Valentine Radar
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: Sierra Madre
Valentine Radar
Hey guys,
I know that this has been discussed many times before, but I wanted to share.
I have owned several radar detectors in the past, mostly Bel's & happy with them; but always wondered if the Valentine was worth the extra money.
Let's put it this way, if I was to buy again, I would by the Valentine, hands down.
I picked up my car from TJ Wong's shop this weekend and drove it home. His shop is located in Vancouver, Wa and let me say this, the Valentine Radar shined. It saved me from 5 tickets - no kidding - each time, I was able to slow down in time, while someone else getting the ticket.
On two occassions, it was so dark on the I-5, I couldn't even see the cop car until he got on the road from the middle of the median.
Now, I am not saying that the performance was any better than the other brands but the arrows showing the location the radar was coming from made all the differnce in the world.
In the past, when my Bel would alert off, I would slow down and look in all directions for the cop. Even, when the radar got quiet, I would hesitate to speed up again.
The Valentine, clearly takes this confusion away.
Anyway, hope this helps someone that is on the fence.
Glenn
I know that this has been discussed many times before, but I wanted to share.
I have owned several radar detectors in the past, mostly Bel's & happy with them; but always wondered if the Valentine was worth the extra money.
Let's put it this way, if I was to buy again, I would by the Valentine, hands down.
I picked up my car from TJ Wong's shop this weekend and drove it home. His shop is located in Vancouver, Wa and let me say this, the Valentine Radar shined. It saved me from 5 tickets - no kidding - each time, I was able to slow down in time, while someone else getting the ticket.
On two occassions, it was so dark on the I-5, I couldn't even see the cop car until he got on the road from the middle of the median.
Now, I am not saying that the performance was any better than the other brands but the arrows showing the location the radar was coming from made all the differnce in the world.
In the past, when my Bel would alert off, I would slow down and look in all directions for the cop. Even, when the radar got quiet, I would hesitate to speed up again.
The Valentine, clearly takes this confusion away.
Anyway, hope this helps someone that is on the fence.
Glenn
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
I am amazed by the range of my Escort 8500 X50. I am also very surprised that in Valentine's most recent advertising he is still comparing his unit to the old Escort 8500. That is why I bought the 8500 X50 -I thought it his was better than the X50 he would be comparing his unit against the newer 8500 x50 and not using quotes and test comparisions with the older 8500.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Hurricane Alley FLorida
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
I've got a $39 Cobra, and it picked up radar sooner than my friend's Valentine1 when we were out on a cruise together in our respective cars. Doesn't really matter what brand you have, because short of a jammer, nothing is going to protect you from instant on radar. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Originally Posted by 1quik91
Check out www.speedzones.com and compare.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
there is more to good radar detection than range. The arrows and the counter, in my opinion, are the real advantages to the V1. It's all about presenting information.
I have had my V1 since 1998... and I would never leave on a major trip without it.
Back in 2000 or so, I was driving through South Carolina. I had just crossed into SC from NC, going south on I-95.
The area in reference is about 10 miles into SC, the median is VERY wide here. Low and flat.
As I approached the area, my V1 was going wild with 6+ signals from 2 or 3 directions! I slowed.
Everyone slowed. It was a major speed trap. Several cars (5+, if I remember rightly) were pulled over getting tickets.
As we cleared, everyone else sped up... not me, cause the V1 was picking up a fresh K-band signal ahead... low and behold... ANOTHER speed trap! about 2 miles south of the first.
I think the first car in our pack got a ticket, he rabbitted away... but I went through at a reasonable speed and evaded not 1 but TWO tickets.
I suspect the V1 compares to the 8500 because that is when the last data elements were published. He does not create his own results.
I have had my V1 since 1998... and I would never leave on a major trip without it.
Back in 2000 or so, I was driving through South Carolina. I had just crossed into SC from NC, going south on I-95.
The area in reference is about 10 miles into SC, the median is VERY wide here. Low and flat.
As I approached the area, my V1 was going wild with 6+ signals from 2 or 3 directions! I slowed.
Everyone slowed. It was a major speed trap. Several cars (5+, if I remember rightly) were pulled over getting tickets.
As we cleared, everyone else sped up... not me, cause the V1 was picking up a fresh K-band signal ahead... low and behold... ANOTHER speed trap! about 2 miles south of the first.
I think the first car in our pack got a ticket, he rabbitted away... but I went through at a reasonable speed and evaded not 1 but TWO tickets.
I suspect the V1 compares to the 8500 because that is when the last data elements were published. He does not create his own results.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by LT4CompYell
Very good site. Very good information. thanks!!
I get the feeling these guys test in a very non-biased way.
Sounds like V1 needs to speed up and become more sensitive!
However, I stand by my comments in regards to arrows and bogie counters.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 16,950
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Virginia Kittah, Kittah, Kittah...
I was going to purchase a V1 but decided to give the cordless Escort Solo2 a try for it's convenience... So far I have no complaints... The Escort tucks up nicely and stays hidden near the rearview mirror with it's small size, another plus I like...
I would have liked the V1 for the reasons mentioned above with the bogey counter and the directional arrows, but in the end my dash is cluttered enough with a radar detector and a GPS unit, both cordless... I didn't want several cords draped acorss the dash as well...
Another couple items I really like about the V1 though are it's remote display option, and the upgradeability with new technology...
The next time I buy a new detector, it will most likely be a V1...
I would have liked the V1 for the reasons mentioned above with the bogey counter and the directional arrows, but in the end my dash is cluttered enough with a radar detector and a GPS unit, both cordless... I didn't want several cords draped acorss the dash as well...
Another couple items I really like about the V1 though are it's remote display option, and the upgradeability with new technology...
The next time I buy a new detector, it will most likely be a V1...
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa Ontario
Originally Posted by wake
I was going to purchase a V1 but decided to give the cordless Escort Solo2 a try for it's convenience... So far I have no complaints... The Escort tucks up nicely and stays hidden near the rearview mirror with it's small size, another plus I like...
I would have liked the V1 for the reasons mentioned above with the bogey counter and the directional arrows, but in the end my dash is cluttered enough with a radar detector and a GPS unit, both cordless... I didn't want several cords draped acorss the dash as well...
Another couple items I really like about the V1 though are it's remote display option, and the upgradeability with new technology...
The next time I buy a new detector, it will most likely be a V1...
I would have liked the V1 for the reasons mentioned above with the bogey counter and the directional arrows, but in the end my dash is cluttered enough with a radar detector and a GPS unit, both cordless... I didn't want several cords draped acorss the dash as well...
Another couple items I really like about the V1 though are it's remote display option, and the upgradeability with new technology...
The next time I buy a new detector, it will most likely be a V1...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
I have a feeling that the Valentine and the Escort's detectors are about equal....you could buy any of them and be satisfied that you are using state-of-the-art equipment.
I also wonder if the controlled conditions of most radar tests (and they have to be controlled, I know) don't allow the V-1's exclusive features to "strut their stuff", so to speak.
In the real world, the V-1 may not have more range/sensitivity, but the additional information is a big help...to me anyway.
Three people whose opinions I value most highly in the whole world have studied the radar detector question thoroughly and have come to the same conclusion: V-1.
That's good enough for this guy. I love my Valentine.
Larry
code5coupe
I also wonder if the controlled conditions of most radar tests (and they have to be controlled, I know) don't allow the V-1's exclusive features to "strut their stuff", so to speak.
In the real world, the V-1 may not have more range/sensitivity, but the additional information is a big help...to me anyway.
Three people whose opinions I value most highly in the whole world have studied the radar detector question thoroughly and have come to the same conclusion: V-1.
That's good enough for this guy.
I love my Valentine.Larry
code5coupe
Last edited by rocco16; Apr 3, 2006 at 12:27 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
There are a couple of enhancements that the V1 could benefit from
adopting.
One is to place the On/Off switch in the remote - if it has to be wired,
then have it control everything.
Alternatively, switch to Bluetooth or some other wireless protocol and
cut the cord between the remote and the detector.
.
adopting.
One is to place the On/Off switch in the remote - if it has to be wired,
then have it control everything.
Alternatively, switch to Bluetooth or some other wireless protocol and
cut the cord between the remote and the detector.
.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 16,950
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Virginia Kittah, Kittah, Kittah...
Originally Posted by Slalom4me
Alternatively, switch to Bluetooth or some other wireless protocol and
cut the cord between the remote and the detector.
.
cut the cord between the remote and the detector.
.
That and a move to cordless, internal power as well... LiOn technology is pretty advanced now, I'm sure they could make a cordless detector with good battery life and bluetooth technology...
If V1 made a detector like that, requiring no cords and the remote display, I'd buy one today...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
From: Toronto ONTARIO
The only one i would consider is the beltronics sti. i do know up here in canada they use rdds and thats the only one that makes me feel secure using it.
An idea i had was to run the power cord along the passenger side dash (underside) and inside the winshield trim panels all the way around near the rearview mirror. That way i could leave the wire in all the time and just plug it in with no dangling wire.
An idea i had was to run the power cord along the passenger side dash (underside) and inside the winshield trim panels all the way around near the rearview mirror. That way i could leave the wire in all the time and just plug it in with no dangling wire.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
What some have done is to tap the circuit that powers the mirror
lights. The procedure has been covered but I don't see it in the
Tech Tip section. There is a member (C5 section) who offers
pre-fabbed flatwire cables with the appropriate telco jack or you
can buy your own tool at HomeDepot or similar vendor and build it
yourself - be sure to get the tool for the correct jack.
Your approach of concealing a cable is the only way to host both the
V1 and its remote, I believe.
.
lights. The procedure has been covered but I don't see it in the
Tech Tip section. There is a member (C5 section) who offers
pre-fabbed flatwire cables with the appropriate telco jack or you
can buy your own tool at HomeDepot or similar vendor and build it
yourself - be sure to get the tool for the correct jack.
Your approach of concealing a cable is the only way to host both the
V1 and its remote, I believe.
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
Originally Posted by skeet
I am amazed by the range of my Escort 8500 X50. I am also very surprised that in Valentine's most recent advertising he is still comparing his unit to the old Escort 8500. That is why I bought the 8500 X50 -I thought it his was better than the X50 he would be comparing his unit against the newer 8500 x50 and not using quotes and test comparisions with the older 8500.
Not only that but the results he quotes are several years old !!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I've had some hits on my V1 that were pretty damn surprising. One I recall was a cop 2 miles away, on a freeway curving through town!
And others where the cop is completely out of sight, behind a 1/2 mile of dirt and rocks on the other side of a hill.
The directional arrows are useful for determining when its safe to speed up again.
Also quite effective in town, knowing where cops are to avoid pulling a california stop or that questionable lane change. Speeding in residential areas is pointless though.
And others where the cop is completely out of sight, behind a 1/2 mile of dirt and rocks on the other side of a hill.
The directional arrows are useful for determining when its safe to speed up again.
Also quite effective in town, knowing where cops are to avoid pulling a california stop or that questionable lane change. Speeding in residential areas is pointless though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,255
Likes: 3
From: Sugar Hill Georgia
Originally Posted by SK.LT1
Are jammers available?
I don't think I want to put the wired K-40 system in the C6, and one installer has told me the new bluetooth calibre system is "junk" because the units re-sync every 7 seconds. Not sure what to make of that, and I'm not dropping several hundred on a system I'm not confident of.
I have an 8500 but it is Sooooo tacky having that thing hanging off the windshield.