so, with doing all the research and everything, i've narrowed down my choices to 2: either go with best-bang-for-the-buck Bel V965 (same as 995 but lacking unecessary features) or just go all the way for a Valentine One.

The added cost for the intermediary devices don't justify them, imho. the valentine one seems to be in its own category and may be worth consideration, if i can convince myself to spend $400 on a radar detector :impatient

I found the Bel 965 online for $185 shipped, so i think that's the best deal for me. (being only a casual speeder)

 

Just remember $400 for a V1

$150 for a ticket + any court fees + insuance(which will rise for years) +traffic school + local added fee for municipality can equaly equal > $400

 

I have the Bel 965.. there little differance between the V1 and the Bel. the test have proven that. AND so has my abbility to track KA band wheil driving

 

I have used many detectors, friends have had other detectors, etc. over the years. I have had my V1 for three years. The arrows and counter do help in the cop over the next hill scenario. It also help to detect a cop trailing from behind, catching up from behind, among other situations.

Some things I would like to see in the V1:

Voice Alert-my friend has had this in cheaper ($80) detectors and it is much nicer than trying to decipher the V1 chirp, especially at night when you are tired.

Better Display-if not voice alerts, make the display show the radar bands better aka instead of having a light for each band have the band itself light up or add another display box like the counter which shows the band.

I think those two things would make the V1 unbeatable. If you can do without the arrows and counter and will slow down every time you get a warning from the detector and not speed back up until it has passed, go for a cheaper unit. I think the Passport 8500 x50 is the next best because it has the same range and sensitivity as the V1.

The Laser detection portion on my V1 has been very strong, it actually has gone off without being hit directly. Many will argue that you need a laser jammer but I was satisfied with the detection the V1 provided. Of course the only scenario that doesn't cover is travelling on the open road without other cars, in which case you need to keep your eyes open and drive more conservatively.

 

I love my Valentine 1. I have had a variety of others and would not want any other radar detector but the V1.



Herbert

 

Radar detection... Valentine 1, absolutely 100%... although I haven't been using mine much since I moved to VA. Got busted in VA with it once when I was living in MD... and it was even turned off! But it was mounted, and the cop saw it. After he made me get out of my car, sat in the seat, and started asking questions about lights and switches in the car, I realized it wasn't worth the additional hassle. However, when I go on a roadtrip and I cross that VA border into MD, TN or any other state (except DC), it goes up!

 

Do NOT speed in VA ....and radar detectors are illegal there

They are the worst state for speeding in the East

 

You think I don't know that by now? I live here! Virginia is the "**** state" of traffic laws & enforcement, speeding in particular... classic example:

Any speed 20 mph or more over the limit qualifies as reckless driving...

BUT

Any speed over 80 mph ALSO qualifies as reckless driving...

So never mind the first rule, it doesn't even matter if you are doing 81 in a 65 (only 16 over), you still qualify to get a reckless driving ticket based solely on your speed. Doesn't matter if you are driving in a straight line (no lane changes) in extremely light traffic on a freshly paved road on a perfectly sunny, warm day.

 

i'm trying to figure out how i can pack my radar detector with me on the flight out to chicago without the airport security freaking out...

 

Should be no problem. I went through customs when traveling back and forth to Europe and across the states with my GPS and radar dectector in my carry-on. There was absolutely no problems on either end.

 

good to know, thanks!

 

drove from OR to the OC with my bel this past weekend... other driver relized I had it and watch me slow as the KA band went off... found the cop every time..

 

My Valentine saved my butt this weekend. Well worth it.

 

see.. they both work great,... its just really about the price u want to pay

 

I had my V1 AND my Ian Cull auto-up circuit in my carryon for my trip to VA. I thought SURE they'd at least NOTICE the PCB with a bunch of wires sticking out of it. Not a word...

 

V1 all the way! Saved my *** to many times to count. I saw some place where you can get the hidden V1 and put the display in the rear view mirror. Thats the way to go.

 

V1, I have had 2 for years, recently sent them in for upgrade, they are fantastic, my wife and I both use and rely on them on a daily basis in and out of the city. I've had others but the V1 is the best for us.

 

I used to be a V1 guy, but now I rock the Uniden R3. It is awesome. I have it hard-wired with mirrortap and mounted with blendmount. I am super happy with the results. It has saved me 3 times already.

 

I still have a V1, but with a brand new F60, thinking it is time for a new detector. I have decided it will be an R3. I have been considering best approach for mounting and hard wiring.

F60jcw, if you might be able to spare the time, I would love to see some photos of your mount with mirrortap and blendmount. I appreciate your help!

 

Sure, I should get my F60 back from the bodyshop this week. I'll post up some pics of the install then.

 

Many thanks! I will be eager to see the pics. I am a bit concerned about how to mount the R3 and not conflict with any of the electronics in and around the rear view mirror- light sensors, compass, garage door controls, video camera, etc. I am glad you have it figured out. Thanks again.

 

Ite was pretty simple, but a bit aggravating, but worked out in the end.