Someone on the forum had mentioned that Car and Driver was doing a radar detector test in their October issue. I am too late to buy that issue as November is already out on the newsstands. What were the results of their tests?


[Modified by BB68Vett, 9:07 PM 10/11/2001]

 

Don't know. But, go to Motor Trends web site. In Sept, they picked the Escort 8500.

 

I believe that, performance-wise, it was similar between the V1 and the 8500, but they stated in an addition, and you'll find that EVERY V1 owner agrees, that the directional arrows are the real strong point that makes the V1 clearly far superior to the 8500.

Sam

 

I agree.....the big difference is the arrows.
The question is: are the arrows worth $100?
That depends on the individual.

Tom Piper

 

One ticket's impact to your insurance and you'll find that the arrows are easily worth the $100.

 

I have two Bel 970 Vector LR's. I get more than enough warning time to avoid any ticket. In fact sometimes it is way too much warning time especially on K band. It takes so long for the cop to show up you may think it is a false alarm. On Ka band, I get plenty of time also, especially on the highway. I keep X band disabled to eliminate false alarms from burglar alarms and door openers. You can buy a Bel 970 for about $205 shipped to your door.

 

I swear by my V1... I procrastinated for too long before getting it, and finally, I got a speeding ticket (after a string of being pulled over but getting non-moving violation tickets). The day I got the ticket, I went to the website and ordered it. I haven't gotten a ticket (for speeding) since... :)

The cops around here are hyper about tinted windows and liscense plates.. and all kinds of stupid things that they shouldn't waste their time on...

 

I agree the V1 has directional arrows a nice bells and whistle type feature:sleep:. However, when my detector sounds I don't care where its comming from, I slow down.: But what the hell its only a C note.
The thing I don't like about the V1 is its too bulky, Hard to hide and looks ugly on my dash

 

Why is it on your dash? I have mine tucked away next to the rear view mirror. I added the remote display and controls for total control over the unit. No one knows I have anything unless I tell them.

 

I am one that first went with the Escort 8500 but then changed over to the V1. I was really susprised in that the V1 is smaller then the Escort. Not near as large or bulky.

tom...

 

The arrows are going to save me from a ticket? Where do I buy just the arrows for my Bel 980? IMO, the arrows and the "bogey counter" do about as much for me not getting a ticket as my 980's Digital voice announcement does. These features are novelties.

When I'm speeding and get an alert, I,
#1 immediately slow down,
#2 look at the speedo or HUD and THEN,
#3 look at the Detector.

After driving over 1 million miles in 20 years with minimal tickets (hate that instant on radar and the cop in the sky with the stopwatch!), I would not want to replace #1 with #3 in the above order.

My 980 falses less than my friends new V1 and has better over the hill Ka coverage! I know it's really not a false if anything within a 10,000% tolerance of the frequency is present - glad my car radio tunes better than that!

The bottom line is ANY detector is better than none, if you are going to speed! No detector will work against instant on if you're the unlucky first guy he triggers, or the Bear in the sky with a stopwatch!

The V1 is good and the Escort 8500 is good as is the Bel 980, as are many other Detectors. No doubt, Valentine and Escort spend a lot of $$ on advertising.

I bought the Bel 980 because:
1. I have had good success with Bel in the past
2. I could buy it locally. If I have problems, I can look the Retailer in the face, just as I would with my C5 Dealer.
3. It is not detectable by the "Bears".
4. The Safety Warning System (hasn't been helpful yet)
5. Digital Voice for radar band notification and SWS messages

Just my 2 cents!


[Modified by golfnwatchesnc5s, 11:29 AM 10/22/2001]


[Modified by golfnwatchesnc5s, 11:33 AM 10/22/2001]

 

Car and Drivers detector tests has been delayed and probably won't come out until Jan 02. You didn't miss the issue.

 

I used to use Bel. They were bad butt for about 6 months. Then one day, it started going off and didn't quit.

So I bought another one.... SHAME ON ME this time.

did the same thing.

Never again.

 

I've been a happy V1 owner for over 3 years. Well worth the money. As far as the direction arrows are concerned, i'll just quote the Car & Driver reviewer from a few years ago when he said "live with them for one week and you will wonder how you ever lived without them."

 

jfb, thanks for answering my question. Although the discussion it sparked was interesting, I really did want to read the Car and Driver report for myelf and I am glad I didn't miss it.

 

Mike (V1) is supposed to have a new model coming out. I have been running front & rear Radar Detectors for years (before V1). This is as good as the arrows.

Am compiling some info. on radar detectors.
If anyone has any radar detector articles or links would appreciate if you e-mail them.

:cool:

 

Here in Maryland they have started putting Radar transmitters on school busses, those orange portable traffic warning road signs (contruction ahead slow down etc.), and freeway overpasses. With the aid of the arrows and bogey counter I know that the "hit" was from a school bus that just passed in the other direction, and I can resume normal speed. Without these aids you have to "assume" that that was the trigger, and I don't like to assume anything when it comes to radar.

 

Supposedly the new Car and Driver Radar test is out. I haven't seen it yet though.......

 

Try this http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=211745

rr

 

FEBRUARY ISSUE IS OUT.
Ho-hum

As usual Valentine smokes the competition :smash:
Out of possible 100
Passport 8500 - 73
Bel 980 - 61
Cobra X-1050 - 43
Whistler 1780 - 35
Uniden LRD 987 -34
Valentine One - 97 :smash: :cheers: :smash: