[Z06] Radar Detectors
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 0
From: Coral Springs FL
Re: Radar Detectors (KMeloney)
No doubt the arrows are nice. It just all depends on what you need/want. I just need to know if there is any microwave activity within a mile of my location so I don't do any 4th gear checks (need to make sure 4th gear doesn't stop at 4000 rpm :jester - how else can you know?) while there is anything nearby.
Went out last night and located 7 threats in 30 minutes driving around town. 6 of those were Ka and the other K band. 4 of those where dedicated speed traps while the others where 'cruisers'.
I'm happy with my Passport. I was on the fence when I shopped but the Passport was the right move for my needs... To each their own. :cheers:
I think the original question was 'should I get a detector'? And my opinion is you can't go wrong with either V1 or the Passport 8500. And in terms of false alarms, I had a Radio Shack unit a few years ago that would go off all the time but the technology has really improved since the early 1990s. :)
Went out last night and located 7 threats in 30 minutes driving around town. 6 of those were Ka and the other K band. 4 of those where dedicated speed traps while the others where 'cruisers'.
I'm happy with my Passport. I was on the fence when I shopped but the Passport was the right move for my needs... To each their own. :cheers:
I think the original question was 'should I get a detector'? And my opinion is you can't go wrong with either V1 or the Passport 8500. And in terms of false alarms, I had a Radio Shack unit a few years ago that would go off all the time but the technology has really improved since the early 1990s. :)
Instructor
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Re: Radar Detectors (03 RED Z MAN)
So where are the published "honest" tests that show the V1 is superior?
I read several supposedly unbiased tests before buying a Bel 980. What I was reading is that the Valentine has fallen behind the competition the past few years.
Here's one of the tests I relied on: http://www.radartest.com/DS4HEM.html
Was I misguided? :confused:
I read several supposedly unbiased tests before buying a Bel 980. What I was reading is that the Valentine has fallen behind the competition the past few years.
Here's one of the tests I relied on: http://www.radartest.com/DS4HEM.html
Was I misguided? :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 6,147
Likes: 32
From: Dallas TX
Re: Radar Detectors (Greg H)
I have been hearing for the past few months that the tests done by http://www.radartest.com were fradulent. There was a test done by either car and driver or motor trend in which the V1 score a 97/100 and the 2nd place detector scored 65 or 70.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,331
Likes: 518
From: Admit Nothing, Deny Everything, Make Counter Accusations.
Re: Radar Detectors (03 RED Z MAN)
Don't go blastin down the highway just because you have a V1. A V1 cannot save you from instant on radar. I know a Viper/V1 owner who has already received at least 1 (maybe 2) tickets.
I have a BEL 900 series which seems to pick up radar pretty good. I don't bother to speed on the highway anymore because I am not willing to risk getting a ticket. I just use the detector for fun.
I have a BEL 900 series which seems to pick up radar pretty good. I don't bother to speed on the highway anymore because I am not willing to risk getting a ticket. I just use the detector for fun.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Re: Radar Detectors (rbartick)
Independent detector tests done by Speed Zones:
http://www.speedzones.com/test2002new/test2002.htm
Haroon
---------------
1997 Torch Red Corvette Coupe - Vortex Ram Air, Z06 Chrome Wheels, Throttle Body Bypass, Advanced Timing Kit, Air Coupler, Exhaust Billet Plate, A&A Exhaust Mod, Exhaust Tips, Red Calipers, Baer EradiSpeed Rotors
http://www.speedzones.com/test2002new/test2002.htm
Haroon
---------------
1997 Torch Red Corvette Coupe - Vortex Ram Air, Z06 Chrome Wheels, Throttle Body Bypass, Advanced Timing Kit, Air Coupler, Exhaust Billet Plate, A&A Exhaust Mod, Exhaust Tips, Red Calipers, Baer EradiSpeed Rotors
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Elk Grove Ca
Re: Radar Detectors (stocksure)
I've used the passport 8500 for several years with good success. I like the size and the display. The features let you set it up pretty much anyway you want.
For me, it doesn't matter much if the radar is behind me or infront. If I've been painted, it's time to slow down until the alarm says it's all clear.
The instant on stuff is pretty scary though . . . :yesnod:
For me, it doesn't matter much if the radar is behind me or infront. If I've been painted, it's time to slow down until the alarm says it's all clear.
The instant on stuff is pretty scary though . . . :yesnod:
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Denver CO
Re: Radar Detectors (Born_Again)
To answer a few earlier Q's
No, you cannot dim the LED output on the V1's. But an install close to the top of the windshield (just below the tint band) makes the V1 pretty much invisible from outside the car - esp from the view standing next to the car as perhaps a police officer would stand.
Second Q - Only place to purchase a new V1 is directly from Valentine. Either from their website (www.valentine1.com) or telephone (800-331-3030).
VERY happy owner or a V1 for the past 8 years. Has saved my butt on numerous occassions.
No, you cannot dim the LED output on the V1's. But an install close to the top of the windshield (just below the tint band) makes the V1 pretty much invisible from outside the car - esp from the view standing next to the car as perhaps a police officer would stand.
Second Q - Only place to purchase a new V1 is directly from Valentine. Either from their website (www.valentine1.com) or telephone (800-331-3030).
VERY happy owner or a V1 for the past 8 years. Has saved my butt on numerous occassions.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
From: Dunnellon Florida
Re: Radar Detectors (03 RED Z MAN)
I like my 8500,especially in the "expert mode".Everything about this
detecter is programable,allowing you to set it up just the way you
like it.Plus I bought the maintenance plan with it that will cover the
cost of upgrades when they become available.The arrows sound like
fun to me but a hit is a hit,it's time to slow down. :yesnod:
detecter is programable,allowing you to set it up just the way you
like it.Plus I bought the maintenance plan with it that will cover the
cost of upgrades when they become available.The arrows sound like
fun to me but a hit is a hit,it's time to slow down. :yesnod:
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 642
Likes: 3
From: Calhoun, GA / USA GA
Re: Radar Detectors (av8or3)
I've owned both a Passport & 2 Valentines. I've also owned a 99 C5 Coupe and a 2002 Z06. Here's my comparo:
Valentine 1 = A Z06 Corvette!!!
Passport = A normal C5 Corvette!!
Now, WHICH car did you buy, or want to buy??
See my point? ;) ;)
Valentine 1 = A Z06 Corvette!!!
Passport = A normal C5 Corvette!!
Now, WHICH car did you buy, or want to buy??
See my point? ;) ;)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,069
Likes: 25
From: Orlando FL
Re: Radar Detectors (Jet Jockey & C5)
V1 all the way! I recently upgraded my old V1 to the latest circuitry. Nice option to have.
I'm sure the 8500 and a few other detectors out there work just fine but for me, I'll stick with the V1. Just like the Z06, its worth every penny. :yesnod:
I'm sure the 8500 and a few other detectors out there work just fine but for me, I'll stick with the V1. Just like the Z06, its worth every penny. :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 31
From: Waco TX
Re: Radar Detectors (RLS)
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: SOCAL
Re: Radar Detectors (03 RED Z MAN)
Have a Bel And Valentine. Can't beat the V1. Once you have the arrows, you can't live without them. Going on the FWY at night stuck behind a car going 30mph, jumped into the next lane, but let off the gas when I saw the arrows pointing behind. The lowered Honda behind me didn't slow down and took off. Next thing I know a trooper on motorcycle appears and gets the Honda. :lol: Points out speed traps on surface streets. The Bel is in my 300Z and the V1 is in the ZO6 :)
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 46,788
Likes: 37
From: Va. Beach Va.
Re: Radar Detectors (03 RED Z MAN)
I was driving out of state and picked up radar in front of me and the arrow showed this. I kept driving and picked up a second radar signal. I passed the trooper and the arrow showed this by pointing behind, but I still had radar in front. I drove about another 3/4 of a mile and bingo another trooper. If I would have had another radar detector without arrows I would have assumed it was the first cop and I may have been busted.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 8
From: San Jose California
Re: Radar Detectors (03 RED Z MAN)
I have been very pleased with my Escort 8500. My strongest reason for going with it over the V1 was its size. The other feature I really like is being able to dim the display so it doesn't blaze to the cop following me that I have a radar detector. I have painted mine black to blend in with the dash, it is now much more discreet. It also makes for much less reflection onto the windshield with certain sun angles during the day.
The arrows would be nice, but just because a cop has passed, I can still see the strength of the signal. If it is not getting weaker, I know more are out there waiting for me.
Like most tools, it is important to become familiar with the one you use. Valentine makes a great piece of equipment, but so does Escort. Neither can be used a a license to speed. A well honed 6th sense is still your greatest defense.
Chuck
The arrows would be nice, but just because a cop has passed, I can still see the strength of the signal. If it is not getting weaker, I know more are out there waiting for me.
Like most tools, it is important to become familiar with the one you use. Valentine makes a great piece of equipment, but so does Escort. Neither can be used a a license to speed. A well honed 6th sense is still your greatest defense.
Chuck
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Kannapolis NC
Re: Radar Detectors (03 RED Z MAN)
The V1 is number one, anyone that says not is not in the know. Mine has saved me 6342 times (documented) since I bought it 2 years ago. I have been driving (legally) for about 10 years and have had about 25 tickets. (no I have never lost my license). I like to get where I am going and pretty much drive 80+ in 55's and 100+ on the interstate. Always, rain or shine. I dont leave home without the "Vally". Since I bought mine about 10 of my friends now have them. All they did was borrow mine for the weekend. All are believers. Its not fool proof, but with a good strategy and proper speeding technique it takes Buford T. Justice himself to catch you for speeding.
:smash: :smash: :smash: :smash:
over and out!
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Rb
:smash: :smash: :smash: :smash:
over and out!
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Rb
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
Re: Radar Detectors (Brutus0725)
My father has an older Escort Solo (the wireless one) which he has used for about 5 years....so far so good. Now on one hand, I really like the fact the there are no wires dangling in front of his console with the Solo, but on the other hand I've heard V1's are the cream of the crop for detectors. So I guess I was wondering if anyone with V1's could post some pics on how you've mounted it and if you done anything to hide the wires (messy wires = really bad pet peeve of mine) or if you just let it dangle in front. I would REALLY like to see pics of peeps with V1 AND that nifty Concealed Display add-on that plugs into the cig lighter too....any takers?