We hear a lot, from some, about the directional arrows of the V1 radar detector and how the first impulse is not necessarily to slow down when one's dectector goes off, but to pay attention to the arrows and depend on them to point out the "bogey".

I wonder how many would still zip by these cops http://www.escortradar.com/news07012004.htm
while feeling no need to immediately slow down when the alarm went off, but rather to continue at the present pace and scour the landscape for patrol cars.

BTW this is from the WSJ. I remember when they put PA state troopers in camoflage along the side of roads to clock drivers. Of course with a V1, the directional arrow would have pointed into the woods and some owners, who argue that the first reaction when the detector goes off should not necessarily be to immediately slow down, but to "follow the arrow to the bogey", would probably take it as "falsing"

I'll keep my Escort Passport 8500. The arrows are a gimmick. It goes off, I slow down.

 

Thats the wrong way to use it.

When the alarm goes off, you slow down. When you see the arrow point right, and then behind you, then you can speed back up. Otherwise, you have to keep driving slow until the beeping stops and you are out of range. On today's radar detectors, that can take a while if you are on flat terrain.

In addition, lets say your radar detector goes off everyday at the same place when you pass the dry cleaners. Well today it is beeping again, and shows an arrow to your right. BUT the bogey counter today reads 2 instead of 1, and blinks the forward arrow to show the greater threat (Ka). You didn't just ignore your detector that time thanks to the arrows.

One is a radar detector, the other a radar locator. Now if that extra functionality is worth $100 is subjective, but its not a gimmic.

 

Interesting. I read the artice and although the tactics of the police suxxors, you comments about the arrows being a gimmick are still unfounded, as comments of this nature normally are. Well, so what if the arrows point to the side in the woods? Radar can't get you from the side. It has to be head on , slightly off center, or from behind.

In any case, proper use of any detector will help you. Staying alert to any alert and using good judgement in how to react to that alert. Nothing is foolproof! I think the point about the arrows is that with the Escort (or others) all it does is scream...you don't know where it's at. The V1, being a radar locater, will tell you the direction. Sure, if I get strong Ka from the front or rear, or side for that matter, I'll slow down, or at least be very cautious. It all depends on the kind of alert, band, strength, and direction. It's just more information, that's all really.

Here's another thing I like about the arrows: They're big and red and get my attention, even when cruising with the top off and stereo blasting! THAT'S something I didn't like about the Bel 985 I was using or Escorts I've used...sure, they're small and sleek, but that display just doesn't have enough "flash" to get my attention if I'm in a situation where I can't hear the thing. Not so with the V1! I didn't even think about that aspect when I bought it...but chalk up another bonus for the V1 in my book...finally addressed a serious issue with my previous detectors. I don't have to hear it for it to get my attention...

 

I'm gonna disagree, bro...

The V1 has arrows AND it will let you know the intensity of the detection.

A golfer (or an unseen cop) will give the detector an increased intensity reading as you get closer and closer. The V1 gives me so much time to slow down it is stupid. The first detection will increase and increase until I KNOW it is a cop. I'm not trying to convince you. I am just letting everyone know that the V1 is the only detector I will ever use.

Don't take my word, or anyone else's. If you feel your detector is the ****, so be it. But you will never convince any V1 owner to sell theirs on Ebay for an escort or another detector.

peace out

 

 

Actually, thats a good point.

Especially in this scenario, you might not usually look at the golfer.

Your arrow points forward with a weak signal. The signal becomes stronger until you are painted solid.

The arrow then moves from forward to left, and right then you look to your side and notice that the golfer is pointing something at you.

You have now identified the threat and can move along as soon as the golfer is out of visual range.

Since this is a speed trap, if there happened to be antoher radar signal in the area, it would tell you where it was coming from (another weak signal from behind you wouldn't bother you unless it got stronger as you were driving) so that you could slow down again if need be thanks to the bogey counter and other arrow. PWNED!

 

When my V1 goes off I slow down and move over to the slow lane!
I'd rather know that they are out there somewhere than go flying by just because the arrow were pointing the wrong way.
If California roads were better I'd drive in the slow lane when possible but our roads SUCK!
Tim