I've been bouncing back and forth between getting the Valentine 1 or Bel STi. Most of the posts I see say get this get that, but why? I'm guessing the V1 is detectable since I haven't read anything about it otherwise... I heard it was cased in magnesium like the STi though? I'm also guessing the range is pretty good on the STi. Since the sensitivity of the V1 seems so strong does that mean it can also be detected from further away?

V1
Directional arrows, can approximate where the threat is.
Bogey count.

Bel STi
Stealth, undetectable.
Save a few $$.

Bel rx65 (had considered)
Save more $$, but no arrows and no stealth

If I was a cop, and a *****, I'd consider using a radar detector detector to see when people with radar are nearby, since they might have radar for a reason But, I don't know the range on the detector detector's. Could they be used like that, or would you be way ahead of the game by the time they can detect you?

On the one hand, you know a little bit better about where THEY are (V1), but on the other hand they won't know where you are (STi). So the question then is... how useful are the arrows really, and how important is it to not be detected?

What does anyone else think?

 

It seems that having your radar detector detected is not a problem unless you're in the one state that has outlawed them.

 

get the v1. saved my a$$ many of times.

 

Virgina and Michigan were the only two states that I knew of that banned detectors. The military doesn't "like" them in use on their bases but in 15 years of driving around with mine I never had an MP say jack to me for using one.

 

V1 all the way!!

 

V1 FTW, I use mine in VA never had issues. Its wired in and mounted right under/behind the rear view mirror so you cant really see it...

 

Obviously, if you're a resident of VA (or your car is registered there), you better not be caught with a detector in your car. What's the rules for non-residents passing through VA? Does it just have to be turned off or must it be removed, out-of-sight, etc?

 

Last time I went through I just unplugged it. I didn't get pulled over though so I don't know if thats acceptable or not.

 

The Sti Driver was designed for Semi Trucks, because it is illegal for them to have them anywhere in the U.S. And since, for them time is money you can see how the StiDriver is very important. If you are in a position where it is legal to have a radar detector the STiDriver will do nothing for you.

 

That's about 1/3 accurate. +1 on Virginia, and +1 on the military. +0 on Michigan, however. The other ban you're thinking of is DC, I believe. I lived in Michigan for many years, 4 of which had a radar detector associated with them. Any time I got stopped, I always got the "You know, those things don't work." It was funny.

Consequently, it was always stopped for my tinted windows, not speeding.

 

if they are illegal where you are, the STi driver is the only option since Spectre will pick up any other RD's out there. If they are legal, it still seems to be a good option as well according to radar roy.

And believe me, there are cop cars with spectre out there patrolling areas where they are illegal. I used to have an escort 8500.... When I lost it, i was not even speeding... i just drove by the cop as he went in the opposite direction... next thing u know, he pulls a u-turn and pulls me over... did not ask if i had one... just told me to hand her over...

 

not quite... look north of the US boarder...and it all starts to make sense...

 

What about the thought that someone has a way to find you in states where radar is legal? It irks me a little thinking that someone will have a way to find me and know what I'm up to.

I guess that would be uncommon
And I guess the radar can be flipped off when you know someone's nearby.


A smart one might use it to see when you're coming, then turn on their radar or laser you. If it's capable of that...
Anyone know the Spectre range?

 

I'm glad Michigan has seen the light.

Back in the day when I was a custom car stereo installer I had a job to do a boat in Michigan just over the border. I drove my car to the house (mansion) where the guy's boat was. My car featured front and rear radar detectors - one in each window. The police came to the guys door and wanted to speak to me about my radar detectors. They had their gun lighting up both of my detectors - a Fuzzbuster in the back and a Fox in the front. The cops said that they would rather see me with a shotgun in my back window as there was only one reason to have a radar detector and that was to violate the speed laws. I told them I was from the south side of Chicago and there was only one reason to put a shotgun in the car and that was to kill someone.

... the owner of the house told the police that they were on private property and to carry their behinds off of it until they got a seach warrant. The guy was hugely wealthy. The neighbors to the left and right of him were the widow Daily and John Daily Jr. (now mayor) of Chicago.

 

Found some info on detector detector range...

Valentine 1 detected by Spectre 2, once at 150ft and once at 50ft.
Bel rx65 at 800ft and at 50?ft.
Bel STi undetected.

radar test videos

 

http://guysoflidar.com/faq.html#1

Are Radar Detectors Legal?

In the US, Radar detectors are legal for passenger vehicles in 49 states. Radar detectors are illegal in Virginia and Washington DC. Federal Law prohibits the use of radar detectors in all commercial vehicles over 10000 pounds. Radar detector use is also illegal on military bases.

In Canada, only Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick allow the use of radar detectors.


The Valentine One is still #1 according to the latest unbiased independent radar detector test.

http://guysoflidar.com/radar-detecto...ctor-test.html

 

+1

cops have tried to pull me over and right me a ticket without ever even hitting me with radar.
Nothing feels as good as making a smart *** powertrip cop look like a dumbass in front of people.

 

What you're referring to is called VG2 detection. V1 beats it. The only detection tech that can catch a V1 is the brand new Spectre RDD, but it isn't enforced in the US as yet. More info here:

http://www.valentine1.com/lab/Previously2.asp