R50/53 Valentine One 600 mile road trip report.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
>>I saw this recently on the M5 board and thought it was pretty interesting: http://store.stealth-one.com/ I suspect this would work with the MINI Nav?
>>
>>-Mark
Not yet... they are working on one for the MINI right now.
>>
>>-Mark
Not yet... they are working on one for the MINI right now.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 0
From: north seacoast ,Ma.USA
>>Just watch out for the instant on laser. If you get shot with that, the V1 nor any other radar detector can help you slow down in time.
>>
>>If you get hit with instant on, its probably game over. :smile:
double amen and a $305 speeding ticket to that.With instant on, the signal should be something like"BUSTED". The absolute best you can hope for with instant on,is a notification that the guy in front of you just got had.Mass state police is using this technology, if you're alone on the highways of Massachusetts, you'ld better be doing close to the speed limit.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
From: Geneva, Switzerland
V1 All the way...but if you want to see the best way to mount it (not the easiest) check out this guy
http://www.cooperspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190
He got the remote viewer and hooked that up...make sure you read the whole thing, or at least scan through all the pics or you'll miss things like
L
http://www.cooperspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190
He got the remote viewer and hooked that up...make sure you read the whole thing, or at least scan through all the pics or you'll miss things like
L
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
>>>>I think I'm going to get a load of hate for this one, but...
>>>>
>>>>Would any of you take a $400 a year insurance savings if the insurance company installed an 80 MPH speed limiter in your car?
>>>>
>>>>I sure would in a second.
>>
>>
>>Seeing as how some states have 75 mph limits on Freeways, and you'd get RAN OVER at 80, no frikkin' way.
Absolutely....
Especially just outside the city (metro actually) limits in Atlanta the speed limit jumps to 70mph.... drive ANY slower than this speed and you are placing yourself in a position of great risk. Hell, there are many parts IN the metro area (GA 400 comes to mind) where 75-ish would be considered the minimum "safe" speed to keep with traffic flow.
Not only that, but I look at it like this. I paid a great deal of money for my car. While there are very few instances where I'd want to drive much faster than 80, the fact that I CAN if I want to is very important... $400/year is what, $42-ish per month? No WAY I'd handicap my ride for that small of change.
Imagine being on the freeway, cruising at 75-80mph when some jackass in his Caddy Excessive decides to whip out his cell phone and start weaving in and out of the road. Since I wouldn't want to slow behind him (especially on a long road trip) I'd definitely want to take a brief trip into the 80-90mph range to pass and leave him to his own (dangerous) devices. If I paid $23,000 for a car and COULDN'T do that, I'd be very, very upset.
>>>>
>>>>Would any of you take a $400 a year insurance savings if the insurance company installed an 80 MPH speed limiter in your car?
>>>>
>>>>I sure would in a second.
>>
>>
>>Seeing as how some states have 75 mph limits on Freeways, and you'd get RAN OVER at 80, no frikkin' way.
Absolutely....
Especially just outside the city (metro actually) limits in Atlanta the speed limit jumps to 70mph.... drive ANY slower than this speed and you are placing yourself in a position of great risk. Hell, there are many parts IN the metro area (GA 400 comes to mind) where 75-ish would be considered the minimum "safe" speed to keep with traffic flow.
Not only that, but I look at it like this. I paid a great deal of money for my car. While there are very few instances where I'd want to drive much faster than 80, the fact that I CAN if I want to is very important... $400/year is what, $42-ish per month? No WAY I'd handicap my ride for that small of change.
Imagine being on the freeway, cruising at 75-80mph when some jackass in his Caddy Excessive decides to whip out his cell phone and start weaving in and out of the road. Since I wouldn't want to slow behind him (especially on a long road trip) I'd definitely want to take a brief trip into the 80-90mph range to pass and leave him to his own (dangerous) devices. If I paid $23,000 for a car and COULDN'T do that, I'd be very, very upset.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,859
Likes: 0
From: Plymouth, MN
I guess I think (in my opinion ONLY) that driving 80 - 90 MPH on the freeway in traffic like you describe is both illegal and not safe.
Your complaint about the Cadillac driver swerving and then your description of what you would do is exactly the same thing in my book.
Sorry, but it's still my opinion that if you did that, you would be putting other drivers in danger and you shouldn't act like that.
It's not a flame on you, but please don't act like that.
Your complaint about the Cadillac driver swerving and then your description of what you would do is exactly the same thing in my book.
Sorry, but it's still my opinion that if you did that, you would be putting other drivers in danger and you shouldn't act like that.
It's not a flame on you, but please don't act like that.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
>>I guess I think (in my opinion ONLY) that driving 80 - 90 MPH on the freeway in traffic like you describe is both illegal and not safe.
>>
>>Your complaint about the Cadillac driver swerving and then your description of what you would do is exactly the same thing in my book.
>>
>>Sorry, but it's still my opinion that if you did that, you would be putting other drivers in danger and you shouldn't act like that.
>>
>>It's not a flame on you, but please don't act like that.
I appreciate your comments, but you've obviously never driven on a highway where (and I'm not exaggerating) the AVERAGE speed is 80mph. When I was in highschool, I took a law enforcement training course. The teacher was an ex hwy patrol officer from the Atlanta area who told us, in all seriousness, that the AVERAGE (median) speed of drivers on Interstate 20 just outside the city was approximately 80mph.
I'm sorry, but if the rest of traffic is going AT LEAST 70mph then 80 is a very comfortable and stable speed in keeping with the flow of traffic.
If people in your area routinely drive around 55-65mph, I could see how you'd have a problem with 80.... but that simply isn't the case here. I never said the traffic during such situations was thick (we're talking barely outside the metro area), just that it was moving FAST. When traffic gets thick around here, it tends to produce a situation where it is simply impossible to drive more than 25mph, let alone 80.
And honestly, if I see a big *** vehicle swerving in and out of a lane, you better BELIEVE I want to get in front of him. What happens when he clips someone next to him and _I_ end up rear-ending the wreckage? To me, it is safer to drive a little faster for ~5 seconds and pass him, rather than risk being behind him when he does something stupid.
Out of curiosity Trippy, what area do you normally drive in? I'm just curious what traffic perspective you're coming from, so I can better understand your objections. It makes a BIG difference. I have friends from the city who think I drive too slow sometimes (or don't move past traffic enough).... where as I have friends from back home (out in the country a bit) who think I drive entirely too fast.
>>
>>Your complaint about the Cadillac driver swerving and then your description of what you would do is exactly the same thing in my book.
>>
>>Sorry, but it's still my opinion that if you did that, you would be putting other drivers in danger and you shouldn't act like that.
>>
>>It's not a flame on you, but please don't act like that.
I appreciate your comments, but you've obviously never driven on a highway where (and I'm not exaggerating) the AVERAGE speed is 80mph. When I was in highschool, I took a law enforcement training course. The teacher was an ex hwy patrol officer from the Atlanta area who told us, in all seriousness, that the AVERAGE (median) speed of drivers on Interstate 20 just outside the city was approximately 80mph.
I'm sorry, but if the rest of traffic is going AT LEAST 70mph then 80 is a very comfortable and stable speed in keeping with the flow of traffic.
If people in your area routinely drive around 55-65mph, I could see how you'd have a problem with 80.... but that simply isn't the case here. I never said the traffic during such situations was thick (we're talking barely outside the metro area), just that it was moving FAST. When traffic gets thick around here, it tends to produce a situation where it is simply impossible to drive more than 25mph, let alone 80.
And honestly, if I see a big *** vehicle swerving in and out of a lane, you better BELIEVE I want to get in front of him. What happens when he clips someone next to him and _I_ end up rear-ending the wreckage? To me, it is safer to drive a little faster for ~5 seconds and pass him, rather than risk being behind him when he does something stupid.
Out of curiosity Trippy, what area do you normally drive in? I'm just curious what traffic perspective you're coming from, so I can better understand your objections. It makes a BIG difference. I have friends from the city who think I drive too slow sometimes (or don't move past traffic enough).... where as I have friends from back home (out in the country a bit) who think I drive entirely too fast.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,859
Likes: 0
From: Plymouth, MN
I drive around the city where the speed limit is 55MPH and people drive up to 65 MPH but not much faster.
I've done the LA to SanDiego run and it's just not safe.
Did you know that over 40,000 people die every year in traffic accidents?
(Oh, I can't start a "faster is safer" thread.)
Over and out for me. This will not turn into a good discussion. Too much emotion and religion.
I've done the LA to SanDiego run and it's just not safe.
Did you know that over 40,000 people die every year in traffic accidents?
(Oh, I can't start a "faster is safer" thread.)
Over and out for me. This will not turn into a good discussion. Too much emotion and religion.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: Texas
There's quite a bit of debate about which is better - the V1 or the Passport 8500. They are both good units, but I personally don't think the V1 is worth the extra $$$. For those of you who say, "the V1 won blah, or blah", well, I call BS. It's about personal preferences more than anything, for one brand over another...
I think both Valentine and Escort have good marketing departments, if you catch my drift...
I think both Valentine and Escort have good marketing departments, if you catch my drift...
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 571
Likes: 4
'm in the radar det. market right now.. researching all options.
One of my main things about the V1 (though I still may get it) is it is so ugly. The passport seems to mesh so much better with any car.
The V1 looks like it was meant to be hidden.. yet must be in the open for line of sight!
One of my main things about the V1 (though I still may get it) is it is so ugly. The passport seems to mesh so much better with any car.
The V1 looks like it was meant to be hidden.. yet must be in the open for line of sight!
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
I agree that the V1 is very, very ugly :smile:
My hope is that someone will produce a unit that is as effective as the V1 but totally stealth (bumper mounted detectors and the like).... the trick is it would have to not cost a fortune (I've seen them up to and over $1,000). Anyone know of such a device that is reasonably priced?
As for the speeding thing I'll leave it at this... you proved my point Trippy by saying people in your area don't drive much over 65. That's simply not the case here, and therefore I can't expect you to understand; plain and simple. People in America have an unhealthy obsession with speed being the real traffic killer... out of those 40,000 accidents you mentioned I'd bet almost every single one was the result of someone either being a bad driver, or not paying attention (cell phone, etc.). Speed can aggravate those situations, but it surely doesn't CAUSE them. Preach about speed to the 100,000 idiots doing 90+ while on their cell phones that I see pass me every time I get out on the interstate here...... they are your endangerments to public safety.
My hope is that someone will produce a unit that is as effective as the V1 but totally stealth (bumper mounted detectors and the like).... the trick is it would have to not cost a fortune (I've seen them up to and over $1,000). Anyone know of such a device that is reasonably priced?
As for the speeding thing I'll leave it at this... you proved my point Trippy by saying people in your area don't drive much over 65. That's simply not the case here, and therefore I can't expect you to understand; plain and simple. People in America have an unhealthy obsession with speed being the real traffic killer... out of those 40,000 accidents you mentioned I'd bet almost every single one was the result of someone either being a bad driver, or not paying attention (cell phone, etc.). Speed can aggravate those situations, but it surely doesn't CAUSE them. Preach about speed to the 100,000 idiots doing 90+ while on their cell phones that I see pass me every time I get out on the interstate here...... they are your endangerments to public safety.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,859
Likes: 0
From: Plymouth, MN
Oh I'm going to regret this. Highway safety institute says:
That was a study showing increasing speedlimits and increasing highway deaths.
I know this is an emotional subject, and the thread is about a particular Radar detector, so I'm sorry for continuing this discussion longer than necessary.
I just needed to respond to JuanPacoLopez's "you proved my point" comment.
Back to the radar detector discussion.
(I will only reply if someone wants to continue the speed=safer or speed=deadlier discussion. I do NOT want to have this discussion in someone else's thread.)
Researchers compared the numbers of motor vehicle occupant deaths in 24 states that raised speed limits during late 1995 and 1996 with corresponding fatality counts in the 6 years before the speed limits were changed, as well as fatality counts from 7 states that didn't change speed limits. The Institute estimates a 15 percent increase in fatalities on interstates and freeways.
I know this is an emotional subject, and the thread is about a particular Radar detector, so I'm sorry for continuing this discussion longer than necessary.
I just needed to respond to JuanPacoLopez's "you proved my point" comment.
Back to the radar detector discussion.
(I will only reply if someone wants to continue the speed=safer or speed=deadlier discussion. I do NOT want to have this discussion in someone else's thread.)
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 571
Likes: 4
Not that I disagree Trippy (cause i do agree with you on this) - and feel free to PM me if you have a reply...
But, I notice no mention of the statistical signifigance of those numbers. I also do not read about any variables that were unable to be held constant and any regression analysis that was done to prove the insignifgance of them such as: weather for those years, alcohol/drug/crime statistics for those years.. etc.
I'd be interested to see the dataset they used for that (i checked in a few public statistic databases, could not find it)
Also, did I read it correctly that the data was 6 years compared to 2 years? While that does not outright void any statistical signifigance... it may be interesting to think that the speeding maybe more prevelant in the 2 years following a speed limit increase.. and may then settle down. That would be something you'd need a good 6 year post-increase dataset to do a time-series regression analysis on.
Numbers can prove anything...
If anyone has this dataset, or has access to it, I'd like to see it and convert it to Stata and mess around with it...
>>Oh I'm going to regret this. Highway safety institute says:
>>
>>
>>That was a study showing increasing speedlimits and increasing highway deaths.
>>
>>I know this is an emotional subject, and the thread is about a particular Radar detector, so I'm sorry for continuing this discussion longer than necessary.
>>
>>I just needed to respond to JuanPacoLopez's "you proved my point" comment.
>>
>>Back to the radar detector discussion.
>>
>>(I will only reply if someone wants to continue the speed=safer or speed=deadlier discussion. I do NOT want to have this discussion in someone else's thread.)
But, I notice no mention of the statistical signifigance of those numbers. I also do not read about any variables that were unable to be held constant and any regression analysis that was done to prove the insignifgance of them such as: weather for those years, alcohol/drug/crime statistics for those years.. etc.
I'd be interested to see the dataset they used for that (i checked in a few public statistic databases, could not find it)
Also, did I read it correctly that the data was 6 years compared to 2 years? While that does not outright void any statistical signifigance... it may be interesting to think that the speeding maybe more prevelant in the 2 years following a speed limit increase.. and may then settle down. That would be something you'd need a good 6 year post-increase dataset to do a time-series regression analysis on.
Numbers can prove anything...
If anyone has this dataset, or has access to it, I'd like to see it and convert it to Stata and mess around with it...
>>Oh I'm going to regret this. Highway safety institute says:
>>
Researchers compared the numbers of motor vehicle occupant deaths in 24 states that raised speed limits during late 1995 and 1996 with corresponding fatality counts in the 6 years before the speed limits were changed, as well as fatality counts from 7 states that didn't change speed limits. The Institute estimates a 15 percent increase in fatalities on interstates and freeways.
>>That was a study showing increasing speedlimits and increasing highway deaths.
>>
>>I know this is an emotional subject, and the thread is about a particular Radar detector, so I'm sorry for continuing this discussion longer than necessary.
>>
>>I just needed to respond to JuanPacoLopez's "you proved my point" comment.
>>
>>Back to the radar detector discussion.
>>
>>(I will only reply if someone wants to continue the speed=safer or speed=deadlier discussion. I do NOT want to have this discussion in someone else's thread.)
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
I started a new thread (which has been moved to Off Topic: Autos) about the speed debate, if anyone is interested.
Back to your regularly scheduled radar detector programming....
How much better is say (a V1) compared to el-cheapo $100 Best Buy job? Does it really make enough of a difference to justify the 4x price increase? I'm looking to get something going myself in the near future... and I'd like some firsthand experience as to what makes the V1 worth the (outrageous?) price tag.
Back to your regularly scheduled radar detector programming....
How much better is say (a V1) compared to el-cheapo $100 Best Buy job? Does it really make enough of a difference to justify the 4x price increase? I'm looking to get something going myself in the near future... and I'd like some firsthand experience as to what makes the V1 worth the (outrageous?) price tag.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: West LA
I have a V1.. I bought it after reading reviews here, on m5board.com, on roadfly, and various other automotive forums, as well as having a coworker show me how his works. IMHO, what the V1 has over other radar detectors is;
a)directional lights, which show you which way radar is coming from. It's patented, so that's why no other radar detector has that.
b)bogey counter, which counts how many radar signals the detector finds.. Good to know when you're travelling your usual route, and pick up one extra signal that's never been there before.
c)upgradeability. Firmware upgrade for the lifetime of the V1. I haven't used this yet since I got my V1 in the past three months though.
It's up to you to decide if it's worth the $400 price tag. For me, for sure... It keeps me aware of my surroundings, and always looking, which is a plus in todays traffic congested freeways. It's not going to go off at unmarked police cars that you pass, but it'll keep you aware of your surroundings a bit more.
a)directional lights, which show you which way radar is coming from. It's patented, so that's why no other radar detector has that.
b)bogey counter, which counts how many radar signals the detector finds.. Good to know when you're travelling your usual route, and pick up one extra signal that's never been there before.
c)upgradeability. Firmware upgrade for the lifetime of the V1. I haven't used this yet since I got my V1 in the past three months though.
It's up to you to decide if it's worth the $400 price tag. For me, for sure... It keeps me aware of my surroundings, and always looking, which is a plus in todays traffic congested freeways. It's not going to go off at unmarked police cars that you pass, but it'll keep you aware of your surroundings a bit more.
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 861
Likes: 100
From: Houston, TX
>>V1 All the way...but if you want to see the best way to mount it (not the easiest) check out this guy
>>
>>http://www.cooperspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190
>>
>>He got the remote viewer and hooked that up...make sure you read the whole thing, or at least scan through all the pics or you'll miss things like
Yup, that's me. :smile:
Unfortunately the other forum won't let you cross-post pics for bandwidth reasons, but click the link to check it out.
It wasn't all that hard and is very clean looking. Everyone thinks it looks factory. :smile:
I love my V1 and woul recommend it to anybody.
http://www.cooperspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190
>>
>>http://www.cooperspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190
>>
>>He got the remote viewer and hooked that up...make sure you read the whole thing, or at least scan through all the pics or you'll miss things like
Yup, that's me. :smile:
Unfortunately the other forum won't let you cross-post pics for bandwidth reasons, but click the link to check it out.
It wasn't all that hard and is very clean looking. Everyone thinks it looks factory. :smile:
I love my V1 and woul recommend it to anybody.
http://www.cooperspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190
Can't say that I've compared the cheapo back to back with the V1, but there are independent tests at Car and Driver and Road & Track (and probably others) to give a relative value to the products.
Reality is, if the better product stops you from getting one ticket, it's paid for itself. If you get the cheaper one, get a ticket, then get the better one, how much have you saved? :smile:
Reality is, if the better product stops you from getting one ticket, it's paid for itself. If you get the cheaper one, get a ticket, then get the better one, how much have you saved? :smile:
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I think I am going to go with the Passport 8500 X50, it doesn't have the arrows- but with the improved quality or detection over the previous 8500- I think it's on par with the V1... Plus it can be had for about $260 on E-Bay, vs. $400...
In the city, tho, I find that with so many threats- I just take it down and watch for cops "manually" :smile: On the highway, tho, it is nice to have for a long trip...
RE: the anti-speed fetish. FYI, car owners in Germany- the aggregate highway deaths (ok FINE- motorway
In the city, tho, I find that with so many threats- I just take it down and watch for cops "manually" :smile: On the highway, tho, it is nice to have for a long trip...
RE: the anti-speed fetish. FYI, car owners in Germany- the aggregate highway deaths (ok FINE- motorway
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Woodbury, CT
I've driven around the country with the Escort/Passport products and more recently have used the Valentine in my everyday vehicle. I still have the Passport in my Suburban. Once you are accustomed to using the arrows to locate the source of the signal, it is very hard to go back to the Passport. Both are close on sensitivity and range, but the arrows make the Valentine worth it. As others have stated, you have to sort out false signals, learn to interpet the detector info, and use common sense. Also, if you get a laser reading, you must act immediately. If an officer properly sets up for instant-on laser, chances are you're screwed. Fortunately, in the Northeast this is rare.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 760
Likes: 0
From: Back IN Chicopee
Laser may becoming popular but I rely on the laziness of the tax men, er police officers. Laser involves work on the officers part, so unless you have a extremely motivated force I doubt you will see it every day.
With that said, I will be getting the K40 laser blinder device. If a laser can't see it can't read.
Paul
With that said, I will be getting the K40 laser blinder device. If a laser can't see it can't read.
Paul
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 0
One of the best features I like about my V1, is the max filter mode. I had a Passport some years back and the thing was going off all the time. The V1 on max filter is real quiet. If it goes off....its a very good chance that the tax man is out there some where.
The arrows is what sold it for me. Its nice to know when the man is behind you, and the V1 lets you know. Plus the side arrows lets you know when its probably junk alerts. The man can't get you from the side with radar. Either front or back but not the side
The arrows is what sold it for me. Its nice to know when the man is behind you, and the V1 lets you know. Plus the side arrows lets you know when its probably junk alerts. The man can't get you from the side with radar. Either front or back but not the side
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ECSTuning
Vendor Announcements
0
Aug 12, 2015 01:24 PM