Do any of you use a Radar Detector? How well do they work and are they worth getting one? Which are the best to consider? Thanks for the help.

 

I'm not an authority, but I've always heard great things about the Valentine 1.

 

Yes, I use a radar detector

they work well if you are still observant of the road ahead (and behind).

I have and would only use a Valentine 1

 

You order it directly from the manufacturer.

The unit never gets obsolete. When the cops get new technology, Valentine is quick to develop a counter measure. You send in your old unit and they upgrade your detector for about 50 bucks.

Other units are a distant second.

 

You need to do a search this issue has been discussed more times then I care to count. People have their favorites but in most of the discussions it always seems to be between the Valentine 1 and the Passport 8500.

I have used both and I prefer the Passport 8500.

 

K40 Undetectable. You're the only one who knows its there, not theives and cops.

 

I have a Passport 8500, saved me numerous times, even from laser
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Mmm, yea Valentine 1 is probably the best. It works well!
All you do is plug it in to the 12v plugin set it for city mode or whatever you need it for, and cruise out. And it'll beep whenever there is a cop close by, and it'll beep faster as they come closer (but slow down right away range isnt too far to wait )

 

Valentine 1 - saved me a bunch of times, except once in Texas - got hit with an instant on. The trooper came across the grass median like Smoke and the Bandits. He was happy, but nice enough to explain that there was no reciprocity between TX & CA. Paid my fine and did the speed limit.

 

Had a radar detector briefly years ago. Got a ticket from being clocked by a Bear in the air. Put the detector up and haven't gotten another ticket since. I figure that unless you really, really need to speed, the cop will probably stop one the people going even faster than you are.

 

I also endorse the V1 unconditionally. The Passport 8500 may be a bit cheaper and some tests have shown it to have longer range detection in some bands, but the detection range on the V1 is pretty much up there as well.

It has great Laser detection, however, that in general is not much protection for any Radar detector, as it usually confirms the fact that you are in fact nailed. Only active Laser Jammers like the Blinder system are any real use against Lidar (illegal in some states, and costly as heck).

To me, it's worth the added cost for the Directional Arrows and the fact that sending it in for an upgrade is far cheaper than buying a new V1. It's a solidly built unit with little signal leakage and has a nice magnesium case that shows it was made to last.

Dave

 

Laser and instant on makes all of them completely useless. They may save you here and there but I gurantee you will get more tickets using one.

 

I'd agree with that to a point, but laser can be detected in time if there are other cars around that the laser can scatter off of. haven't been hit with instant on though, so I'm not sure about that one.
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bambam, I'll take that bet!

Now if you said, "You'll get more tickets using one if you believe that it renders you invisible and you turn off your common sense when you turn it on..." that might be reasonable.
I don't even speed that much anymore, but it's nice to have a little warning. Of course, it's always safer to have a 'blocker' ahead of you.

V1 baby (but I've never seen/used a Passport 8500.)

 

I had 8500 and I'll be getting V1 next time I move out of Virginia..
Everytime the 8500 went off, I felt like a fool having to look around where the cop is.

 

That's what makes the V1 the best... their unique, extremely simple and extremely effective display. That, and the fact the things are way better designed than any of the others.

The majority of the reviews that show the Passport model as ahead of the V1 are done by this ONE guy (Craig Peterson) who is a paid consultant for Passport and other brands. Talk about bad journalism...

I live in Virginia and I own a V1. Do I use it? Not any more... in Virginia... but as soon as I cross that state line... :smile: I used to live in MD though, and that's when I bought it.

 

I have been very happy with my V1. The arrows, range and bogey counter are awesome. Also, the V1 is easily programmable so you can disable X band so the unit isn't chatty.

Matt

 

Driving from Los Angeles to Bend Oregon in less then 11hrs during Labor Day
weekend. My Valentine 1 went of a minimum of 14 times, some ahead, and some coming from behind; I always knew where the signals emanated from
with the indispensable arrow display.

Ps. I was the most popular car on the hwy when they realized I had a
radar detector


Peter
Team M7
562-608-8123

 

Just keep building your confidence in it then all of a sudden when you least expect it, BAM, you busted.

 

No offense, but that is nonsense with respect to radar, though probably true concerning laser. Many jurisdictions continue to use radar, and even with the "instant-on" versions, the nature of radar waves and the likelihood of a good detector picking up on the officer shooting at other cars within your detector's sensitivity range makes it worthwhile. I have a v-1 and it is particularly useful on long trips - I'm not sure that any radar detector is worth all the falsing that occurs (even if you disable the Kband) in urban areas with a lot of auto door openers, etc. V-1 arrows are useful, and as others have said the ability to upgrade is nice as well.

 

V1 all the way. I've had a variety of cheaper imitations over the years, had the V1 a couple of years now and I'm sold. Very long range, the directional arrows, and excellent support. Note to Jon K....lidar does not disperse over a target like radar waves. It is a very concentrated beam of light that stays about the same size until it hits something. It's very hard to detect, but fortunately also much harder for police to use. They must be stationary and aim the lidar gun at a "good" target. Your best bet against it is to be aware visually of potential traps.

 

Man, you just asked a religious question. You are NOT going to get an answer here except for people's personal preferences.

The only thing that probably can be said is that the consensus is between Passport and Valentine. Other than that, go read the reviews and reports on the Internet and make up your own mind.

Otherwise, this starts a religious war. ....

 

For the V1, what types of radar does it detect? LIDAR? The cops in my local town here now use LIDAR so my radar (Passport 7500) does not detect the LIDAR. Any thoughts? I guess the V1 gives the most coverage.

 

A radar detector is only ONE tool that a driver can use to prevent speeding tickets. I drive with my V1 all the time, but I am still constantly aware of my surroundings, always looking ahead for potential ambush spots.

For instance, on the interstate, I pay attention to overpasses, clumps of trees in the median and hills or curves where I cannot see what lies ahead. If there are no other cars in front of me, I am especially aware of potential ambush areas where an instant-on detector could lie ahead.

Basically, what I am saying is that you still have to use your head when you are using a detector.

 

V1...don't leave home without it I paid $399 for mine and worth every penny