[Official] What's the Best Radar Detector?

antennahead · 12-08-2010, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elia Cid

Another review: Best radar detector reviews from the world's most respected authority.

"The Valentine One is a highly sensitive radar detector--good enough that I declared it the winner of my 2000 Automobile Magazine shootout--but it's no longer top dog by default. The world of radar detection has changed significantly since the V1 was designed in 1991 by engineers Steve Scholl and Clarence Groth. The Apple IIsi also was hot stuff that year but Apple wisely chose not to continue trying to sell the same box. They replaced it with smaller, faster, better models packed with advanced features.
In a sense, the Valentine One seems to be trapped in a time warp. Even the owner manual reflects 1980s thinking, replete with statements such as "X-band [is] most common for moving and stationary [radar]." Excuse me? 48 of the 50 state highway patrols abandoned it decades ago and even one of the remaining two users began a wholesale migration to Ka-band frequency in recent years.
With an increasingly wide gap in the Valentine One's level of sophistication compared to modern designs--not to mention a minimalist feature set, quirky ergonomics, an exceptionally chatty nature and stiff price tag--the competition has clearly passed it by. One in particular, the Escort Passport RedLine, also handily outclassed it in performance in a recent test.
The Valentine One remains an iconic example of the pinnacle of late 20th century technology. However, we're now well into the 21st century and recent advances in technology are impossible to ignore."

Just my two cents,

Alex

AllForTheCash · 12-08-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquidZ

V1 user for years.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Haven't upgraded my software, Just did a check on the website (which you can do with your serial number) and they tell you if you need/recommend an upgrade.

Blue370tt · 12-08-2010, 07:51 PM

Not knocking the V1 but if the cops bring out a new type of radar its unlikely a software upgrade will detect it. It will take new hardware. If you think thats unlikely thats what people said before K, then Ka, then laser came out. The point is that a "software" upgrade is nice but doesnt keep the unit "alive" if the cops come out with new technology.

FERRARI · 12-08-2010, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue370tt

Not knocking the V1 but if the cops bring out a new type of radar its unlikely a software upgrade will detect it. It will take new hardware. If you think thats unlikely thats what people said before K, then Ka, then laser came out. The point is that a "software" upgrade is nice but doesnt keep the unit "alive" if the cops come out with new technology.

I can tell you have never had a V1......Am I wrong?

theDreamer · 12-09-2010, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue370tt

Not knocking the V1 but if the cops bring out a new type of radar its unlikely a software upgrade will detect it. It will take new hardware. If you think thats unlikely thats what people said before K, then Ka, then laser came out. The point is that a "software" upgrade is nice but doesnt keep the unit "alive" if the cops come out with new technology.

ImportConvert · 04-24-2011, 09:52 AM

I used to think a radar detector was worthless. Just pick a good rabbit, or slow down over hills, etc.

Finally, one of my friends called me an idiot and said I was being naive. As abrasive as it was, this guy knows his stuff regarding most things in life and so I said the hell with it, and went and bought a Valentine 1 on a lark.

Anyway, damn. He was right (in my opinion). That thing found cops where I didn't know there were cops. The arrows were awesome, and my situational awareness is much better. I now know sometimes miles in advance when there is a cop shooting radar, which direction they are in, etc.

I feel blind if I drive without it now.

Anyway, just through I would share that/see if I just got to the party late, or what? I think in a 370Z, or any other car capable of easily exceeding the speed-limit (or even in your daily junker), it's nice to have. I just like knowing what/where now.

c41006 · 04-24-2011, 10:01 AM

I had a V1 and then realized after 6 months that it was a waste of money and sold it

fairlady_Z · 04-24-2011, 10:15 AM

Escort Passport 9500ix = saved my bacon about 6x now. Worth it, IMHO. North Brunswick po-po likes to hide behind a little hill, just immediately after Rt. 130 overpass if you're traveling Rt. 1 southbound. He hits me with X band, Ka band and even laser last week (1st time my Z has been lasered). So far, with my radar detector = NO TICKETS.

onzedge · 04-24-2011, 10:24 AM

I also use a Passport 9500ix. It has saved me several times.

ImportConvert · 04-24-2011, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c41006

I had a V1 and then realized after 6 months that it was a waste of money and sold it

Details? Mine saved me a good one from a Charger over a hill running a Stalker the first few days I had it.

theDreamer · 04-24-2011, 10:31 AM

I have a V1 and it is worth it's money, if you know how to use it.
You cannot just rely solely on the radar detector, but also on your own knowledge and senses.

ImportConvert · 04-24-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer

I have a V1 and it is worth it's money, if you know how to use it.
You cannot just rely solely on the radar detector, but also on your own knowledge and senses.

I programmed mine and it is 10X more useful to me than out of the box.

X band off.
Ka alert ramp-up increased.

Just turning X-band off made it a TON! more useful. Hardly anyone uses X-band anymore. The oldest stuff we have around here, even in Louisiana, is K band. A lot of it is Ka.

Lemers · 04-24-2011, 10:34 AM

Don't have one and know little about which models are best.

Dembflyr · 04-24-2011, 10:43 AM

I use a Passport 9500i and it's worth it's weight in gold.

I agree with what others have said. You need to know how to interpret the info from the detector. If you just stick it in the window and expect to never get a ticket then it's not for you.

Also, I have found that I actually drive slower now that I use one compared to when I didn't.

c41006 · 04-24-2011, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Details? Mine saved me a good one from a Charger over a hill running a Stalker the first few days I had it.

The V1 is a great radar detector don't get me wrong. Its just a waste of money for me because I never do more than 10 over and I rarely see police running radar in my area.

View Poll Results: Which Radar Detector
V1	68	40.48%
Escort Passport	76	45.24%
Bel	2	1.19%
Whistler	5	2.98%
PassPort Max	17	10.12%
Voters: 168. You may not vote on this poll

04-24-2011, 09:52 AM	#111 (permalink)
ImportConvert A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SWMO Posts: 4,454 Drives: 2019 CX5 GT Reserve Rep Power: 7627	Radar Detector...who has one? I used to think a radar detector was worthless. Just pick a good rabbit, or slow down over hills, etc. Finally, one of my friends called me an idiot and said I was being naive. As abrasive as it was, this guy knows his stuff regarding most things in life and so I said the hell with it, and went and bought a Valentine 1 on a lark. Anyway, damn. He was right (in my opinion). That thing found cops where I didn't know there were cops. The arrows were awesome, and my situational awareness is much better. I now know sometimes miles in advance when there is a cop shooting radar, which direction they are in, etc. I feel blind if I drive without it now. Anyway, just through I would share that/see if I just got to the party late, or what? I think in a 370Z, or any other car capable of easily exceeding the speed-limit (or even in your daily junker), it's nice to have. I just like knowing what/where now.

04-24-2011, 10:15 AM	#113 (permalink)
fairlady_Z Base Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Central NJ Posts: 77 Drives: 09 370Z Silver Sex Rep Power: 15	Escort Passport 9500ix = saved my bacon about 6x now. Worth it, IMHO. North Brunswick po-po likes to hide behind a little hill, just immediately after Rt. 130 overpass if you're traveling Rt. 1 southbound. He hits me with X band, Ka band and even laser last week (1st time my Z has been lasered). So far, with my radar detector = NO TICKETS. bombdefuzer likes this.

04-24-2011, 10:24 AM	#114 (permalink)
onzedge A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Battle Lake MN Age: 64 Posts: 183,964 Drives: 370Z 240Z Rep Power: 2684736	I also use a Passport 9500ix. It has saved me several times. __________________ Koni\|Swift\|Michelin\|Motordyne\|Berk\|RJM Performance\|Gates\|SPL\|Motul\|Technafit\|Ate Super Blue\|Hawk Tommy Kaira\|Momo\|Optima\|Hella\|Hotchkis\|Red Line\|ZSpeed\|Stillen\|B&M\|H&R

04-24-2011, 10:31 AM	#116 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4210	I have a V1 and it is worth it's money, if you know how to use it. You cannot just rely solely on the radar detector, but also on your own knowledge and senses. __________________ theDreamer's Z // Fast Intentions // Uprev // GTM // HKS // TEIN theDreamer's Silvia // URAS // GREDDY Houston Zs // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

12-08-2010, 07:51 PM	#108 (permalink)
Blue370tt Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 279 Drives: Nissan Juke Rep Power: 14	Not knocking the V1 but if the cops bring out a new type of radar its unlikely a software upgrade will detect it. It will take new hardware. If you think thats unlikely thats what people said before K, then Ka, then laser came out. The point is that a "software" upgrade is nice but doesnt keep the unit "alive" if the cops come out with new technology.

04-24-2011, 10:01 AM	#112 (permalink)
c41006 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Atlanta Posts: 9,034 Drives: '10 G37 Coupe BO 7AT Rep Power: 114	I had a V1 and then realized after 6 months that it was a waste of money and sold it

04-24-2011, 10:34 AM	#118 (permalink)
Lemers A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Izmir, Turkey Posts: 15,371 Drives: 2012 Traverse LTZ Rep Power: 52	Don't have one and know little about which models are best. __________________ 2010 Black Cherry Touring/Sport/Nav Now - 2012 Travese LTZ until I leave for Turkey

04-24-2011, 10:43 AM	#119 (permalink)
Dembflyr Track Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 886 Drives: G37S Sedan Rep Power: 16	I use a Passport 9500i and it's worth it's weight in gold. I agree with what others have said. You need to know how to interpret the info from the detector. If you just stick it in the window and expect to never get a ticket then it's not for you. Also, I have found that I actually drive slower now that I use one compared to when I didn't. __________________ 2012 G37S Sedan 6MT - Project Practicality 2009-6MT-Sport/Touring-Dembflyr's Journal-TT Build Thread-CAR IS SOLD

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