i need a radar detector and i was researching and this is what i found....

valentine 1 is best, but is too bulky and pricey for my taste

escort seems good for 199 ..

anyone have experience with escort, whistler, bel, or cobra? which of these is best? thanks PEACEE

 

You're better off buying the V1. There's nothing else that comes close to comparing.
FYI: avoid cordless detectors, they aren't worth a dime. You will also realize that the V1 isn't much bigger than any decent detector. The reason for it's size is the dual antennae.
I've had Whistlers, Escorts, Unidens, and Cobra's. The V1 I have now is better than all of them, guaranteed.

 

I have a Whistler 1600 (I think is the model number). It has front/rear detection, laser, safety, X, K, Ka, Instant On, Pulse, etc, and picks up very well from the sides too surprisingly enough. I have been averaging 5K a month mileage, and may be driving to Canada for a couple of days, and have no complaints with this detector I picked up at Walmart for 119.00 because I was going on a trip and needed one quickly. May not be as good as a Valentine, but I like it.

 

I think the Escort Passport SR1 remote is the best one out there now. Problem is the price. It has to be professionally installed at a certified dealer as well. It goes for over $1000 installed.

http://www.passportsr1.com/index.htm

 

i think i'll go wih the whistler or $199 escort. actually, my choices are narrowed down to cobra, whistler, escort (basically everything in $200 price range) i'd rather save the extra 200 from not buying the V1 and get something else for the max. thanks for the input. PEACEEE

 

the bel980 is really nice also, ranked next best to V1 i believe.

 

All I have to say is .... YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!
Valentine One is the best portable you can get. I works... it has saved my *** at least 5-6 times.

 

Believe me, it pays for itself!!!!

 

Another one to consider is the K40 RD650 VG-2. They guarantee that u will get no speeding tickets and will pay your speeding fine, if u you happen to get a ticket. I have it and it saved my *** during my drive from NY to Florida.

My 2 cents...

 

I've had probably 3 Escorts (Passport, and 2 different escorts - both broken) The Valentine is much better made, much like the old Passport. Much more sensitive. Driving to San Fran. this weekend, it saved me at least 5 times.

It'll last much longer because of its build quality and will cheaper in the long run. Trust me, I could've saved a bunch more money, plus they are upgradable.

 

I bought the bel 980 as well ... I've put up a lot of posts & info on this radar detector ... do a search 4 the Bel 980 ... & get it off EBay .. it's cheaper!

 

i did do some research the BEL detectors and the 950 seems better to me than the 980. 980 has some additional features that are pretty unnecessary. BEl tryin to make a few more bucks i guess. it's either bel 950 or V1. PEACEEE