V1's has been working out pretty well for a few of my customers.

 

You shouldn't really look at any other radar detectors besides the top end Escorts or the V1.

From most of the reviews I've seen the 9500 is the best all around one. More sensitive than the V1 and cancels out nearly all the false readings along with GPS capability and upgradable software you get every now and then.

The Redline is more sensitive but lacks the GPS capability and doesn't cancel out as many false readings like the 9500.

The V1 has a tendency to pick up the same signal twice due to it's twin sensors and is not as sensitive as the others, but it's major bone that people can't live without once they have a V1 is the threat indicator that shows how many and where it's coming from.

Do the research and pick which one suits your style better. I personally went with the 9500, you might go another route. Find the reviews and then make your choice. Also, remember as others have said, don't rely entirely on the detector. You still need to have some common sense and slow down for those areas that look like a good spot for a cop to sit. If you're in front and they instant on you, you're still screwed.

 

Valentine One all day. Got mine in December of 1999, a week before the 2000 Vette got delivered. Saved me 100's of times over 14 years. Plus they allow an upgrade to current owners. Mine may be ready for some new brains with all the radar/laser assist cars on the road these days. Plus the V1 app gives even more accurate threat assessment. Well worth the coin.

Vato

 

I've had a V1 for over 10 years. I'm on my 2nd one the upgraded model. I still got nailed from a radar trap. LEO was on a road perpendicular to the main road, he was blocked by a Hedge and fencing shooting straight across the road and an open field, nothing to defract the signal. I was had, 50 in a 35 . All my V1 did is go off the scale with BEEP! and my side arrows flashing when I crossed his signal. I just pulled over and ate it. On the whole I won't leave home without it, it has saved me numerous times. Situational Awareness prevails though. The V1 is not perfect, but then again, nothing is.

 

No Radar Detector will save you all the time. It is just a tool to help along with common sense and being aware of your surroundings.

Been using Escort models since they came out. Never used a V1.

Either choice you can't go wrong, all depends on the bells and whistles you want. I'm waiting to hear more about the Escort Max.

 

So where is the best place to mount the detector?

 

Agree! Instant on will relect off a lead vehicle and my Bell STI picks it up. If you are all alone, not much yiu can do

 

I have mine installed right below the rear view mirror. Almost looks like it is part of the rear view mirror from behind.

 

I run a V1 and a Passport 9500ix at the same time. Can't be to careful!

 

Just need a laser jammer and your all set....

 

you guys are all talking about the 9500's, but not one mention of the Redline? If you dont use the GPS feature, which will reduce your detection time while it thinks about it, the Redline is absolutely awesome.

I've had the solo s1 (7500 based), 8500, 8500x1, 9500, and Redline. Either upgraded or distributed them amongst my vehicles. 8500's are slightly dated for Ka detection, and 99% of the LEO's out there will be using Ka if it's radar based. There's a few K's left in circulation, but the vast majority of my hits for the last couple of years were Ka.

Read radar roy's reviews, too. I'm not too sold on the v1 arrows - they're kinda cool, but I dont see the point. It's not like unless you're running from the police that you'd do anything but slow down when you're clocked. Hell I dont wait to see what band it is if I get a full facial of radar, much less what direction it's coming from. That said, all comparisons my buddies have done with me and their detectors would show negligible differences in sensitivity with top end Escort and latest V's.

 

It's nice to know if the LEO is coming up from behind.
If both side arrows come on it means an LEO is approaching an intersection so don't run that yellow or red.
Around here they all have their rolling radar on while driving, too much effort doing the instant on it seems.
They also like to sit at curves or over hills and around bridges waiting with the radar on.
The instant on stuff is only stationary laser.
V1s are the standard to beat.
It does it's basic job very well like picking up the reflection off a pulled over vehicle a mile down the road and seeing over hills and around blind curves with plenty of warning.

 

I'm still waiting to see how well the MAX is does.....

 

Which mirror mount do you have?

I found one on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/MirrorMount-Valentine-One-Radar-Detector-Mirror-Mount-Bracket-V1-/190860150859?pt=US_Radar_Laser_Detectors&hash=item2c7026c84b&vxp=mtr.

Looking for advice...

 

I have a close friend who is in LE. He has shared his thoughts with me regarding those who use radar detectors, especially detectors in plain view. Mounting detectors on the rear view mirror screams "I'm cheating with a radar detector". Anyone can easily see them from outside the car, sometimes many car lengths away, even more so at night. If the officer noticed a radar detector just patrolling around, without catching you doing anything yet, they may look for a violation, be it tinted windows, low tire tread, tail light or lic plate light out, going just 5 mph over the posted, not coming to a 100% stop at a stop sign, etc, etc,. And if the officer pulled a violator over but didn't notice the radar detector before making contact with the driver, there would be no warnings issued, ever. They figure your cheating and probably avoided a ticket many times before and it's likely your one to be prone to speeding. So if you are ever stopped cover the device up and turn it off. If it's on the rear view mirror you won’t be able to do that. I know they probably operate better on the mirror. But if it were me, I would place it on the dashboard, in front of the driver’s position so it would be least detectable from the rear and I would have something readily available to cover it up before the officer walked up to the window.

 

I use the "Super cup".

 

How is the Radar Max? Looking to upgrade from my 8500, also looking at the Redline.

 

I put mine next to the A Pillar.
This is the best place for it.
LEOs don't see it even if you have been pulled over.
I came onto the highway from an on ramp right in front of an unmarked rolling radar a few cars back so it was too late and I got pulled over.
He was about 30 years old (I'm 55) and asked me if I had a radar detector because I slowed down quickly so I said I do and pointed it out to him.

He appreciated that I didn't lie to him and showed him my stealthy spot and he even said it was sneaky.
He cut me a break at 12 over instead of the 20 over he said I was doing probably due to my candor informing him about something he didn't know.
I can go to traffic school and keep my clean record although I realize this break is unusual
and I wasn't actually expecting it (even though I asked him if he could make it 19 over) but I've never had any accidents, don't drive recklessly weaving through traffic and have always been a lucky guy.
Sometimes honesty is the best policy.
The V1 and my Laser Interceptor jammer have saved me lots of times otherwise.
I hadn't gotten a speeding ticket in over 5 years although I drive as I please in areas I'm familiar with most of the time.
I watch out going on ramps now as this fluke event had never happened to me before
so live and learn.



I made this little piece out of some aluminum so it sits level.

 

Blendmount. The best. Just make SURE your mirror has the "dog-bone" mounting design.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...57155469,d.cWc

 

Nope. LEOs sometimes use instant-on radar too.

Btw, ALL laser is both stationary AND "instant-on".