[Z06] Good Laser/Radar detector?
02-15-2011, 03:21 PM
#81
It wasn't directed at you, but if the shoe fits...Now back to the V1 has more false alerts then a bank full of a million cockroaches, but it works fantastic and I love it thread.
My two cents are obviously in...
02-15-2011, 05:36 PM
#82
Burning Brakes
I am a Valentine One guy. Excellent product and service.
02-15-2011, 07:52 PM
#83
So why don't you enlighten me? Is there something more to configure other then L mode? Maybe I missed it?
It's not that the V1 doesn't alert you...heck it alerts you to a dog peeing on the grass a mile away no problem. I just want it to alert me of REAL oncoming threats. Not the myriad of non-threats. My Escort did all this just fine out of the box.....until of course it went on the fritz. Then the Wal-Mart super detector was purchased for me as a Christmas gift, and voila! the ensuing video game from my mirror started.
It's not that the V1 doesn't alert you...heck it alerts you to a dog peeing on the grass a mile away no problem. I just want it to alert me of REAL oncoming threats. Not the myriad of non-threats. My Escort did all this just fine out of the box.....until of course it went on the fritz. Then the Wal-Mart super detector was purchased for me as a Christmas gift, and voila! the ensuing video game from my mirror started.
The V1 can be programmed to shut off bands that aren't used in your area (like X which is not used by LEO's where I live), and it has options to auto-mute/delay K band readings with override thresholds based on strength & time. You can also mute rear K band, and change speed of response to KA. Since X and K are the 2 sources of most false alarms, that helps drastically for most people.
Mine doesn't false very often, and when it does that's what the remote mute button is for.
02-16-2011, 09:30 AM
#86
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I didn't read the whole thread so I apologize if I repeat a few things.
I have the Escort 8500 x50 (the model before the 9500) and it works great. It has saved my life too many times to count. It literally saves me on a daily bases. I'm not saying I double the speed limit and drive like a jack wagon everywhere but I do tend to do the usual 5 to 10 over the speed limit which is more then enough to get you in trouble where I live (Plano).
It works well on the highway and has picked up laser from it bouncing off other cars in front. It gives quite a bit of warning also. I've had time to slow down every time except for once. This was my fault and not the fact that the radar didn't warn me fast enough.
I've never used the V1 but everyone I've talked to has loved it. I like the arrows and that fact that it gives multiple signal warnings. People say it has better range then the 8500 or 9500 for that matter. While the arrows are nice to have I don't think there absolutely necessary. When my radar goes off I hit the brakes I don't have to know where its coming from.
All in all I think the best radar detectors on the market now are the Escort and V1. I hear good things about the Beltroniks too, (apparently there made by Escort). Pick any of these and you should be in good shape.
I have the Escort 8500 x50 (the model before the 9500) and it works great. It has saved my life too many times to count. It literally saves me on a daily bases. I'm not saying I double the speed limit and drive like a jack wagon everywhere but I do tend to do the usual 5 to 10 over the speed limit which is more then enough to get you in trouble where I live (Plano).
It works well on the highway and has picked up laser from it bouncing off other cars in front. It gives quite a bit of warning also. I've had time to slow down every time except for once. This was my fault and not the fact that the radar didn't warn me fast enough.
I've never used the V1 but everyone I've talked to has loved it. I like the arrows and that fact that it gives multiple signal warnings. People say it has better range then the 8500 or 9500 for that matter. While the arrows are nice to have I don't think there absolutely necessary. When my radar goes off I hit the brakes I don't have to know where its coming from.
All in all I think the best radar detectors on the market now are the Escort and V1. I hear good things about the Beltroniks too, (apparently there made by Escort). Pick any of these and you should be in good shape.
02-16-2011, 12:22 PM
#87
Instructor
You might want to take a look at this if you are considering a laser jammer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sEWV...mbedded#at=568
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sEWV...mbedded#at=568
Last edited by M1Cruiser; 02-16-2011 at 12:39 PM.
02-16-2011, 01:58 PM
#88
Pro
Have used radar detectors for well over 20 years. First a Passport by Escort. Switched to Valentine One when they came out. Have run with them for many, many years. No tickets. MANY saves.
Decided to try a new Escort 9500ix end of 2010 in new C6Z06. Returned it in less than 30 days. Why?
1. It's too quiet! I ran my V1 side by side and 9500 MISSED or was too weak on too many actual hits confirmed with visual sitings of LEOs that the V1 was telling me was there all along!
2. The GPS muting alarms after 3 learn feature sounds good...until you realize that a speed trap can exist in that location and then you are hosed.
3. The V1 ARROWS make all the difference! In any encounter it's all about early warning and then see & avoid. Knowing where to look makes all the difference.
4. Escort 9500ix was supposed to tell me about stop light & laser fixed cameras right? I went to known locations and achieved only a 50% alert success rate. That doesn't get it for me!
Returned the Escort and never looked back...bought a NEWEST V1 and happy as ever. Learn to use the logic mode, it's amazingly false alarm free. And when it does alert on KA or K band, I want to make the decision it's bogus, not some programmed software in the box.
Decided to try a new Escort 9500ix end of 2010 in new C6Z06. Returned it in less than 30 days. Why?
1. It's too quiet! I ran my V1 side by side and 9500 MISSED or was too weak on too many actual hits confirmed with visual sitings of LEOs that the V1 was telling me was there all along!
2. The GPS muting alarms after 3 learn feature sounds good...until you realize that a speed trap can exist in that location and then you are hosed.
3. The V1 ARROWS make all the difference! In any encounter it's all about early warning and then see & avoid. Knowing where to look makes all the difference.
4. Escort 9500ix was supposed to tell me about stop light & laser fixed cameras right? I went to known locations and achieved only a 50% alert success rate. That doesn't get it for me!
Returned the Escort and never looked back...bought a NEWEST V1 and happy as ever. Learn to use the logic mode, it's amazingly false alarm free. And when it does alert on KA or K band, I want to make the decision it's bogus, not some programmed software in the box.
02-16-2011, 03:03 PM
#90
Racer
Member Since: Oct 2010
Location: Fairfield California
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I did my own personal review of the V1 vs the X50. I now own a 9500IX GPS based detector. It owns! Here is my old review:
Well, i picked up a valentine one(v1.7) from a nice lady off craigslist for $20. Yep twenny bucks. Apparently her husband passed away and she was ridding of his things.
I already had the 8500 X50, and people were comparing the two here so i thought ide throw them both up on the window and review at the same time.
Valentine One:
I like the features of the V1 that other radar detectors dont offer. Such as the directional arrows and the ability to add on stealthy displays. It was a bit annoying at times because it picks up EVERYTHING, and lets you know it picked up everything because it throws up a number for how many signals it is detecting. Cool, but yet annoying at the same time.
Pros:
-Extreme detection range - This thing was picking up signals way before the X50
-Directional signal notification. Awesome feature.
-Accessory add ons for going stealth. Great for when i go on base, because they make you take them down.
-Signal Counting.
-Signal Strength Control Dial.
-Great suction cup/mounting design. Holds like a champ and is easily removed/installed.
Cons:
-The display is hard to tell which signal it is reading(X, K, KA, Laser), due to the fact that they are lined up on top of each other, and it doesn't illuminate the actual signal being detected. It just lights an LED next to the printed display.
-The volume is a bit weak compared to the X50.
-It lacks the ability to silence it at the driver level. Such as having a silence button at the plug like the X50 has.
-Picks up even false signals and displays it in the count.
-Comes with a phone cord as a means for connecting to the plug and isnt springy
Passport 8500 X50
I bought this for $350 plus tax when they started posting the Camera Vans in Tucson. This thing has saved my *** numerous times. I like it for its bright LED display and has great laser detection(Found out the hard way). It has great volume and has a silence button on the plug, which for me is right at my fingertips. The design also makes it fit perfectly in the little cubby right below the HVAC controls. The X50 seems to pick up less of the false alarms, and has definitely never failed me on the real signals. I cannot comment on the range compared to the V1, because i dont know if its simply not throwing up the warning because it is a false. All in all a very good Radar Detector.
Pros:
-City/Hwy/Auto feature
-Bright LED that actually displays in big letters what signal it is detecting
-Spring type cord
-Excellent volume
-Silence button
-Multitude of menu options that include auto silence and boot modes.
Cons:
-Mounting design sucks. This thing has fallen off my window too many times. I had to buy "aftermarket" suction cups.
-Lacks directional warning that the V1 has.
-A new signal will trump a previous signal. But i am pretty sure a signal like Laser/Ka will trump an X or K signal by design.
-Cannot be upgraded, you must buy a whole new model(such as the bad *** 9500ix GPS model).
-Does not provide a way to be stealthy.
All in all, ide say they are both very good devices. I find myself very distracted by the V1 and all its "Bogey" counting, i mean it never shuts up. But again, it wont fail you due to its massive range and directional detecting. The X50 has saved me so many times that it has paid for itself plenty. So either one of these are going to be a great buy.
I already had the 8500 X50, and people were comparing the two here so i thought ide throw them both up on the window and review at the same time.
Valentine One:
I like the features of the V1 that other radar detectors dont offer. Such as the directional arrows and the ability to add on stealthy displays. It was a bit annoying at times because it picks up EVERYTHING, and lets you know it picked up everything because it throws up a number for how many signals it is detecting. Cool, but yet annoying at the same time.
Pros:
-Extreme detection range - This thing was picking up signals way before the X50
-Directional signal notification. Awesome feature.
-Accessory add ons for going stealth. Great for when i go on base, because they make you take them down.
-Signal Counting.
-Signal Strength Control Dial.
-Great suction cup/mounting design. Holds like a champ and is easily removed/installed.
Cons:
-The display is hard to tell which signal it is reading(X, K, KA, Laser), due to the fact that they are lined up on top of each other, and it doesn't illuminate the actual signal being detected. It just lights an LED next to the printed display.
-The volume is a bit weak compared to the X50.
-It lacks the ability to silence it at the driver level. Such as having a silence button at the plug like the X50 has.
-Picks up even false signals and displays it in the count.
-Comes with a phone cord as a means for connecting to the plug and isnt springy
Passport 8500 X50
I bought this for $350 plus tax when they started posting the Camera Vans in Tucson. This thing has saved my *** numerous times. I like it for its bright LED display and has great laser detection(Found out the hard way). It has great volume and has a silence button on the plug, which for me is right at my fingertips. The design also makes it fit perfectly in the little cubby right below the HVAC controls. The X50 seems to pick up less of the false alarms, and has definitely never failed me on the real signals. I cannot comment on the range compared to the V1, because i dont know if its simply not throwing up the warning because it is a false. All in all a very good Radar Detector.
Pros:
-City/Hwy/Auto feature
-Bright LED that actually displays in big letters what signal it is detecting
-Spring type cord
-Excellent volume
-Silence button
-Multitude of menu options that include auto silence and boot modes.
Cons:
-Mounting design sucks. This thing has fallen off my window too many times. I had to buy "aftermarket" suction cups.
-Lacks directional warning that the V1 has.
-A new signal will trump a previous signal. But i am pretty sure a signal like Laser/Ka will trump an X or K signal by design.
-Cannot be upgraded, you must buy a whole new model(such as the bad *** 9500ix GPS model).
-Does not provide a way to be stealthy.
All in all, ide say they are both very good devices. I find myself very distracted by the V1 and all its "Bogey" counting, i mean it never shuts up. But again, it wont fail you due to its massive range and directional detecting. The X50 has saved me so many times that it has paid for itself plenty. So either one of these are going to be a great buy.
02-16-2011, 03:11 PM
#91
Racer
Member Since: Oct 2010
Location: Fairfield California
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Have used radar detectors for well over 20 years. First a Passport by Escort. Switched to Valentine One when they came out. Have run with them for many, many years. No tickets. MANY saves.
Decided to try a new Escort 9500ix end of 2010 in new C6Z06. Returned it in less than 30 days. Why?
1. It's too quiet! I ran my V1 side by side and 9500 MISSED or was too weak on too many actual hits confirmed with visual sitings of LEOs that the V1 was telling me was there all along!
2. The GPS muting alarms after 3 learn feature sounds good...until you realize that a speed trap can exist in that location and then you are hosed.
3. The V1 ARROWS make all the difference! In any encounter it's all about early warning and then see & avoid. Knowing where to look makes all the difference.
4. Escort 9500ix was supposed to tell me about stop light & laser fixed cameras right? I went to known locations and achieved only a 50% alert success rate. That doesn't get it for me!
Returned the Escort and never looked back...bought a NEWEST V1 and happy as ever. Learn to use the logic mode, it's amazingly false alarm free. And when it does alert on KA or K band, I want to make the decision it's bogus, not some programmed software in the box.
Decided to try a new Escort 9500ix end of 2010 in new C6Z06. Returned it in less than 30 days. Why?
1. It's too quiet! I ran my V1 side by side and 9500 MISSED or was too weak on too many actual hits confirmed with visual sitings of LEOs that the V1 was telling me was there all along!
2. The GPS muting alarms after 3 learn feature sounds good...until you realize that a speed trap can exist in that location and then you are hosed.
3. The V1 ARROWS make all the difference! In any encounter it's all about early warning and then see & avoid. Knowing where to look makes all the difference.
4. Escort 9500ix was supposed to tell me about stop light & laser fixed cameras right? I went to known locations and achieved only a 50% alert success rate. That doesn't get it for me!
Returned the Escort and never looked back...bought a NEWEST V1 and happy as ever. Learn to use the logic mode, it's amazingly false alarm free. And when it does alert on KA or K band, I want to make the decision it's bogus, not some programmed software in the box.
2. You can disable this feature.
3. TBH, my reaction time trumps the arrows. If i hear a signal KA/KU/K or Laser, im already on the brakes before i even glance at the detector, no matter the manufacturer.
4. Was your software up to date? Also, you can mark locations and it will permanently keep them stored and will alert you if you pass there again. This was great for when i lived in AZ, where it was speed camera central.
Not bashing the V1, it is a great detector. Both have good pros and bad cons. Depends which you prefer i guess.
02-16-2011, 11:45 PM
#92
Instructor
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I have a Passport 9500 and the range on it is unbelievable! I can recall several times when I thought it was just a store alarm and then saw the cop miles later. The GPS-guided memorization of false alarms is also wonderful. After you drive once-twice down the same stretch of road the false K bands will be stored in the unit and ignored. Which means I don't have to slow down every five miles my radar makes a sound. Overall 100% satisfied and only wish it could pick up the cops that DONT have their radars on.
I don't see the point of a V1... You are paying hundreds for an outdated technology piece just because it shows you the direction! If you hear the radar chirp then naturally you will slow down. Who seriously looks in the direction it points to every time? And besides if the cop is to the side of you then its already too late to slow down and if he is behind you then you are driving too slow! The V1 arrows are just a marketing scheme to make you think like you somehow need these arrows to detect heat.
I don't see the point of a V1... You are paying hundreds for an outdated technology piece just because it shows you the direction! If you hear the radar chirp then naturally you will slow down. Who seriously looks in the direction it points to every time? And besides if the cop is to the side of you then its already too late to slow down and if he is behind you then you are driving too slow! The V1 arrows are just a marketing scheme to make you think like you somehow need these arrows to detect heat.
I have one in all 4 cars.
02-17-2011, 12:24 AM
#94
I have a Passport 9500 and the range on it is unbelievable! I can recall several times when I thought it was just a store alarm and then saw the cop miles later. The GPS-guided memorization of false alarms is also wonderful. After you drive once-twice down the same stretch of road the false K bands will be stored in the unit and ignored. Which means I don't have to slow down every five miles my radar makes a sound. Overall 100% satisfied and only wish it could pick up the cops that DONT have their radars on.
I don't see the point of a V1... You are paying hundreds for an outdated technology piece just because it shows you the direction! If you hear the radar chirp then naturally you will slow down. Who seriously looks in the direction it points to every time? And besides if the cop is to the side of you then its already too late to slow down and if he is behind you then you are driving too slow! The V1 arrows are just a marketing scheme to make you think like you somehow need these arrows to detect heat.
I don't see the point of a V1... You are paying hundreds for an outdated technology piece just because it shows you the direction! If you hear the radar chirp then naturally you will slow down. Who seriously looks in the direction it points to every time? And besides if the cop is to the side of you then its already too late to slow down and if he is behind you then you are driving too slow! The V1 arrows are just a marketing scheme to make you think like you somehow need these arrows to detect heat.
02-17-2011, 01:16 AM
#95
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If it had a GPS map and pinpointed the exact location of the source, then yes I would consider it as a benefit to increase my situational awareness. But it doesn't and telling me if he is behind me only means that the threat has been passed. I have gone on rides with friends who have the V1 and it did not feel like the Valentine would add benefit my driving habits in any way.
To me greater range detection is far more useful than four arrows
Last edited by Rusc6z06; 02-17-2011 at 01:18 AM.
02-17-2011, 10:07 AM
#96
Okay I imagined it, but I don't get how it is beneficial. If the cop is moving to the side of me I will see him because I am attentive when I am going above the speed limit ( theoretically in Mexico ), which even if he is he must have been in front of me and I am passing him (meaning I already saw him), or he just got on the highway (and I always look and slightly slow down near a shoulder entrance, saved myself from a ticket several times this way).
It's dark you can't see him.
Why would you speed up?
He pulled in a mile behind me. It's dark, he can't see me, and his radar can't pick me up. I just leave him while he cruises. In the event I get another bogey, my V1 will tell me about that one and where it is also.
If it had a GPS map and pinpointed the exact location of the source, then yes I would consider it as a benefit to increase my situational awareness. But it doesn't and telling me if he is behind me only means that the threat has been passed. I have gone on rides with friends who have the V1 and it did not feel like the Valentine would add benefit my driving habits in any way.
Moving radar will not show up on a GPS Map. Only fixed radar, which in most of the country is far less common.
He did not pass you, oops! He is pacing you. Now the rear arrow is lit up letting you know what's going on.
To me greater range detection is far more useful than four arrows
It's dark you can't see him.
Why would you speed up?
He pulled in a mile behind me. It's dark, he can't see me, and his radar can't pick me up. I just leave him while he cruises. In the event I get another bogey, my V1 will tell me about that one and where it is also.
If it had a GPS map and pinpointed the exact location of the source, then yes I would consider it as a benefit to increase my situational awareness. But it doesn't and telling me if he is behind me only means that the threat has been passed. I have gone on rides with friends who have the V1 and it did not feel like the Valentine would add benefit my driving habits in any way.
Moving radar will not show up on a GPS Map. Only fixed radar, which in most of the country is far less common.
He did not pass you, oops! He is pacing you. Now the rear arrow is lit up letting you know what's going on.
To me greater range detection is far more useful than four arrows
02-17-2011, 11:36 AM
#97
Racer
This debate is so old!
Me, I'm waiting for a detector that will interface with my GPS display. How cool would it be to see boggies on your very own "radar scope". Bandit at 1:00 two miles moving south at 68 mph would be an improvement. Dream on. Sensitivity is the real issue. I want to get an alert when "instant on" is used on a car a mile ahead of me.
The Valentine arrows are cool but not cool enough to trumph speed and red light camera detection. Add to that the ability to stop your local false alarms, I'd choose the new escort.
I'd buy one, however the database cannot be updated with my iMac. It can only be done with a PC. I'd get Boot Camp and run windows but that would add about $250 to the overpriced 9500.
My choice was and remains my Escort 8500 X50. I have never received a speeding ticked while protected. I've had many radar detectors from Escort/Passport/Cincinnati Microwave, including their first one back in the early eighties. All have worked well and never needed repair.
Both brands are a great self defense tool for on our roads. Don't leave home without one!
Me, I'm waiting for a detector that will interface with my GPS display. How cool would it be to see boggies on your very own "radar scope". Bandit at 1:00 two miles moving south at 68 mph would be an improvement. Dream on. Sensitivity is the real issue. I want to get an alert when "instant on" is used on a car a mile ahead of me.
The Valentine arrows are cool but not cool enough to trumph speed and red light camera detection. Add to that the ability to stop your local false alarms, I'd choose the new escort.
I'd buy one, however the database cannot be updated with my iMac. It can only be done with a PC. I'd get Boot Camp and run windows but that would add about $250 to the overpriced 9500.
My choice was and remains my Escort 8500 X50. I have never received a speeding ticked while protected. I've had many radar detectors from Escort/Passport/Cincinnati Microwave, including their first one back in the early eighties. All have worked well and never needed repair.
Both brands are a great self defense tool for on our roads. Don't leave home without one!
02-17-2011, 08:54 PM
#98
Okay I imagined it, but I don't get how it is beneficial. If the cop is moving to the side of me I will see him because I am attentive when I am going above the speed limit ( theoretically in Mexico ), which even if he is he must have been in front of me and I am passing him (meaning I already saw him), or he just got on the highway (and I always look and slightly slow down near a shoulder entrance, saved myself from a ticket several times this way).
BTW, my V1's consistently have greater range on the same road conditions & areas around my house than my Escort.
