What radar detector do you use?

[z12358]

"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]

p.s.

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

[binaryc]

One thing that's nice about the V1 is they are upgradable. Check it out: http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades/

That's probably one reason why the design hasn't changed in 12 years. A new design means the old ones won't be upgradable anymore. Personally I like the design. It's simple, compact, and it just works.

[RandallNeighbour]

One more thing to ask of BEL manufacturer is if it can be programmed. I programmed my V1, disabling X band completely, which really reduces the false alerts. I did this because the only state reporting to use the X band for law enforcement is Ohio, and I don't drive in Ohio (or anywhere near there, for that matter).

The arrows, ability to upgrade the software in one's existing unit, and the ability to program the unit as I have done have made it a very worthwhile investment. I looked at all the detectors before I made my decision last year to buy one that was $100+ more than all the others. I am very pleased with my purchase a year later, and if you were to ask my wife, me being satisfied and content with most any electronic gadget I bought a year ago is a big deal!

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

If you read this article: http://autos.aol.com/article/general/v2/_a/whos-watching/20060816150109990001 about a NHTSA proposed requirement, you may find that radar detectors may soon go the way of the Buggy Whip. It portends to have some really nasty and scary consequences for enthusiasts...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[70Sixter]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

One more thing to ask of BEL manufacturer is if it can be programmed. I programmed my V1, disabling X band completely, which really reduces the false alerts. I did this because the only state reporting to use the X band for law enforcement is Ohio, and I don't drive in Ohio (or anywhere near there, for that matter).

My BEL RX-65 is advertized as programmable in 7 functions (including bands). Which I've done.

It is also listed as "software upgradable" for enforcement advances. Which I have not done. Assume you have to send it in?

I alert to X-band regularly from deputy sheriffs and small town cops here in NC and neighboring states. The alerts are generally veeerry early.

I don't think many/any detectors beat the V-1. But mine almost does with a lower falsing rate.

The BEL STi was mentioned in an earlier post is interesting in that it is undetectable by the latest radar detector detectors. VG-2 is on the way out.

When I get a radar detector, I will get the V1. Not just because its better than anyhting else in the world, but you can buy a new rear view mirror with the lights built in, so its invisible unless its lit up. With the detector hidden away (dont know how effective it would be in the rear compartment, not being sarcastic either, dont know if itd be fine or not work at all) , and a remote turn on switch, no cop would ever find it.

[Perfectlap]

bt,
if you get the v1 and I highly recommend it for new drivers (speeding tickets and less than 5 years driving experience is a BAD combination) definitely go for the $40 remote display box that keeps the main unit from flashing at all.
You want to avoid flashing lights in your rear view area. Flashing blue or red lights attract attention of tail gaiters and trailing police.

Sometimes I'll play it safe on a 35 mph two lane and I'll only do 40mph only to have some dip**************** start high beaming me. I'll reboot the V1 so that dip**************** sees the sees the series of flashing lights from the main unit being rebooted(the only time it flashes when using the remote box) and he/she figures I know something they don't. They usually pass me or quit with the high beaming.