Radar/Laser Detectors - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

jk0001 · 11-02-2006, 05:47 AM

Anyone have any feed back on the best detectors for laser/radar? whick one works the best for you and is the most stealth.

ukchris · 11-02-2006, 05:56 AM

I bought my car used and the previous owner included a Valentine1 (V1) detector. I really knew nothing about them but did a little reading and it seems to be regarded as one of the best. On unique feature it has are it's arrows for showing where the threat is, in front, behind or to the sides, this really helps you get your bearing and decide how to react. combined with the signal strength and type (three radar types plus laser) it is pretty thourough.

There are various mounting options, most people attach it to the windshield. Valentine also make a remote display which is easier to locate in a more convenient spot. Mounting is a personal think, I have mine on a bracket between the seats by the rear windstop as I didn't like it on the windshield, it isn't attactive and does shout "steal me" a little loudly. I've also integrated the remote display in to the rear view mirror where it is most convenient (for me).

I can post pictures if you're interested.

I have no affiliation with Valentine but have been making brackets and mirrors for a few people so I may be a little biased I suppose.

Chris.

Marc Gelefsky · 11-02-2006, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jk0001

Anyone have any feed back on the best detectors for laser/radar? whick one works the best for you and is the most stealth.

Been using the V1 for many years, great unit, ability to upgrade.
Would not use anything else.

jk0001 · 11-02-2006, 06:14 AM

Thanks for the info does anyone have any pictures of their setup

1JB · 11-02-2006, 06:26 AM

There's a lot of discussion about this on this site and others. Some swear by the V1 while others say the technology is dated, it has many more false signals and Escort has the best patents at this point. After researching it extensively I went with the SRX and use the Escort 8500 X50 on my other cars. My personal opinion is that these are better units than the V1.

There is an interesting discussion here by people who seem to know what they're talking about.

http://www.caymanclub.net/showthread.php?t=6473&highlight=radar

MartinJ · 11-02-2006, 06:27 AM

As far as many people are concerned there are basically 2 choices:

The Valentine V1 is real nice and has kept me out of trouble driving my son's VW GTI. Personally I did not find the arrows to be that helpful. (i.e., when there is a radar signal slow down!).

I also have a an Escort Passport 8500 in my Benz which is direct wired, and I just added an Escort Solo S2 to the Boxster. Both these units perform real well. I bought the Solo S2 to avoid having to worry about wires, the unit is quite small and I mounted it high up on the windshield just to the left of the rear view mirror. You have to remember to turn it on when you get in the car, it has a motion sensor and turns itself off so that helps the batteries. Battery life is good (I carry a coupe of spares).

In my over 10 years of using detectors I have that the cheap ones are useless don't buy them. The audio warnings get little attention but I find that I tune myself into the audible warnings quite well so get one that has different tunes for different signals (X, K, Ka) and that increases the volume as it gets closer, that way you will train yourself not to have to look at the display. The Auto lowering of the sound for long threats is neat feature (Escort has it, I don’t know about others) since it cuts down on the noise when a Cop is following close behind with is speed gun going.

Make sure you get one that allows you to at least turn off X-Band detection (Some units allow you to set a sensitivity level – my preference) other wise you will live in the land of beeps if you live in a built up area (door openers etc give out a lot of signals)

The Escort units claim laser detection but from what I’ve read once you get the warning it is to late so I don’t pay attention to that feature. Maybe I will eventually go all the way and get a PassportSR7.

So far 30+ years of enthusiastic driving has got me one ticket, and that was when I was driving one of my cars without a detector!

ukchris · 11-02-2006, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jk0001

Thanks for the info does anyone have any pictures of their setup

This is the remote display integrated with the mirror, the mute switch is on the back of the mirror:

Here's the V1, the next version of the bracket will have thinner "legs" as the acrylic is much sturdier than I expected.

I'm working on doing a couple of 996 mirror next, one regular and one auto-dimming.

Chris.

tomk17 · 02-22-2007, 06:48 AM

I know there are several threads on radar detectors and I've done plenty of research based on the available web sites (radarbusters, guysoflidar, etc). I also know the V1 is probally best and the Escort 8500 series (x50 and non-x50) and BEL RX65 models are highly rated as well so I'm not starting a war over which is best.

I'm not looking to spend $200-300 but my research tells me the 3 yr old BEL Vector 985 model is very close in performance and since it's been out there for a while I can get a mint condition one for about $100. It was one of the first software upgradable ones. ANYONE HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THIS MODEL? I will hardwire it to a fuse and hopfully slap it on the left side of the dash using one of those "tacky" pad things so its removable. We'll see how that works out.

Cloudsurfer · 02-24-2007, 10:35 PM

As I devoted V1 user, I am absolutely impressed by your mirror integration. What is the pricing for these mirrors, auto dimming preferably?

Patrick

ukchris · 02-25-2007, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwm750

As I devoted V1 user, I am absolutely impressed by your mirror integration. What is the pricing for these mirrors, auto dimming preferably?

Patrick

I've done a mirror for an E46 (non-dimming) and one for an E36 auto-dimming "clown nose" mirror. I'll send you a PM.

Chris.

jci-joe · 02-25-2007, 01:19 PM

UKCHRIS, do you have to replace the whole mirror to does this integrate into the existing mirror? How did you get power to the mirror also. Great look.

ukchris · 02-25-2007, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jci-joe

UKCHRIS, do you have to replace the whole mirror to does this integrate into the existing mirror? How did you get power to the mirror also. Great look.

I use the standard Porsche mirror, if I have one already (or you have a spare) it can all be prepared then swapped over in minutes. The only connection it needs is the standard V1 phone cable which will run round the windshield frame then to wherever the V1 is (mine is between the seats). Very simple installation.

CVstarBoxster · 09-12-2010, 07:57 PM

Chris, i'm very insterested in one of the v1 one mirrors if you are still making them. Let me know

CVstarBoxster · 09-12-2010, 08:00 PM

Chris, i'm very interested in one of those mirrors. Let me know if you have any.

ukchris · 09-12-2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CVstarBoxster

Chris, i'm very interested in one of those mirrors. Let me know if you have any.

I can indeed, is it the standard Boxster mirror, the sort of trapezoid shape?

porscheboxstah · 09-13-2010, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukchris

This is the remote display integrated with the mirror, the mute switch is on the back of the mirror:

Here's the V1, the next version of the bracket will have thinner "legs" as the acrylic is much sturdier than I expected.

I'm working on doing a couple of 996 mirror next, one regular and one auto-dimming.

Chris.

Wow amazing .. looks real clean!

Kirk · 09-13-2010, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinJ

The Valentine V1 is real nice and has kept me out of trouble driving my son's VW GTI. Personally I did not find the arrows to be that helpful. (i.e., when there is a radar signal slow down!).

I know this is an old thread, but I read this and thought I would share my recent experience. Cruising down the highway with a clear view ahead my V1 starts a slow beep, telling me there is radar probably about 2 miles ahead. I start to slow and as the radar strength grows the V1 arrow still points ahead. A highway patrol cruiser goes by in the other direction, but the V1 signal still points ahead (he wasn't running with radar on). Now with most detectors I would think that the threat just passed me and it was time to speed up again. With the V1 though I realized that was not the threat at all as the arrows did not change direction as the cruiser passed going the other way. Sure enough, just a few seconds later I pass another cruiser in the median. Threat identified, speed controlled, no ticket today buddy. Perfect timing and perfect situation to show why the V1 arrows truly can be useful.

Kirk