Radar Detectors...Valentine1???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,188
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From: Dallas TX
Radar Detectors...Valentine1???
I have heard a lot of positive comments about the Valentine1, but what makes it so much better than the $120-150 models at Best Buy? The $400 price tag is scary! :smash:
I could care less how many cops are around or where they are at. If the detector chirps, I slow down. I have been using Cobra and Bell detectors in my Vette, BMW, and Camaro, and I have never gotten a ticket. I have also never paid more than $150 for any of these detectors.
Will the V1 detect radar/laser at a greater range than the average detector?
:cheers:
I could care less how many cops are around or where they are at. If the detector chirps, I slow down. I have been using Cobra and Bell detectors in my Vette, BMW, and Camaro, and I have never gotten a ticket. I have also never paid more than $150 for any of these detectors.
Will the V1 detect radar/laser at a greater range than the average detector?
:cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,380
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Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1??? (RajunCajun2001)
I could care less how many cops are around or where they are at. If the detector chirps, I slow down.
The V1 would've told you that the original source was now behind you, but there was still a threat in front of you.
The V1 is expensive. But after having saved my butt more than a few times in the exact type of scenario I just described, it has more than paid for itself. Your money, your license, your call. :)
:cheers:
JC
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: My barber didn't know when to quit... Do you?
Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1??? (The One)
Yep, he nailed it.
The arrows alone are worth way more than $150 IMO.
That is the best part about the V1. That and the amazing range it gives.
V1 is the best, hands down! :smash:
The arrows alone are worth way more than $150 IMO.
That is the best part about the V1. That and the amazing range it gives.
V1 is the best, hands down! :smash:
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 34
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From: Suffern NY
Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1??? (VetterMan)
Two sites that provide opposite opinions on the Valentine 1:
www.radartest.com/DS4HEM.html
www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/features/2002/february/200202_feature_detectors.xml .
Essentially, the Escort Passport 8500 is a good close second detector for about $150 less than the V1.
Roy.
www.radartest.com/DS4HEM.html
www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/features/2002/february/200202_feature_detectors.xml .
Essentially, the Escort Passport 8500 is a good close second detector for about $150 less than the V1.
Roy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 6,456
Likes: 2
From: D/FW Area TX
Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1???
No offense, but that RadarTet.com site is full of :bs. Please don't trust what they say. I'd believe Car and Driver's results.
But back to the original post, the V1 IS worth the high price. It's saved my rear from motorcycle cops running laser as well as warned me well in advance of many radar traps.
I've had no tickets since I bought it (installed in my 2002 Coupe), and I was pulled over 4 times (in my black '99 Coupe) prior to buying it.
During half of those where I got tickets, I was using a top of the line Whistler.
Especially with a yellow or red Corvette (in your case), you need all the heads-up warnings possible, because these cars are very easy to spot out of the crowd.
[Modified by Tiger Shark, 1:09 PM 3/14/2002]
But back to the original post, the V1 IS worth the high price. It's saved my rear from motorcycle cops running laser as well as warned me well in advance of many radar traps.
I've had no tickets since I bought it (installed in my 2002 Coupe), and I was pulled over 4 times (in my black '99 Coupe) prior to buying it.
During half of those where I got tickets, I was using a top of the line Whistler.
Especially with a yellow or red Corvette (in your case), you need all the heads-up warnings possible, because these cars are very easy to spot out of the crowd.
[Modified by Tiger Shark, 1:09 PM 3/14/2002]
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Racer
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Orlando FL
Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1??? (RajunCajun2001)
I love my V1......as to the cost...has anyone ever gotten any sympathy for how much Vette mods cost vs F-Body or Mustang? Or the cost of Vette tires?? A $400 dollar expense for a VITAL piece of equipment that brings out the true enjoyment of the $45K car is nothing!!! Get one and you will love it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,480
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From: Wa.
Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1??? (Tiger Shark)
[QUOTE]No offense, but that RadarTet.com site is full of :bs. Please don't trust what they say. I'd believe Car and Driver's results.
Well how about Motor Trend. They recommend the Passport 8500 over the
V-1. There are several tests out there and they are split over which one is better. Truthfully they are both great detectors and give you plenty of warning as long as you are not the only car on the road and they are using instant on(then you're screwed no matter what you have). If you want to pay $150 for arrows, go for it. I like the Passport 8500 better because of its better looks and lack of false alarms (no flames please, I had a V-1 and got tired of the false alarms and replaced it with a Passport and there was a noticable difference). The arrows do give you more info but as far as I'm concerned, if the detector is going off I don't care if I passed 1, 2 or 3 cops, I don't speed up until there are no more alarms.You can't go wrong with either detector. :cheers:
Well how about Motor Trend. They recommend the Passport 8500 over the
V-1. There are several tests out there and they are split over which one is better. Truthfully they are both great detectors and give you plenty of warning as long as you are not the only car on the road and they are using instant on(then you're screwed no matter what you have). If you want to pay $150 for arrows, go for it. I like the Passport 8500 better because of its better looks and lack of false alarms (no flames please, I had a V-1 and got tired of the false alarms and replaced it with a Passport and there was a noticable difference). The arrows do give you more info but as far as I'm concerned, if the detector is going off I don't care if I passed 1, 2 or 3 cops, I don't speed up until there are no more alarms.You can't go wrong with either detector. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 6,456
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From: D/FW Area TX
Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1??? (JWD01)
Yes, I would believe MotorTrend more than I would believe that RadarTest.com site.
Do a search in the archives and you'll see many similar warnings/comments from members about that site.
[Modified by Tiger Shark, 3:14 PM 3/14/2002]
Do a search in the archives and you'll see many similar warnings/comments from members about that site.
[Modified by Tiger Shark, 3:14 PM 3/14/2002]
Le Mans Master
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Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1??? (Tiger Shark)
The arrows is worth the price alone!! My old detector would beep, and i'd be breakin my neck to see where he's at....now, valentine tells me where he's at :yesnod:
Valentine1 :flag
Other detectors :smash:
Valentine1 :flag
Other detectors :smash:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 802
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From: Glendora CA
Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1??? (NewVetteLover)
Mine is hard wired in and installed below my rearview mirror. This has saved my butt quite a few times. Wish I had one before my license was suspended, went to jail, and had my car impounded for doing 150 in a 55!! $3000.00 VS $400.00........go for the V1!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,386
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Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1??? (JWD01)
No offense, but that RadarTet.com site is full of :bs. Please don't trust what they say. I'd believe Car and Driver's results.
Well how about Motor Trend. They recommend the Passport 8500 over the
V-1. .(snip)..........If you want to pay $150 for arrows, go for it. .
Well how about Motor Trend. They recommend the Passport 8500 over the
V-1. .(snip)..........If you want to pay $150 for arrows, go for it. .
Also, last I checked, the V1 was $399 and the 8500 was $299. That's a $100 difference, not $150.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 802
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From: Glendora CA
Re: Radar Detectors...Valentine1??? (bk)
I believe I heard that as newer models become available of the V1 you can exchange it and a few bucks for the latest model?! Am I smoking something or is that true?