What kind of radar detectors do you guys have? How well does it work? I'm lookin to get one soon and I want to get one that's proven to work.

 

ok..
#1 best hands down. .Valentine 1.. Sure its $400 but its worth every penny.

#2 is the escort 8500. It was ok. but for just $100 less than the V1, I would rather have the V1.

I tested both side by side and then each alone. I tested them in normal day to day driving in Houston and then each on a trip from Houston to North Carolina..

V1 was hands down the best as far as range and accuracy.

Anything cheaper and you may as well just use the force.

 

Valentine 1. It is the BEST radar detector out there and the last detector you will have to buy.

Jeff

 

escort 8500 and V1 is a toss up

i too have first hand experience with both.

don't get anything else or your just throwing your money away

 

Okay, I guess I'll get the V1. You guys know of any websites where I can get it?

 

ebay has them used, but they hold their value VERY well, otherwise www.valentine1.com is the only place to buy new

 

My experience with them is they are all really good at telling you when your already caught. Cops around here just pull the trigger when your right up on 'em. They are illegal here in VA so they also take it from you.

 

Call Valentine Research at 1 800 331 3030 and ask for a returned V1 and you will get 10% off the retail price of $399. It will be the latest version V1.8 POP2 w/ Euro-mode and 3.856 firmware and that comes with all the accessories and a 1 year warranty.

 

They may take your radar detector but they have to give it back because it is the law.

http://leg1.state.va.us/

"Any such device or mechanism may be taken by the arresting officer if needed as evidence, and, when no longer needed, shall be returned to the person charged with a violation of this section, or at that person's request, and his expense, mailed to an address specified by him. Any unclaimed devices may be destroyed on court order after six months have elapsed from the final date for filing an appeal."

 

I've heard stories of cops giving the people choices of driving over their radar detectors or getting a ticket. VA cops are douchebags.

 

you have the V1,8500 X50, RX65,STI Driver.

Escort and Bel is one company now...you can go read some test and forums. The driver is not easily picked up..while the others can almost alway's can be...to most people thats not a concert. All 3 are great on KA band.

The RX65 can do KU band so if it comes over here you can be ready. (the V1 would be flashed for that if it dont' have it)

I think any 3 are a good choice or the driver.

I personaly have just got a RX65 works good. I had a 6 year old BelSTI so I stayed with them and plus it was a little bit cheaper.

Be sure you get one with the automute.

 

The Valentine One already detects Ku band when you buy it new but it is turned off by default because Ku is not used in the U.S.


Bel claims that the RX65 can detect Ku band but it doesn't do it very well, it lost by over 2500 feet to the V1.




If you want to turn on the Ku band detection on your Valentine One, go here:

http://valentine1.com/lab/MikesLabRpt3.asp

 

Hey you guys....I have a question these detectors. Does it just detect when there is a speed trap around or do they have one that can tell you when ANY police cars are around the area? I don't speed very often through my daily routine so speed traps I usaully never get ticket'd. But when I do speed or occasionally race by industrial roads I would like to know if there's a cop rolling around. They don't HAVE to have the gun out to get me for obvious speeding/racing! Do radar detectors have this feature also or what? I have no idea how these things work......

 

Radar detectors detect RADAR, this means only when a cop is actively using his radar gun to catch you, otherwise they are totally worthless. Mass speed traps will have several radar guns catching people and will provide good warning, but as another poster pointed out, some cops will only activate the radar gun when you are immediatly in front of them, in which case a radar detector is worthless. If you want to know what cops are in your area your best bet is buy a scanner.

 

This is the right way to do it, unfortunately. *Technically* the LEGAL way to run radar (The way they're trained and certified) is first determine the speed (IE I think he's going about 80.) Then turn the radar on. Your required to put both on the ticket. Radar detectors are worth it, but they don't do miracles. If you drive like a maniac you'll get a ticket, 5,000$ Detector or nothing.