Old Skooler

The Valentine 1 site has it for $399...I know that's "the source" pretty much but has anyone found it anywhere else for cheaper? What did you pay for yours? I'm not compromising on my radar detector, but I *will* try to get the best price.

perfectlyfrank

Really your only other option would be to find a used one on eBay. Even then, they aren't much cheaper for the current version, unless you can find an old version really cheap and have V1 do an upgrade.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...ht=1&combine=y

silverz

Problem with getting one from EBAY and then doinf the upgrade is that the upgrade is $179. Once you buy the used V1 and then upgrade it, you could've just a new one directly from Valentine.

perfectlyfrank

The price of the upgrade actually depends on the age of the unit and is based on the serial number. I had a 7 year old V1 and the price of the upgrade was $299.

Old Skooler

Damn. Oh well. I know it'll pay for itself many times over, so I'll just go ahead and spend the $400. Thanks guys.

Apexi350z

iTrader: (3)

you won't regret it... it's well worth it

Old Skooler

Thanks Apexi350z, BTW, do you know if Texas cops (State mainly I guess since we've obviously got different local) use Laser or not? Does Valentine 1 even help with Laser? That instant-on crap can make ANY radar detector pretty much useless I would think...

Michael-Dallas

Here's a little known tip: Valentine Research sells vacation models for $350. Apparently, people buy V1's, go on a roadtrip, and return them afterwards. There is nothing wrong w/ a vacation model and I believe they still have the factory warranty -- Valentine Research just can't sell them as new.

I know North Texas has LIDAR, but it's not very common. BTW, Trailblazer LED taillights may trip the laser detection -- it does for me.

And you are correct. Radar detectors are completely useless against instant-on and LIDAR -- at that point, they're just letting you know that you're getting a ticket. It's very rare to get away w/ instant-on and/or LIDAR. Therefore, you should not rely completely on radar detectors. Be aware of traffic and your surroundings.

Michael.

Old Skooler

Thanks Michael. I'm assuming I'll find the "vacation" detectors on the valentine1 site? I'll check that when I get some time...

Michael-Dallas

Actually, you'll have to call in and ask about it. They don't advertise the "vacation models" on the website. *shrug*

Michael.