What radar detector do you use? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

binaryc · 08-20-2006, 08:45 PM

Valentine 1 is the only way to go

Jeph · 08-20-2006, 09:16 PM

I don't rely on a detector, but it sure it helpful!

I don't want to debate different detectors, but I consider the V1 the Dodge Ram Van of detectors... sure it does what it's supposed to, but it's got the same (ugly) design since the the 90s. Seriously, they need to update that thing. Don't take offense V1 owners... "it's got arrows" -super duper... "who cares what it looks like as long as it works" -yeah yeah... I do.

So, no one has the STI?

MNBoxster · 08-20-2006, 09:20 PM

Hi,

Don't use 'em, Don't want 'em, Couldn't afford 'em if I did.

But, I did do some research into them for our local Lotus Club. We Tested several with a Ka Band Gun one of our local members uses to make a living (MN State Trooper). The results? As mentioned the Valentine consistently detected the radar well ahead of the others in straightline, around curves and in road dips. If I were ever inclined to get one, it would be the V1, Bar none!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

z12358 · 08-21-2006, 05:00 AM

I've used the same V1 for 11 years now. A $400 investment that has paid itself more than ten-fold in tickets and insurance saved over the years. I never drive anywhere without it. It has been consistently the most expensive detector for more than a decade without having to change much (if at all). That, in itself, speaks volumes in a free market -- in addition to wins in most independent tests (including Jim's).

And those arrows do help a lot more than one would expect.

Jeph · 08-21-2006, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

Don't use 'em, Don't want 'em, Couldn't afford 'em if I did.

But, I did do some research into them for our local Lotus Club. We Tested several with a Ka Band Gun one of our local members uses to make a living (MN State Trooper). The results? As mentioned the Valentine consistently detected the radar well ahead of the others in straightline, around curves and in road dips. If I were ever inclined to get one, it would be the V1, Bar none!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Do you recall if there was a Bel STI in the tests?

NickCats · 08-21-2006, 06:56 AM

I have an Escort Solo S2. Great for a cordless detector.

I still think the V1 is the best.

I had a Bell before the Escort and I was not very pleased with the performance.

I would go for a V1...

Perfectlap · 08-21-2006, 07:10 AM

I wouldn't invest too much dough into stealth technologies. no doubt such an advantage will be expensive and you'll be looking at it as a longterm investment. which means that someone will figure out how to strip the detector of its stealth propeties and make allot of money selling it to law enforcement at one of those huge trade shows where they sell everything from Gucci bullet proof leather jackets to battering rams.

Also the X50 and V1 have more Ka reach than you will ever need. If the driver is alert and has fast reaction time, those two will give you adequate warning unless you are breaking a new land speed record at Bonneville.

I agree (as someone who studied at a product design firm in NYC) the V1 could sell a few more units if it came out with some more visually appealing packaging options. But form follows function and the functionality of the product is hard to beat.

z12358 · 08-21-2006, 07:55 AM

"It was the second most sensitive detector to the V1."

Sensitivity is only half of the picture. Selectivity is another. It's easy to make a hyper-sensitive detector that will beep in a two mile radius around every store's automatic door -- rendering itself useless. Knowing the number of sources and their direction also makes a big difference, imho.

Perfectlap · 08-21-2006, 07:59 AM

p.s.

in terms of tech hardware I would easily put the V1 in my top three of all time.

70Sixter · 08-21-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I wouldn't invest too much dough into stealth technologies....

Agree. New systems making detectors more detectable.

http://www.radarbusters.com/support/spectre/Default.asp

I use BEL RX-65, BTW.

MNBoxster · 08-21-2006, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeph

Do you recall if there was a Bel STI in the tests?

Hi,

Actually there was. It was the second most sensitive detector to the V1. Out of 5 runs with each detector, the STI beat the V1 once in straightline tests, that is, it sounded at a further distance. But, twice the STI failed to sound at all while the V1 was beeping away. The STI was good, but not the best...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99