OT Radar Detectors?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
Re: OT Radar Detectors? (flynhi)
Valentine One - Hands down. I love mine and I swear by it. You just have to have patience for a few miles after the alarm sounds until you see the speed trap. The arrow even tells you the direction of the source and how many sources it is picking up.
PS - You can only order them off of their web site or thru the 800 number.
[Modified by blunsford, 4:20 AM 9/12/2003]
PS - You can only order them off of their web site or thru the 800 number.
[Modified by blunsford, 4:20 AM 9/12/2003]
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Wyandotte MI
Re: OT Radar Detectors? (flynhi)
I have the Escort Solo cordless--and 'swear by this 1'. Never owned the Valentine, they both get good reviews. The corded Escort is suppose to be the best 'Escort', but once you go cordless--it hard to have a cord hangin' there again! :D :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,136
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: OT Radar Detectors? (flynhi)
My detector was recently stolen and I need to replace it. What brand/model is your choice?
I got a V1 and love it. But I got to it in a round about way. I had an old Escort Solo. The original battery powered one. Was great. VERY compact and had a metal case. But it only covered X and K bands. One day it died. So because of the experience with it I ordered the Passport 8500. It worked great but it is HUGE in size and has a plastic case. I used it for about three weeks and then returned it. Then ordered the V1. It is smaller then the Passport and has a metal case. Feels much more solid. I really cannot tell much difference between it and the Passport as far as front facing detection goes. The V1 has a rear antenna so it is better for anything behind you. PLUS the V1 has those arrows :thumbs: Once you get used to them you cannot ever imagine yourself without them.
Over all the V1 just seems to be a more solid and better put together and designed unit then the Escort. And it has those wonderful arrows.
Get the V1, you will not regret it.
tom...
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 1
From: Wylie TX
Re: OT Radar Detectors? (Tom73)
I used to swear by Bel detectors, mainly due to their high warning range for Ka band back then. The problem was that I went through 3 in about 4 years as they would start to false constantly (90% of the time they are on) after a little over a year. V1 had improved it's Ka and I finally splurged for one. I've had it about 5 years now with no problems.
PS. I do get false laser with the V1 when I'm behind a new TrailBlazer, Envoy, or Avalanche at a red light when they have their brakes on.
PS. I do get false laser with the V1 when I'm behind a new TrailBlazer, Envoy, or Avalanche at a red light when they have their brakes on.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
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From: Brazos TX
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Re: OT Radar Detectors? (flynhi)
The V1 is, by far, the best I've used. It is mostly because of the direction arrows. I will admit that Escorts and others may be just as sensitive but the arrows make all the difference. It has saved me the purchase price equivalent in tickets about 5 times over. I just avoided a speed trap going into a worthless little Texas town last weekend. I always follow the speed limits thru those kinds of towns but I was going rather fast heading into town and had I not known what was up I wouldn't have quite been at the speed limit RIGHT at the sign.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 1
From: Hagerstown MD
Re: OT Radar Detectors? (Tom73)
I got a V1 and love it. But I got to it in a round about way. I had an old Escort Solo. The original battery powered one. Was great. VERY compact and had a metal case. But it only covered X and K bands. One day it died.
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Manchvegas NH
Re: OT Radar Detectors? (Tom73)
I got my detector a few months ago. It was between the V1 and Escort Passport 8500. Both review really well, with the V1 being more sensitive, but the Passport is in a smaller package, which to me was a plus.
I chose the 8500 based on price. It is $100 cheaper ($300 versus $400), and is upgradable like the V1.
So far, it has saved my neck (just this morning I got hit with Ka and saw a trooper a mile later) several times, so I am glad with my choice.
Either one you choose you will be happy.
I chose the 8500 based on price. It is $100 cheaper ($300 versus $400), and is upgradable like the V1.
So far, it has saved my neck (just this morning I got hit with Ka and saw a trooper a mile later) several times, so I am glad with my choice.
Either one you choose you will be happy.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,136
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: OT Radar Detectors? (pra4sun)
Both review really well, with the V1 being more sensitive, but the Passport is in a smaller package, which to me was a plus.
Passport: 1.25"H, 2.85"W, 5.32"L Total of 18.95 cu in
Valentine: 1.00"H, 3.6"W, 4.5"L Total of 16.2 cu in
The real volume will vary somewhat as the Passport has a curved top that tapers down in the front which would effective reduce the overall height. The V1 has a slight protrusion on the side for the counter display, which would reduce its effective overall width.
tom...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: GA
Re: OT Radar Detectors? (flynhi)
Why not contact Valentine One and let them know that we may have an interest in purchasing with a group discount.
Maybe we need to take a poll and see how many would be interested.
Maybe we need to take a poll and see how many would be interested.
