Been looking at the Valentine radar detector. Anyone have this and is it any good?

 

My friend has it in his GTO, It works extremely well, although it does take a little to get used to. Way faster reading and better range than most other detectors

 

Valentine is the best. I've owned them all and have had this one for 9 years. Great service. Saved me MANY times.
Rangervette

 

The rear facing antenna and arrows is a nice feature. It has saved me when the law was coming up from behind. Just remember, it isn't going to save you in all situations, especially with the new POP radar. It's a little more money, but well worth it IMO.

 

You will find that several members use the V1, myself included. You will also find that this question will spawn a raging debate that will last for days on the merits of the V1 vs. the Passport 8500. Those of us that use the V1 and the arrows and the bogey counters believe it to be a major benefit to situational awareness while driving. Those that don't have it believe that it is a gimmick and a waste of $100.00 (or the approximate difference in price between the two top competing radar detectors. I believe that the bottom line is you can't go wrong with either of these detectors, but I'm keeping my V1.

Paul

 

V-1

 

FWIW:

the 8500 has a "bogey" counter also, and will display the receive signal strength for each bogey. i don't think the V1 does that? or does it?
so about the only difference between the two comes down to the arrows.

but you can't go wrong with either one!

 

The new version of the V1 now covers POP radar. Check out their website. Best detector I have ever used.

Arcane1

 

If you can put up with all the false signals around town or suburb, get the V1. If you would like the same protection without the arrows ( Just slow down when it goes off) get the Passport 8500-X50. I've had it since it came out, after sending the V1 back to the company, just couldn't take all the false signals and yes I did play with the setting. You can't go wrong with either unit.

 

V1 and two 8500 X50's here.
V1 is in the Vert and the X50's in our daily drivers...

I prefer the V1 over the 8500's

 

NICE INSTALL!

 

Get the V1

 

whats better ford vs chevy?

 

How many times have I seen this thread topic over the last month???

TOO MANY!!

 

I have owned the same valentine 1 for ten years. Recently I checked into upgrades for my unit and discovered there were so many I was better off getting new unit with newer features. Valentine 1 has good and bad features here are the high points.

Good: Bad:
High performance detection(large antenas) = Large unit size
Arrows ^<>v show location of "bogies" = Very bright at night
Obnoxious warning tone = Obnoxious warning tone
Quality phone type wires & jacks = No cordless operation
Nice windshield mount = Poor visor mount for vette
Sturdy housing = Heavy unit

Conclusion: having not owned a passport I am not qualified to report differences or preference. My valentine 1 has saved me from several tickets, but does alarm often due to sensitivity in comercial areas. My suggestions would be to buy one (ask for demo model and save $$ and get same warranty. Also invest in the remote unit that will black out main unit and relocate lighted display to deter tag alongs. Mine is pluged into lighter socket next to gear shift but unit can be hard wired any where. Any other question please ask. Happy motoring, Brian

 

It is a common myth that the Valentine One is large and heavy. As hard as it might be to believe, the Valentine One, 16.2 cu. in., is smaller than the Escort X50, 18.95 cu. in., and the Bel RX65, 16.32 cu. in. The Valentine One is wider because it has 2 antennas and not 1 like every other radar detector, but it is shorter and not as tall which gives you more mounting options.

As far as weight goes,

Valentine One -> 181.5g (6.40 ounces)
Escort 8500 X50 -> 253.7g (8.95 ounces)
Beltronics RX65 Pro -> 236.6g (8.35 ounces)
Beltronics STi Driver -> 291.6g ( 10.29 ounces)

As you can see, the 8500 X50 is the largest in size and the Bel STi Driver is the heaviest. The Valentine One is the smallest and lightest radar detector of the Top 4 radar detectors made today.

 

V1!

For those saying about the false alarms, YOU (yes you) can program the V1 to turn on or off X, K, Ka, and even the Laser alarms.

I turned off the X band and now very rarely do I get any false alarms.

 

Is the information in the manual?

 

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

 

Thank you Mr. King!!