View Poll Results: Which Radar to Get?
Escort Passport SRX with Laser Shifting Technology
7
4.49%
Escort Passport SR7 Custom-Installed Radar & Laser Detection
7
4.49%
Escort Solo S2 Cordless
14
8.97%
Escort Solo 8500
20
12.82%
Valentine One
108
69.23%
Voters: 156. You may not vote on this poll
Which Radar to Get?
06-14-2003, 08:17 PM
#41
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: CT
Posts: 990
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by qirex
well, I just took the plunge and got an escort 8500. Its an excellent unit. The V1 may have the arrows, but the 8500s expert meter is pretty helpful as well. It will show you the diff sources, the number and the relative strengths of the signals. Additionally, you can have it show the actual frequency....<snip>
well, I just took the plunge and got an escort 8500. Its an excellent unit. The V1 may have the arrows, but the 8500s expert meter is pretty helpful as well. It will show you the diff sources, the number and the relative strengths of the signals. Additionally, you can have it show the actual frequency....<snip>
Screw the arrows - if you're driving down a road, and they are behind or direct side, you're toast. If behind, "clocking" works just as well for the cop as a radar. Knowing the frequency is useful if you have the 'tude for such things; Ka band is a wide freq (relative to K or X) chance so it's nice to see the exact freq.
The MAIN deal here (in CT) is Ka-Band sensitivity w/o too many false positives. I live in the world of <500' snapshots with hold-button Ka - my only chance is a) another car is getting painted in front (arrows important?) or the very slim chance I get a 1-2 signal on my Bel and slow down before it ramps to 9. I've also used the 8500 - nice unit, less false positives around here.
KNOCK on wood - I have never gotten a speeding ticket. Really - no sh**. I've gotten warnings, narrowly missed speed traps, etc. I keep my eyes open, know my local PD, and yes, a good detector helps, but it's not magic - you as the driver matter most. And, for the record, I've been driving for 25+ years, so it's not beginner's luck
06-15-2003, 08:15 AM
#42
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: CT
Posts: 990
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 'Which Radar to Get?'
Originally posted by Z-Desperado
I have the Escort 7500 (worthless) Escort 8500 and the Valentine 1. I did a side by side test on a 1,000 trip with the Escort 8500 and Valentine 1 and felt the Valentine 1 was better. It did pick up 1st all of the time and was never behind the Escort on alarms. <snip>
I have the Escort 7500 (worthless) Escort 8500 and the Valentine 1. I did a side by side test on a 1,000 trip with the Escort 8500 and Valentine 1 and felt the Valentine 1 was better. It did pick up 1st all of the time and was never behind the Escort on alarms. <snip>
see:
http://www.radardetectortest.com/art...sp?articleID=5
they seem to have an unfair bias against the Val, but otherwise have some good factual info.
SteveZ
mailto:superblackz@yahoo.com
2003 Base Superblack Stock
06-15-2003, 08:21 AM
#43
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: CT
Posts: 990
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 'Which Radar to Get?'
Originally posted by Z-Desperado
I have the Escort 7500 (worthless) Escort 8500 and the Valentine 1. I did a side by side test on a 1,000 trip with the Escort 8500 and Valentine 1 and felt the Valentine 1 was better. It did pick up 1st all of the time and was never behind the Escort on alarms. <snip>
I have the Escort 7500 (worthless) Escort 8500 and the Valentine 1. I did a side by side test on a 1,000 trip with the Escort 8500 and Valentine 1 and felt the Valentine 1 was better. It did pick up 1st all of the time and was never behind the Escort on alarms. <snip>
"To illustrate this point we recreated Mr. Kremer's rather unscientific test. We placed a new V1 (version 1.8) next to an Escort Passport 8500 and fired them both up. Next we drove toward a popular model of Ka-band radar concealed just over the crest of a hill. Then we noted the point at which each barked a warning. Next we repeated the test but with only one detector at a time powered-up. The result: the V1's microwave emissions interfered so much with the Passport 8500 that the Escort's detection range dropped by a whopping 38 percent."
see:
http://www.radardetectortest.com/art...sp?articleID=5
they seem to have an unfair bias against the Val, but otherwise have some good factual info.
SteveZ
mailto:superblackz@yahoo.com
2003 Base Superblack Stock
06-15-2003, 05:12 PM
#45
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Metairie, LA
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have done my own bit of research on radar detectors and from what I gather, all of the afforementioned detectors (passport 8500, SR7, SRX, S2, Bel 985*which is the same as a passport 8500*, and the V1) are very comparable and all work very well.
Personally I was choosing between the SRX or an 8500 combined with a ZR3 Shifter.
I must say that it is nice to see some real peoples reviews of these products though, so thank you all.
Personally I was choosing between the SRX or an 8500 combined with a ZR3 Shifter.
I must say that it is nice to see some real peoples reviews of these products though, so thank you all.
k40 w/ front and rear defusers
06-16-2003, 06:40 PM
#47
First of all, if you are discounting the arrows of the V-1, you aren't fully understanding what they do and how they are useful. Most high end detectors have front and rear detection. I am not saying that simply because the V-1 has arrows, it is the only one with front and rear detection. It isn't.
The arrows have nothing to do with earlier detection or detector "performance" per se. Where they DO come in very handy is in the driver's interpretation of signals. The arrows allow the user to either pay close attention to a signal (i.e. slam on the brakes for fear of seeing flashing lights) or to simply ignore a signal. They basically give you more information about WHERE the signal is and if it is a threat to you or not.
For example, you see a strong signal ahead. You slow down and pass a state trooper on the roadside with his gun aimed at you. You drive by him at the limit and when he is out of sight you again punch it. In only another quarter mile, you get ANOTHER signal, this one not as strong as the last.
DO YOU:
A) slam on your brakes again assuming there is another cop ahead.
or
B) Punch it harder knowing it isn't a problem for you.
If you have the 8500 (even assuming that you have the exact same detection power) you CANNOT safely answer this question because you don't know if the second signal is from the cop you just passed or possibly another one up ahead.
If you have the V-1, if your rear arrow is lighting up,you punch it knowing you are safe, and you brake if your front arrow lights up knowing that there is a second trap up ahead.
THIS is where the Valentine One is unequalled.
Another thought:
Watch out for this type of detector. The ones in the bumper have far less range. The higher up you can install your detector, the better your detection range. It's simply physics.
One thing Steve said that is true. You cannot have a valid comparo of two detectors sitting side by side in the same car. They will undoubtedly interfere with each other.
Finally, someone asked if you can "turn off" X band detection since it isn't widely used any more. You can sort of do that with the V-1. You can either mute it or quiet the tone the detector gives you if it senses X-band.
The V-1 has three modes. One gives you a full volume tone (different for each type of radar or laser) no matter what kind it detects. The second mode gives you full volume for laser, K, and Ka and gives you a quieter tone for X (you set the volume of both the full and quiet tones yourself). The third mode only warns you of the serious threats and ignores what it feels are not.
I hope that answers some questions about the V-1.
The arrows have nothing to do with earlier detection or detector "performance" per se. Where they DO come in very handy is in the driver's interpretation of signals. The arrows allow the user to either pay close attention to a signal (i.e. slam on the brakes for fear of seeing flashing lights) or to simply ignore a signal. They basically give you more information about WHERE the signal is and if it is a threat to you or not.
For example, you see a strong signal ahead. You slow down and pass a state trooper on the roadside with his gun aimed at you. You drive by him at the limit and when he is out of sight you again punch it. In only another quarter mile, you get ANOTHER signal, this one not as strong as the last.
DO YOU:
A) slam on your brakes again assuming there is another cop ahead.
or
B) Punch it harder knowing it isn't a problem for you.
If you have the 8500 (even assuming that you have the exact same detection power) you CANNOT safely answer this question because you don't know if the second signal is from the cop you just passed or possibly another one up ahead.
If you have the V-1, if your rear arrow is lighting up,you punch it knowing you are safe, and you brake if your front arrow lights up knowing that there is a second trap up ahead.
THIS is where the Valentine One is unequalled.
Another thought:
Dectectors attach to front and rear bumper and you can put the module anywhere in the car
One thing Steve said that is true. You cannot have a valid comparo of two detectors sitting side by side in the same car. They will undoubtedly interfere with each other.
Finally, someone asked if you can "turn off" X band detection since it isn't widely used any more. You can sort of do that with the V-1. You can either mute it or quiet the tone the detector gives you if it senses X-band.
The V-1 has three modes. One gives you a full volume tone (different for each type of radar or laser) no matter what kind it detects. The second mode gives you full volume for laser, K, and Ka and gives you a quieter tone for X (you set the volume of both the full and quiet tones yourself). The third mode only warns you of the serious threats and ignores what it feels are not.
I hope that answers some questions about the V-1.
Last edited by Dr Bonz; 06-16-2003 at 06:47 PM.
06-16-2003, 07:47 PM
#48
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: CT
Posts: 990
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Dr Bonz
First of all, if you are discounting the arrows of the V-1, you aren't fully understanding what they do and how they are useful. Most high end detectors have front and rear detection. I am not saying that simply because the V-1 has arrows, it is the only one with front and rear detection. It isn't.
The arrows have nothing to do with earlier detection or detector "performance" per se. Where they DO come in very handy is in the driver's interpretation of signals. The arrows allow the user to either pay close attention to a signal (i.e. slam on the brakes for fear of seeing flashing lights) or to simply ignore a signal. They basically give you more information about WHERE the signal is and if it is a threat to you or not.
For example, you see a strong signal ahead. You slow down and pass a state trooper on the roadside with his gun aimed at you. You drive by him at the limit and when he is out of sight you again punch it. In only another quarter mile, you get ANOTHER signal, this one not as strong as the last.
DO YOU:
A) slam on your brakes again assuming there is another cop ahead.
or
B) Punch it harder knowing it isn't a problem for you.
If you have the 8500 (even assuming that you have the exact same detection power) you CANNOT safely answer this question because you don't know if the second signal is from the cop you just passed or possibly another one up ahead.
If you have the V-1, if your rear arrow is lighting up,you punch it knowing you are safe, and you brake if your front arrow lights up knowing that there is a second trap up ahead.
THIS is where the Valentine One is unequalled.
Another thought:
Watch out for this type of detector. The ones in the bumper have far less range. The higher up you can install your detector, the better your detection range. It's simply physics.
One thing Steve said that is true. You cannot have a valid comparo of two detectors sitting side by side in the same car. They will undoubtedly interfere with each other.
Finally, someone asked if you can "turn off" X band detection since it isn't widely used any more. You can sort of do that with the V-1. You can either mute it or quiet the tone the detector gives you if it senses X-band.
The V-1 has three modes. One gives you a full volume tone (different for each type of radar or laser) no matter what kind it detects. The second mode gives you full volume for laser, K, and Ka and gives you a quieter tone for X (you set the volume of both the full and quiet tones yourself). The third mode only warns you of the serious threats and ignores what it feels are not.
I hope that answers some questions about the V-1.
First of all, if you are discounting the arrows of the V-1, you aren't fully understanding what they do and how they are useful. Most high end detectors have front and rear detection. I am not saying that simply because the V-1 has arrows, it is the only one with front and rear detection. It isn't.
The arrows have nothing to do with earlier detection or detector "performance" per se. Where they DO come in very handy is in the driver's interpretation of signals. The arrows allow the user to either pay close attention to a signal (i.e. slam on the brakes for fear of seeing flashing lights) or to simply ignore a signal. They basically give you more information about WHERE the signal is and if it is a threat to you or not.
For example, you see a strong signal ahead. You slow down and pass a state trooper on the roadside with his gun aimed at you. You drive by him at the limit and when he is out of sight you again punch it. In only another quarter mile, you get ANOTHER signal, this one not as strong as the last.
DO YOU:
A) slam on your brakes again assuming there is another cop ahead.
or
B) Punch it harder knowing it isn't a problem for you.
If you have the 8500 (even assuming that you have the exact same detection power) you CANNOT safely answer this question because you don't know if the second signal is from the cop you just passed or possibly another one up ahead.
If you have the V-1, if your rear arrow is lighting up,you punch it knowing you are safe, and you brake if your front arrow lights up knowing that there is a second trap up ahead.
THIS is where the Valentine One is unequalled.
Another thought:
Watch out for this type of detector. The ones in the bumper have far less range. The higher up you can install your detector, the better your detection range. It's simply physics.
One thing Steve said that is true. You cannot have a valid comparo of two detectors sitting side by side in the same car. They will undoubtedly interfere with each other.
Finally, someone asked if you can "turn off" X band detection since it isn't widely used any more. You can sort of do that with the V-1. You can either mute it or quiet the tone the detector gives you if it senses X-band.
The V-1 has three modes. One gives you a full volume tone (different for each type of radar or laser) no matter what kind it detects. The second mode gives you full volume for laser, K, and Ka and gives you a quieter tone for X (you set the volume of both the full and quiet tones yourself). The third mode only warns you of the serious threats and ignores what it feels are not.
I hope that answers some questions about the V-1.
Thanks - I have difficulty understanding the value of the arrows, your example was very good. I have to deal with so many short range (not highway) snapshots, but I can see where your example makes a lot of sense! With my old BEL, I have to guess if the low signal is a) something fading I've already seen, or b) something new I hope to not to deal with!
Cops in pairs is a tried and true formula, I can see why the arrow has value - you are correct in stating I did not understand the value of the directional signal. For the most part where I dirve, I am trying to avoid the 10+ over in 25, 35 mph ranges, so if I get a clean Ka signal, I just chill. The example you mention is very different!
SteveZ
06-16-2003, 07:53 PM
#49
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: CT
Posts: 990
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Z-Desperado
I am not going to get in a pissing contest with SteveZ since he has single me out.
Burn rubber not 350z owners
I am not going to get in a pissing contest with SteveZ since he has single me out.
Burn rubber not 350z owners
I have more ignorance in this area than ideas or real knowledge, I am trying to figure it out, way sorry dude if I gave you the impression I was on your case.
As I said, the site I mentioned seems very biased, I am just trying to figure it out what they're saying by posting to lots of people who know more about this than I do!
Their claims may be totally bogus in using 2 side by side - I've no idea! Having not tried it, I don't believe some guys trying to promote their agenda.
I figure someone here might set that straight!
SteveZ "not burning 350Z owners"
06-17-2003, 09:56 AM
#50
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Fort Meyers, Fl & sometimes up
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Valentine 1 & Escort 8500
I did a test with my Escort 8500 and the Valentine 1 on a trip to Florida of about 1,000 miles. I didn’t actually have the radar detectors side by side but in a van from the windshield to the other side on the visor. I keep changing things around and turning on the Valentine 1 on until I picked up something and then I would turn it off and turn the Escort 8500 on. Then I checked the distance until I saw the Police unit to get a fix on how much distance it was picking up. The Valentine would pick up the Police radar and when I turned the Escort on it wouldn’t pick it up for a short time. Then I switched to using the Escort 8500 and doing the same thing to see how they compared. I had the box that the Valentine came in and was going to ship it back if it didn’t work better than the 8500. In short I felt the Valentine was worth keeping.
I hope this make it clearer to how I did the side by side test because I didn’t go into all of the details before.
I hope this make it clearer to how I did the side by side test because I didn’t go into all of the details before.
Last edited by Z-Desperado; 06-17-2003 at 10:05 AM.
06-17-2003, 04:53 PM
#51
Desperado: I agree with your conclusions but not with the method by which you arrived at them.
When I said "side by side" I didn't necessarily mean literally one next to the other. I meant even in close proximity! Radar detectors (even well shielded ones) give off radio signals. This is how, in states (like VA, CT, etc) and countries (Canada) where they are illegal, the police use a special unit they call a radar detector, detector. It picks up the signals of detectors and if you are caught with one, it is confiscated and destroyed and you get a ticket.
These signals are picked up FROM ANOTHER CAR. Therefore, the two detectors in the SAME CAR no matter how far away from each other, would still have the potential to interfere with each other.
Now, if you say you turned one off and the other on, I suppose there may be some validity to that, but still there are other variables that come into play with this method. The biggest one of course is the physical location of your car. When one unit is on, your car is in one place and when the other is on and the 1st one is off, your car is in another place. This throws a monkey wrench into your comparo.
Let the contolled, blinded, reproducible tests done by the car mags continue to rate these things. The V-1 and the 8500 will win probably 90 per cent of them. Whichever one you choose, you'll be getting the best of the best. The rest is just user preference I think. I prefer the Valentine One.
When I said "side by side" I didn't necessarily mean literally one next to the other. I meant even in close proximity! Radar detectors (even well shielded ones) give off radio signals. This is how, in states (like VA, CT, etc) and countries (Canada) where they are illegal, the police use a special unit they call a radar detector, detector. It picks up the signals of detectors and if you are caught with one, it is confiscated and destroyed and you get a ticket.
These signals are picked up FROM ANOTHER CAR. Therefore, the two detectors in the SAME CAR no matter how far away from each other, would still have the potential to interfere with each other.
Now, if you say you turned one off and the other on, I suppose there may be some validity to that, but still there are other variables that come into play with this method. The biggest one of course is the physical location of your car. When one unit is on, your car is in one place and when the other is on and the 1st one is off, your car is in another place. This throws a monkey wrench into your comparo.
Let the contolled, blinded, reproducible tests done by the car mags continue to rate these things. The V-1 and the 8500 will win probably 90 per cent of them. Whichever one you choose, you'll be getting the best of the best. The rest is just user preference I think. I prefer the Valentine One.
06-18-2003, 07:16 AM
#52
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Fort Meyers, Fl & sometimes up
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Desperado: I agree with your conclusions but not with the method by which you arrived at them.
When I said "side by side" I didn't necessarily mean literally one next to the other. I meant even in close proximity! Radar detectors (even well shielded ones) give off radio signals. This is how, in states (like VA, CT, etc) and countries (Canada) where they are illegal, the police use a special unit they call a radar detector, detector. It picks up the signals of detectors and if you are caught with one, it is confiscated and destroyed and you get a ticket.
These signals are picked up FROM ANOTHER CAR. Therefore, the two detectors in the SAME CAR no matter how far away from each other, would still have the potential to interfere with each other.
Now, if you say you turned one off and the other on, I suppose there may be some validity to that, but still there are other variables that come into play with this method. The biggest one of course is the physical location of your car. When one unit is on, your car is in one place and when the other is on and the 1st one is off, your car is in another place. This throws a monkey wrench into your comparo.
Let the contolled, blinded, reproducible tests done by the car mags continue to rate these things. The V-1 and the 8500 will win probably 90 per cent of them. Whichever one you choose, you'll be getting the best of the best. The rest is just user preference I think. I prefer the Valentine One. [/QUOT
I agree with your statement that it is hard to do what I was trying to accomplish. My wife was with me to help and I wasn’t sure if I would keep the Valentine 1 so I was trying to prove to myself that it was worth the cost to keep it or ship it.
Desperado: I agree with your conclusions but not with the method by which you arrived at them.
When I said "side by side" I didn't necessarily mean literally one next to the other. I meant even in close proximity! Radar detectors (even well shielded ones) give off radio signals. This is how, in states (like VA, CT, etc) and countries (Canada) where they are illegal, the police use a special unit they call a radar detector, detector. It picks up the signals of detectors and if you are caught with one, it is confiscated and destroyed and you get a ticket.
These signals are picked up FROM ANOTHER CAR. Therefore, the two detectors in the SAME CAR no matter how far away from each other, would still have the potential to interfere with each other.
Now, if you say you turned one off and the other on, I suppose there may be some validity to that, but still there are other variables that come into play with this method. The biggest one of course is the physical location of your car. When one unit is on, your car is in one place and when the other is on and the 1st one is off, your car is in another place. This throws a monkey wrench into your comparo.
Let the contolled, blinded, reproducible tests done by the car mags continue to rate these things. The V-1 and the 8500 will win probably 90 per cent of them. Whichever one you choose, you'll be getting the best of the best. The rest is just user preference I think. I prefer the Valentine One. [/QUOT
I agree with your statement that it is hard to do what I was trying to accomplish. My wife was with me to help and I wasn’t sure if I would keep the Valentine 1 so I was trying to prove to myself that it was worth the cost to keep it or ship it.
06-18-2003, 07:26 AM
#53
03 CS Track 6MT
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: USA
Posts: 2,841
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DR Bonz, thanks for the great explanation of the V1. I had no idea I could lower or mute the X band independent of the K, Ka. Thats important to me.
I have an 8500 in my other car and need to buy something for the Z. On the fence with the V1 or another 8500. Your post was helpful.
Now why doesn't ValentineOne take AMEX!
I have an 8500 in my other car and need to buy something for the Z. On the fence with the V1 or another 8500. Your post was helpful.
Now why doesn't ValentineOne take AMEX!
06-18-2003, 08:19 AM
#54
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Fort Meyers, Fl & sometimes up
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One last statement and enough said
One more thing on my test and then enough said. My wife helped with managing my so called side by side test by pulling the plug on the Valentine 1 and the Escort can be set to come on instantly when turned on. Also my nephew said he was pulled over in Virginia because they saw he garage door opener on his visor so they are looking for radars along with picking them up with their radar detector detectors.
06-18-2003, 04:03 PM
#55
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Fort Meyers, Fl & sometimes up
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bearcat Police scanner
To add to the mix I also use a Bearcat BCT7 scanner that I ordered from http://www.usascan.com/files/scanners.html which is programmable for which ever state you are traveling in. Ohio uses aircraft to check for speeders, which the scanner picks up and gives you a warning that there is a wolf pack working the area. I had an older model of this unit that save me several times. You can read about it @ the website that I posted and I feel this gives you another edge from getting a ticket. You should check to see if this is legal in your state because some states outlaw portable scanners.
06-19-2003, 02:56 PM
#56
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Rockland
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What makes the K40 unequal to the valentine 1
k40 also has front and rear detection with lcd's to notify your of where the rader is coming from.. Valentine is very over priced.. But installed correctly I would go with the k40 before the v1 due to price comparison. and the options are just about equal. Plus k40 has been around for alot longer (i think)
06-19-2003, 03:46 PM
#57
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Kirkland, WA (Seattle)
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just wanted to make a few comments I've seen reading through this thread. Any serious driver-based test I have seen has picked the Valentine-1 as the winner. I don't make my car choices by reading Consumer Reports, and neither will I pick my Radar Detector by reading Maxim.
Q: Too bright at night?
The V1 has a dimmer based on the ambient light. What is cool is it's a very sensitive variable dimmer that response to light changes immediately. Being variable it only dims as much as needed based on current light. It's not like high/low, it's more like a volume **** (except automatic).
Q: Escort better at Falsing?
To be honest, that was the first thing that impressed me about the V1. I've owned other detectors, and have auto enthusiast friends who have as well. The first thing that hit me the first time I used my V1 was how incredibly good it was at rejecting false signals in a heavy-traffic situation (Seattle East Side (Bellevue, etc.)). They have some seriously advanced algorithms that work extremely well.
Q: Some other detector(s) have an "expert display" that shows you all the signals, isn't that better?
What, really, do those frequencies tell you? And why do you want irrelevant information being presented to you at high speed while trying to evade police? (Note by frequencies here I'm referring to frequency numbers, not bands.)
There are two key things you want to know: how many signals, and where are they coming from. Seems to me the V1 nailed it. It has a counter that shows you how many signals you're getting (who cares what frequency they are), and it tells you what direction they're coming from. It even has a unique "add" beep that allerts you when you've picked up another signal (you had 2, all of a sudden you now have 3). That's hugely valuable information. Pass this spot that sets it off every day? Wait, there are two signals and the second is still ahead of me even though I just passed the Wal-Mart.
Being presented with exactly the information I need, and not distracting me with a bunch of extra "cool" stuff of questionable value, is the best approach in my book.
Q: The arrows? What good are they?
Dr Bonz did a pretty good job describing them. First, the NUMBER ONE key thing you need to do to avoid getting tickets is pay attention and be alert. If you're not constantly looking around, watching the traffic, looking down the road lanes, you're going to get a ticket sooner or later with military grade detection. I've avoided more tickets by seeing the cop before he could clock me than any radar detector has.
Now, I'm driving down the road, and I start getting a strong signal from ahead (yup I already know it's in front of me, and we haven't gotten to the best part). As the signal peaks, and I don't see a cop, then shifts to the side, and behind, I know he's somewhere else. He can't clock me if he can't see me, and I was watching, so I know he's somewhere else. Maybe driving the other direction or on the other side of the road watching traffic going the other direction. I know it's game-on once I pass him.
But yes there is also the advantage of being able to pick up a cop hiding behind a second false signal to fool people. The arrows and counter will tell you that immediately.
Q: Aren't hidden, permanently mounted detectors better?
They're cool, yes. And they may even be necessary if you drive in a state where detectors are illegal. But they have a huge flaw: they're down low. The higher you get the detector, the better your range. Putting it in your bumper will seriously compromise its range.
Q: Isn't the V1 over-priced?
That's kinda like asking if the iPod is over-priced. If it's the best-built best-implemented product of its kind, and nothing was compromised in the design for cost reasons, then it seems to me that's worth a bit more.
Personally, I think it totally justifies its price. And is it worth $200 more than the Escort 8500? I would definitely say yes.
I don't work for these guys, I'm just some guy has been driving for many many years, and has used many different detectors. And IMHO the V1 is in another league from all the other units you can get.
Q: Too bright at night?
The V1 has a dimmer based on the ambient light. What is cool is it's a very sensitive variable dimmer that response to light changes immediately. Being variable it only dims as much as needed based on current light. It's not like high/low, it's more like a volume **** (except automatic).
Q: Escort better at Falsing?
To be honest, that was the first thing that impressed me about the V1. I've owned other detectors, and have auto enthusiast friends who have as well. The first thing that hit me the first time I used my V1 was how incredibly good it was at rejecting false signals in a heavy-traffic situation (Seattle East Side (Bellevue, etc.)). They have some seriously advanced algorithms that work extremely well.
Q: Some other detector(s) have an "expert display" that shows you all the signals, isn't that better?
What, really, do those frequencies tell you? And why do you want irrelevant information being presented to you at high speed while trying to evade police? (Note by frequencies here I'm referring to frequency numbers, not bands.)
There are two key things you want to know: how many signals, and where are they coming from. Seems to me the V1 nailed it. It has a counter that shows you how many signals you're getting (who cares what frequency they are), and it tells you what direction they're coming from. It even has a unique "add" beep that allerts you when you've picked up another signal (you had 2, all of a sudden you now have 3). That's hugely valuable information. Pass this spot that sets it off every day? Wait, there are two signals and the second is still ahead of me even though I just passed the Wal-Mart.
Being presented with exactly the information I need, and not distracting me with a bunch of extra "cool" stuff of questionable value, is the best approach in my book.
Q: The arrows? What good are they?
Dr Bonz did a pretty good job describing them. First, the NUMBER ONE key thing you need to do to avoid getting tickets is pay attention and be alert. If you're not constantly looking around, watching the traffic, looking down the road lanes, you're going to get a ticket sooner or later with military grade detection. I've avoided more tickets by seeing the cop before he could clock me than any radar detector has.
Now, I'm driving down the road, and I start getting a strong signal from ahead (yup I already know it's in front of me, and we haven't gotten to the best part). As the signal peaks, and I don't see a cop, then shifts to the side, and behind, I know he's somewhere else. He can't clock me if he can't see me, and I was watching, so I know he's somewhere else. Maybe driving the other direction or on the other side of the road watching traffic going the other direction. I know it's game-on once I pass him.
But yes there is also the advantage of being able to pick up a cop hiding behind a second false signal to fool people. The arrows and counter will tell you that immediately.
Q: Aren't hidden, permanently mounted detectors better?
They're cool, yes. And they may even be necessary if you drive in a state where detectors are illegal. But they have a huge flaw: they're down low. The higher you get the detector, the better your range. Putting it in your bumper will seriously compromise its range.
Q: Isn't the V1 over-priced?
That's kinda like asking if the iPod is over-priced. If it's the best-built best-implemented product of its kind, and nothing was compromised in the design for cost reasons, then it seems to me that's worth a bit more.
Personally, I think it totally justifies its price. And is it worth $200 more than the Escort 8500? I would definitely say yes.
I don't work for these guys, I'm just some guy has been driving for many many years, and has used many different detectors. And IMHO the V1 is in another league from all the other units you can get.
06-20-2003, 10:21 AM
#58
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Fort Meyers, Fl & sometimes up
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First thing I have been driving for 40 plus years and have been playing around with radar detectors for years. Yea I know I am old
1. My 1st unit was a thing called a Fuss Buster (primitive) by today’s standards.
2. Then a Company called Cincinnati Microwave that Mr. Valentine worked for brought out the first Escort in a large aluminum case that was ahead of it’s time.
3. Next Cincinnati Microwave brought out a smaller Escort in a black aluminum case that I still use in one of our vehicles.
4. I also bought several radar detectors because of magazine articles that I sold in yard sales because they where so poor.
5. I also bought a laser detector to go with the Escort before they combine it into a later unit.
6. I then bought the Escort 7500 which I felt wasn’t as good on the K band as the old Escort.
7. I next bought the escort 8500 which is a good unit.
8. My last purchase was the Valentine 1 after I proved to myself it was worth keeping or I was shipping it back.
9. Last I live in Florida where you find lots of Police units driving on I75, I95 301 and A1A where you go through lots of small communities that make their revenue picking up speeders. I also live part time up north and Ohio is also one of my least favorite states to drive in because they have so many State Troopers and the use of aircraft to pick up speeders.
At this time I use the Valentine 1 along with a Bearcat BC7 scanner for airplanes and wolf packs and I am satisfied this is the best for now. Enough said [B]
1. My 1st unit was a thing called a Fuss Buster (primitive) by today’s standards.
2. Then a Company called Cincinnati Microwave that Mr. Valentine worked for brought out the first Escort in a large aluminum case that was ahead of it’s time.
3. Next Cincinnati Microwave brought out a smaller Escort in a black aluminum case that I still use in one of our vehicles.
4. I also bought several radar detectors because of magazine articles that I sold in yard sales because they where so poor.
5. I also bought a laser detector to go with the Escort before they combine it into a later unit.
6. I then bought the Escort 7500 which I felt wasn’t as good on the K band as the old Escort.
7. I next bought the escort 8500 which is a good unit.
8. My last purchase was the Valentine 1 after I proved to myself it was worth keeping or I was shipping it back.
9. Last I live in Florida where you find lots of Police units driving on I75, I95 301 and A1A where you go through lots of small communities that make their revenue picking up speeders. I also live part time up north and Ohio is also one of my least favorite states to drive in because they have so many State Troopers and the use of aircraft to pick up speeders.
At this time I use the Valentine 1 along with a Bearcat BC7 scanner for airplanes and wolf packs and I am satisfied this is the best for now. Enough said [B]
06-20-2003, 12:39 PM
#59
Good post BUUB.
Just to clarify something though. The V-1 DOES tell you the type of radar you're picking up. It tells you which type by Beeping with different tones for X. K, Ka and Laser. You learn the different sounds pretty quickly. This is important since you don't have to take your eyes off of the road to look at a fancy display to read a bunch of meaningless (i.e. not useful) numbers.
As for the K40 being around longer, this may be true since I don't know how long it has been around. The V-1 was developed my a man named Valentine who not only WORKED for Cincinnati Microwave (makers of Escort/Passport) but he STARTED the company. The V-1 has been around since the late 80's/early 90's but Cincinnati Microwave has been around for a LONG time.
It's funny you mention the old FUZZ BUSTER Desperado.
I had one in my very first car (actually a 75 Dodge Tradesman Van that I had customized 70's style!). This thing was primitve by today's standards and was HUGE too. It measured roughly 6" across by 4" high by 6" deep if I remember correctly. It was this big heavy black metal box with an ON/OFF **** and this big bug-eyed white light on the front. It would slowly glow and make this beeping/buzzing sound that would sort of "ramp up" as the signal got stronger. The light would glow brighter as it got stronger as well.
Those were the days!
Just to clarify something though. The V-1 DOES tell you the type of radar you're picking up. It tells you which type by Beeping with different tones for X. K, Ka and Laser. You learn the different sounds pretty quickly. This is important since you don't have to take your eyes off of the road to look at a fancy display to read a bunch of meaningless (i.e. not useful) numbers.
As for the K40 being around longer, this may be true since I don't know how long it has been around. The V-1 was developed my a man named Valentine who not only WORKED for Cincinnati Microwave (makers of Escort/Passport) but he STARTED the company. The V-1 has been around since the late 80's/early 90's but Cincinnati Microwave has been around for a LONG time.
It's funny you mention the old FUZZ BUSTER Desperado.
I had one in my very first car (actually a 75 Dodge Tradesman Van that I had customized 70's style!). This thing was primitve by today's standards and was HUGE too. It measured roughly 6" across by 4" high by 6" deep if I remember correctly. It was this big heavy black metal box with an ON/OFF **** and this big bug-eyed white light on the front. It would slowly glow and make this beeping/buzzing sound that would sort of "ramp up" as the signal got stronger. The light would glow brighter as it got stronger as well.
Those were the days!