Radar/Laser Detectors

[ukchris]

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.

[MartinJ]

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!

[Kirk]

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