tmuscedere

Need help from you guys in the States. I am looking for a good radar detector, since I live in Ontario, Canada (where radar detectors are illegal) I need one that is undetectable to VG2. Any recommendations that you can give would be helpful.

max2k1SE

I use the BEL-980
Its VG2 immune - I don't care so much cuz detectors are legal here

From previous posts on this subject the top 3 detectors ( in no specific order ! ) are:
-BEL980
-Escort Passport
-Valentine 1

I don't know what happens to your a$$ when you get caught using one - heck that's another story anyways !

And one more thing - irrespective of what you hear, its nearly impossible to get warned about laser on time

95emeraldgxe

the valentine one is by far the best one on the market www.radartest.com for more info

realtor

I own 2 V1's and once you get used to the radar locator (arrows), you can't live without'em. It's the best detector I've ever owned.

Hobert

Ummm, I did some reading and both the Bel980 and the Escort Passport 8500 are significantly rated ahead of the Valentine One. Thanks for the link, good info.

Virus

iTrader: (1)

Please provide links showing those two detectors besting the V1. I'd like to read why. I bet it's based on features. What does one need in a detector: Detection in all bands, least amount of false alarms and for VA, DC and Canada VG2 undetectability. I've never seen the models you mentioned beat the V1 in these categories.

00gxe5sp

iTrader: (1)

where do you guys mount your detectors? and where do you hard wire it?? Remember...I have a GXE...so no electronic gizmos in my rearview...

Bluesbrekr

iTrader: (4)

I have the Passport 8500...very happy with it's performance. I use the suction cups and stick it on lower part of the windshield just high enough to clear the wipers. Not hard wired, though.

asu174

iTrader: (11)

I've read a few reviews in the past that say the the Passport and Bel have longer range I think. I have the Passport 8500. I love it.

VMosser323

iTrader: (1)

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=1024

I just finished looking this list over as well, and it appears that the BEL985 and Escort 8500 are better overall radar detectors than the Valentine One. I have a Valentine One (hard-wired to the mirror) and truly enjoy its directional arrows. I always thought Valentine Onne was the best one to have, but I guess I might be wrong. Regardless, it is one of the top radar detectors out there.

Has anyone from the org have/had experience with the custom-installed, highly-expensive radar detectors, particularly the Escort Passport SR7 or SRX?? ARe these detectors really worth the $1000+ price?? I'm always looking for the best radar protection, as my right foot tends to get lead poisoning. What about the laser jammers??

A link for laser jammer testing results is attached below.

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=8502

spta97

iTrader: (1)

For $400 USD you would figure that the V1 would come smaller than the toaster oven size it is. I think the technology is good on the V1, but it looks like it is from the stone age. I'm amazed on how big it is compared to ones of even 5 years ago. The V1 hasn't changed much and it is impossible to tell what band it is picking up through the series of little red dots. If it were in more modern package, I would pick it up. But for $400, they gotta pretty it up a little and make it easier to read.

max2k1SE

See - I knew this was bound to cause a stir...that's why I said in "no specific order"

I guess these 3 are top of the line and pretty much cover you for all the functionality you'll need.
If you want to pay more for the xtras ( like directional arrows ) do so.
Personally, I don't care so much - If I get a "Ka" band alert, I slow down - period !
I don't want to waste more precious seconds seeing the direction of the alert and then slowing down - just my opinion though.

I've never used anything other than the BEL and I think the range I get is pretty sufficient.

BTW, I have it hardwired to my rear view mirror gizmo - sorry 00gxe.

VMosser323

iTrader: (1)

I agree with you in your statement to slow down when you hear the alert regardless of the direction. The thing I like about the direction arrow is that, from my experiences, the cop usually leaves the radar on when he comes to get you. Thanks to the directional arrow, I have been able to notice the cop, without visually seeing him, coming from behind to get me. I was able to get to an off-ramp and avoid the entire situation thanx to the directional arrow. Maybe other people have had the same experiences with other detectors, but this Valentine One is my first TRUE (non-POS) detector and I really appreciate the arrows. Just my 2 pennies on the subject.

00gxe5sp

iTrader: (1)

:attention

Hobert

In the 2003 Buyers Guide on www.radartest.com site (link posted above) they rate the Passport 8500 equal to the V1 in Ka Radar and Laser Sensitivity. The Valentine is not good for false alarms and other things. The Passport 8500 gets five stars in every category in the buyers guide. In the World's Best Radar Detector Article, the Valentine falls short of the other two in some key tests.

I personally have no knowledge of Radar detectors, I am just going buy what the "experts" are saying. It seems that the V1 is held in God-Like status among its fans, I apologize for any heartache I may have caused by not hailing the V1 as the champ. Just playin a little bit.

max2k1SE

00gxe:

I've hardwired to my mirror.
This link explains a howto on hardwiring - this is from the fusebox, up the A-pillar.

http://www.max-world.org/5thgen/how-tos/v1.html

HTH

REVHIGH

I can never understand how V1 owners continually say the V1 is the best when as far as I know there has never been a test where the V1 beat either the Passport 8500 or the BEL. Buyers remorse??

I've owned Cincinatti Microwave products for 25 years and for lack of false alarms they absolutely cannot be beaten. I have four generations of Escort products, and still use every one of them including the original Escort, original Passport, 4600 and 8500. The Escort's been reconditioned twice in 25 years, but still works like a champ. THe others have never been serviced or needed it.

Also, the V1 is huge compared to the others, and if you need little arrows to show you where radar is, you haven't been using a radar detector long enough.

I welcome the test that shows the V1 on top. If there is one I bet it was sponsored by Valentine themselves.

mike03SE

The best radar detector is a good lawyer.

Omegasrk

iTrader: (1)

Please read these links in regards to the Spectra RDD (radar detector detector). I read somewhere that in Canada, that they are beginning to use this type of detection for radar detectors because most are VG-2 Stealth, but not oscillator leakage stealth.

http://radar.757.org/VG2.htm

http://www.speedzones.com/test2002new/test2002.htm

BTW...I have the Valentine 1 and it works very well for me

Virus

iTrader: (1)

So inadvertantly you've admitted that Mike Valentine makes awesome radar detectors

00gxe5sp

iTrader: (1)

hmmm...$200 or $200 an hour....lol...

REVHIGH

Huh???

Anyway, I never said they didn't make 'good' radar detectors, I said that radar detector tests showed that the Passport 8500 and BEL were rated BETTER than the V1.

Given that, and the fact that the V1 has not been significantly updated in 5 years, makes the V1 a less desirable choice if you want the best in radar detector technology. Especially in false alerts, which in my opinion is one of the most important factors in a radar detector. If you can't trust a detector to only alert for real radar, it's useless. (And no, I don't mean the V1 is useless).

RC03MAX

I've been looking to get a new radar detector too....and I was considering the Bel 985 & Passport 8500...they seem to lead the pack

I am just holding off a little longer to see if new models come out...

If you guys want to read another radar detector test, check out this link:

http://www.speedzones.com/test2002new/test2002.htm

WaarrEagle

iTrader: (1)

Five of my firends, plus myself, own Valentine Ones so I speak from experience. Three of us had Passport 8500's at one point and the most one of us kept it was 10 days. I had it for 3 before I sold it on e-Bay and picked up a V1. Once you use or see a V1 in action there is no going back.

E55AMG2

iTrader: (4)

Radartest.com is run by the escort corporation, so its all BS. Car and driver is the only reliable source for comparisons. Ill find the issues when i get home. Valentine one is the best. I have had one since they came out, and they only get better and better. Yea, its $400, but it will save you alot in tickets. Especially if you drive on the highway alot. Personally, it has saved me thousands in tickets, but i been using it for 11 years. I have tried the other detectors (passport 8500 included) and not a single one is even close. The valentine is 100% vg2 invisible and the only way they'd know you have it is if they spot it in ur windshield. Do yourself a favor and get a V1. You wont regret it.

*DISCLAIMER*
Im not saying that it will make it impossible for you to get a ticket, but it will give you a SIGNIFIGANT advantage against a radar trap.

Uconn411

Just to add my 2 cents... I have the Bel 980. It has proved itself to be a great investment. Its made me slow down in advance, and has at least saved me on 3 occasions (aka police went flying by after another car). If falses rarely. In fact, after I turned off the X band, it was so quiet, I thought it was broke. Its a great radar detector, for a decent price. Others maybe better / worst, but if I had to do it again, I'd buy the same one.

WaarrEagle

iTrader: (1)

Ever heard of a magazine called Car and Driver? Take a look at their radar test and look who came out on top:
Valentine One: 97/100
Passport 8500: 73/100
This test was in Feb. 02 with the newest V1 unlike the test posted by RC03MAX which is the older, larger unit.

RC03MAX

Here is another link which seems to have alot of radar detector tests from various sources:

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/au...s/reviews.html

E55AMG2

iTrader: (4)

LIES......Get a v1 and try it yourself. That is all i need to say

ClayKY

[QUOTE]Originally posted by E55AMG2
[B]

LIES......Get a v1 and try it yourself. That is all i need to say [/B



Well guys, I've owned Escorts and V1s and there's no comparison. V1 wins hands down. I would suggest anyone on the fence get the Feb/02 Car & Driver or visit www.speedzones.com. Craig Peterson (the writer for radartest.com) has issues with Valentine, hence the biased write up. And by the way, the V1 weighs less than the Passport. Happy testing.

E55AMG2

iTrader: (4)

The valentine one does false, but at least it does it consistently. Local cops arent dumb, they know where the spots are that make falses. So, they hide in it and use it to their advantage. W/ the V1 you have the bogey counter and direction arrows, there isnt another detector that can touch that. SO, the # of falses are irrelevant. Other POS detector are pretty much useless in the fact that they dont provide that information, and since valentine has the patent, they wont be doing that for a long time. Save yourself alot of money later by spending a little bit more now.

Now, as for the tests that rated it better, those were from biased parties and were alot of opinion. Radartest.com and the GA tech lab tests were paid for by manufacturers. Not to mention that Radartest is owned by Escort. V1 is the best (it may not be the most stylish, but form follows function in the real world) and that is that

maximadave

iTrader: (10)

I tapped into the dome light and mounted it above my rear view mirror so its not visible. Range is awesome.

Virus

iTrader: (1)

What I meant was the Mike Valentine used to work for Cincinatti Microwave who makes the Escort and designed the first Escort Radar detectors.

Anyway, I just noticed that Craig Peterson was the tester at Radartest.com Several years back Craig Peterson gave the V1 a horrible review and actually put it near the bottom of the lot. Mike Valentine posted a rebuttle on the V1 site stating that Craig Peterson had tried on several occassions to attain a job working for V1 and was turned down. Coincidentally the V1 was never the best radar detector in any of Craigs review again.

I'm no expert and have questions myself, like how does the Escort do on VG2 undetectability. Previous models were so bad the VG2 could pick it up almost a half mile away.

REVHIGH

No, Thanks !!

tmuscedere

Thanks for all your help guys the one that I am going to go with is the PNI Sensoro Travellor. The only reason being is that is undetectable to VG2 and Spectre. Living in Canada where its illegal that has a big effect on which I am going to pick. From the report the only one is the Traveller.

E55AMG2

iTrader: (4)

Valentine one is also invisible to those. If you got any questions call 1800-331-3030 and ask the person on the phone any question you like. Valentine Research will be more than happy to answer any question. Check www.valentineone.com for info on the no obselesence policy.

SterlingMist00

I will be getting the Valentine One in May........here is the article from Car&Driver showing it to be the best out there. My brother has had one for almost 2 years and he swears by it. As someone said before, the latest version is smaller.
V1 detector

Virus

iTrader: (1)

Great article and what's best is it said that, "the Passport's 12.1 ounces make it the porkiest detector of the bunch." Notice very carefully that this does not say Valentine It actually talked about the Valentine being small.

tmuscedere

Was just speaking to PNI Corp, the company that makes the Sensoro Traveller and they told me that Spectre has made a new detector detector that picks up all radar detectors so I guess I wont be getting one any time soon

E55AMG2

iTrader: (4)

Now THAT has to suck