feature that allows you block out unwanted alarms (false alarms) however, it blocks out that whole frequency. So if there is a real threat with that same frequency at the same location, it won't be detected because it was blocked out. __________________ Bottles are for babies, Real men get blown.
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08-17-2007, 04:10 PM	#28
RaptorKTM Colonel 253 Rep 2,366 Posts Drives: 1 M Coupe Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 1 M [0.00]	just get the valentine and if your in cali shut off K Band and X band.
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08-17-2007, 04:55 PM	#30
gonzo Lieutenant General 10355 Rep 14,249 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	V1. I never leave home with out it. __________________ Crazy Diamond
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08-17-2007, 05:03 PM	#31
wesley_willis Private First Class 4 Rep 137 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: TX iTrader: (1)	i've had both an x50 and v1. imo, the arrows and dual antennas of the v1 are worth the extra cash. also heres a tip.. if you call valentine and ask for a refurbished unit, you can get it for $350. im pretty sure it comes with the same warranty and everything. personally i went for a brand new one but its just another option for you. __________________ 2008 335i Coupe, Monaco Blue and Saddle Brown/Gray Poplar ZPP, ZSP, HD Radio, CA, iPod+USB Production Completed Oct. 16th; Left for the US on the 23rd of Oct. via INTEGRITY; Delivery 11/16
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08-19-2007, 08:57 AM	#32
Spazdoc Major 44 Rep 1,219 Posts Drives: 2020 C63S, 2001 S4 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Earth iTrader: (9) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	People diss the arrows, but don't forget the uncommon practice of having two police cars checking for radar. This happened in Illinois pretty often. Also, in MA, you can see police on the side of the turnpike with out radar, and then an unmakred car on the road checking speed. As for the cheap units, my brother did that for a year with a few units. Only gave him a false sense of security, along with relatively poor detection range and excessive false alarms. He got 5 tickets in a year. With the V1, none.
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08-19-2007, 06:51 PM	#35
Joe Bimmer Lieutenant 14 Rep 548 Posts Drives: Alpine White 2015 X5 x35i Join Date: May 2006 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Once you have the arrows, you'll never know how you lived without them. It's like high-speed internet versus dial-up; both work, but one works THAT much better. I disabled the X band on my V1, and use the "L" mode. My unit rarely falses, and is almost 10 years old and going strong with no software updates or issues.
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08-19-2007, 08:26 PM	#36
Kruz Major 22 Rep 1,083 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (4) Garage List My garage spot [0.00] 07/07 BMW 335xi [8.50] 2001 Honda CBR600F4i [0.00] 2007 Husqvarna SM610 [0.00] 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 [0.00] 2005 Harley Davidso ... [0.00] 2007.9 335xi [6.50]	Great example Bobby. From the comparisons to date on the X50 vs the V1 I cannot tell a sensitivity or range difference. Ive got a few weeks left before the 30 day trial window expires on the V1 but most likely I will keep it and install the X50 in the Tahoe. __________________ 2021 BMW M2 Competition, BSM, Exec Pkg, 6MT GONE:07/07 E90 335xi SG Black Dakota\|Alum\|ZSP\|2AB\|ZPP\|ZCW\|Nav\|CA\|6FL\|PDC\| Blacklines\|3M Summers: 235/40/18 265/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 on VMR 701s A/S: 225/40/18 255/35/18 Pirelli PZero Nero M+S on OEM 162s
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08-19-2007, 10:20 PM	#37
theDude First Lieutenant 9 Rep 331 Posts Drives: '08 E92 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Virginia Beach iTrader: (0)	I know that the V1 is a popular detector (based on this forum alone), but I'm surprised no one mentioned using the Bel STi Driver I've been researching detectors and the STi does better than the V1 in everything but laser detection. My friend has one and swears by it...if I ever get a detector, it'll probably be my choice since I live in VA and it is undetectable.
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08-20-2007, 08:06 AM	#39
Das M Colonel 76 Rep 2,382 Posts Drives: YMB F80 ///M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NoVA iTrader: (3)	V1 this is one of the big reasons why too: http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades/ __________________ 2016 F80 ///M3 [YMB / Black Full Merino / Carbon Fiber Trim / DCT / Everything] I picked DCT because I want to be more involved in my un-involvement.
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08-20-2007, 07:44 PM	#40
TheDuke83 Gator 24 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 2016 MW M3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (1)	V1 :rocks:
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08-21-2007, 01:22 PM	#41
RaDaRkInG Private First Class 1 Rep 120 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Here iTrader: (0)	Valentine One for the win!! http://guysoflidar.com/march-2007/ra...ctor-test.html http://guysoflidar.com/july-2007/off...ctor-test.html There are big problems with the new Escort 9500i and the majority of people are returning them because of less range than the Valentine One and the 8500X50. They are locking out signals from door openers and the 9500i is not alerting to cops that shoot radar in that area. Owners of the 9500i are also complaining that signals that they lock out are not staying locked out from the day before. They also say that their Sirius/XM radio is cutting out because of the 9500i and its GPS function. http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23027 http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23178 http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23183 http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=23036 http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22800 http://www.radardetector.net/viewtop...torder=asc&sta rt=0 http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22824 http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22762 http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=22803 Are you satisfied with your 9500i or returning it?Satisfied with 38% [ 21 ]Returning 61% [ 34 ]Total Votes : 55
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08-30-2007, 10:19 PM	#44
theDude First Lieutenant 9 Rep 331 Posts Drives: '08 E92 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Virginia Beach iTrader: (0)	Well... Shows the V1 being detected by Spectre III (RDD): http://www.radarbusters.com/2007allb...ionarticle.cfm I don't know how many cruisers have this system in VA, but I'd rather not find out. Most of the other tests I've found have the STI performing better in Radar tests and worse in Laser. And if you get a Laser alert you have a ticket, since there is no advanced warning, like with radar. Shown here: http://www.speedzones.com/laser-detection.html I do like the arrows/upgrade of the V1 however... Here are some other reviews/tests for those interested. http://www.007radardetectors.com/tests.htm http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=100542
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